How we hire

Introduction

Whether it’s your first move or your next step, starting a new role is a big moment. We’re here to keep the process clear, simple and supportive.

A group of colleagues sitting around a table with laptops, smiling and engaged in conversation in a modern office setting.

Our Culture

We might be a little biased but we think Retail is a brilliant place to build a career, and we’re not just any Retail business.

M&S moves fast, puts customers first and offers hands-on experience with real opportunity. Experience and qualifications matter for some roles, but your attitude, potential and willingness to give your best every day is also important.

That’s why our M&S behaviours are embedded into every part of the recruitment process. They help us understand how you work, what matters to you, and how you could build a career with us.

The M&S Hiring Process

So you're ready to get started with a career at M&S but not sure where to start? Here's everything you need to know. 

Finding the right opportunity

With so many different roles across M&S, there’s opportunity everywhere.

Whether you’re applying for your first job, looking for a fresh challenge or ready for your next step, our careers site is the best place to start. You’ll find everything you need to explore our opportunities and find what feels right for you.

Making your application

Found a role that feels right for you? Click Apply now to get started.

You’ll be taken to our application system, where you can sign in or create an account. We’ll then ask a few questions about you, and for some roles you may also be asked to upload your CV and cover letter.

Online assessments (Customer Assistants)

For some roles, we may ask you to complete an online assessment as part of your application.

If you’re applying to be a Customer Assistant, this includes an interactive assessment built around real-life store scenarios. It helps us understand how your strengths, style and behaviours align with what it takes to succeed at M&S.

Online assessments (General Roles)

For other roles, we may ask you to complete an online skills-based assessment as part of your application.

This could include a technical assessment for Software Engineers as an example. 

As always though, you'll be informed in advance to give you adequate time to prepare.

Interviews & group assessments

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to either a one-to-one interview or a group assessment, where you’ll meet the hiring managers for the role. Whether you’re joining Stores or our Support Centre, we feel strongly that meeting you in-person is a great way for you to get a feel for what it’s like to work at M&S. We’ll send you clear instructions when we invite you so you’re set up for success.

At this stage, we’ll assess you against our behaviours and any technical requirements for the role. We know interviews can feel daunting, but we’ll always do our best to make you feel welcome so you can show us your best.

Receiving your offer

At the end of your interview or assessment, we’ll let you know when you’re likely to hear from us. When the time comes, you’ll receive an email with your outcome, and for some roles you may also receive a phone call.

We also recommend checking your account for updates as sometimes emails can get lost in your junk folder. If you accept an offer, any remaining pre-employment checks will be required and instructions for your MyWelcome induction will be shared.

All that’s left is for you to get excited about your induction and the career journey you have waiting for you!

Looking for some extra tips?

Because the assessment types vary role to role, we thought it would be useful to share some top tips. Expand each of the sections to find out more.

Online assessments
  • The assessment takes around 20 minutes, and you’ll need to complete it in one go.
  • For the best experience, we recommend using a laptop, tablet or desktop rather than a phone.
  • You’ll see a mix of attention-to-detail tasks and questions based on everyday store situations.
  • We’re looking for attention to detail, putting customers first, working as a team, and a real passion to serve, sell and fill.

The assessment is designed to give you a feel for the role, while helping us understand how you might approach life as a colleague in one of our stores. As you complete it, think about how you deliver tasks and provide great service. At M&S, we take pride in getting the details right, putting customers first and working together to get the job done every single day.

Interviews & group assessments
  • Research M&S and the role you're applying for.
  • Visit one of our stores if you can. It's a great way to understand our customers, observe our colleagues in action, and spot opportunities or ideas that you can reference during your interview.
  • Prepare examples that show how you've made a difference, worked as part of a team  and delivered for customers.
  • Keep your answers clear and focused on the actions you took, the outcomes you achieved, and the impact you made.
  • Think about what makes you a stand out candidate and what excites you about joining M&S.
  • Come prepared with questions, interviews are your chance to get to know us too.
  • Most importantly, be yourself. We're interested in your potential, as well as your experience.

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