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““Chatbot
I am an online ESL teacher. I am helping a student prepare for a job interview at Lidl (catergory mangement) I have prepraed the following mock interview script, including feedback. However, i need to update it as the student has prior experience in category management and is changing careers. Before he worked at a small grocery store so he has some relevant skills:

““Certainly! Here’s the expanded section for the mock interview and feedback, incorporating elements from your pre-prepared script:

### 2. Full Mock Interview (20 minutes)

Objective: Provide a realistic interview experience covering technical, situational, and behavioral questions.

Activity:

#### Introduction:

- Interviewer: “Good afternoon, Jakub. Thank you for coming in today. Can you start by telling me a bit about yourself and your background in category management?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Provides a brief, structured introduction.

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to highlight your key skills, experiences, and why you’re passionate about category management.”

#### Technical Questions:

1. Interviewer: “How do you approach assortment planning for a new store like Lidl?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good start! You mentioned understanding local market needs, which is critical. Could you add more details on how you determine the product mix?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Consider mentioning any specific tools or analysis methods you use in assortment planning.”

2. Interviewer: “Explain how demand forecasting can impact inventory management.”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Excellent explanation! Don’t forget to touch on how accurate forecasting helps in reducing stockouts and overstock situations.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Try to provide a specific example where your forecasting significantly improved inventory management.”

3. Interviewer: “What is your experience with using data analysis tools, and which ones have you found most useful?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great! You mentioned several tools. Could you give an example of how you used one of these tools in a previous role to make an impactful decision?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “For instance, how did you use Excel or SQL to analyze sales data?”

#### Situational Questions:

4. Interviewer: “Suppose you find that a product category is underperforming. What steps would you take to improve its performance?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “You outlined a good approach. Adding a real-life example can make your response stronger.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Can you describe a time when you identified and rectified an underperforming category?”

5. Interviewer: “Imagine a situation where a major supplier fails to deliver. How would you handle it?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good problem-solving steps. It would be even better if you detailed your communication strategy with the supplier and stakeholders.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Consider mentioning how you ensured minimal disruption to the supply chain.”

#### Behavioral Questions:

6. Interviewer: “Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline? How did you manage, and what was the outcome?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Nice example! Using the STAR method can help structure your answer better.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to clearly lay out the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.”

7. Interviewer: “Tell me about a successful project you’ve led in category management. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great project! You might want to elaborate on specific challenges and your strategic approach to overcoming them.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Detailing the steps and the outcome will make your response more impactful.”

Purpose: To simulate the pressure and structure of a real interview, giving Jakub a chance to practice delivering comprehensive, cohesive responses.

—

### 3. Detailed Feedback (10 minutes)

Objective: Analyze Jakub’s performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Activity:

#### Structured Feedback:

- Positive Feedback:

Strengths:
- “You provided a clear and structured introduction. Your explanation of inventory management was detailed and insightful.”
- “Your responses showcased a strong understanding of category management concepts.”

- Specific Positive Points:
- “You maintained good eye contact and had confident body language.”
- “Your use of specific examples was very effective in illustrating your points.”

- Constructive Criticism:

Areas for Improvement:
- “While your answer about handling supplier delays was good, you could provide more specifics on immediate actions and your communication strategy.”
- “Remember to incorporate the STAR technique to structure your responses more effectively.”

- Detailed Points:
- “Try to avoid filler words like ‘um’ too much and focus on clearly articulating your key points.”
- “Consider offering more quantifiable results in your examples to demonstrate your impact.”

Interactive Review:

- Role-play Improvements:

Example: “Let’s revisit the question about a time you worked under a tight deadline. Try using the STAR method to format your answer.”

- Jakub Rephrases:
- Situation: “In my previous role, I was tasked with launching a new product category within a month, despite the usual preparation time being three months.”
- Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all necessary products were sourced, and promotional strategies were in place before the launch.”
- Action: “I coordinated with suppliers to expedite delivery, worked with the marketing team to roll out promotions ahead of schedule, and personally monitored the progress daily.”
- Result: “As a result, we successfully launched on time, and the new category outperformed initial sales targets by 15% in the first month.”

—

Conclusion:

By expanding these sections with additional prompts, feedback, and role-play opportunities, you can provide Jakub with a comprehensive and supportive simulation, ensuring he feels thoroughly prepared and confident for his interview at Lidl.

Feel free to adjust and add more context-specific details to make the session even more personalized and effective for Jakub. Good luck!””
Certainly! Here’s the updated mock interview script tailored to Jakub’s background and new career path. This version also includes more specific prompts and feedback, considering his prior experience in category management at a small grocery store.

—

### 2. Full Mock Interview (20 minutes)

Objective: Provide a realistic interview experience covering technical, situational, and behavioral questions, building on Jakub’s previous category management experience.

Activity:

#### Introduction:

- Interviewer: “Good afternoon, Jakub. Thank you for coming in today. Can you start by telling me a bit about yourself and your background in category management?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Provides a brief, structured introduction.

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to highlight your key skills, experiences, especially from your previous role at the grocery store, and why you’re passionate about category management.”

#### Technical Questions:

1. Interviewer: “How do you approach assortment planning for a new store like Lidl?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good start! You mentioned understanding local market needs, which is critical. Can you provide more details on the methodologies or tools you use in assortment planning?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “For example, you might mention any software or analytical techniques, like SWOT analysis, or any customer feedback mechanisms you used in your previous role.”

2. Interviewer: “Explain how demand forecasting can impact inventory management.”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Excellent explanation! Don’t forget to touch on how accurate forecasting helps in reducing stockouts and overstock situations.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “You could illustrate your point with a specific example from your previous job where your forecasting improved efficiency or sales.”

3. Interviewer: “What is your experience with using data analysis tools, and which do you find most useful?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great! You mentioned several tools. Could you give an example of how you used one of these tools, say Excel or SQL, in a previous role to make an impactful decision?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Describe a scenario where your data analysis led to significant inventory or sales improvements.”

#### Situational Questions:

4. Interviewer: “Suppose you find that a product category is underperforming. What steps would you take to improve its performance?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “You outlined a good approach. Adding a real-life example from your previous job can make your response stronger.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Can you describe a time when you identified and improved an underperforming category at the grocery store?”

5. Interviewer: “Imagine a situation where a major supplier fails to deliver. How would you handle it?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good problem-solving steps. It would be even better if you detailed your communication strategy with the supplier and stakeholders.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Consider mentioning how you ensured minimal disruption to the supply chain and any contingency plans you implemented in a similar past situation.”

#### Behavioral Questions:

6. Interviewer: “Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline? How did you manage, and what was the outcome?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Nice example! Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your answer better.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to clearly lay out each aspect of the STAR method to make your answer more comprehensive.”

7. Interviewer: “Tell me about a successful project you’ve led in category management. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great project! You might want to elaborate on specific challenges and your strategic approach to overcoming them.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Detailing the steps you took and the positive outcome will make your response more impactful.”

Purpose: To simulate the pressure and structure of a real interview, giving Jakub a chance to practice delivering comprehensive, cohesive responses.

—

### 3. Detailed Feedback (10 minutes)

Objective: Analyze Jakub’s performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Activity:

#### Structured Feedback:

- Positive Feedback:

Strengths:
- “You provided a clear and structured introduction. Your explanation of inventory management was detailed and insightful.”
- “Your responses showcased a strong understanding of category management concepts based on your experience.”

Specific Positive Points:
- “You maintained good eye contact and had confident body language.”
- “Your use of specific examples was very effective in illustrating your points.”

- Constructive Criticism:

Areas for Improvement:
- “While your answer about handling supplier delays was good, you could provide more specifics on immediate actions and your communication strategy.”
- “Remember to incorporate the STAR technique to structure your responses more effectively.”

Detailed Points:
- “Try to avoid filler words like ‘um’ too much and focus on clearly articulating your key points.”
- “Consider offering more quantifiable results in your examples to demonstrate your impact.”

Interactive Review:

- Role-play Improvements:

Example: “Let’s revisit the question about a time you worked under a tight deadline. Try using the STAR method to format your answer.”

- Jakub Rephrases:
- Situation: “In my previous role, I was tasked with launching a new product category within a month, despite the usual preparation time being three months.”
- Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all necessary products were sourced, and promotional strategies were in place before the launch.”
- Action: “I coordinated with suppliers to expedite delivery, worked with the marketing team to roll out promotions ahead of schedule, and personally monitored the progress daily.”
- Result: “As a result, we successfully launched on time, and the new category outperformed initial sales targets by 15% in the first month.”

—

Conclusion:

By expanding these sections with additional prompts, feedback, and role-play opportunities, you can provide Jakub with a comprehensive and supportive simulation, ensuring he feels thoroughly prepared and confident for his interview at Lidl. Feel free to adjust and add more context-specific details to make the session even more personalized and effective for Jakub. Good luck!
Expand all sections please with more detaols. Also include these tips from esl brains: ““Copyrights by ESL Brains. For use only with license.
Ace your next job interview
B2
PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES
1. Match the halves to create sentences (match A–E to 1–5 and F–J to 6–10). Read each sentence again
and decide whether it is said by an interviewer or an interviewee.
PART 1
A. I am eager to contribute to 1
B. The information in your CV doesn’t align
with 5
C. The offer is not negotiable now, 4
D. The decision to change careers is driven
by my 2
E. We need to weigh up the options 3
PART 2
F. I’m ready to take on new responsibilities 9
G. We are afraid you might not be a good fit
for 8
H. The most important thing I would bring to
the role is 7
I. I am seeking opportunities to 6
J. I can see that you have a strong grasp of
10
1. the success of your team.
2. need for a bigger challenge.
3. before making a final offer.
4. but it might change after the trial period.
5. our requirements for this position.
6. grow and develop within the company.
7. my passion for the industry.
8. our team because everyone prefers to
work in the office.
9. even if it means I need to learn a lot.
10.the topic.
interviewer: B, C, E, G, J; interviewee: A, D, F, H, I
2. Choose either the sentences by an interviewer or interviewee in ex. 1, cover the endings (1–10) and
complete them with your ideas.
3. Watch a video [https://youtu.be/HG68Ymazo18] and complete the job interview tips.
A. The interview starts the moment you walk in, so treat everyone with respect and keep eye contact.
[01:01]
B. Combat nerves by taking a deep breath. [01:22]
C. Greet everyone authentically and say their names. [01:42]
T
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Ace your next job interview
B2
D. You can’t predict what you will be asked but you can practise answering the common questions.
[02:01]
E. When it comes to mentioning your previous workplaces, don’t speak negatively about them. [02:58]
F. Pay attention to your body language and subtly mime your interviewer’s posture in order to create a
sense of connection. [03:23]
G. Have a list of questions for your interviewer. Ask the questions you would ask if you got the
job/tomorrow was your first working day. [03:49]
H. The interview doesn’t end when you leave the office so you should always follow up with a thankyou email within 24 hours. [04:21]
IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES
4. Look at the tips from the video and say which ones you would use in your next job interview.
Brainstorm more tips if necessary.
If students work in Human Resources, ask them to share which of the tips they consider to be the most
important.
• Use a greeting that is authentic to you and call people by name.
• The interview starts when you enter a building, so show respect to everyone and maintain eye
contact.
• Prepare to answer some common questions.
• Avoid speaking negatively about past workplaces when discussing them.
• Take deep breaths to deal with nerves.
• Prepare questions for the interviewer, ones you’d ask if you were hired.
• Be mindful of your body language; subtly mirror the interviewer’s posture to build a connection.
• After the interview, you should always follow up with a thank-you email to the hiring manager.
5. Read the situations and decide which one would affect the outcome of a job interview most
negatively and why. Then, say which one would be the most uncomfortable for you.
If students work in Human Resources, ask which situations are the worst from the interviewer’s
perspective.
A. You miss the bus that was supposed to take you to the interview, causing you to arrive late and rush
into the interview.
B. You wear casual clothes, such as jeans and a t-shirt, but when you arrive at the office for your
interview, you see that everyone is dressed in professional attire. It makes you feel underdressed.
T
T
T
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Ace your next job interview
B2
C. When given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the
interview, you can’t think of anything meaningful and ask about
free lunch at the office.
D. Your interviewer has a strong accent that you are not familiar
with. Because of that, you can’t fully understand what they are
asking you. You decide not to clarify and answer what you think
you heard.
6. Look at the topics and discuss the questions.
• What kind of questions do you find easier to
answer: behavioural, situational, or
technical/job-specific? Why? Situational
questions are focused on the future and are
often hypothetical, whereas behavioural
questions ask about candidates’ past
experience.
• What are your least favourite interview
questions?
• What do you think about unusual interview
questions (e.g. ‘If you could compare
yourself with any animal…’)?
• How can you respond when asked a difficult
question? Possible answer: That’s an
interesting question. Let me think about it.
types of questions online vs offline
• What are the advantages of online job
interviews?
• What are some tips suitable for online
interviews only?
• Is it easier to leave a lasting impression
when being interviewed online or offline?
• What can you say when you are
experiencing technical issues? Possible
answer: My apologies, the internet is
acting up. Could you please repeat your
last question?
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Ace your next job interview
B2
7. Complete the gaps with words in the correct forms. The first letter is provided.
A. Despite working in this area for quite a short time, I believe I already have a strong grasp of
industry trends.
B. I felt ready to take on new responsibilities, but I needed time to do some additional training.
C. After weighing up all the options, I realized I’d reached the point where there was nowhere to grow.
D. I’m always ready to learn but I still check if feedback aligns with my goals and values.
E. I was simply seeking opportunities the company couldn’t provide.
F. I’m looking for the average wage for similar roles. But the salary is negotiable, because I’m also
interested in other benefits like health insurance.
G. Quite well if I know it contributes to my professional improvement and makes me better at my job.
H. While they are flexible, they are based on the value I can bring to the role.
I. While my experience may be limited, I think I’m a good fit because of my creativity.
J. I was driven by a desire to focus on personal growth when I decided to take such a long break.
8. Match the questions with the answers in ex. 7. There are two answers to each question.
After students complete the task, ask them which of these questions they find uncomfortable or
difficult to answer. You can also ask students to answer some of these questions if they need more
practice.
1. Can you explain the gap in your employment history? B, J
2. How do you plan to compensate for your lack of experience in this role? A, I
interviewer’s
behaviour
• What behaviours or attitudes from
interviewers contribute to a positive
interview experience for interviewees?
• Is it discouraging when interviewers don’t
ask follow-up questions? Why/Why not?
• How can you respond when the interviewer
doesn’t seem to be listening or doesn’t ask
follow-up questions? Possible answer:
Should I cover more details in my answer?
sensitive topics
• What are some sensitive topics that
interviewers sometimes bring up?
• Why do interviewers sometimes ask
sensitive questions?
• How can you respond when asked a
sensitive question? Possible answer:
Sorry, but this question is too personal for
me. Could you please ask another one?
T
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Ace your next job interview
B2
3. Why did you leave your previous job? C, E
4. What are your financial expectations for this position? F, H
5. How do you respond to criticism? D, G
9. Read about the approach to answering behavioural interview questions. Then, look at the example
below and say which step of the approach each sentence in the answer is. Put the sentences in the
correct order.
The STAR approach is a structured method for answering behavioural
interview questions. Using the STAR approach helps you provide relevant
information and demonstrate your skills and abilities through real-life
examples. It also allows the interviewer to assess your problem-solving
skills, decision-making abilities, and whether you’re a good fit for the role
based on examples from your past experiences.
STAR stands for:
Situation: describe the context or background of the situation you were in
Task: explain the specific task or goal you were responsible for within that situation
Action: talk about the actions you took to deal with the situation and complete the task
Result: share the outcome of your actions
EXAMPLE:
Question: Can you tell me about a recent challenge you faced?
Answer:
• I conducted multiple customer surveys, analyzed feedback data, and identified key areas for
improvement. 3, action
• My responsibility was to investigate the root causes of this decline and implement strategies to
improve satisfaction levels. 2, task
• In my previous role, we encountered a significant decrease in customer satisfaction ratings. 1,
situation
• Because of our efforts, we successfully implemented improvements, leading to a noticeable
increase in customer satisfaction ratings. 4, result
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Ace your next job interview
B2
10.Choose one of the situations and talk about it using the STAR approach (mention: situation, task,
action, result). Your answers can be real or imaginary. Try to use the vocabulary in the box.
Students can take a few minutes to prepare their answers before
sharing them with others.
Students can also work in pairs and talk about more than one
situation. Their partner could respond as an interviewer (e.g. ask
some follow-up questions).
• Describe a situation where you had a tight deadline.
• Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a significant
change at work.
• Can you recall a time when you had to resolve a conflict
between team members?
• Share an example of when you had to make a difficult
decision.
• Discuss a situation where you had to deal with a difficult
customer or client.
• Share a recent accomplishment that you’re proud of.
This worksheet includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. It’s only
available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. The task with the answer key is below, while the
students’ version is on the last page. Print it, cut it up and hand it out to your students.
Read the descriptions of different types of formal meetings and come up with three statements you
might hear during each of them. Use a phrase in the box for each statement.
You can also ask students to choose one type of meeting and share their experience of it.
EXAMPLE: A first-round interview is conducted to assess candidates’ initial qualifications and
suitability for the position, focusing on skills, experience, and general fit with the company
culture.
Why do you think you are a good fit for the company? I believe I can contribute to your
project with my extensive experience. Working hours are not negotiable.
align with
bring to the role
contribute to
driven by
have a strong grasp of
negotiable
good fit for
seek opportunities
take on new responsibilities
weigh up the options
T
T
T
Copyrights by ESL Brains. For use only with license.
Ace your next job interview
B2
Possible answers:
A. A group interview is conducted
with multiple job candidates
simultaneously, typically to
observe how they interact with
each other, communicate, and
collaborate in a group.
Complete the task while ensuring your vision aligns with that of the rest of the team. Decide who can
contribute to the project the most and delegate the tasks. How will you decide which of you is going
to take on new responsibilities?
B. A performance review is an evaluation meeting between an employee and their supervisor, aimed
at assessing past performance, setting goals, providing feedback, and discussing career
development.
Can you elaborate on what you’ve brought to your role since your promotion? How did you weigh up
the options when you had to make a difficult decision? I am seeking opportunities for growth within
the company.
C. An exit interview is a final meeting between an employee leaving the company and a
representative from HR or management, designed to gather feedback on the reasons for leaving,
overall experience with the company, and suggestions for improvement.
What made you think this role wasn’t a good fit for you? I didn’t feel I had a strong grasp of the
responsibilities assigned to me. Is the question of a potential return to the company negotiable for
you?
align with negotiable
bring to the role good fit for
contribute to seek opportunities
driven by take on new responsibilities
have a strong grasp of weigh up the options
Copyrights by ESL Brains. For use only with license.
Ace your next job interview
Read the descriptions of different types of formal meetings and come up with three statements you
might hear during each of them. Use a phrase in the box for each statement.
EXAMPLE: A first-round interview is conducted to assess candidates’ initial qualifications and
suitability for the position, focusing on skills, experience, and general fit with the company.
Why do you think you are a good fit for the company? I believe I can contribute to your
project with my extensive experience. Working hours are not negotiable.
A. A group interview is conducted with multiple job candidates simultaneously, typically to observe
how they interact with each other, communicate, and collaborate in a group.
B. A performance review is an
evaluation meeting between an
employee and their supervisor,
aimed at assessing past
performance, setting goals,
providing feedback, and discussing
career development.
C. An exit interview is a final meeting between an employee leaving the company and a
representative from HR or management, designed to gather feedback on the reasons for leaving,
overall experience with the company, and suggestions for improvement.
Read the descriptions of different types of formal meetings and come up with three statements you
might hear during each of them. Use a phrase in the box for each statement.
EXAMPLE: A first-round interview is conducted to assess candidates’ initial qualifications and
suitability for the position, focusing on skills, experience, and general fit with the company.
Why do you think you are a good fit for the company? I believe I can contribute to your
project with my extensive experience. Working hours are not negotiable.
A. A group interview is conducted with multiple job candidates simultaneously, typically to observe
how they interact with each other, communicate, and collaborate in a group.
B. A performance review is an
evaluation meeting between an
employee and their supervisor,
aimed at assessing past
performance, setting goals,
providing feedback, and discussing
career development.
C. An exit interview is a final meeting between an employee leaving the company and a
representative from HR or management, designed to gather feedback on the reasons for leaving,
overall experience with the company, and suggestions for improvement.
align with negotiable
bring to the role good fit for
contribute to seek opportunities
driven by take on new responsibilities
have a strong grasp of weigh up the options
align with negotiable
bring to the role good fit for
contribute to seek opportunities
driven by take on new responsibilities
have a strong grasp of weigh up the options””

Also provide a script for the student on why he is changing careers to category mangement. For example: ““After thorough self-reflection, I have realized that my current job no longer provides the challenges and opportunities for growth that I seek. I am looking for a role where I can continue to expand my skills, take on new responsibilities, and make a meaningful contribution. Don’t include the exercises from the lesson plan, just the tips.
Sure thing! Below is a more detailed version of the interview script, incorporating specific examples, prompts, and feedback techniques. I’ve also included the tips and the explanation script for Jakub’s career change to category management.

—

### 2. Full Mock Interview (20 minutes)

Objective: Provide a realistic interview experience covering technical, situational, and behavioral questions, building on Jakub’s previous category management experience.

Activity:

#### Introduction:

- Interviewer: “Good afternoon, Jakub. Thank you for coming in today. Can you start by telling me a bit about yourself and your background in category management?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Provides a brief, structured introduction.

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to highlight your key skills, experiences, especially from your previous role at the grocery store, and why you’re passionate about category management.”

#### Technical Questions:

1. Interviewer: “How do you approach assortment planning for a new store like Lidl?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good start! You mentioned understanding local market needs, which is critical. Can you provide more details on the methodologies or tools you use in assortment planning?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “For example, you might mention any software or analytical techniques, like SWOT analysis, or any customer feedback mechanisms you used in your previous role.”

2. Interviewer: “Explain how demand forecasting can impact inventory management.”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Excellent explanation! Don’t forget to touch on how accurate forecasting helps in reducing stockouts and overstock situations.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “You could illustrate your point with a specific example from your previous job where your forecasting improved efficiency or sales.”

3. Interviewer: “What is your experience with using data analysis tools, and which do you find most useful?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great! You mentioned several tools. Could you give an example of how you used one of these tools, say Excel or SQL, in a previous role to make an impactful decision?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Describe a scenario where your data analysis led to significant inventory or sales improvements.”

#### Situational Questions:

4. Interviewer: “Suppose you find that a product category is underperforming. What steps would you take to improve its performance?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “You outlined a good approach. Adding a real-life example from your previous job can make your response stronger.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Can you describe a time when you identified and improved an underperforming category at the grocery store?”

5. Interviewer: “Imagine a situation where a major supplier fails to deliver. How would you handle it?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good problem-solving steps. It would be even better if you detailed your communication strategy with the supplier and stakeholders.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Consider mentioning how you ensured minimal disruption to the supply chain and any contingency plans you implemented in a similar past situation.”

#### Behavioral Questions:

6. Interviewer: “Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline? How did you manage, and what was the outcome?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Nice example! Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your answer better.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to clearly lay out each aspect of the STAR method to make your answer more comprehensive.”

7. Interviewer:“”
- Interviewer: “Tell me about a successful project you’ve led in category management. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great project! You might want to elaborate on specific challenges and your strategic approach to overcoming them.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Detailing the steps you took and the positive outcome will make your response more impactful.”

Purpose: To simulate the pressure and structure of a real interview, giving Jakub a chance to practice delivering comprehensive, cohesive responses.

—

### 3. Detailed Feedback (10 minutes)

Objective: Analyze Jakub’s performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Activity:

#### Structured Feedback:

- Positive Feedback:

Strengths:
- “You provided a clear and structured introduction. Your explanation of inventory management was detailed and insightful.”
- “Your responses showcased a strong understanding of category management concepts based on your experience.”

Specific Positive Points:
- “You maintained good eye contact and had confident body language.”
- “Your use of specific examples was very effective in illustrating your points.”

- Constructive Criticism:

Areas for Improvement:
- “While your answer about handling supplier delays was good, you could provide more specifics on immediate actions and your communication strategy.”
- “Remember to incorporate the STAR technique to structure your responses more effectively.”

Detailed Points:
- “Try to avoid filler words like ‘um’ too much and focus on clearly articulating your key points.”
- “Consider offering more quantifiable results in your examples to demonstrate your impact.”

Interactive Review:

- Role-play Improvements:

Example: “Let’s revisit the question about a time you worked under a tight deadline. Try using the STAR method to format your answer.”

- Jakub Rephrases:
- Situation: “In my previous role, I was tasked with launching a new product category within a month, despite the usual preparation time being three months.”
- Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all necessary products were sourced, and promotional strategies were in place before the launch.”
- Action: “I coordinated with suppliers to expedite delivery, worked with the marketing team to roll out promotions ahead of schedule, and personally monitored the progress daily.”
- Result: “As a result, we successfully launched on time, and the new category outperformed initial sales targets by 15% in the first month.”

—

### Career Change Explanation Script

Interviewer: “Can you explain why you’re changing careers to category management?”

Interviewee (Jakub):
“After thorough self-reflection, I have realized that my current job no longer provides the challenges and opportunities for growth that I seek. My passion for optimizing product categories, combined with my previous experience at the grocery store, has driven me to pursue a career in category management. I am looking for a role where I can continue to expand my skills, take on new responsibilities, and make a meaningful contribution. Lidl’s dynamic environment and commitment to excellence in retail operations align perfectly with my career aspirations.”

—

### Extra Tips from ESL Brains

1. The interview starts the moment you walk in:
- Treat everyone with respect and maintain eye contact.

2. Combat nerves:
- Take a deep breath to calm yourself before speaking.

3. Greet everyone authentically:
- Say their names when introduced to create a personal connection.

4. Prepare for common questions:
- Practice answering standard interview questions to build confidence.

5. Avoid speaking negatively about past workplaces:
- Focus on the positive aspects and what you’ve learned.

6. Body language:
- Pay attention to your posture and subtly mirror your interviewer’s posture to build rapport.

7. Have questions ready:
- Prepare a list of insightful questions you would ask if you were hired.

8. Follow up after the interview:
- Send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours to express your appreciation and reinforce your interest in the position.

By integrating these detailed sections and tips, you can ensure Jakub feels thoroughly prepared and confident for his interview at Lidl. Adapt and personalize these components to make the session even more effective. Good luck!
please exapnd all sections
—

### 2. Full Mock Interview (20 minutes)

Objective: Provide a realistic interview experience covering technical, situational, and behavioral questions, building on Jakub’s previous category management experience.

Activity:

#### Introduction:

- Interviewer: “Good afternoon, Jakub. Thank you for coming in today. Can you start by telling me a bit about yourself and your background in category management?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Provides a brief, structured introduction.

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to highlight your key skills, experiences, especially from your previous role at the grocery store, and why you’re passionate about category management.”

Example Response:
- "Good afternoon. My name is Jakub, and I have around five years of experience in category management. I started my career at a small grocery store where I managed a variety of product categories, from fresh produce to household items. Over the years, I have honed my skills in assortment planning, demand forecasting, and supplier management. I am particularly passionate about understanding consumer behavior and using that knowledge to optimize product offerings. Now, I am eager to bring my experience and skills to a larger retail environment like Lidl, where I believe I can make a significant impact.”

#### Technical Questions:

1. Interviewer: “How do you approach assortment planning for a new store like Lidl?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good start! You mentioned understanding local market needs, which is critical. Can you provide more details on the methodologies or tools you use in assortment planning?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “For example, you might mention any software or analytical techniques, like SWOT analysis, or any customer feedback mechanisms you used in your previous role.”

Example Response:
- “Assortment planning for a new store involves several key steps. First, I analyze the local market to understand the demographics and preferences of potential customers. In my previous role, I used customer surveys and sales data analysis tools like Excel and SAP to gather insights. Then, I perform a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the product mix. I also consider seasonal trends and competitor offerings to ensure that our assortment is competitive and meets customer expectations. Using these methodologies, I can curate an assortment that maximizes sales and customer satisfaction.”

2. Interviewer: “Explain how demand forecasting can impact inventory management.”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Excellent explanation! Don’t forget to touch on how accurate forecasting helps in reducing stockouts and overstock situations.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “You could illustrate your point with a specific example from your previous job where your forecasting improved efficiency or sales.”

Example Response:
- “Demand forecasting is crucial for effective inventory management. Accurate forecasting helps in ensuring that we have the right amount of stock to meet customer demand, which reduces the risk of stockouts and overstock situations. In my previous role, I developed a forecasting model using historical sales data and market trends. For example, last year, I noticed an increasing trend in the demand for organic products. By adjusting our inventory accordingly, we reduced stockouts by 20% and increased our sales for that category by 15%. Accurate forecasting helps to optimize inventory levels, improve cash flow, and enhance customer satisfaction.”

3. Interviewer: “What is your experience with using data analysis tools, and which do you find most useful?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Great! You mentioned several tools. Could you give an example of how you used one of these tools, say Excel or SQL, in a previous role to make an impactful decision?”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Describe a scenario where your data analysis led to significant inventory or sales improvements.”

Example Response:
- "I have extensive experience with various data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, and BI software like Tableau. One example from my previous role involves using Excel to analyze sales data. We noticed a decline in the sales of a…
particular product category over a few months. I used Excel to conduct a detailed analysis, creating pivot tables and charts to identify patterns. The data revealed that sales dropped significantly during weekends. Based on this, I collaborated with the marketing team to run targeted promotions on weekends and adjusted the inventory levels accordingly. As a result, we saw a 25% increase in weekend sales for that category within two months. These tools are essential for making data-driven decisions that directly impact inventory management and sales performance.”

#### Situational Questions:

4. Interviewer: “Suppose you find that a product category is underperforming. What steps would you take to improve its performance?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “You outlined a good approach. Adding a real-life example from your previous job can make your response stronger.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Can you describe a time when you identified and improved an underperforming category at the grocery store?”

Example Response:
- “If a product category is underperforming, the first step is to investigate the underlying issues. I start by analyzing sales data using tools like Excel to pinpoint trends and problem areas. Next, I review inventory levels, supplier performance, and customer feedback. For instance, at my previous job, we had an underperforming snack category. After analyzing the data, I found that many products were nearing their expiration dates, which deterred customers. I negotiated better terms with suppliers to ensure smaller, more frequent shipments, and improved stock rotation practices. Additionally, I introduced a ‘best-seller’ display to highlight popular products. Within three months, sales in that category increased by 30%, and customer satisfaction improved significantly.”

5. Interviewer: “Imagine a situation where a major supplier fails to deliver. How would you handle it?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Good problem-solving steps. It would be even better if you detailed your communication strategy with the supplier and stakeholders.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Consider mentioning how you ensured minimal disruption to the supply chain and any contingency plans you implemented in a similar past situation.”

Example Response:
- "When a major supplier fails to deliver, the priority is to mitigate the impact on the supply chain. First, I would reach out to the supplier immediately to understand the cause of the delay and get an estimated delivery time. At the same time, I would communicate with internal stakeholders, such as the sales and marketing teams, to manage their expectations. To minimize disruption, I have a list of backup suppliers who can provide the necessary products on short notice. For instance, during a supplier delay at my previous job, I quickly arranged alternative suppliers for essential products and implemented a fast-track delivery process. This proactive approach ensured that our store remained well-stocked, and our customers did not experience any inconvenience.”

#### Behavioral Questions:

6. Interviewer: “Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline? How did you manage, and what was the outcome?”

- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds.

Feedback:
- “Nice example! Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your answer better.”

Prompt if Necessary:
- “Remember to clearly lay out each aspect of the STAR method to make your answer more comprehensive.”

Example Response (Using STAR):
- Situation: “In my previous role, I was tasked with launching a new product category within a month, despite the usual preparation time being three months.”
- Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all necessary products were sourced, and promotional strategies were in place before the launch.”
- Action: “I coordinated with suppliers to expedite delivery, worked with the marketing team to roll out promotions ahead of schedule, and personally monitored the progress daily.”
- Result: “As a result, we successfully launched on time, and the new category outperformed initial sales targets by 15% in the first month...