New Job - Trainee Dispenser!

[dizzyb23]

Hi there
I applied through their mad website three times before I managed to get to interview stage. The problem is all applications are strictly dealt with through their central website and if you just happen to have one of the 100's of answers slightly different from their qualifying answers on the website, you won't get through. We've lost out on so many excellent applicants due to this awkward process. Just keep trying and eventually you'll get through. We all hate this way of recruiting as it all used to be handled locally so you could see the person and their CV then interview them if you like them but these days very few people pass the questions stage. They are looking for customer service people firstly. Your previous knowledge counts for nothing at the website stage. If you get to interview, then you'll be able to mention your previous experience etc. Do you have a local hospital who are looking for trainee pharmacy staff? If they are, forget Boots and apply at the hospital.

[PennyP]

Hi DizzyB - Thanks for all the helpful information I will certainly keep trying Boots. We only have one Hospital on the Isle of Wight and they have made so many people redundant over the last year or two that I am not sure it would be a safe bet (mind you no job is safe nowadays) but I may drop them a line with mt CV and she what happens - nothing to lose. Many thanks again for all your hints and advice.

[tinx25388]

The website is madness.
We had a driver vacancy, and knew an applicant who worked for us a few years ago on a temporary contract to cover sick leave. He was known to the Team Manager and some of the staff, knew the job and most of the Care Homes he would be delivering to (only needing a slight refresher!) and had good customer service skills. However, he got muddled with some of his answers to the questionnaire, so didnt even get an interview.

Unfortuantely, the numpty that did get the job only lasted a week, and the second choice candidate had got a different job in the meantime, so it was back to the website. As it hadnt been 3 months since his unsuccessful application, the applicant we knew couldnt apply again.

I know that doesnt really help you, but be assured that many people hate the website!

[PennyP]

Hi tinx - so glad it is not just me that thinks the website is bonkers I was beginning to take it personally. Also I note that if I was binned for one vacancy in a branch of Boots on the Island, then applied for another in a totally different branch, it would automatically bin me again ...... like you say I am not sure they are attracting the right applicants hey ho keep trying....

[dizzyb23]

I'm wondering how many great applicants have slipped through the net due to this awful recruiting website. I have heard so many times that Boots employees who know a really good candidate but had to point them in the website's direction only to be told they'd not got through the stupid spanish inquisition part......I almost gave up myself with the whole thing. Wish I had given up now but that's another boring story. If you really are keen on getting a job with this company, keep trying. Don't forget to think about the answers you are giving to these stupid questions. I think its a case of telling them what you think they want to hear.... Good luck all

[tinx25388]

The trouble is getting yourself into the bonkers mindset of the company to second guess the answers that you want. Some of the people they have had for interview lately really makes me wonder if they have it set wrong, so we loose all the good candidates!!

[dizzyb23]

The trouble is getting yourself into the bonkers mindset of the company to second guess the answers that you want. Some of the people they have had for interview lately really makes me wonder if they have it set wrong, so we loose all the good candidates!!

Bonkers mindset pretty much sums up the whole company....

[sparkybw]

I tried the website and the problem seems to be that they ask the same question several different ways and if you answer differently each time and are not consistent in your replies then that makes you look bad. It's not helped by the way that some questions are phrased so that at first you think the answer is positive and then you read it again and it should be negative. I would suggest writing each question down as you complete it and then check that your answers are consistent with each other and also be aware of the double negative questions.