MY INTERVIEW PROCESS
I thought I'd go ahead and do a post on my interview with LUSH, maybe it will help those who are interested in working here and wanted information on how the interview process went from the interviewee perspective.
I found out that my local LUSH was hiring through Facebook and thought that I'd give it a go for a part-time job during the Holiday Seasons. I've only been to the particular location a couple of times but I've been to the one in Anaheim, Las Vegas and the one in Italy as well. They opened about a year ago and I went to the grand opening week and enjoyed it very much. I always love going to a LUSH store its amazing and their customer service is always welcoming and enjoyable.
(Don't mind me, it was early in the morning. I kinda look grumpy :B)
Wardrobe: I didn't know what to wear for this interview so I kept it simple. I wish I would've taken a picture of my outfit, but everything today just felt so rushed! Anyways, I did get a snap of how my hair and make up looked. It wasn't OVER the top and that's how it should be! I wore jeans, nice flats, nice top and a blazer. Eyeliner and mascara and lip balm! TA-DA!
I sent in my resume and cover letter and soon got an e-mail stating that they wanted to invite me to a Hiring Party, about a day after sending in my resume. The hiring party started at 9am today and I arrived about 15 minutes early and just looked through some basic interview questions I found online as well as look at the history about LUSH. They opened their store doors and we were asked to come inside and put our purses down at the counter. Our location is a little tiny location, compared to the few that I've visited, so we had to bunch in. We gathered around, total of 9 of us and we basically introduced ourselves and what we are passion about. For some reason I felt like the questions switched up and jumbled around the more each girl introduced themselves, but whatever... I tried to do the best I can to stick out. I said "Hello everyone, My name is Vera..." Then begin to tell them that I'm a Dental Assistant and my passion is to provide great customer service (which is true, remember to be honest.) I also told them what I enjoy most about LUSH, and the experience that I get every time I visit the store and that's what I'm most excited about the store.
"I'm Vegan..." I've noticed that a couple of the girls that were also interviewing announced that they were Vegan. I felt pretty shot out because well -- I thought my chances of getting the job was little to nothing because I lacked retail experience and not knowing much about being a Vegan or using organic products. I mean i've used organic products before and I have a fair share of likes and dislikes about some products but I honestly have no idea whats ingredients are used for, so I highly sugest you study some of the ingredients used in the LUSH products. I personally, wouldn't be able to be a Vegan. So at this point I knew I had to shine, because those girls got major props for being well informed, but they also announced that they were looking for all TYPES of people, not just your typical 'hippy-vegan' type. I decided that the best way I can get this is be myself, which I did. I wasn't as nervous after knowing that. Maybe, I can win with my charm? Lol. I met a couple of really nice ladies who were interviewing as well, some had a background with cosmetics/skincare and some didn't.
We were divided into two groups and we had to demonstrate to one another on how to use a product and the proper way of massaging and the interaction they expect you to have with a customer. They gave you feedback and tips and tricks on to make it more enjoyable as well as open up for any questions regarding a product.
The first demo was how to use a mud mask and we used our hand as the demo. Of course, during the demo she talks about the ingredients that are in the product and what certain things do or reacts to the skin (pay attention because you are going to have to use this info!). The interviewees and I role played with the products and try to "sale" the products to one another, but oh man -- did it leave out skin soft and smelling yummy!
Second demo, was how to give a proper arm massage with a "luxurious" body cream (which I have provided a sample down below). Ways to talk to a customer, what if you don't know what's in the product, etc. I think the demos were very informative and tons of fun.
While we were doing these demos we were pulled one by one for an individual interviews with the training/hiring manager. I remembered to smile at her and made sure I gave her direct eye contact when answering her questions.
1. What would you say one of your weaknesses are? I told her that I was inexperienced with retail/sales. She began to explain to me that most times they are looking for someone new that they can train. "People tend to pick up bad habits when they are in retail, at least we can help build." This I thought was a little bit challenging for me to answer because I didn't know if this
2. Why would you like to work at LUSH? I told her that I thought it would be fun to be surrounded by different age groups and not just focusing on a certain type of customer, but it's an environment to have fun while shopping.
3. Why should we hire you/ what can you provide for our team? Again, with this questions I kept pushing that I have great customer service skills and that I enjoying seeing others happy. I also told her that I do free lance make up and it would be nice to experiment with a new side of cosmetics.
4. Your availability? Holiday Madness!!
Yay Sample for me!
It was really quick one on one interview but I think I made a good impression. Everyone of us got interviewed and they told us normally the fair would last for about 2 hours but they were going to cut it short. (I think it's because business hours was approaching) They notified us that they will give us a call or contact us by Wednesday. I shook the managers hand and told her thanks so much and walked out the door and spoke with the hiring manager and she handed me the LUSH newsletter and a little sample of the body lotion from the demo! (AWESOME!)
The advice I can give to any future interviewees after my experience is:
1. Do your research and read about what LUSH is all about (including the history and what they support)
2. Remember what products you like from the store, because you can based your talks with demos on certain items you are familiar with. If you don't know what the ingredients has, try distracting the 'pampering' process by having a nice conversation while slowly reading the label and informing them about the product and what it does. "How does that feel?"
3. Ask questions! Don't be afraid to ask them too.
4. Arrive there at least 15 minutes early. Sets a good impression!
5. Be yourself but be open and known! Give them that "Wow" factor and make yourself stand out!
I really enjoyed my interview here. Its different and exciting! I hope my little post helped! :)
Wish me luck, I hope I get the job!
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