As a Buying Administrator, you will have to do a large amount of administrative tasks relating to the product lines in your Buying office. You play a key part in ensuring that your Buying office runs smoothly and efficiently. This means you will be required to complete some fairly routine tasks, such as data entry which can seem mundane. How do you feel about this?
What do you do in this situation?
Option 1
I expect to have to do some routine tasks when I start, as I know I will quickly progress into a role with more interesting work
Option 2
I don’t mind doing routine tasks, as I know that I will be working with the products, which is what I am interested in
Option 3
I realise I may not find all my tasks interesting but I see it as a chance to gain valuable experience on which to build my career with John Lewis
Option Answers
Option 1
It is good that you are keen to progress. At John Lewis, we look for people who are ambitious and keen to build their career with us. However, it normally takes several years before Buying Administrators are promoted to the next level. We are looking for people who aspire to excel in this role first, before seeking opportunities for progression in the future. Those who are successful use the role as an opportunity to learn. They look for opportunities for more responsibility within the role as a way to build variety in to their work. Consider the extent that you are willing to spend a substantial amount of time doing routine tasks before having the opportunity to progress into other roles.
Score: 1
Option 2
This is a good attitude to have. We are looking for people who have a passion for the product and see the role as a chance to work with, and learn about the products, even if it is whilst doing administrative tasks within their roles. It normally takes several years before Buying Administrators are promoted to the next level and we look for people who aspire to excel in this role first, before seeking opportunities for progression in the future.
Score: 2
Option 3
We agree! At John Lewis, we look for people who are ambitious and keen to build their career with us. However, it normally takes several years before Buying Administrators are promoted to the next level. Therefore, we are looking for people who aspire to excel in this role first, before seeking opportunities for progression in the future. This role is a chance for you to learn about how we do things at John Lewis and to gather experience to draw upon in your future career.
Score: 3
