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““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:
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.”
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.”
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:
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?”
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:
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.”
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
The interview starts the moment you walk in:
Treat everyone with respect and maintain eye contact.
Combat nerves:
Take a deep breath to calm yourself before speaking.
Greet everyone authentically:
Say their names when introduced to create a personal connection.
Prepare for common questions:
Practice answering standard interview questions to build confidence.
Avoid speaking negatively about past workplaces:
Focus on the positive aspects and what you’ve learned.
Body language:
Pay attention to your posture and subtly mirror your interviewer’s posture to build rapport.
Have questions ready:
Prepare a list of insightful questions you would ask if you were hired.
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!
””
This detailed lesson plan emphasizes practical interview preparation for Jakub, ensuring he’s well-versed in technical, situational, and behavioral questions pertinent to a career in category management. Here’s a more comprehensive and expanded lesson plan:

—

2. Full Mock Interview (70 minutes total)

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

### Activity:

Introduction (5 minutes)

- 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 (20 minutes)

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 (20 minutes)

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 (20 minutes)

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 (10 minutes)

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 (15 minutes):

- 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.”

—

4. Career Change Explanation Script (10 minutes)

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.”

—

5. Extra Tips from ESL Brains (10 minutes)

- The interview starts the moment you walk in:
- Treat everyone with respect and maintain eye contact.
- Combat nerves:
- Take a deep breath to calm yourself before speaking.
- Greet everyone authentically:
- Say their names when introduced to create a personal connection.
- Prepare for common questions:
- Practice answering standard interview questions to build confidence.
- Avoid speaking negatively about past workplaces:
- Focus on the positive aspects and what you’ve learned.
- Body language:
- Pay attention to your posture and subtly mirror your interviewer’s posture to build rapport.
- Have questions ready:
- Prepare a list of insightful questions you would ask if you were hired.
- 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.

—

### Summary

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. This structure not only focuses on Jakub’s knowledge and responses but also on how to present them effectively. Good luck!
Expand more. Note: Jakub previous experience mainly related to this job is working in a small grocery store. He’s eager to learn more and take on a new challenge.
Certainly! Let’s expand on the lesson plan further, incorporating more specific examples and context relevant to Jakub’s previous experience in a small grocery store, as well as focusing on his eagerness to learn and take on new challenges.

—

2. Full Mock Interview (90 minutes total)

Objective: Provide a realistic interview experience covering technical, situational, and behavioral questions, leveraging Jakub’s previous experience at a small grocery store and his eagerness to learn.

### Activity:

Introduction (10 minutes)

- 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 and experiences, especially from your time managing categories at the grocery store, and explain why you’re passionate about category management.”

- Example Answer:
- “Good afternoon, thank you for having me. My name is Jakub, and I have been working in a small grocery store for the past three years. In my role, I was responsible for managing various product categories, ensuring inventory levels were optimal, and responding to customer needs. My experience has given me a strong foundation in category management, from handling demand forecasting to working directly with suppliers. I’m very passionate about this field, particularly because I enjoy the challenge of optimizing product selections to meet consumer demands and improve store profitability. I am eager to learn more and take on new challenges, which is why I am excited about the opportunity at Lidl.”

Technical Questions (25 minutes)

1. Interviewer: “How do you approach assortment planning for a new store like Lidl?”
- Interviewee (Jakub): Responds with relevant experience.
- 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.”

Expanded Scenario:
- “In the small grocery store, I regularly utilized customer feedback and sales data to optimize our assortment. For example, we conducted weekly reviews of sales reports to determine which products were performing well and which were not, making adjustments as needed. We didn’t have access to sophisticated software, but I made extensive use of Excel for tracking sales trends and inventory levels. Additionally, I conducted SWOT analysis to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of our product offerings.”

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.”

Expanded Scenario:
- “Accurate demand forecasting is crucial for maintaining inventory balance. In my previous role, I noticed that our organic produce often sold out quickly, while some conventional vegetables remained on the shelves too long. By analyzing sales data and seasonal trends, I was able to forecast demand more accurately and adjust our orders accordingly. This led to a significant reduction in stockouts and decreased waste from unsold inventory.”

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, 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.”

Expanded Scenario:
- “In the grocery store, Excel was my go-to tool for data analysis. For instance, I used it to create a sales dashboard that tracked weekly sales performance across different categories. One time, I noticed that sales of certain dairy products spiked during weekends but dropped midweek. By analyzing this trend, I recommended promotional discounts and reordering strategies to ensure the products were always available and fresh. This approach helped boost our midweek sales by 10%.”

Situational Questions (25 minutes)

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?”

Expanded Scenario:
- “In the grocery store, our health and wellness section was not performing as well as expected. I conducted a thorough review and found that the product variety and placement weren’t appealing to our customers. By reorganizing the section, introducing more popular health products based on customer feedback, and running targeted promotions, we were able to increase sales in that category by 20% over the next quarter.”

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.”

Expanded Scenario:
- “Last holiday season, one of our key suppliers for holiday-specific items was unable to deliver on time due to transportation issues. To handle the situation, I immediately contacted the supplier to understand the extent of the delay and worked on sourcing alternative suppliers for critical products. I communicated transparently with my management team and our sales associates to manage customer expectations. Additionally, I monitored our inventory to ensure we could meet demand with available stock until the delayed delivery arrived. This proactive approach minimized the impact on our holiday sales.”

Behavioral Questions (25 minutes)

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.”

Expanded Scenario:
- Situation: “In my previous role, we were preparing for a major store event which required setting up a new promotional aisle in just three days, rather than the usual week.”
- Task: “My responsibility was to ensure that all necessary products were sourced, displayed, and marketed effectively before the event.”
- Action: “I coordinated closely with suppliers to expedite deliveries, organized a team of staff to assist with setup, and developed a detailed schedule to ensure every task was completed on time. Additionally, I monitored progress and resolved any issues immediately.”
- Result: “As a result, we successfully launched the promotional aisle on schedule, attracting significant customer interest and increasing our weekly sales by 15% during the event.”

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.”

Expanded Scenario:
- “One of the successful projects I led was the introduction of a new line of organic products. The main challenge was convincing our primarily price-sensitive customers to purchase higher-priced items. My strategy involved educating customers about the benefits of organic products through in-store signage, flyers, and tasting events. I also coordinated with suppliers to secure the best prices and ran introductory promotions to encourage trial. By tackling these challenges strategically, we saw a 25% increase in category sales, and many customers became regular buyers of the new products.”

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

—

3. Detailed Feedback (15 minutes)

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

### Activity:

Structured Feedback (15 minutes)

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 (20 minutes):

- 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.”

—

4. Career Change Explanation Script (10 minutes)

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

Interviewee (Jakub):

- “After careful consideration, I realized that while I enjoy my current job, it no longer provides the challenges and opportunities for growth I seek. Working in category management allows me to leverage my experience managing product categories at the grocery store while taking on new, larger-scale responsibilities. My passion for optimizing product assortments and improving sales drives me to pursue this career path. Lidl’s dynamic environment and commitment to innovation in retail align perfectly with my career goals. I am eager to learn and contribute to Lidl’s continued success.”

—

5. Extra Tips from ESL Brains (10 minutes)

- The interview starts the moment you walk in:
- Treat everyone with respect and maintain eye contact.
- Combat nerves:
- Take a deep breath to calm yourself before speaking.
- Greet everyone authentically:
- Say their names when introduced to create a personal connection.
- Prepare for common questions:
- Practice answering standard interview questions to build confidence.
- Avoid speaking negatively about past workplaces:
- Focus on the positive aspects and what you’ve learned.
- Body language:
- Pay attention to your posture and subtly mirror your interviewer’s posture to build rapport.
- Have questions ready:
- Prepare a list of insightful questions you would ask if you were hired.
- 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.

—

Summary

This enhanced lesson plan not only equips Jakub with the necessary skills to tackle technical, situational, and behavioral questions but also draws directly from his experience in a small grocery store. This personalization helps Jakub to see the relevance of his past work, boosts his confidence, and prepares him to present his skills and enthusiasm effectively in the interview. By addressing his eagerness to learn and willingness to face new challenges, Jakub can convey his readiness to contribute to Lidl’s team. Adapt and personalize these components further as needed to maximize the effectiveness of the session. Good luck!""


Revise. Don’t include the STAR method. Keep the language at a B2 level. Include these phrases in the examples: ““I am eager to contribute to…
The decision to change careers is driven by my…
I’m ready to take on new responsibilities…
The most important thing I would bring to the role is…
I am seeking opportunities to…””

Also create a short elevator pitch for Jakub. What is an elevator pitch? This speech is all about you: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you're job hunting). Your elevator pitch is a way to share your expertise and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don't know you. Your elevator pitch can be used during job interviews, especially when you're asked about yourself. Interviewers often begin with the question, "Tell me about yourself" — think of your elevator pitch as a super-condensed version of your response to that request.