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As the title suggests I have a phone interview for a local manager vacancy...unfortunately for me this is the first job in my three years of looking where I've got any further than applying.
As such, I have no idea what to expect from a phone interview...I've never even heard of one before!

So, to end the first post, I'd like any and as much help as possible, this for a first job would be amazing in my books (YES, I am over 18, I can get the job)

They will likely check out whether the basic premises for the job work out. That´s cheaper then inviting you over. Prepare yourself well, so when they ask questions like why do you want to work for us or what is your favorite army and why (actual question posed to a friend who apllied for a position) you have a convincing answer ready.

Also, don't say you want to work for them "because you're addicted to plastic crack". It sends the wrong message.





For helpful advice, be yourself, but be professional. They'll want to see what you're like, if you're friendly and considerate over the phone (as you'd have plenty of potential customers calling you), and it's probably okay to get excited about the product, but don't over-do it. Don't fawn on them, but let them know what it is about the world of GW you enjoy (if it comes up). Don't force subjects, but don't quietly sit there and let them ask all the questions-think of a few on your own too, especially pertaining to what your job role will entail, what they've found the best way is to engage unsteady customers on potential sales or intros to games, etc.

You'll be asked about your communicating ability with others, sales experience, why you want to work there, future goals, and probably something to effect of.... "tell me what you know/think of GW".

Thanks guys. I'll think up a load of questions tomorrow and write them down on a notepad. Then keep another clear for any information they give me etc.

You've been a big help, and I feel slightly more prepared now

You've been looking for 3 years? Blimey.

Things to consider are no different from any other interview, and I assume you'll have had advice on that by the JSA people.

A telephone interview is just an easy way of sounding you out without either party incurring travel expenses to arrange a face to face meet.

You don't have any relevant work exp to draw on, so I would focus on your enthusiasm for the hobby and desire to work for them, they say in their ads that the right fit is more important than experience and qualifications.

Have you ever taught anyone to play? Did it stick and do they still play?

Do you have lots of gaming friends or involvement with a club?

Any experience with younger children? Perhaps looking after family or involvement with youth clubs, Scouts etc as a volunteer?

What qualities do you possess that make you a good candidate?

Transferable skills from other activities? A part time job that involved till work/cash handling?

Why do you want to work from GW?

Also be prepared for question about the games to suss out your gaming credentials.

Do some research on the background of the company, when they were founded, significant people such as Tom Kirby, significant events in their history, number of stores etc. Spend some time with Google, but if it comes up, don't SOUND like you're regurgitating what you found on Google.

I've experience for similar jobs from both sides of the table, so I hope this helps. One last thing; no matter how prepared you are or aren't, if you can leave the interviewer with the impression that you are worth looking at further, that's job done at this stage. If you can't convince them then it's game over, so focus on presenting yourself as the right man above all else.

Cheers Azreal, and yeah, three years. Left school, haven't had a job since, failed at college twice. This is pretty much a last attempt at success XD

I applied to GW once, on a larf, and they insulted me with an interview (as they never hired regulars and I was a regular)
I almost didn't show up, then I did and asked dumb questions

still wasted my time lol

Don't mean to be rude here...but that's really not helpful.

I started this thread looking for assistance as I haven't got this far in the application process before, and you come along to bash GW.
Was there even a need?

Well, good luck, I wish I could give you more help, but in all honesty, it will come as much down to the interviewer's gut feeling as anything, but they've obviously seen something in you to get to this point, so remember that.

 LazzurusMan wrote:
Don't mean to be rude here...but that's really not helpful.

I started this thread looking for assistance as I haven't got this far in the application process before, and you come along to bash GW.
Was there even a need?

yes and no
best actual advice I can offer is don't obsess over it, though a lot of people are nervous at interviews I find that a job in which you deal with the public you have to show them you are a good people person
as they say, knowledge of the product can be learned but people skills are what's important
and they are, and if you are a good people person and can project that, then I think you will do well

 Rainbow Dash wrote:
I applied to GW once, on a larf, and they insulted me with an interview (as they never hired regulars and I was a regular)
I almost didn't show up, then I did and asked dumb questions

still wasted my time lol

Well whoop de do!

My take on that, reading between the lines?

"I applied to work for GW, they rejected me so now I tell people I didn't mean it so I look like less of a loser. "

One simple trick - practice taking a deep breath, standing up and then smile before you pick up the phone. It sounds hokey, but the smile will show up in your tone of voice and standing helps with energy vs being slouched in a chair.

Also keep a glass of water handy.

 azreal13 wrote:

 Rainbow Dash wrote:
I applied to GW once, on a larf, and they insulted me with an interview (as they never hired regulars and I was a regular)
I almost didn't show up, then I did and asked dumb questions

still wasted my time lol

Well whoop de do!

My take on that, reading between the lines?

"I applied to work for GW, they rejected me so now I tell people I didn't mean it so I look like less of a loser. "

what? no that was meant to be a humorous little story
not that you'll believe me

Keep in mind that only a few work longer than a year in that position, as GW has insane sales expectations and always blames the local manager for not reaching them, not the GW pricing policy. They are proud to have named successors for half their local managers.

Kroothawk, that explains why the vacancy I'm applying for shocks a few people I know. The current manager loves the job and even sells loads at the store...BUT, unfortunately I cannot let loyalties to people get in the way of a job. I need the money WAY too much.

Also, remember to ask what the next step after the phone interview is (at the end of the interview) and follow up.

 Rainbow Dash wrote:

 azreal13 wrote:

 Rainbow Dash wrote:
I applied to GW once, on a larf, and they insulted me with an interview (as they never hired regulars and I was a regular)
I almost didn't show up, then I did and asked dumb questions

still wasted my time lol

Well whoop de do!

My take on that, reading between the lines?

"I applied to work for GW, they rejected me so now I tell people I didn't mean it so I look like less of a loser. "

what? no that was meant to be a humorous little story
not that you'll believe me

Oh, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but boy, your material needs work and your delivery is sketchy!

 azreal13 wrote:

 Rainbow Dash wrote:

 azreal13 wrote:

 Rainbow Dash wrote:
I applied to GW once, on a larf, and they insulted me with an interview (as they never hired regulars and I was a regular)
I almost didn't show up, then I did and asked dumb questions

still wasted my time lol

Well whoop de do!

My take on that, reading between the lines?

"I applied to work for GW, they rejected me so now I tell people I didn't mean it so I look like less of a loser. "

what? no that was meant to be a humorous little story
not that you'll believe me

Oh, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but boy, your material needs work and your delivery is sketchy!

I don't have my prop trunk or a little bear riding in a car

Just "sell" that they will be better with you than without. I hope you get it!

Guys...getting a little off topic now... (sorry if I seem a little...strict, I've had bad threads before...REALLY bad threads)

You'll be expected to demonstrate all 3 main systems, so make sure you pretend you're interested in that hobbit stuff.

Also I don't know what it's like in the UK but down here they use the 'we believe the attitudes you bring are more important than the skills you have' line a lot. That seems to go against every one of their business practices but it might be worth keeping in mind.

General interview pointers:

Be enthusiastic and engaging
Keep your answers on topic, not too brief but not too long. Don't just answer a questions with yes or no.

For general interview tips I would suggest hitting the internet and doing some research on common questions and how to respond. Actually this is a good idea for finding jobs in general, finding and interviewing for jobs are skills in themselves.

I interviewed with GW back in the 90's, one of the weirdest interviews I ever did and I still remember some of the questions so here is some stuff they asked me:

What army's do you play? (If you do a face to face interview bring along a few of your best painted models). They really want to know how much you are into the hobby so don't be afraid to talk to them about your hobby experience, just don't say anything bad about the game or the company.

Do you think we should discount our products? yea this one took me off guard and i believe I gave a non-committal answer then the interviewer completely jumped down my throat about how discounts cheapen the product etc. so if they ask this be sure to say you don't believe in discounts.

Then the interviewer picked up a random object and asked me to sell it to him. they are testing your selling skills so I would practice on how you would sell a stapler or some such nonsensical item.
With most companies i would say don't be insanely enthusiastic or fawning, but with GW I would say the opposite. I would be, what my wife and I call Disney Store happy (she used to work there). That is where you are insanely happy and excited about the product, happy to the degree that no sane human being would be for anything. I'm not sure if you have Disney Store's in the UK but they require their people to be insanely happy and nuts about Disney stuff, the only other company I have seen like that is GW.

Last, don't let others negative attitude on here drag you down. You say you need a job so this isn't about someone else's GW issues or agenda's this is about getting money in your pocket.

We wrote:
I would be, what my wife and I call Disney Store happy (she used to work there). That is where you are insanely happy and excited about the product, happy to the degree that no sane human being would be for anything.

IMO, this is how you should be in any customer focused retail position. If it's a shop where you will actually be engaging the customers with more than 'can I help you?' and 'that'll be $x', then people will more easily repond to someone who isn't a sad sack sitting behind the register.

The "Phone Interview" is to see how you sound over the phone.

Don't get into anything about the gaming aspect, they honestly don't want to hear it. Your interviewing for a pretty cutthroat position, so bring your A game.

When you get it, be prepaired to drink the kool aid, and be a "Team Player"....

Stick to answering the questions and keep your emotions in check with the answers. Don't let your mouth sink the interview for you either. Answer the questions, but don't get into a 30 minute diatribe over each amswer.

Brush up on your manager speak, sales speak, and dig into the preapproved material.

Stay positive throughout the interview, don't let your emotions get into your conversational skills. ( if you think you messed your pants over a question, forget it and move on.

You are probibly in the running, there's going to be other people listening in on the interview, and no pressure.


GL hope you get the job.

I work as a professional sales rep for a broadband company in Sacramento...let me give you some advice for the job interview and beyond: it's a sales interview, the most important part of sales is asking for the close, or asking for the business...this is best done at the end of the interview, you can literally ask them when you could start the job at the end, it seems balsy and maybe even a bit silly but trust me, do it. Try not to be awkward about it, make it seem natural and like it's just a part of your process.

Once you start the job, should you get it...the most important part of sales is......getting the business, close deals. When you aretalking to a customer you need to always be examining them and asking "what do I need to do to get this person to buy? What is their trigger?"

Let the gw people know that you understand this function of the job and general sales principal (also look up AIDINC, it's a common sales model, knowing it will impress them) and you'll likely get selected for a second interview.

Good luck

Why not go and speak to local GW employees? You're in Wisbech, so Peterborough or Kings Lynn stores are close yeah?
They've gone through the interview process so pick their brains about what is likely to happen and what you may be asked.
GW aren't fussed if you play all 3 games or if you do or don't know all the rules and background- they're generally more interested in your enthusiasm for the hobby. Even if you're not a particular fan of Warhammer say, just find something positive to say about it.

 Kroothawk wrote:
Keep in mind that only a few work longer than a year in that position, as GW has insane sales expectations

Really? My three closest stores have managers that have worked as managers for 3, 4 and 9 years...
I asked one of them once what kind of financial targets they had to achieve- they said they just had to make growth. So I asked if that was a percentage growth or anything, they said no they just needed to make a £1 more than the previous year...

As some one who has been interviewing recently quite successfully I would suggest to be personable. 9/10 the interviewer is asking him/herself "would I like to work with this person?" and in this case "would I buy something off of this person?" as people are more likely to buy things off of people they like.

So be friendly (not nervous, hard I know) and some interesting details to your answers - so in context anecdotes about good gaming experiences (GW only and make sure they are family friendly!) ideally where you could apply that to the job. So I had a great game with and new player and X happened and they really enjoyed that...etc.

Obviously be keen but do not lie or pretend that you know about things you don't. Even now after 12 years in my industry I happily tell prospective employers what I don't know and that when placed in that situation I ask questions/seek direction. It shows a certain amount of humbleness employers like and indicates from minute 1 your not arrogant/ignorant that some sales people have without realising - they tend to cost businesses money.

Finally I imagine you will be asked why you haven't worked for 3 years. Don't shy away from the question just be prepared for it. It's not unusual for a young person to be unemployed in this day and age particularly in a rural area like Wisbech. Prepare an explanation of your time not at college and why that wasn't a good fit for you (not everyone is academic). Hopefully you will be able turn this time into a positive (this is about sales and selling yourself after all), so "I have used the time to develop x hobby skills" or "i have painted x number to armies to a high standard".

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

I agree that this is a great first job. I wouldn't recommend it to a thirty year old, but presumably you still live with your parents etc...

I'll second the advice about standing whilst on the phone. This will prevent you slouching in your seat and muffling your voice. Also, smile regularly whilst talking, as you can hear it in your voice. I'd write a few notes of answers to potential questions.

I will now try to adapt some bits of advice I was given for my most recent interview. It went pupil->class->department->school->community in all answers. I guess that for GW, the equivalent would be customer->store->region->company->brand. When answering a question, try to think through each of them...

So, for example, the difficult "discounting" question might be answered thusly:

Whilst discounts might seem good for the individual customer, it can create a negative impression of the store by making it seem desperate for customers. Worse, it may make life difficult for other stores in the region and nationwide would affect both underlying profits of the company and undermine the brand, which is one of high quality in the marketplace, not of low prices, like some rivals. In summary you get what you pay for, and when you buy GW you get the best.

On the other hand, bundle deals represent excellent value for the customer, can be offered at all stores and regions, increase company profit by increasing sales volume significantly with some slight loss in profit margins, and maintain the brand by preventing people mixing and matching with other inferior brands.

That is not what I believe, but it is what I would say in this interview!!!

Check your CV over, look at your own history.

You haven't been employed, so what have you done since leaving school?

What have you done that could be relevant to the position, voluntary work? helping family and friends etc.

Since you have been un-employed for three years how have you been actively marketing yourself in order to get a job?
Have you done any courses specified by the job centre? i.e job search, basic computer skills? presentation and interview techniques?

You attempted college, twice, be honest with yourself, why did it fail and what could you have done to prepare yourself better, could you have adapted? been in a better mindset etc.

Turn negatives into positives as much as possible. Assess failures, be critical but look at how you would do things differently.

Chatting to GW shop staff over the last few years, it seems that your personal hobby aspect wont be so relevant.
It's great if you are a GD standard painter but they are looking for staff to extract the most amount of cash from their customers, not a whizz with NMM and OSL techniques.

Gen up on GW history, look at their operation, understand as much as you can.

Also, the big one, have some questions prepared, wither for this or the next interview stage. if you don't understand anything ask them to repeat or clarify.
When your interview is complete, ask them what the next stage is, (if they dont tell you).

Good luck!