Blue Square Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process starts with a welcoming telephone interview. If successful, the next stage is a Teams interview with the Head of Region and another Regional Manager, focusing on competency-based questions. The final step, if successful in the previous interview, is an interview with the Head of Sales and Ops Directors.

The interview started with a welcoming atmosphere and good preparation materials sent by the recruiter. I then met with two staff members who were friendly. They asked me a lot of questions about myself and my current job.

Applied online for a Field Team Manager role and the internal recruiter reached out about a week later to set up a Skype video interview. It was a friendly chat about my experience and getting to know me. Got feedback a few days later and was invited to a face-to-face interview with a manager. They told me to prep a 10-minute presentation on my first 30 days and that there would be competency questions too. They sent a lot of info about the interview, what to read up on, and job specs. On the day, I got to the hotel early and waited outside the room. The interviewer came out a few minutes before and waved away my handshake to go to the loo. Back in the room, there were no introductions, I had to initiate them. He seemed uninterested and scruffy, not what I expected. He asked how I planned to do my 10-minute presentation. I gave him a handout and did an overview of my slides, finishing in 5 minutes. He then asked a question or two without much structure. The key part was when he asked about managing an underperformer, which felt like a comedy sketch, like he wanted me to say I'd sack them. He let me ask questions at the end, which felt like he was just talking about himself. He did a good job of making me not want to work there. I didn't get the job, which I was glad about, as I was questioning if I'd even take it if offered. The process was great apart from that interview, which let the company down. The recruiters were great and they kept me informed, giving feedback on why I didn't get the role, which was good. They suggested keeping an eye out for other roles but I'll be avoiding them. Update: It's funny how after my review, Blue Square suddenly got a lot of positive reviews. It makes you wonder.

So I previously worked for Blue Square/Samsung back in 2017 as an In-Store Development Exec and mostly liked it, although typical of companies not caring about progression, I was too qualified and they overlooked me for internal promotions despite having the skills. Anyway, fast forward 7 years, I've gained a lot more experience and Blue Square contacted me about what's basically the same role. Since I just moved back to the area, I figured it'd be a good way to get some work while I figured out my next career move. First, there was a phone interview/screening. The interviewer seemed really impressed with me. Then, I moved on to an online presentation. Given my past experience with Samsung/Blue Square and my years as a trainer, I felt pretty confident. On the interview day, I met the hiring manager and one other person who barely participated, just said hi and turned off his camera. I answered their competency-based questions and gave my presentation. I'm usually pretty honest with myself about how I do, and I felt this went really well. The hiring manager seemed disengaged, asking half-hearted questions and clearly distracted. If I don't get it, that's fine. A few days later, I got a call with feedback. The hiring manager, Izzy (who's great, this isn't about her), told me I wasn't successful and gave reasons like running over time (which I didn't) and needing clearer answers (which I thought I gave). It didn't add up. I figured it was for the best after that interview. Later, I ran into some old Blue Square contacts who told me the hiring manager wanted to give the job to his friend and that he's known for being unprofessional and having issues internally. So yeah, take from that what you will. I'd personally avoid them again because it was a waste of time. While an agency like Blue Square working with a client like Samsung might have issues, the poor middle management I've seen twice over 7 years points to a Blue Square problem. Other field marketing companies know how bad they are. It's no surprise when unqualified people get mediocre power and act unchecked.