Tesco, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, relies heavily on self-service checkout technology to deliver fast and efficient customer service. Behind each of these stations is a Self-Service Checkout Host—a friendly, tech-savvy, and customer-focused professional who ensures a smooth shopping experience.
The Self-Service Checkout Host plays a key role in keeping queues moving, helping customers with scanning errors, managing age-restricted purchases, and providing overall support with the checkout system. This role demands strong communication skills, patience, and a problem-solving mindset.
Typical salary for a Tesco Self-Service Checkout Host ranges between £10.42 and £11.50 per hour, depending on experience and location. It’s an ideal role for those seeking entry into retail, part-time work, or a flexible schedule.
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are 20 common interview questions for this position—complete with suggested answers.
Tell me about yourself.
This is your chance to introduce your background briefly.
Example: “I’m a friendly and proactive person with strong customer service experience from my previous job in hospitality. I enjoy helping people and solving problems, which makes me excited about the opportunity to work at Tesco.”
Why do you want to work as a Self-Service Checkout Host at Tesco?
Demonstrate your understanding of the role and brand.
Example: “I enjoy interacting with people and helping them have a smooth shopping experience. I also admire Tesco’s reputation for great customer service, and I’d love to be part of that.”
What do you know about Tesco?
Research is key.
Example: “Tesco is one of the largest retailers in the UK, known for value, variety, and community engagement. I admire its initiatives around sustainability and helping local charities.”
How would you help a customer struggling to use the self-service till?
Show empathy and problem-solving.
Example: “I’d approach the customer politely, ask if they need help, and guide them through the process calmly, making sure they feel comfortable and not rushed.”
What would you do if a customer became frustrated or rude?
Focus on professionalism.
Example: “I’d stay calm and listen to their concerns. I’d apologise for any inconvenience and do my best to resolve the issue quickly or call a supervisor if needed.”
How do you stay focused during long shifts?
Mention stamina and mindset.
Example: “I like to stay mentally engaged by keeping a positive attitude and reminding myself that every customer deserves my full attention.”
What would you do if a customer scanned items incorrectly or intentionally tried to avoid scanning them?
This tests integrity.
Example: “I’d remain professional and discreet. I’d notify my supervisor or follow company protocol to address the issue calmly and appropriately.”
Can you handle repetitive tasks?
Speak honestly and positively.
Example: “Yes. I find satisfaction in routine tasks and focus on doing them efficiently and consistently well.”
Are you comfortable handling age-restricted items like alcohol?
Yes or no, and why.
Example: “Yes, I’m comfortable following ID verification procedures and understand how important it is to follow legal and store policies.”
How do you prioritise tasks when it’s busy?
Time management is key.
Example: “I focus on the most urgent issues—like a malfunctioning till or upset customer—while staying alert to ongoing needs.”
Have you ever worked with technology before?
Show related skills.
Example: “Yes, I’ve used point-of-sale systems and basic troubleshooting steps. I’m comfortable learning new tech quickly.”
How would you handle multiple customers needing help at once?
Demonstrate calm under pressure.
Example: “I’d acknowledge each one quickly and prioritize based on urgency, perhaps helping the one whose transaction is stuck first while reassuring the others I’ll be with them shortly.”
How would your previous manager describe you?
Let your strengths shine.
Example: “They would say I’m reliable, customer-focused, and always ready to help teammates.”
What does good customer service mean to you?
Define it clearly.
Example: “It means being attentive, helpful, polite, and making sure every customer leaves satisfied—even if there was a problem at first.”
Are you comfortable working early mornings, evenings, or weekends?
Answer honestly.
Example: “Yes, I’m flexible and understand that retail often involves varied shifts.”
How do you handle feedback or criticism?
Stay positive.
Example: “I appreciate feedback because it helps me grow. I take it seriously and use it to improve my performance.”
Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
Give a specific story.
Example: “At my previous job, a customer couldn’t find a particular product. I not only showed them where it was but also helped them compare different options until they were happy.”
How do you stay motivated doing similar tasks daily?
Speak to your mindset.
Example: “I focus on the positive impact I can make on someone’s day, and I enjoy interacting with different people each shift.”
What would you do if a self-service till suddenly stopped working?
Problem-solving test.
Example: “I’d follow the standard troubleshooting steps I was trained on and notify the appropriate team if needed, while helping the customer move to another till.”
Do you have any questions for us?
Always say yes!
Example: “Yes, can you tell me more about the training process? And how do you support employee development?”
Final Tips to Ace Your Tesco Interview
Preparing for a retail interview is as much about mindset as it is about rehearsing answers. Here are a few final tips to help you succeed:
Smile and stay friendly throughout the interview—Tesco looks for people who are approachable and polite.
Dress smartly and arrive on time.
Practice your answers aloud to boost confidence.
Bring a copy of your CV, even if they already have it.
Ask thoughtful questions that show genuine interest in the role.
Above all, be yourself. Tesco wants employees who are dependable, customer-oriented, and ready to make someone’s day better—even if it’s just through a self-checkout screen. Good luck!
