A career as a Forecourt Assistant at BP petrol stations offers a unique opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading energy retailers. This role is essential to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, excellent customer service, and a safe and welcoming environment for all customers. Forecourt Assistants are responsible for handling transactions at the till, maintaining the forecourt and store, refueling vehicles, and providing helpful guidance to customers. The average salary for this role ranges between £9.50 – £11 per hour, with opportunities for career growth and internal progression within BP.
Preparation is key to standing out in your interview, and understanding the type of questions you may face can give you a significant advantage. Here, we provide 25 detailed interview questions and answers tailored to a BP Forecourt Assistant role, along with guidance on competency-based questions using the STAR model, sample opening questions, ending questions, and practical tips.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is usually the opening question. Keep it concise, relevant, and professional.
Answer:
“I’ve worked in customer service for the past three years, helping customers efficiently and ensuring a positive experience. I’m reliable, enjoy teamwork, and I have experience handling cash and operating a till. I’m particularly excited about this role at BP because I value excellent customer service and a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors.”
Tip: Focus on skills that match the Forecourt Assistant responsibilities.
2. Why do you want to work at BP?
Answer:
“I admire BP’s reputation for customer service and commitment to safety. I’m eager to contribute to a team where I can interact with customers daily, maintain a clean and organized forecourt, and support the smooth running of the store. BP also provides opportunities to grow within the company, which is important to me.”
3. What makes you a good fit for this role?
Answer:
“My experience in fast-paced retail environments has taught me to stay calm under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and provide excellent service. I also take pride in maintaining a clean workspace and ensuring customer satisfaction, which aligns perfectly with BP’s standards for Forecourt Assistants.”
4. Describe a time you provided excellent customer service (STAR)
Answer using STAR:
Situation: “A customer was unhappy because their card payment had failed.”
Task: “I needed to resolve the issue quickly and ensure the customer left satisfied.”
Action: “I calmly checked the payment system, offered alternative payment methods, and explained the situation politely.”
Result: “The customer successfully paid, thanked me for my patience, and complimented our service.”
5. How do you handle difficult customers?
Answer:
“I remain calm, listen carefully to their concerns, and empathize with their situation. I then offer a solution within my role’s scope. If the situation escalates, I involve a supervisor to ensure it’s resolved professionally.”
6. Can you handle cash and card payments accurately?
Answer:
“Yes, I have experience managing till operations, giving correct change, reconciling end-of-day balances, and ensuring transactions are accurate. Accuracy is a priority to maintain trust and avoid discrepancies.”
7. How do you prioritise tasks during busy periods?
Answer:
“I assess tasks based on urgency and importance, complete customer-facing duties first, and then manage stock, cleaning, and other responsibilities. Staying organised and calm helps me handle peak times effectively.”
8. Give an example of teamwork at work (STAR)
Answer using STAR:
Situation: “During a weekend rush, our team was short-staffed.”
Task: “We needed to maintain service quality despite the high customer volume.”
Action: “I coordinated with colleagues, helped on the till, and ensured shelves were stocked.”
Result: “We managed all customers efficiently, received positive feedback, and met all operational targets.”
9. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard on the forecourt?
Answer:
“I would immediately address the hazard by warning customers, following BP’s safety procedures, and reporting the issue to a supervisor to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.”
10. How do you ensure accuracy when handling fuel pumps or transactions?
Answer:
“I double-check the pump readings, confirm the type of fuel requested, verify payments, and maintain a careful record of transactions. Attention to detail is crucial to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings.”
11. Describe a time you resolved a problem at work (STAR)
Answer using STAR:
Situation: “A customer could not find a product on the shelves.”
Task: “I needed to assist promptly to avoid frustration.”
Action: “I checked our stock, located the product, and offered a suitable alternative.”
Result: “The customer left satisfied and praised my helpfulness.”
12. How do you deal with repetitive tasks?
Answer:
“I focus on efficiency while maintaining high standards. I set small goals to stay motivated and ensure that consistency doesn’t compromise quality.”
13. How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague?
Answer:
“I would discuss the issue calmly, listen to their perspective, and aim for a practical solution. Maintaining professionalism and respect is key, especially in a team-oriented environment like BP.”
14. Have you worked with health and safety procedures?
Answer:
“Yes, I’ve followed strict health and safety guidelines in previous roles, including cleaning protocols, safe handling of equipment, and reporting hazards. I understand BP prioritises safety both for staff and customers.”
15. What motivates you to do your best at work?
Answer:
“Providing excellent customer service, working in a supportive team, and achieving daily operational goals motivate me. I enjoy making a positive difference in someone’s day.”
16. How do you handle stress during peak hours?
Answer:
“I stay organised, break tasks into manageable steps, and focus on one task at a time. Taking deep breaths and maintaining a positive attitude helps me stay effective under pressure.”
17. What are your strengths relevant to this role?
Answer:
“My strengths include reliability, customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork. I am also comfortable handling cash and stock management, all crucial for a Forecourt Assistant.”
18. What are your weaknesses, and how are you improving them?
Answer:
“I sometimes overthink minor mistakes, but I’ve learned to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on errors. This approach helps me remain productive and confident.”
19. Describe a time you followed instructions carefully (STAR)
Answer using STAR:
Situation: “I was tasked with a new stock management system.”
Task: “I needed to accurately enter data to prevent errors.”
Action: “I read instructions carefully, asked questions where necessary, and double-checked entries.”
Result: “The system ran smoothly, and I avoided mistakes.”
20. Why should we hire you?
Answer:
“I bring reliability, strong customer service skills, and experience in fast-paced retail environments. I’m eager to contribute to BP’s standards for safety and service while continuing to grow professionally.”
21. How would you upsell products at the forecourt?
Answer:
“I would engage customers politely, suggest relevant products based on their needs, and highlight promotions. The key is to offer genuine value rather than pushy sales.”
22. How do you ensure the forecourt is clean and welcoming?
Answer:
“I maintain regular checks, promptly address spills, tidy shelves, and ensure bins are emptied. A clean, safe environment enhances customer satisfaction.”
23. Can you describe a time you received constructive feedback?
Answer:
“My manager suggested improving my speed during peak hours. I took it on board, practised multitasking, and now handle busy periods more efficiently without sacrificing service quality.”
24. Ending question: Do you have any questions for us?
Answer:
“Yes, I’d love to learn more about career progression opportunities at BP and how the team supports new staff to excel.”
25. Do’s and Don’ts for your BP interview
Do’s:
Arrive early and dress professionally.
Use the STAR method for competency questions.
Show enthusiasm for customer service and teamwork.
Maintain good eye contact and body language.
Ask insightful questions at the end.
Don’ts:
Don’t speak negatively about past employers.
Don’t exaggerate skills or experience.
Avoid interrupting the interviewer.
Don’t appear unprepared or disengaged.
Interview Coaching Tips and Encouragement
Preparing for your BP Forecourt Assistant interview doesn’t need to be stressful. Practising sample questions, reviewing your experiences, and structuring answers using the STAR model can boost confidence and performance. Remember, interviewers are looking for reliability, enthusiasm, and excellent customer service skills—qualities you can demonstrate with clear examples and positive energy.
To further strengthen your chances, consider interview training, booking an interview coach, or engaging in interview coaching online sessions. Comprehensive job interview preparation ensures you can confidently handle both routine and competency questions while leaving a lasting impression.
With the right preparation and mindset, you can approach your BP Forecourt Assistant interview with calm, confidence, and clarity. Take the opportunity to practice, refine your answers, and showcase the best version of yourself. For personalised guidance and mock interviews, book interview coaching today and take a confident step toward securing your role.
