The Role and Value of a Tesco Fresh Food Counter Assistant (Deli, Meat, Fish)
A Tesco Fresh Food Counter Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring excellent customer service and maintaining the quality and hygiene standards of Tesco’s fresh food sections. Whether handling premium cuts of meat, preparing delicious deli products, or advising customers on fresh fish selections, this role is key to creating a positive shopping experience. As the face of Tesco’s fresh food counters, assistants are expected to be knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient, often multitasking between food prep, customer service, and stock management.
Job responsibilities typically include:
Serving customers at the deli, meat, and fish counters
Preparing and displaying products attractively
Following food safety and hygiene regulations
Managing stock levels and rotating products
Answering customer queries and offering meal ideas
The average salary for this role ranges between £10.42 and £11.50 per hour, depending on experience and region, with additional perks such as Tesco employee discounts, flexible working hours, and potential career progression.
Here are the 20 most common Tesco Fresh Food Counter Assistant interview questions along with strong sample answers to help you succeed:
Why do you want to work as a Fresh Food Counter Assistant at Tesco?
Answer: I’m passionate about food and enjoy interacting with people. Tesco’s reputation for quality and customer care aligns with my personal values, and I’d love the opportunity to contribute to a positive shopping experience by delivering excellent service at the fresh counters.
What experience do you have working with food or in customer service?
Answer: I worked part-time at a local bakery where I handled food prep and customer service. I learned how to maintain hygiene, manage queues, and offer product recommendations.
How would you handle a customer who is unsure what they want to buy?
Answer: I’d ask a few friendly questions about what they’re cooking or looking for and use my knowledge of our products to offer helpful suggestions, possibly recommending a popular item or a good deal.
What steps do you take to ensure food safety?
Answer: I follow proper handwashing techniques, wear gloves where necessary, ensure equipment and surfaces are cleaned regularly, and store food at the correct temperatures.
How do you handle a busy period with many customers waiting?
Answer: I stay calm, stay efficient, and acknowledge customers with eye contact and a smile. If needed, I’d politely inform them of a short wait and ensure each customer still receives personal attention.
Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.
Answer: A customer once complained about the portion size of a product. I listened patiently, apologized, and offered to replace it with a larger piece at no extra charge. They left satisfied.
How would you maintain hygiene and cleanliness on your counter?
Answer: I’d clean as I go, sanitize surfaces regularly, follow a cleaning checklist, and ensure proper stock rotation to avoid waste or spoilage.
What do you know about the products in our deli, meat, and fish counters?
Answer: Tesco offers a variety of meats, charcuterie, cheeses, and seafood, often sourced locally. I would stay updated on promotions and product details to confidently advise customers.
How would you respond if you didn’t know the answer to a customer’s question?
Answer: I’d let them know I’m unsure but offer to find the answer by checking with a colleague or consulting product information. It’s important not to guess and always follow up.
Can you describe a time when you worked well in a team?
Answer: During the holidays at my previous job, we coordinated breaks and tasks as a team to handle the rush. Good communication and mutual support helped us get through busy shifts smoothly.
What would you do if a customer asked for a product we no longer have in stock?
Answer: I’d apologize, check for alternatives or restock info, and recommend a similar product if available. If possible, I’d offer to inform them when it’s next expected.
How do you ensure you’re meeting Tesco’s customer service standards?
Answer: I stay friendly, listen actively, respond promptly, and aim to go the extra mile — whether offering cooking advice or simply greeting customers warmly.
How would you manage food waste on your shift?
Answer: I’d follow the FIFO (first in, first out) method for stock rotation, monitor expiry dates, and alert supervisors if something is nearing its date so it can be marked down or used promptly.
What would you do if you saw a co-worker not following hygiene protocols?
Answer: I’d respectfully remind them of the correct procedure or inform a supervisor if needed. Food safety is everyone’s responsibility.
How do you stay motivated during quiet periods?
Answer: I use that time to clean, restock, check dates on products, or prepare displays. Staying proactive keeps me productive and ready for the next customer.
Are you comfortable handling raw meat and fish?
Answer: Yes, I understand the importance of hygiene and proper handling, and I’m happy to undergo any training required to ensure safe preparation.
What does great customer service mean to you?
Answer: It means meeting customer needs promptly and cheerfully, making them feel valued, and ensuring they leave with a positive impression of Tesco.
How do you prioritize tasks during your shift?
Answer: I focus on what’s urgent — such as serving customers — then move to stocking, cleaning, or prep work. If unsure, I ask my supervisor for guidance.
Do you have any knowledge of allergens or dietary needs?
Answer: Yes, I understand the importance of allergen information and would always check product labels or ask a supervisor before advising a customer.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Answer: I hope to grow within Tesco, possibly into a team leader or supervisor role. I’m excited by the opportunity to develop my skills and contribute to the business long-term.
Final Words of Encouragement and Interview Tips
Interviewing for a Tesco Fresh Food Counter Assistant role is your chance to shine as someone who values quality service, cleanliness, and customer care. Be confident, smile, and show enthusiasm for the products and people you’ll be working with. Remember to:
Arrive early and dress appropriately (clean, neat, and professional)
Bring examples of relevant experience
Research Tesco’s brand values and food safety practices
Practice speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview (e.g., training or progression opportunities)
With preparation, authenticity, and a customer-first mindset, you’re well on your way to landing the job. Good luck – you’ve got this!
