Careers - Onboarding FAQs

Can I contact someone if I have any questions about a job or the application process?

Yes, you can email our HR department hr@axminstertools.com if you have any questions.

How do I find out the deadline for submitting my application?

This will be detailed within each individual job vacancy.

What happens to my application once it’s submitted?

This will be redacted in line with equal opportunities then passed to the hiring manager.

Can I get feedback on my interview?

Yes, we offer feedback to applicants that have been interviewed.

Can I find out when the interview will be held?

This will be detailed in the invite to interview correspondence.

How can I prepare for my interview?

It is always a pleasure to interview candidates who have a good understanding of the company and history.

Does Axminster Tools offer equal opportunities?

ED&I programme - All employees are encouraged to have a voice and be included through different committees, forums and champion groups. We have a positive working environment policy and ED&I policy. Everyone is treated with respect and fairly. We very much live by our Values at Axminster Tools.

What should I wear to interview?

Unless specified we would expect candidates to dress formally to an interview.

What happens after I apply?

We will contact you confirming whether your application has been shortlisted 7 days after the closing date.

Where is Axminster Tools HQ?

Unit 10 Weycroft Avenue, Axminster EX13 5PH

Can I get to Axminster Tools via public transport?

You can take the south west train stations to Axminster. It is a 30 minute walk to Axminster Tools from the train station or there are buses that travel to the industrial estate where our HQ is located.

Do I need the right to work in the UK?

In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.

What identification do I need to provide?

This is most commonly a passport, however should you not be in possession of a passport, we can advise alternative documents that can be provided.

How long after my interview will it take to know the outcome?

You will be notified within the week if you have been successful.

What will the working hours be?

Working hours will vary depending on the role and department. They are detailed within each individual job vacancy.

What should I know about the company culture?

Our company culture is guided by our values What are your company values?

• Customer first
• Seek Solutions
• Take Ownership
• Show Support
• Value Knowledge
• Honesty

What are the expectations for my position within my probationary period?

There will be certain aspects of your role set out as objectives to support your learning through your probationary period as part of your training which we will expect you to either be meeting or well on your way to meeting. We expect employees to perform as expected throughout their employment and follow our company values and behaviours.

How often will I be reviewed?

During your 12 months you will receive 3, 6, 9 and 12 month reviews.

What are the company’s goals?

To fulfil our company vision and Mission.

How do people prefer to communicate at the office?

We have many different working locations and departments within the company, therefore we often communicate via Teams, email or phone.

What does the company do for team building?

We have weekly team meetings and run team building exercises.

Are there any training opportunities?

We run a successful training programme in many areas of the Company. We encourage employees to learn whether that is through a qualification, or an outside insight (learning from others) or mentoring for your own role. As part of learning we also have a 5% learning initiative where all employees are encouraged to take 5% of their working week for additional learning to support their own development.

Do you have a benefits programme?

Our ethos is that our employees are key to the Company’s success; therefore, we believe that investing heavily in developing staff. Explore the perks and benefits sections of our careers page to find out more.

When do I get paid?

You will be paid into your personal bank account monthly.

Can I work from home occasionally?

We have a hybrid working policy, available for specific job roles.

Why does this company exist?

We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings as a tiny high street store in the market town of Axminster in Devon. Over the past 50 years we’ve built our family business on a foundation of strong customer service values.

What makes you a good employer?

We believe the key to our success lies in our culture. Our aim is not only to run an exceptionally successful business, but also to be a first-class employer that offers a competitive and attractive benefit package which retains and motivates our staff.

How is performance measured?

It is common for people to have a Continuing Professional Plan or Personal Development Plan. It really helps employees focus on their development needs but also acts as a record for their achievements. This can work hand in hand with employee appraisals and reviews. We want our employees to enjoy their work and always be the best version of themselves.

How do you value your employees?

At Axminster we want to show our commitment and appreciation to our workforce in supporting their growth and understand their work aspirations to encourage them to be the best they can. We are building an inclusive Company where we tap into people’s skill sets to support us in our Committees and Forums, as well as projects and initiatives; we want to encourage people to try something different. By having a more agile attitude, we can build a future where we use skill sets in many different ways.

How do I integrate into the company?

Axminster Tools has a very successful Buddy scheme, it has been developed to provide new employees with a friendly face to turn to, who can help explain things and allow them to settle into the role quickly. This will help to promote communication across departments from the offset, increasing the new employees’ confidence with different colleagues.

How will I remember everyone’s name?

We have our own company intranet which includes a staff directory and lots of other useful information on our policies, procedures, news, updates and committees and hubs.

Am I expected to answer emails out-of-hours?

We encourage all staff to have a positive and happy work life balance, however depending upon your role there may be the occasional times where this is required but it is not a general rule – as a family company, family and personal time is important.

Do you have an employee referral program?

Yes, we have a refer a friend scheme, the referrer must be a staff member of the Company. To qualify for a reward, the referred co must have passed their probationary period and become a permanent member of staff. The monetary reward is subject to tax and national insurance.

What Mental Health and Wellbeing support do you offer?

Having a modern and friendly environment for our workforce is at the heart of our company; we encourage all staff to be ambitious and we have a strong learning and development ethos together with a wellbeing and mental health programme, to support our employee’s lifestyles. We also have staff who are mental health champions and all of our employees have access to a free external counsellor.