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2014/10/27 17:21:12
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
The other thing is that I have actually not actively played either Warhammer or 40K for about the last year and a half, do you think this will hinder my chances at getting the job as I'm not familar with the changes to rules in the current edition? I am of course planning to purchase the new rules and learn them thoroughly.
I don't think knowing GW rules will affect you at all, you should be fine.
After all you're working not playing 40k.
“Games Workshop has had a really good year.
If your measure of 'good' is the current financial year's numbers, you may not agree. But if your measure is
the long-term survivability of a great cash generating business that still has a lot of potential growth, then you
will agree.”
2014/10/27 20:04:18
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
1. Don't spend ages answering questions. If you can't get an answer out in less than a minute something is wrong.
2. HR people are there to screen you out, not to give you a job.
3. Suit'n'tie. Doesn't matter if the job requires you to wear a singlet and shorts, you wear a suit'n'tie to that interview.
4. When they ask about previous employment never, ever bad mouth your previous employer even if they fired you for no reason and shot your dog as a severance package.
5. If you have their details, make sure to send a thank you E-mail the second you return home.
6. Be enthusiastic about the product, but don't be manic about it. We've had the experience here of a previous member who failed to get a job at GW because he was too enthusiastic (READ: sycophantic).
7. "I'm a perfectionist" is not a valid answer to "What do you consider to be your biggest flaw?", so make sure you have an answer to that question.
8. "Working for you!" is not a valid answer to "Where do you see yourself in five years?", so make sure you have an answer to that too!
Howard A Treesong wrote: You can't really overdress for a job interview and its shows you're serious.
Top hat and tails might be going a bit far though.
Excellent advice. Especially 5, 7, and 8. Make sure and do 5. It will be one of the things that get you remembered when others are being forgotten.
THE FUN HAS BEEN DOUBLED!!!
2014/10/27 22:08:23
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Popped into a GW store today and chatted to the manager about what GW looks for in candidates, and he more or less echoed this thread. Customer service skills first and foremost. You're a Salesman (obviously). Hobby skills are merely a bonus.
Unfortunately I don't much in the way of customer service and retail experience - just a week long work placement as a store assistant/team member in a small drugstore/pharmacy. (which I ended early instead of staying for the full 4 weeks when I got a job with an Arts & Crafts small business making mugs and jewellery etc).
However, I've started visiting an independent FLGS where it seems no-one plays LOTR SBG (my favourite and first wargame). If I ran intro games for people and got them interested enough to invest in the game themselves, would that stand me in good stead with GW in lieu of actual Retail/Sales and Customer Service experience? I was considering doing it anyway as theres a distinct lack of SBG players in my local area and I have no-one to play with.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/10/30 20:20:44
2014/10/31 18:09:46
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
I got a interview with not so much experience, but a great letter.
Did not get job sadly but hey.
Confidence is a big one, you need to be able to approach people, sell, you canm,t sell to someone else if ypou do not believe in yourself first.
Probbly what cost me it if I'm honest.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/11/04 22:48:27
Sgt. Vanden - OOC Hey, that was your doing. I didn't choose to fly in the "Dongerprise'.
"May the odds be ever in your favour"
Hybrid Son Of Oxayotl wrote:
I have no clue how Dakka's moderation work. I expect it involves throwing a lot of d100 and looking at many random tables.
FudgeDumper - It could be that you are just so uncomfortable with the idea of your chapters primarch having his way with a docile tyranid spore cyst, that you must deny they have any feelings at all.
2014/11/05 00:22:24
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
1. Don't read dakkadakka (or at least tell them you don't).
2. Tell them you love to see customers come in with a big smile on their faces, pick up the most freaking expensive thing there (don't actually, say that you like to see them get their favorite models and be happy), and check out.
3. Say that you love meeting fellow wargamers.
4. Answer all questions positively and provide an example of outstanding service at whatever place you worked in.
5. Be polite and eloquent.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
jhe90 wrote: I got a interview with not so much experience, but a great letter.
Did not get job sadly but hey.
Confidence is a big one, you need to be able to approach people, sell, you canm,t sell to someone else if ypou do not believe in yourself first.
Probbly what cost me it if I'm honest.
Sorry. I didn't see that part. Tips for next interview though.
Accolade wrote: Oops, I misread jhe90's comment a couple of posts back and for...some reason read him as the OP.
Well, hopefully I am wrong in my previous post!
meh, happens.
We await an update OP!
Only thing I can throw into the mix is that since Yule is fast approaching many stores are looking for temp staff. Apply to any/all that you can find even if you have no interest in working there for good (You'll only be there a couple of months and its experience to add on the old CV). You can then put a nice spin on this little bit of experience by highlighting the fact that you were working at a very busy time dealing with heavier customer traffic than normal etc and were calm, collective, helpful and resisted the urge to throw things at them! Well, maybe you could leave out the last bit.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2014/11/05 01:39:54
H.B.M.C. wrote: I can see what you mean, but that may not be practical, or even possible.
I guess I'm curious as to why this is difficult, I understand that HR may be at HQ, but surely they have a mailing address. Not trying to be snippy, just genuinely wondering why addressing a letter is any different.
FM Argos
Thunder Hammers and Melta weaponry solve everything...
2014/11/05 03:44:45
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Although I saw this thread pretty late, one thing I strongly suggest doing is having a practice interview with someone else. Use the STAR technique.
I interviewed for a job about 10 weeks ago, and it worked pretty well for me, as I got the job. The practice interview is useful for finding your weak spots.
lord_blackfang wrote: Respect to the guy who subscribed just to post a massive ASCII dong in the chat and immediately get banned.
Flinty wrote: The benefit of slate is that its.actually a.rock with rock like properties. The downside is that it's a rock
2014/11/05 07:43:54
Subject: Re:Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Bottle wrote: The two members of current staff are really great guys..
Wait.. what?! TWO staff members?!
The transition to single employee stores is only partially complete. See the latest few financial reports for details.
Balance in pick up games? Two people, each with their own goals for the game, design half a board game on their own without knowing the layout of the board and hope it all works out. Good luck with that. The faster you can find like minded individuals who want the same things from the game as you, the better.
2014/11/05 10:19:07
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Be passionate. Make them understand that you are genuinely passionate about working there. Make it clear you absolutely love the role and everything about it. Know the brand, give them the idea that you are the perfect person to hire and work with. And don't lie. If you lie they will know and you won't get the job. And if you can't say that you really do want to work there, you shouldn't get the job anyway! Goes for any job, except those little high school paper runs to get some change.
Attitude is important to them but if you can give the right attitude and skills you are golden. Explain and give examples of times you have done well in customer service or communication, working with kids, maths and business, and definitely, definitely sell yourself as a salesman. Be confidant, knowledgable and friendly, nice to talk to. That is attitude based too. You are applying for a salesman job.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh, and make sure to make it clear that you play all 3 major gaming systems, or are eager to learn. I talk with the local stores staff all the time. It's a requirement you know the rules for and play at least a 1k army in Hobbit, 40k and Fantasy. And don't mention an employee discount (50%!!!!)
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/11/05 10:20:40
I'm celebrating 8 years on Dakka Dakka!
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Credit to Castiel for banner. Thanks Cas!
2014/11/05 10:41:28
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Oh, and make sure to make it clear that you play all 3 major gaming systems, or are eager to learn. I talk with the local stores staff all the time. It's a requirement you know the rules for and play at least a 1k army in Hobbit, 40k and Fantasy. And don't mention an employee discount (50%!!!!)
It used to be a requirement to have an army for each major game, but they've started hiring non-gamer staff in some places so it's potentially not as big a deal now. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't need a Hobbit army anymore either.
2014/11/05 11:28:33
Subject: Re:Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Before the interview do a Scarface sized plate of cocaine and be frothing at the mouth. GW prefers an aggressive attitude over all else, people in retail sales are at their best when they are completely out of their mind and crazy manic which the coke will help with.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2014/11/05 11:39:16
2014/11/05 21:21:59
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Oh, and make sure to make it clear that you play all 3 major gaming systems, or are eager to learn. I talk with the local stores staff all the time. It's a requirement you know the rules for and play at least a 1k army in Hobbit, 40k and Fantasy. And don't mention an employee discount (50%!!!!)
I asked this of the manager of my local GW during my interview and he said that was not at all the case. And I asked about the employee discount and still got a call back!
2014/11/05 21:45:48
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
Oh, and make sure to make it clear that you play all 3 major gaming systems, or are eager to learn. I talk with the local stores staff all the time. It's a requirement you know the rules for and play at least a 1k army in Hobbit, 40k and Fantasy. And don't mention an employee discount (50%!!!!)
I asked this of the manager of my local GW during my interview and he said that was not at all the case. And I asked about the employee discount and still got a call back!
Hmm, maybe that's just at my place... (small place but has the Black Shirt, 2 full timers and 3 part timers at any one time).
And fair enough. If I were on the panel my thoughts would have been that you were only interested in cheaper stuff
I'm celebrating 8 years on Dakka Dakka!
I started an Instagram! Follow me at Deadshot Miniatures! DR:90+S++G+++M+B+IPw40k08#-D+++A+++/cwd363R+++T(Ot)DM+ Check out my Deathwatch story, Aftermath in the fiction section!
Credit to Castiel for banner. Thanks Cas!
2014/11/05 22:07:42
Subject: Any advice for a Games Workshop interview?
THE FUN HAS BEEN DOUBLED!!! 
EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT 
4500 
