B&Q Psychometric Tests, Assessment Centre, Recruitment Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024

What Is B&Q?

B&Q is a British do-it-yourself (DIY) and home improvement retailer located in Eastleigh, United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1969 in Southampton, United Kingdom, and has since opened more than 296 shops around the UK, employing nearly 27,000 people. B&Q is a subsidiary of a larger company, Kingfisher, which owns more than 1,100 stores in ten countries across Europe.

B&Q has four people pillars that they want their employees to embody:

• Make a meaningful difference: The company strives to make a difference in its communities and customers’ lives.
• Be valued for who you are: B&Q works to give their employees their desired work-life balance.
• Feel proud to work for a trusted brand: They want employees to be proud of the company and provide a path to create a long-lasting career.
• Join a genuinely decent business: B&Q hires good, decent people and wants all their employees to enjoy their job and coworkers.

Working at B&Q

The company is also passionate about taking care of and supporting its team members. B&Q employees will receive the following company benefits:

• Competitive salaries and bonuses
• Become a shareholder in the company
• Pension
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Medical benefits
• Discounts on store purchases
• 6 weeks of paid leave (plus additional leave and sash bonuses for prolonged service)
• Flexible working
• Optional payroll giving to charity
• Shopping discounts
• Company uniform

Additionally, B&Q employees will build their expertise throughout their time at the company. The company also provides learning and development opportunities throughout their employee’s careers.

What Is B&Q’s Hiring Process?

Online Application

To start the application process, job seekers must complete an online application. During this application, you will answer basic information questions and give details about your past employment, experiences, and applicable skills. You will also need to attach a CV to your application.

Be sure to tailor your CV for the position, answer all questions on the application, and include your current contact details. You will likely hear back from a recruiter within a week or two of applying.

B&Q’s Psychometric Tests

• Situational Judgment Test – After completing the online application, you will likely take a situational judgment test (SJT). The situational judgment test is a psychometric exam that assesses your fit with the company. During this test, you will receive hypothetical work-related situations and tell how you would react in the situation. B&Q is looking for candidates with a good work ethic and professionalism. They also want employees who prioritize community and customers when on the job, so keep these tips in mind during the exam. It is also important to note that this test is usually timed. Be sure not to rush through the exam and read all questions thoroughly before responding.
• Verbal Reasoning Test – Once you have finished the situational judgment test, you will complete some aptitude tests. The first of which is a verbal reasoning test. The verbal reasoning test will examine your ability to understand written language and interpret information. During this test, you will be given a passage of text and need to read the information provided. Afterwards, you will answer questions about what you have read. B&Q typically uses Talent Q for their verbal reasoning tests, so be sure to research and practice that test type before applying. The individual questions on the verbal reasoning test are typically timed to assess how quickly you process information and how you react under stress. Be sure to stay calm and focus on the test to perform at your best.
• Numerical Reasoning Test – In addition to the verbal reasoning test, candidates will also take a numerical reasoning test. This test is also typically a Talent Q test and will offer limited time on each question. During the numerical reasoning test, you will receive information in a numerical format, such as a graph, table, or data set. You will then need to analyze and interpret the data to answer questions about the information. The numerical reasoning test does not require advanced mathematics skills; however, you may encounter basic arithmetic.

Telephone Interview

After completing all the assessments, you will graduate to the interview stage of the recruitment process. The first interview is usually a phone interview with a hiring team member. This interview is not technical and is typically used to assess your basic ability to do the job and confirm the information on your application.

This step is crucial because it will be the company’s first impression of you. Be sure to act professionally, speak clearly and effectively, and fully respond to the questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions as well. Use this time to gather information about the role and show that you are the right person for the job.

B&Q’s Assessment Centre

Once you complete the entire screening process, you will attend an assessment day. This day is the most detailed stage in the pre-employment process. You will come on-site with other candidates to complete several activities.

• Group Activity – First, you will work with other candidates in a group activity. You will be split into teams of three or four people and given a team-building task to complete. During this activity, they are looking at how you interact with others. Do not be afraid to highlight leadership skills but be respectful and professional throughout the exercise.
• Interaction Test – The interaction test is an essential part of the process because it is customer-focused. During this activity, you will walk around the store, complete tasks, and interact with customers. It is important to remember that the hiring team observes you throughout this entire activity, so be sure you are courteous to everyone and as helpful as possible.
• Presentation – The last activity of the day is the presentation, where you will have to sell a product to a team of interviewers. This exercise is your time to show the hiring managers that you embody the company’s values, that you are knowledgeable about the brand, and that you believe in the product. Remember to stay calm and confident during this exercise to show you are good under pressure.

How to Prepare for the B&Q Assessment?

To be successful, you must prepare for every aspect of the hiring process. Before starting the pre-employment process:

• Be sure to research the company
• Learn about some products they offer
• Ensure that this is a company you can see yourself working for
• Prepare for all assessments, exercises, and interviews that you will encounter

When preparing for the online assessments, look online for free and paid resources. You can take sample test questions online that allow you to prepare for the types of questions they will ask you. Taking sample tests will also allow you to practise answering these questions and improve the time it takes you to solve a question.

Before your interview, research interview tips online and rehearse responses to common interview questions. They are looking for people with excellent communication skills, and practising will help you be more confident and composed in your answers.

Visit a store ahead of your assessment day. Remember, B&Q is a customer-focused company, so seeing firsthand how their current employees interact with customers will demonstrate how you should behave during your exercises.

Preparing for the recruitment process is the best way to increase your chances of receiving a job offer. Be sure to take advantage of all the resources available to you.