I've wanted a job at Lush for some time and I researched online the best approach to do so. I went into a store with my cv and covering letter but they told me they had just hired a group of people. They suggested looking at their Facebook careers page, but I found the actual lush website much more helpful. I was googling for 'part time jobs' in my area when I came across the link advertising for a seasonal sales assistant. I made sure my cv was upto date but more importantly made a strong, detailed but (not too long) cover letter. I researched online into people's experiences of the interview process and lush as a company, and I'd say one of the most important parts of the recruitment process is your covering letter! I mentioned why I wanted to work for their company, my favourite products of there's and mentioned recent press and articles related to their company. I applied online and heard back from them about a week later.
They rang me asking if I'd like to attend a group interview, and this was about a week later. I swotted up on my product knowledge and again looked online for more advice! There was me and 13 other girls and a boy, so I was a little intimidated but tried to remain calm and confident. The two women working their were really nice and so were the people there for the interview. Firstly we filled in a form as to when we were free to work, and talked among ourselves. We were asked to bring an object that reflected our personality, so I took a magnifying glass. I did this because I feel I have an attention to detail and I'm focused, but also curious of the world around me as I'm always looking for new ideas. In a pair we had to explain about our objects to the other, and why we wanted to work for lush. I'd say try stay as calm as you can, as I struggled to remember much what the other person said. When explaining why you want to work for lush, try think of something original. Many people mentioned the 'ethical' side to the company but not with much knowledge. Connect it back to particular products, such as the minimal packaging, recycled plastic pots and the sustainability of the ingredients. I mentioned that I liked how the products supported charities by purchase, as I have done voluntary in Africa and could see how such efforts make an impact. Products that embody values you personally believe in create a rare but brilliant shopping experience. Also remember that the lush stores a very customer involved, so make sure you smile, don't be afraid to talk to everyone in the group and be confident when talking infront of everyone. Next we were put into groups of 5 and had to chose a 'gift' to give to a friend. It could contain any of the products in store, and should be presented to the group explaining each individual component. Our group decided to chose a exfoliating and moisturising set, and we all chose a product each. We then presented it in a scarf wrap and talked with each other about what we would all say. I noticed during this the staff we walking around listening to us and writing notes. I felt that they only came near my group when someone else was talking, and I felt a few of the people were clearly trying to take control of the group and make sure they were heard. I completely understood this but I felt for the two shy girls in my group may have been at a disadvantage because it this. I felt I did have to try very hard to make sure I was heard during planning and actually presenting to the rest of the group. Remember to stay confident and keep using your prior research to show you know and care about the company. After around 1 h and a half we finished and were told we would hear from them tomorrow if we had been successful and be offered a shop floor trial. I heard back from them but immediately offering me the job! Of course I was very happy by this. I think previous experience in stores with beauty products helped me. Honestly I was doubting myself as I felt it was difficult to stand out to the staff among many others who were confident if not more confident than me, and clearly wanted the job.
