Showrooms Customer Advisor Review
at B&Q
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Graphic Design, Marketing
Swindon, Wiltshire
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
As a showrooms advisor we do more than the average team member in B&Q. We provide a 1-2-1 consultative experience accross several department but specifically in Kitchens, Bedrooms, and Bathrooms.
We have to manage our client expectations as there will be stock issues, practicality concerns around item placement and measurement and project managing any installation tasks as, if and or when they occur.
We have to manage our client expectations as there will be stock issues, practicality concerns around item placement and measurement and project managing any installation tasks as, if and or when they occur.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I like speaking with [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] ([This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] called [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] for speed) on a regular basis, he understands that sometimes life gets in the way and I may need to mute him to handle a customer query on the moment. I've also picked up more modern ways of giving my service to my clients.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
coming in as a total novice aside from my own personal 3D design experience, I simply adapted my 20 years of retail experience into this role... the skills learned were centered around the B&Q methodology and process, and the showrooms culture where we are not expected to rush a customer through the system
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
very highly regimented which as someone in a support category courtesy of ASD allows me to plan and know what to expect, it throws very few if any curve balls at me and [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has always afforded me a little more room to stretch and understand where possible... or even take a small break during our sessions if the need arises.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Customers don't seem to appreciate the nature of the online training we go through, but my Line manager and Team Leader are very accommodating of the time I need to take away from my day, as one of the most experienced people on department (with a few exceptions in some of our part-time staff and managers) it does put an imposition on the team when I'm not free to assist but the same applies on a day off.
Sometimes being able to tie a manager down in order to sign off modules for evidentiary purposes is tricky but I have never been told "you can't do that today"
Sometimes being able to tie a manager down in order to sign off modules for evidentiary purposes is tricky but I have never been told "you can't do that today"
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is always just a phonecall away, he's been super supportive during moments of crisis and some annoyingly last minute issues, he has been able to reschedule me with no major problems (at least to my knowledge), he also regularly checks if i'm ok in myself during our sessions so that I don't overload myself.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
it has certainly allowed me to adjust my "crisis management" tools and also my general sales approach to the vast majority of people that pass by my desk. I am also able to help my teammates adjust their approach in some cases and also enhance my own by being aware of design trends that may be asked for
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
sadly not so much, thanks to the COVID pandemic of the last two years the social scene has somewhat died off... I also live a fair way from my store. We do as a team regularly communicate with each other and share any and all best practice whenever we can, but the main takeaway I have picked up is importance of being able to walk away and turn it all off... work life balance is critical otherwise you can't function
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend B&Q to a friend?
Yes
Why?
great work culture, an amazing blend of people from all backgrounds and abilities, great progression prospects if you want them, but most of all they make me feel appreciated, a simple thank you at the end of the day goes a long way in my book, they foster praise over punitive measures
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to B&Q?
do it, if any aspect of DIY is of interest and you want to work somewhere that sees you as a person and not just an employee number I would work here... Kingfisher as a parent company are superb and I've worked for them before in my days with Comet and I'm glad to be back.
