Frequently Asked Questions

General queries

How do I set up John Lewis and Waitrose job alerts?

To ensure that you are always kept up to date with the availability of John Lewis and Waitrose jobs, you can find a ‘Register for alerts’ button on most pages on JLPJobs. Once selected, you can login into your account and set your preferences in order to start receiving alerts – this can be done by job type, region, location and hours. If you haven’t got an account you will be able to create one on this page.

To cancel an email alert, you can do this under ‘Manage job alerts’ in the Candidate Communication Centre – accessible using the link to the top right of every page on the JLPJobs website.

I have a disability, what support can I get with my JLP job application?

If you need disability support when submitting an application, at JLP, we will always support in making reasonable adjustments for candidates where required.

If you require extra support at any stage of the application process, please let us know. You can contact us by:

  • Email: recruitment@partnershipservices.co.uk stating ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ in the title of your email.
  • Alternatively, you can call us on 0345 6100 328.

If you require adjustments specifically at interview stage please ensure you answer ‘yes’ to the following question in the further questions section of the application form:

  • ‘If you are invited to attend an interview, do you have any special requirements/adjustments?’

on of the application form:

  • ‘If you are invited to attend an interview, do you have any special requirements/adjustments?’

For further information on the support available to you, please take a look at our accessibility page here.

How old do you have to be to work at Waitrose or John Lewis?

If you are looking to apply for a job at Waitrose or John Lewis, you will need to be 16 years old or ‘minimum school leaving age’. If you are aged between 16 and 18, there are restrictions on what hours we can offer you and for certain roles. Please read the vacancy information carefully to ensure there is no age restriction stated.

Due to current regulations called the Working time Directive and Local Education Authority rules we are unable to accept applications from candidates who have not reached the minimum school leaving age. This is due to the restrictions on what duties you are allowed to perform and the level of supervision required at all times.

This is defined as: You must have left school and have reached the age of 16 by the start of the new school year.

For more details please go to https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school

Can I apply for more than one role?

For some roles this is possible but please think about the type of role that will suit you and your goals, and only apply for appropriate vacancies. If you are invited to an interview we will treat the other applications as a duplicate.

Seasonal Temporary Branch Roles

You can only apply for one Seasonal Temporary role in the same branch at any given time, however you will be able to list up to two further preferences for other Seasonal Temporary roles in the same branch on your application form. If you decline an offer for the role, withdraw from that vacancy or are unsuccessful at any of the assessment stages you will be able to apply for another Seasonal Temporary role in the same branch. If you want to apply for a non-Seasonal Temporary role at the same time you will be able to do so.

I cannot find any vacancies for my local Waitrose/John Lewis branch?

If you are looking for John Lewis and Waitrose jobs near you and a branch is not appearing in the dropdown list it means that there are currently no vacancies for that branch.

You should refer to the first question above regarding ‘setting up job alerts’ and if a JLP branch near you begins recruiting, you will automatically be emailed when a vacancy that matches your preferences is live.

You can find a ‘Register for alerts’ button on most pages on JLPJobs.

There is a new John Lewis/Waitrose branch near me opening soon, how do I find out about vacancies?

If you’re interested in joining JLP and are looking for a new job with us, all vacancies for our new John Lewis and Waitrose branches, both full and part-time, will be advertised on JLPJobs.

If the new branch is not yet listed, then this would either mean we’re still finalising the details of our opening date or still looking to confirm that a store will be built in that location.

How do I log into the JLP Communication Centre?

If you are looking to access the JLP Communication Centre, every page on JLPJobs has a link on the top right of the page. Click on the link to login to your account.

Alternatively, you can click here.

Application Queries

I’ve completed my JLP job application but have an email to suggest I haven’t. What does this mean?

While you’re completing your application John Lewis/Waitrose role, our system will be sending you emails in the background to inform you that you can now move on to the next stage of the application process.

If you complete your application fully in one sitting, no further action is required despite these emails. They’re only to remind candidates who have potentially taken a break and intend to complete their applications later in the day.

Take note of the time and date these emails were sent if you’re unsure.

How will I find out if my John Lewis/Waitrose application has been successful?

If you are interested in checking how your John Lewis or Waitrose application is progressing, you will be able to log in to the Candidate Communication Centre daily to find out the progress of your application. All outcomes will be delivered via email to ensure you have the most up to date information on your application as soon as possible. We also recommend that you check your junk mail too.

My Waitrose/John Lewis application was unsuccessful, can I request feedback?

Unfortunately, During our Peak recruitment season (1st September – 30th November) we’re unable to offer individual feedback on our volume vacancies.

Online Testing Queries

I have been invited to complete some online tests as part of the selection process. How long do I have to complete them?

To ensure we can progress your application as quickly as possible, all our tests need to be completed within two days of receiving the invitation email. We recommend you complete these as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline and your application being withdrawn.

In August 2023, we’re improving and updating our online tests which means if you’re applying for more than one role you may need to complete the new test. If you successfully pass the new test, you won’t need to retake it if you apply for another role within a 6 month period.

Our online tests are compatible with all devices but for the best experience, you may want to us a desktop or laptop computer.

I cannot complete the online test

If you are having issues completing your online test, please try the following:

  • We recommend using the latest versions of Google Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer.
  • Our online tests are compatible with all devices but for the best experience, you may want to us a desktop or laptop computer.
  • Delete your browser history and all cookies before attempting to log back into the job site.

If you are still experiencing issues, please contact us directly on 0345 6100328

Do I have to complete an online test for every John Lewis/Waitrose vacancy I apply for?

In August 2023 we’re improving and updating our online tests. If you apply for the same type of role you may have to complete the online tests. If you successfully pass the new test, our system will save the test score and you won’t have to complete it again within a 6 month period. You will only be required to do another online test if you are applying for a completely different role or are applying once 6 months have elapsed.

I have failed the online test, can I request feedback?

We’re afraid that we are unable to give you any specific feedback following the unsuccessful completion of one of our tests. However, we would recommend referring to the preparation pages on our website for any future applications you may wish to make.

These can be found on the ‘Road to the Partnership’ page.

Interview Queries

What are Right To Work documents?

Right to Work documents are required from all candidates to provide evidence of their entitlement to work in the UK when they attend an assessment or interview. These documents will be checked and authorised by the Partner conducting the assessment. Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of your right to work in the UK will prevent your application progressing.

It is the John Lewis Partnership’s legal obligation to ensure that anyone we are looking to employ is legally entitled to work in the UK before their employment begins.

For more information on what documents you can bring to show you have the right to work, and more details, please follow this link to the Government Website:

https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk

I have scheduled for an interview but I can no longer attend

If you cannot attend your John Lewis/Waitrose interview, you can reschedule by logging into the Candidate Communication Centre.

Please note if you press the reschedule button your current interview slot will be deleted.

Alternatively, you can contact us to reschedule your interview by contacting us here:

Email: recruitment@partnershipservices.co.uk

Phone: 0345 6100328

Please ensure you let us know at least 48 hours in advance of your interview.

Booking an interview slot

Our interview slots are available on a first come, first served basis and spaces are limited. Therefore, we advise you to promptly choose a slot to confirm your attendance.

New Starter Queries

I have been offered a role in a John Lewis/Waitrose branch but I need to change my contractual hours or start date

If you have a request to adjust your start date or contractual hours you need to contact the branch directly so they can check their rota to see if they can accommodate this request. Once a new agreement has been made, the branch will need to let us know so we can make all the necessary changes on our system.