After a recruiter call, my process moved quickly into Zoom interviews with multiple people from Simply Business. I remember getting a couple of stages that felt very structured: role-play style work that focused on sales, followed by competency and values questioning. I was given the relevant information in advance, and the interviews I had were usually run by friendly, professional staff who made it easier to think clearly instead of getting stuck on nerves.
In the sales portion, I had to work through a scenario and show how I’d handle the customer side of the role. Then the competency discussion dug into my previous experience and how I work, with different interviewers taking turns. The pacing varied, but what stood out to me was how long some of the Zoom interviews could run when they really got into depth—one interviewer ended up taking well over an hour and a half. Even when it felt intense, it never turned cold or combative; I kept feeling like they wanted me to do well.
> 1 year
Difficult Positive Northampton, England
After the initial stages, I ended up doing a more assessment-centre style day that felt rigorous in difficulty even though the environment stayed relaxed. There was a presentation about the business early on, then a tour and a group component that acted like a real ice breaker. From there, I moved into a role play that tested selling directly, and I also had an interview that focused on competency.
The challenge for me was how much attention was paid to both the practical and the behavioral side. When the role play came up, I was given a topic beforehand and had time to prepare, and the conversation afterwards made it clear they wanted to see how I’d translate my experience into decisions and actions. The IT testing and data entry elements showed up too, so it wasn’t only talk.
> 1 year
Average Positive Stafford, England
I started with a phone call and then moved into a practical, test-heavy stage. The format included an IT or systems assessment, plus a mix of listenin…
> 1 year
Average Positive Northampton, England
My process started with a telephone interview, and then I was invited to an assessment centre at their offices with other candidates. It was an intera…
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What to expect
Distilled from the reports
Interview Structure & Format
The interview process includes a mix of phone interviews and an assessment center day, featuring structured activities like presentations, role plays, and competency-based interviews. Candidates appreciated the organized flow and supportive atmosphere throughout the various exercises.
Assessment centerStructured formatRole play
Sales Role Play
A significant component of the interviews is a sales-focused role play where candidates demonstrate their customer interaction skills and ability to close sales. Preparation for this exercise is crucial, as it tests both practical and behavioral aspects of the role.
Sales skillsCustomer interactionRole play
Competency-Based Questions
Candidates should expect in-depth competency-based interviews where they discuss their previous experiences and how they relate to the role. Being prepared with relevant stories and examples is essential for success in this part of the process.
An IT or systems assessment is part of the interview process, focusing on skills like data entry and other technical tasks. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their proficiency in these areas alongside their sales and competency skills.
IT assessmentData entryTechnical skills
Candidate Experience & Feedback
The overall candidate experience is described as welcoming and supportive, with interviewers encouraging candidates to be themselves. Feedback is provided throughout the process, contributing to a transparent and informative experience.
Candidates noted that interviews can be lengthy and intense, with some sessions lasting over an hour and a half. Despite this, the atmosphere remains friendly, allowing candidates to perform at their best without feeling overwhelmed.