Interested in joining a company that values individuality and supports creative thinking, all while offering the world's best cookies? You'll want to consider a career at Marks and Spencer.
This major British multinational retailer offers a wide range of job opportunities across various industries and cities. What you'll do varies by the type of job you take on.
Read this guide to learn how to apply better than your competitors.
About M&S - Marks and Spencer
M&S Marks and Spencer, a leading retail company based in the United Kingdom, is celebrated for its exceptional range of homeware, clothing, and food products.
Situated in London, England, the company extends its services to over 30 million customers worldwide.
M&S is dedicated to environmental sustainability. By 2025, it aims to become a zero-waste business, improve the lives of 10 million people, and support 1,000 communities.
Team and Culture
The Marks & Spencer team is composed of innovative individuals who are always at the forefront of digital trends, enjoy collaborative work, and are committed to the company's sustainability initiatives.
M&S seeks creative, responsive professionals who are adept at receiving and implementing feedback, have excellent communication skills, and can influence and inspire others.
Career Opportunities
M&S frequently offers job openings in marketing and writing, particularly focusing on online marketing and copywriting.
The company encourages applications from talented professionals looking to significantly impact a dynamic work environment.
Marks and Spencer seeks individuals who can contribute to and grow with the company.
Employee Benefits
Marks and Spencer prioritizes the welfare of its staff, offering competitive salaries, pension plans, and discounts on purchases.
The company promotes a healthy work-life balance by supporting flexible work arrangements.
This includes opportunities for freelance, temporary, and remote roles with full-time schedules, enabling employees to work in a manner that best suits their personal and professional needs.
Careers Available at Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer (M&S) ranks among the UK's largest retailers, offering a wide range of products from food to clothing, home furnishings, and beauty items. This diversity means M&S has a variety of career paths available.
The M&S headquarters are situated in London, but with stores spread across the UK, job opportunities are accessible nationwide.
In-store opportunities at M&S include:
- Retail Customer Service
- Retail Management
- Visual Merchandising
Head office roles encompass:
- Communication
- Digital and Data
- Finance
- Human Resources
- eCommerce
- Marketing
- Retail Operations
- Technology
- Supply Chain and Logistics
M&S also presents several internships, graduate schemes, and entry-level positions, notably with the graduate scheme annually recruiting approximately 200 individuals.
The recruitment process at M&S will differ based on the position sought.
Why You'll Love Working at M&S Marks & Spencer?
M&S Marks & Spencer has navigated challenging times, including speculation about potential administration.
The situation has improved significantly, with stores featuring a range of clothing and beauty products alongside a food hall known for its affordability. M&S Marks & Spencer is keen on enhancing its market presence and is committed to sustainable practices.
A key focus is on the well-being and advancement of its workforce. Job opportunities at M&S Marks & Spencer are for individuals who embody the company’s core values:
- Quality
- Value
- Service
- Innovation
- Trust
M&S Marks & Spencer rewards its employees with:
- A cycle-to-work scheme offering tax and national insurance savings
- Interest-free financing for new technology purchases
- A well-being hub with round-the-clock access to a GP
- Competitive salaries
- A 20% employee discount
- Paid leave with an option to purchase additional days
- Bonus programs
- Life insurance and pension plans
- Financial schemes aimed at helping employees achieve their financial objectives
- Discounts at M&S partners, including gym memberships
Challenges exist in every role. Customer-facing positions can be demanding, and strategic decisions at the head office level are complex due to evolving consumer behaviors.
Nevertheless, former and current employees consistently report a dynamic working environment at M&S Marks & Spencer, with no two days alike, always offering new learning opportunities and activities.
M&S Recruitment Process
M&S Marks & Spencer offers numerous career paths due to high application volumes.
The recruitment process at M&S is tailored to the specific role, ensuring candidates are evaluated effectively.
Key Steps in M&S Recruitment:
- Online Application: Candidates submit their details and qualifications digitally.
- Online Assessment: Applicants complete tests to evaluate skills relevant to the job.
- Preliminary Phone Interview: A brief interview to assess candidate compatibility.
- Assessment Centre: A deeper evaluation, often involving various practical tasks.
- Face-to-Face Interview: A personal interview to finalize the assessment of the candidate.
1. Online Application
All job applications for M&S in the United Kingdom must be completed online.
Candidates are required to provide details about their education, prior work experience, and relevant skills. It may be necessary to upload a CV and a cover letter.
2. Online Assessment
The specific online assessment for M&S varies based on the position applied for. The recruitment team will provide all the necessary details.
These assessments evaluate various aptitudes, including numerical and verbal reasoning, situational judgment, logical reasoning, and personality traits.
- Numerical Reasoning: This test checks basic mathematical abilities and data interpretation skills using charts or graphs, focusing on calculating percentages, fractions, and ratios.
- Verbal Reasoning: To gauge information processing skills, candidates read a passage and determine if statements are true or false.
- Situational Judgement: This assesses responses to typical workplace situations, reflecting alignment with M&S's values.
- Logical Reasoning: Candidates identify patterns in sequences of shapes or numbers under tight time constraints.
- Personality: This evaluates compatibility with the M&S work culture.
3. Preliminary Phone Interview
After the assessments, selected candidates may undergo a phone interview to further discuss their qualifications and experience.
4. Assessment Centre
Candidates who pass the initial stages may be invited to an Assessment Centre, particularly for graduate schemes or large-scale recruitment. Activities include:
- Group Exercises: These assess teamwork and interaction skills.
- Presentations: Candidates demonstrate their ability to research a topic and present their findings.
- Role Plays: These simulate workplace challenges to observe candidates' responses.
- Interviews: These may be individual or group, focusing on competency-based and behavioral questions.
5. Face-to-Face Interview
For those not attending an Assessment Centre, a direct interview is scheduled where candidates can also pose questions to the recruiters.
This step offers a personal interaction to further assess candidate suitability for the role at M&S.
M&S Interview Tips
When you make it to the interview or Assessment Centre stage for a position at Marks & Spencer, it's essential to get ready by looking into typical interview questions and preparing your responses.
Crafting your answers in advance and selecting examples that showcase your abilities can make you look confident and well-prepared.
During your interview at M&S, consider the following:
- Compile a list of inquiries you'd like to make.
- If unclear, don't hesitate to ask for any questions to be explained again.
- Take a brief moment to think before responding.
- Jot down important points.
- Keep your responses concise, focusing on necessary details.
- Maintain open body language and speak in a calm, polite manner.
For your appearance, make sure to:
- Keep your nails tidy using subtle nail polish.
- Wash and style your hair neatly.
- Wear clothes that are clean and properly ironed.
- Choose clean shoes for the occasion.
- Carry a suitably sized bag, avoiding showing up with numerous shopping bags or a sports bag.
Final Thoughts
Initiating a career at M&S Marks & Spencer offers both rewarding and exciting opportunities.
Prior to initiating your application, it's essential to familiarize yourself with M&S values, craft a customized CV and cover letter, tackle practice aptitude tests, and prepare responses for potential interview questions.
This preparation will position you strongly in the competitive job market in the United Kingdom.