I've now applied for Aldi at two different locations, each were slightly different. I was pretty amazed at how lengthy and elaborate the process was for a retail job.
First experience:
- I was invited to a group interview about 2 days after applying.
- The group interview was really casual. There were about 7 applicants (3 female, 4 male). We were instructed to walk around the store and observe how Aldi is different to other supermarkets. We then went into the staff room and interviewed the person next to us (background, why they want to work at Aldi, hobbies etc), so we could introduce them to the rest of the group. We then discussed what we noticed when we walked around the store earlier. We then did a couple of pretty easy group activities. The majority of the time the area manager talked about the company, her role and what Aldi expects and gives to its employees.
- Exactly a week after my group interview I was invited to a one on one interview with the store manager at a different location to the initial interview. It was super quick. I was asked to talk about myself, explain why I want to work for Aldi, where I see myself in 5 years, when am I available to work, if I mind getting sweaty, and if I'm happy to start as early as 6am and stay as late as 10pm. The store manager was so lovely, we talked about other random unrelated stuff as well. She also gave me a form to book a medical assessment.
- Booked the medical for about 3 days after the interview. The same day I went to the second group interview (see below). The medical consisted of testing urine, eye site, hearing, strength, hernia and body movement. Dr also checked heart and lungs.
- That night I was invited to another "final" interview with both the area manager and store manager for later on that week. I was sent a bunch of paper work to print, fill out and bring to the interview. This included a police check form.
- Went to the third and final interview and was basically asked the same questions as the one on one interview, and a few extra scenario questions, some questions about my previous jobs and what they involved and "how would your references describe you?". She really emphasised how physically demanding this role is.
- I'm yet to find out if I got the job or not. I was weirdly nervous at the last interview, despite having answered the questions confidently at the past interview. I'm feeling pretty neutral; I really wouldn't be surprised either way.
- It's been about a 3.5 week process all up.
Second experience:
- I was invited to a group interview about 3 weeks after applying.
- This time there were only 4 of us at the group interview. It was even more casual than the first group interview I did. This time we had to introduce ourselves to the group and say why we want to work at Aldi. We then watched a video about the company, followed by answering questions about said video. The area manager then talked about the Aldi and how they operate. He talked about pay rates, penalty rates, annual leave etc. We then had to find a product that fit a certain criteria within 30 seconds and try to sell it to the group.
- I'm my own toughest critic (seriously!) but I honestly felt like I nailed this interview. I was the first to answer questions, I felt confident and eloquent. Needless to say I received an email 5 days later saying that I didn't get the job.
Whether I get a job with Aldi or not, it was definitely a big learning and growing experience. My advice for future applicants would be to study a bit about Aldi and how they prioritise efficiency to keep their prices low. I'd also practice answering the questions mentioned in this review, as well as others on this site because, unless you're a natural smooth talker, you'll appreciate your efforts to prepare.