Halfords

The questions on everyone's lips

• There’s a lot of employers out there... What made you choose us?

  At the time I was looking for a part time job and I had just passed my driving test so was interested in all aspects of cars and I wanted to learn more. I enquired at my local store knowing it was a reputable company and applied thinking it would be perfect for me to learn about something I had an interest in whilst being able to develop new skills.

• Tell us a bit about your role…

  I lead the store and Management team to deliver a great customer experience within store. I ensure that sales and service are met whilst keeping the values in place and making the store a great place to work.  

• What do you get up to on a typical day?

  I work alongside the Management team to plan the day ahead. I interact with our customers throughout the day and lead my team. I look at any opportunities we may have within the store and share with the team as well inspiring them to create their own ideas.

• What’s the best thing about working here?

  Everyday has something different to offer. Being able to provide such a great customer experience alongside great colleagues and having success and achievements celebrated. There are vast opportunities for progression and the training and support you get with that is phenomenal. The training that we are given makes us able to do our jobs at such great standard as well as learning useful skills.

• What challenges have you faced and how did you deal with them?

  It can get quite fast paced in store especially at peak times. With a lot going on and a higher intake of customers it’s important to stay on top of the basics whilst still providing a great in-store experience for customers. I’ve dealt with this by leading my team and utilising all their different skills, ensuring that we all work as a team.

• Tell us about the training and development...

  The training not only helps all the colleagues in store learn new skills, it helps us to create a great customer experience within store. There are varying different courses so everybody can learn new skills, whatever their department. The management training programme is brilliant and has massively helped me with my career and is great for colleagues ready for the next step, you learn so much and develop on your existing skills and qualities.

• What's been your biggest achievement?

  My biggest achievement so far has been becoming Store Manager. I started at Halfords part time and through the years working here I have progressed my career, having worked in numerous store formats and developing my skills and qualities. I have also grown as an individual and professional and I have achieved the next step on my career plan.

• What do you think makes someone successful at Halfords?

  Someone with a passion for great customer service. Someone with a commitment to not only do well in their career, but to develop themselves and want to learn the right skills for their role. It's key to be able to thrive and enjoy a fast-paced environment, whilst keeping focused on the objective. You need great energy, ambition and to be hardworking, along with having your own great ideas.

• And, to anyone thinking about applying, what would you tell them?

  There’s always something to learn and you will gain great new skills. There are many different opportunities and it’s a great place to work and have a career in. Every day is different and rewarding, and there is always a chance to learn something new, be it a service we offer or a product we sell.