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Original poster

Feeling overwhelmed can’t pass a test to work in Tesco

58 replies

Shar2508 · 09/08/2022 15:40

Hi there I’m feeling very overwhelmed and deflated just now. I have not worked since 2018 when I gave up my well paid job in social work to be an unpaid carer for my father who had a thermal illness. My father passed away earlier this year so I have a mix of emotions just now. I feel I really can’t return to social work as couldn’t cope with the pressure so I thought about taking a part time job in Tesco or sainsbury. Easier said than done I failed the online test, I thought it was about customer care so I answered with this in mind but I failed, I can’t understand it. Yet I go into Tesco and I’m met sometimes with the most rude staff. So thinking it must not be about the customer service 🤦🏼‍♀️
im thinking wow I can’t even get a job for Tesco so that’s affected my self esteem massively, really need the money with costs rising. I have not claimed benefits or anything and have not had any money since 2018 but we are family of 4 living of my husbands wage and it’s not working anymore.
Has anyone else been in similar situation? Is Tesco really difficult to get into or am I just stupid 😢

OP posts:
PeterPomegranate · 09/08/2022 15:45

Did you read the instructions carefully? Was it a situational judgement test - describing scenarios and asking you to choose an option you think is best?

They can be tricky. And no of course it doesn’t mean you’re stupid if you didn’t answer the way they wanted. I’m sorry you feel knocked back.

Try again with another employer, another supermarket if that’s the work you’re looking for. And good luck xx

SparklingLime · 09/08/2022 15:51

You are not stupid. Those tests are absolute shite. I’ve seen them described as over-engineered which is spot on. Perhaps someone in HR can explain exactly what they’re actually looking for. I did one for M&S and I did pass but it absolutely scrambled my brain. I could easily have answered differently (multiple choice) and to my mind equally correctly. Lord knows what they were trying to filter in/out. Don’t let it get you down.

Would something more allied to SW be better, eg youth work, teaching assistant?

SequinsandStilettos · 09/08/2022 15:55

Not just you. I think I failed the Asda one a couple of years ago and I have both retail experience (M+S, Tesco) and two university degrees.

SparklingLime · 09/08/2022 15:56

Did you read the instructions carefully?

FFS, you’re talking to a professional adult, Peter. Anyone can panic or make a mistake, but what an unhelpful question.

hamdden12 · 09/08/2022 15:56

I'm a manager at Tesco and most managers hate the test because good people slip through the net.

Top tip, Google is your friend when applying for any supermarket that has online tests.

SequinsandStilettos · 09/08/2022 15:57

I am sure there has been a thread on this previously with hints on how you pass/links online but I cannot find it. Hopefully, someone who has passed it will be along in a minute. Shamrock
I suspect my answers were too customer-focused rather than work-related but no feedback given.

howdoesatoastermaketoast · 09/08/2022 16:00

FWIW there's a chance you were overthinking it. Often the 'correct' answer to even simple problems is 'fetch your manager' so being too smart and making decisions which are above your pay grade as it were can also be 'wrong' even if the answers are perfectly sensible in other respects.

AppleKatie · 09/08/2022 16:03

I failed it too once - years ago.

I’ve held down a 15 year (so far!) professional job since so I don’t think I’m a total idiot.

it’s them not you- try somewhere else and yes do Google some retail tests before the next one.

gamerchick · 09/08/2022 16:05

SequinsandStilettos · 09/08/2022 15:57

I am sure there has been a thread on this previously with hints on how you pass/links online but I cannot find it. Hopefully, someone who has passed it will be along in a minute. Shamrock
I suspect my answers were too customer-focused rather than work-related but no feedback given.

I've read online how to pass those tests. There have been a lot of WTFs over that Tesco one. Don't take it to heart, Aldi are better employers if that's where you want to go into.

Sooverthisnow · 09/08/2022 16:09

I failed it- university degree and working in a customer facing role for many years.
Several people I know also failed it. There are whole websites dedicated to passing it!

Runnerduck34 · 09/08/2022 16:11

I failed the boots one. Honestly the multiple choice scenario ones are ridiculous .
And most sales assistants just serve customers without offering any advice or up sell.
Of course you're not stupid.
Just keep trying and maybe look for different types of work? Good luck.

capedavenger · 09/08/2022 16:13

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/amiibeingunreasonable/4075064-Tesco-2020-external-assessment-for-Customer-Services-roles

excitingusername · 09/08/2022 16:14

I get so offended by the infantilising nonsense to try and elevate basic jobs that people should be able to walk into that I would refuse to go near them. I can't bear patronising corporate waffle (and so therefore am clearly the wrong person for that sort of job as presumably they want absolute braindead conformity). Try a smaller brand/shop.

Yalz · 09/08/2022 16:16

I looked online, and the first link took me to this Mumsnet thread.

CheeseCakeSunflowers · 09/08/2022 16:17

I may be wrong but I suspect these may be programmed to throw applications out once they have received a reasonable number already. I think this as a while back a new Tesco opened in our area. A while before it opened all the vacancies were put up on the website, my son immediately started applying for a number of different roles and had no trouble getting through the test. Having applied for a few he then left it for a bit as the deadline shown for applications was some time away, he tried applying for a few more a couple of days later. That day he couldn't get past the test on any of the daytime jobs, only the nightshift ones, presumably they hadn't had so many applications.
I suggest you check the website every day and apply the first day a new role appears.

felulageller · 09/08/2022 16:17

They probably think you are overqualified and won't last long.

PeterPomegranate · 09/08/2022 16:20

SparklingLime · 09/08/2022 15:56

Did you read the instructions carefully?

FFS, you’re talking to a professional adult, Peter. Anyone can panic or make a mistake, but what an unhelpful question.

I’m sorry to the OP if my question came across badly. I didn’t mean it that way.

People do panic sometimes and make mistakes. I’ve seen it happen. Especially if you haven’t had recent practice with those kinds of tests.

katseyes7 · 09/08/2022 16:20

When l was looking for a job after being unemployed for a few months after major surgery, l told my job coach that l was going to apply for Tesco.
She said "Ooh, it's really hard to get in there."
Those tests are incredibly random, to be honest. Like PP have said, you've possibly overthought it. Good luck, I'm sure you'll get something soon! Don't let this put you off.

PeterPomegranate · 09/08/2022 16:21

CheeseCakeSunflowers · 09/08/2022 16:17

I may be wrong but I suspect these may be programmed to throw applications out once they have received a reasonable number already. I think this as a while back a new Tesco opened in our area. A while before it opened all the vacancies were put up on the website, my son immediately started applying for a number of different roles and had no trouble getting through the test. Having applied for a few he then left it for a bit as the deadline shown for applications was some time away, he tried applying for a few more a couple of days later. That day he couldn't get past the test on any of the daytime jobs, only the nightshift ones, presumably they hadn't had so many applications.
I suggest you check the website every day and apply the first day a new role appears.

It is possible that the recruitment campaign closed and the OP’s application wasn’t taken further for that reason.

PeterPomegranate · 09/08/2022 16:23

felulageller · 09/08/2022 16:17

They probably think you are overqualified and won't last long.

In a high volume recruitment campaign for a retail job it’s unlikely they’ve scrutinised her CV to make those kinds of judgements.

hamdden12 · 09/08/2022 16:25

felulageller · 09/08/2022 16:17

They probably think you are overqualified and won't last long.

When you try the test qualifications don't come into it, the computer doesn't care if you are in Mensa it just wants the correct answers before you can continue with your application.

Dalaidramailama · 09/08/2022 16:26

LOL at this. I couldn’t get past the ASDA ones 😂. I mean I have got a degree and lots of other work experience too. i think these tests are utterly ridiculous. Who ever created them needs shooting.

katseyes7 · 09/08/2022 16:28

By the way, something that worked for me - I applied for numerous posts in the same place (retail).
I was called for an interview for a specific role, but the manager interviewing me appreciated that the role they were interviewing for wasn't suitable for me (I'm in my sixties with arthritis and it was a physically demanding job).
He said "Not to worry, we'll get you back in to speak to XXX, the checkout manager, I'm sure she can find something for you."
They did, and she did. I've been there for three years now.
And as PP have said, those tests can be difficult if you haven't done them for a while. I'd been in my previous job for nearly 30 years. Hadn't done anything like that in nearly 20 years. It's very daunting when it's new to you. It certainly was for me.

disneylover367 · 09/08/2022 16:32

Please don't think you weren't clever enough to pass the Tesco test. I remember when I did the Tesco test one of the questions was about cleaning a spillage. The correct answer was not to clean but call someone else as you have to trained to use the products due to health and safety. So as pp have said its all about their 'right' answer not always common sense.

BiscuitLover3678 · 09/08/2022 16:33

I’m so sorry op and so sorry for your loss. You will find something you are clearly competent.