WHSmith Interview Questions and Helpful Tips

If you have found a role you would like to apply for at WHsmith the process to apply is straightforward and takes approx 30 minutes to complete. Once you have been reviewed against the criteria of the job you have applied for you will be contacted usually within two weeks. If you have not been contacted during this time you can assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful.

To work for WHsmith you must be able to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 which means that you need proof of being able to work in the UK. Without this they unfortunately will not offer you an interview for any of the vacancies they are looking for.



You will also need a National Insurance Number and a minimum of 5 years references from past employers and personal or educational.

Once you have successful gained an interview the key is preparation – the more preparation that you have done the more confident that you will feel.

Ensure first off that you do your research into the company. You can find the information you are looking for by visiting their website and searching about their history, stores etc.

During your preparation time, take the time to visit one or two of their stores looking at the layout, the staff, the sections etc and make sure that you are able to comment on this during your interview, this will show that you have done your research thoroughly.

WHsmith conduct competency based interviews so it’s important to understand these questioning types including:

What was the role, the company and when – so you can describe your previous experiences including dates.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome any problems?
What specific actions did you undertake to overcome any problems?
Results – outcomes.
Ensure that you know the job description inside out and if you don’t have a job description look at the job advert that made you apply in the first place.
Prepare questions to ask during the interview, maybe base some on your visit to a store doing research and ensure that you dress smartly and create a good impression by overcoming your nerves and coming across as you.

WHSmith Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself.


• What are your strengths?


• What are your weaknesses?


• Why do you want this job?


• Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?


• What's your ideal company?


• What attracted you to this company?


• Why should we hire you?


• What did you like least about your last job?


• When were you most satisfied in your job?


• What can you do for us that other candidates can't?


• What were the responsibilities of your last position?


• Why are you leaving your present job?


• What do you know about this industry?


• What do you know about our company?

Good luck and let us know how it went!