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Original poster

Bloody Next jobs

51 replies

Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 14/11/2018 16:59

In September I applied to Next for a part time position I saw advertised, 6 hours over 2 days.
Apparently I passed the online test but about a week later received an e- mail to say I hadn't made the interview stage but try again next time. So I did and 4 other times after that, always with the same end result, shortlisted but no interview. Until...
5 minutes ago I was contacted by Next on the phone and asked if I could spare 5 mins for a chat.
I was then asked if I could work Christmas eve and boxing day? I said yes but I would have to confirm, she said she needed to know now or there was no point in continuing the interview.
I would be expected in store at 6am Boxing day.
I said no.
What kind of shit arse recruitment process is that Hmm

OP posts:
Aworldofmyown · 14/11/2018 18:30

Oh and you got no extra pay for Boxing Day unless it was your usual contracted day - then you got time and a quarter!!!!

Also our store used to move staff to a non contracted day so they didn't have to pay the extra quarter!!! Next are a horrible company to work for. Although I don't think they are alone in their retail scrooge behaviour.

Original poster
Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 14/11/2018 18:34

I ticked available 7 days a week in my application.
I don't get how did the last 3 months i haven't been deemed suitable for Wednesday 2-6, or Saturday 10-1 etc etc but 6 weeks before Christmas I am suddenly employable?
It's bullshit.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 14/11/2018 18:37

Storm I don't have computer skills, I'm looking at doing an ECDL course?Willing to try anything.

OP posts:
Aworldofmyown · 14/11/2018 18:38

Because they are desperate for staff before Christmas i'm afraid, its a good way to get in though. If they like people they usually find them a position, not always immediately but they definitely contact good staff after the post christmas slump.

Firstbornunicorn · 14/11/2018 18:40

I worked there for a while and it was the worst job I've had yet. You're well enough out of it.

RandomMess · 14/11/2018 18:40

Probably because those under 21 are cheaper to employ..

Bombardier25966 · 14/11/2018 18:43

Lots of staff aged 50+ in my local Next stores.

On Boxing Day they just want people to hand out baskets, tidy round etc, literally anyone can do the job. They're looking for a lot more from a regular member of staff. Did you adapt your application each time? I wouldn't bother resubmitting the same application if it had already been rejected.

Storm4star · 14/11/2018 18:47

I think the ECDL would be good at getting your confidence up around using computers if that is something you're interested in. I don't know where you're based in terms of job opportunities but the charity sector can have some interesting (paid) jobs if you're good with people. Think about how you can use your retail experience as examples of things like "working under pressure" "working as a team" etc. I'd apply for all sorts as you have nothing to lose and you could get lucky and find something you really enjoy.

dingit · 14/11/2018 18:47

Sounds not dissimilar to a high street card shop. My dd was turned down for a part time role as she didn't have any experience. They then asked her to apply for an Xmas temporary role....

Original poster
Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 14/11/2018 18:48

You can't change the application.
You do an easy maths test, a comprehension type thing and a psychological profiling thing that they keep in file, so you can just reapply for vacancies as they arise.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 14/11/2018 18:50

Thanks Storm I'm quite surprised how despondent this made me feel, but you have made me feel better, so thanks very much.

OP posts:
CleanHonestGoals · 14/11/2018 18:53

Sent you a PM

knufflebuns · 14/11/2018 19:29

I worked in Next as temp staff over Christmas 4years ago.

Done my fair share of crap jobs but this was THE worst by a long long way. I hated every minute of it - as did most people working there!

FoodGloriousFud · 15/11/2018 06:50

When you apply and do the tests you get a point score, applicants then come up in order of point score. Regularly 40-50 apply for each job so the top few get phone interviewed then progress from there. Once one of them is hired the rest are automatically rejected. It's nothing personal. Yes working Christmas is shit but the 8 weeks holiday a year make up for it.

PouchofDouglas · 15/11/2018 06:52

My 16 yo son failed it. I phoned up (was pissed off after a series of rejections) and they hired him after seeing how gorgeous he was.

He worked there for three years on and off. They taught him brilliant customer service skills. He then went to Waitrose and now John Lewis. His social skills are really outstanding and I think it’s because of working.

icelollycraving · 15/11/2018 07:39

Retail can be tough. I do understand you feeling despondent. In reality, so many people apply for the job that employers have the pick of the bunch. So someone sounding super keen to work anytime is more likely to be selected.

BadgersBiggestFan · 15/11/2018 07:47

@PouchofDouglas really because he was gorgeous? Genuine question, not being snippy.

RebootYourEngine · 15/11/2018 08:04

You have had a lucky escape. Next was the worst job I ever worked.

They treat their staff appallingly. I was given a contract of set days and times but never worked them. Always worked double or triple those hours. Was never allowed to say no to overtime. Finishing at 10pm Christmas Eve after working for 10 hours and then starting at 5/6am on boxing Day for another 10 hour shift killed me. They do not value their staff.

TheCupboardUnderTheStairs · 15/11/2018 09:03

I hate Next. I know a few people who will line up at 5am on Boxing Day morning just to rummage through the shit returns, rejects and old stock sale rails.

And then they give you the honor of 'time slot' to purchase on line, (giving the best slots to the best customers and what you actually want is is not even in the sale))

There's nothing special about their clothing anyway.

I worked in Boots one Christmas which is never to be repeated, although I often think of the chap who bought condoms, lubricant and a flapjack.

Aworldofmyown · 15/11/2018 09:07

foodglorious * weeks holiday????? Where in retail did you work!!!

CondomsLubricantAndFlapjack · 15/11/2018 09:07

I've changed my user name to something more seasonal.

Aworldofmyown · 15/11/2018 09:08

*8

FoodGloriousFud · 15/11/2018 20:28

@Aworldofmyown Next... Still do! Old school so we got extra when we started working boxing days.

coffeekittens · 15/11/2018 20:37

You’ve had a lucky escape, I was a Christmas temp for them in my teens, they treat staff appallingly. I worked until 10pm CE (was only meant to be in until 6) and then started at 4.30 BD for the sale. I was offered a permenant position after and I gladly turned it down. I was also made to buy several outfits from them prior to starting as I couldn’t wear just plain clothes and not wear the same thing more than once a week for a PT job... their payroll is useless as well my wages were always late and wrong. Truly hideous place to work.

PouchofDouglas · 16/11/2018 17:00

Lol. No. But the rest didn’t tell them anything about him