Aldi Interview Questions & Answers

The application was in various stages.

1: Online application and competency based questionnaire.
This was your average competency questionnaire ('Give an example of when you demonstrated leadership?' etc), along with questions such as 'Why Aldi?'.

2: Several weeks after filling in the online application I was invited to the regional HQ for a group interview.
This was with the regional MD and about 10-15 other applicants. It was very informal; and was a question and answer situation. A word of advice is to make sure you speak up and be heard. It's too easy to fall into the background in formats like this, and as the MD is only choosing a few of you, you should aim to make him remember you. I heard back the next day saying I had been selected to advance to the next round, and was asked to fill in an online psychometric test. This basically is looking to see if you fit the role they're looking for. So a tip: answer all the leadership questions as very relevant to you!

3: I was then invited to a 2:1 interview with the regional MD (from the first interview) and their logistics director.
Before the interview began, I was given some numerical and verbal reasoning tests to complete. You get 20 minutes for 3 pages of tests. No calculator, so I suggest brushing up on maths involving fractions, percentages and decimals!
Next, the interview. Again, this was very informal; and was a bit of a CV run through, but mostly a general chat about my background and reasoning behind my application.
Again, very prompt return and heard back in 2 days.

3. The final interview was with a current Area manager in store.
At this point, you are down to about a 1:3 chance of getting the job. This was again very informal. They give a run through of their lives and career and then ask for the same. Then it's a bit of a Q and A, to see if you have any questions you need answering. I suggest getting a few ready!

I heard back about a week later, and got offered two starting dates; one in Sept and one in Feb. I shall be taking the February date.

'Your degree was in .... and your masters was in.... so why Aldi?'
I find this a difficult question as most people's degrees aren't in business or a related field, so you have to be able to convince them that you want the job.

'What attracts you to the retail market at the moment?'

Again, just brush up on current news.

I would suggest before going into the initial interview, to get a good grasp of background knowledge of Aldi, but also what makes their business model different, and their current offers etc. If you can visit a store, that would be best. There are a lot of competitive candidates and you need to be able to stand out.

With regards to the second and third interviews; just be yourself, and be confident. They want you to instil confidence that you would be the right choice, and they want leaders. So when they ask why you want the job/why they should hire you, you need to be able to answer that.

Q and A. Numerical and Verbal tests.

The first stage of the application process was an online application, which included academic qualifications, employment history and some general questions.
I then was invited to an group interview/ assessment center day. There were approx 12 of us on the day, overlooked by two senior members of Aldi. We had to give a timed, 2 min presentation introducing ourselves to the group. We were then given a problem solving scenario and split into groups to debate the outcome under timed conditions, and then report back our decision and why. We had to give a second 2 min presentation on a topic of interest, followed by paper-based, maths, verbal and logical reasoning tests. It all lasted around 2 hours.
I think the key here is to strike a good balance between being able to lead a team but also still be part of the team/ not be too overbearing.

I received a letter about a month later inviting me for a one-on-one interview with the Regional Director, and to complete an online personality test prior to the interview. This interview was more focused on me as a person: what I could bring to the company; how my degree was relevant; hardest decision I've ever had to make; where do I see myself in 10 years? Etc. I was also asked to complete a 10 min task to chronologically order the stages involved arranging a meeting (I presume to test my organisational/reasoning skills).
I received a letter about a week later offering me the job :)

"How does your degree equip you for working in a discount-retail environment?"

We were told on multiple occasions at the assessment center that the company looks for a very specific 'type' of person; that they know exactly what they are looking for and it's 'very niche'. So it's hard to say really what they're looking for. The best advice I can give is to be confident and approachable, but also remember that a manager is a team player, as well as a team leader, so try not to be overly domineering in group tasks.
Neither the assessment day or the one-on-one interviews were particularly intimidating, everyone was very friendly. So embrace the experience, and just give it your all.

There were about 12 of us at the assessment center, overlooked by two senior members of Aldi.
- We first had to give a 2 min presentation introducing ourselves. This was timed, which was important as here they want to see not only how confident you are in addressing an audience, but also that you are able to sustain the audience for a relative period of time and that you have a fair idea about timings. Also be sure to pay good attention to other people, because the position is all about being able to work well with others (i.e being interested and listening to what they have to say.)
- We were then split into two groups for a problem solving exercise. The scenario was that we had a life raft which could only fit 5 out of the 6 of us, and so our task was to decide who to leave behind. We were each assigned a character whose personality we had to assume. This again was timed. I think the key here was to be able to give a reasoned argument as to your ideas and be subtly persuasive, but not overbearing. (Try to strike a balance between giving your ideas and encouraging others/ listening to their ideas). I was outnumbered, but it was important that I noticed this and compromised with the group.
- We had to give a second 2 min presentation (which we had a minute to prepare for) on something we were passionate about. This again was testing the same skills as the first presentation. Try and talk about something that someone else is not likely to talk about- perhaps a hobby, a sport etc as it will keep people engaged. But stick to something you know plenty about, because this will help your confidence. I'd advise using the minute to plan, to focus on a structure to what you're going to say, so that the presentation is clear.
- There were then three short, paper-based, tests we had to complete. A maths, verbal reasoning and a logical reasoning test. Each was about 10-15 questions and timed at approx 5 mins each. These were fairly basic, but you can't use a calculator so brush up on basic maths (i.e. fractions/percentages/ratios/basic multiplication etc)
- Finally we were given the opportunity to ask any questions. Try to go prepared with 3/4 questions, just in case someone else beats you to it. Be careful to do your research; don't ask things which you could find the answer to yourself on google. But do try and ask something, as this gets you noticed and shows your enthusiasm for the company.

After completing the online application, I received a letter inviting me to attend a group interview at the regional head office in Darlington. When I arrived, there was about 16 of us. I'm pretty sure they left us so long in their reception to supervise how we were with the other candidates. Then we went into a room where we were given a questionnaire to fill in. This just asked basic questions like where i'd heard about the scheme, why I applied.
We were then given our first exercise- 2 minutes to prepare a 2 minute presentation on anything but ourselves, no less and no more. Some people really struggled with this. There were some awkward moments when people ran out of things to say, and the interviewee just stared at the person until the timer ran out. Those who talked about a hobby- and had a purpose/argument to their talk- did ok. 2 minutes constantly talking is longer than you think.
Then we were given two tests to complete in 6 minutes- a verbal reasoning test and a maths test. The maths was GCSE standard- but i know some who hadn't brushed up on their maths struggled a little.
We were then given a group negotiation exercise of being plane crash survivors. Firstly, we had to individually order a list of items in terms of their importance for survival and then as a group we had to compile a list. This is to look at how good you are at persuading and influencing others, because it was assessed on how different your list was from the group's. Everyone tries to shout over here and be the leader- but its more important to show that you are active (so make sure you say something) and persuasive, but you're not going to be a bull in a china shop as it were.
Then the interviewer talked more about the job, we were given an information booklet and were told more about aldi as a company. The group interview ended with a Q&A time, but we ended up going round all asking a couple of questions- by the time it got to the 12th person, candidates were frantically thinking of what else to ask and the questions got a bit silly- which the interviewer didn't really find funny.So my advice would be don't follow the crowd- if you don't have a genuine question, just say so.
The final stage was a one-to-one interview, again at the regional centre. This was a lot less formal (and scary) than the group interview, and was just more of a chat with the managing director. I had read before the interview, and expected, the questions to be quite personal- asking about where I lived, whether I had siblings, what my parents do for a living etc. However, he didn't really go into these questions like I expected.
All the contact I had with aldi was via letters and not by phone or email, so watch out for the letterbox. I put my home address on the application, and if it wasn't for my mum accidentally opening the letter whilst I was still at university it would have been missed. The letter also didn't give much away about what the interviews would consist of. I was disappointed that when I didn't get the job Aldi wouldn't give me any feedback on my interview performance, despite getting down to the final few.

What makes you the most happy? What makes you upset?

Be confident in whatever you can do. Aldi want leaders who will go on to be directors within the company. I think where I fell down is that in the final interview I was very nervous and I think this showed through.
Aldi aren't secretive about the amount of work and hours the job involves, and you need to show that you are prepared to work hard. I've been told that the Darlington area managers tend to work 60-70 hours a week, whereas in other areas this differs, such as in the middleton where its 60-80 hours a week. Don't bother going through the process if you're only in it for the car and the salary; you won't get far.
In the group interview, you don't necessarily need to try and lead - its more important to show that you're getting on with doing the actual task in hand, and have the ability to justify your points and persuade others.
Finally, just be normal as it were. As well as emphasising their need for hard workers, throughout the interviewer just said they want friendly people who are good with others. Show your personality and people skills off- the more you interact with the other candidates the better. After all, the job is not just logistics and running of the store, its looking after Aldi's people too.

See description above. There was 16 of us, had 2 minutes to prepare a 2 minute presentation, had 6 minutes to do a maths and verbal reasoning test, had 6 minutes to order a list of objects in importance for survival, then 8 minutes to order a group of the same objects, then there was a Q&A session to finish the day.

1. Online application
This included employment history, and questions like where you have obtained leadership skills, etc. Very straightforward.

2. Group interview
Around 12 of us in a room. Started off going round the room taking turns making a speech about ourselves, our degree and why we were there. After that, it mainly focused on what we knew about Aldi as well as any additional information given by the regional manager.

3. Psychometric testing
Online personality questionnaire which assessed suitability to the job.

3. Two-on-one interview
This interview was around 3 weeks after the group interview. Started with a 3-part test which included assessment on verbal reasoning and numerical tests. Followed by an hour-long interview with the regional manager (who led the group interview) and the logistic director. Was rather informal and focussed on my life story and experiences as well as questions like "Why Aldi?". Was also shown the results from the online psychometric testing.

4. Meeting with current area manager in an Aldi store
Awaiting final stage to interview process.

Your degree is in ... so why Aldi?

I would read up as much as possible about the company beforehand which should include looking thoroughly through the website and their business model.
It's also very important to visit a store and to see what offers etc. they have on.
Definitely prepare answers to any difficult questions and maybe revise GCSE Maths for the tests just to be sure, and feel extra confident!

Not given any group tasks as such, just the 3-part test which I was given 15 minutes to complete as is impossible to complete on time.

filled out application form, attached my CV and Covering letter. was called to assessment for a group interview. had a chance to introduce myself. followed by a presentation (2 min) about anything at all. they give you some time to prepare prior to that. there was Q&A session.they want to know whether you are really motivated enough for this job.

survival exercise.. were given a list of things to choose from.

they want to know if you have done in-depth research about the company so everything from latest news to competitors. also, how aldi can improve services. whats good/bad

just be confident. do your research on the company. make sure you know what the role is all about and you will be expected to do in your role as an area manager. they expect people who are hardworking with leadership skills.

it was tough. there wasn't enough time to prepare for the presentation bit. had no idea what to talk about. i had already spoke about my educational and work experiences when presenting some facts about myself in the beginning.

In the second interview, the relaxed theme continued. It was a run through of my CV and family history along with a few pressure points where I was pressed.

At Aldi we don't use trade unions. How do you react to that?
I don't think you've got the grit to dismiss someone. What do you think?

In the group interview, just give off a focused impression. You need to be a cool operator and, more important than anything, listen to what everyone is saying.

In the debate session, be prepared to argue your point convincingly - whether you believe in it or not you must be able to sell an idea or at least build a coherent argument with sound reasoning without being overbearing on the other candidates.

For your presentation, choose something original that nobody else has. They don't want to hear about the rich boy's gap yah to Thailand, they want to see a part of your character through an interesting insight into your life.

MOST IMPORTANTLY do your research thoroughly!! They'll spot you a mile off if you haven't done it, a couple of hours a day for two weeks should do the trick,

The group interview was surprising - there were no verbal or numerical reasoning tests despite spending weeks preparing for them. The interviewer told us that they liked to shake up the process a little so that we didn't believe everything we read online. At the start we were asked to prepare a list of the horrendous things we had heard about Aldi - which went on to being told it was that and much worse. Following that, we had 2 minutes to plan a 1.5 minute presentation on anything we liked. After that, we had to use a Matrix to plan within a group, then say who contributed most and who contributed least. After that, we were asked to debate - one group had one opinion and the other side of the room had the opposite, then we were asked to switch our roles and argue the opposite side. There was time for Q&A at the end. Be aware - Aldi as a company operates as different companies depending on which part of the country you're in, so interviews may well be different everywhere.

Aldi's recruitment process is as follows:

Online application (info about yourself, education, work experience)
Situational questions (v. basic)
Verbal, Numerical and Diagrammatical Tests
Video Interview (9 questions, 30 seconds to prepare for each)
Group Assessment Centre
Final Interview

"Describe a time that you have set high standards for yourself?"

My main advice is to fully research the company to give support in your answers but also to help you understand if you do present a suitable fit to the company and to the programme - it's your career!

I can't comment on that yet but I have read from others that it is more laid back than you think, although due to their criteria being so specific it is vital that if you get to the assessment centre you have to try and stand out from the rest and really prove that you've done your research on the company.
They want to see that you have the ability to lead others yet aren't too dominant and forceful in your approach - after all, it's important that you try to get on with others and build positive working relationships.

First was an online application which was fairly simple in terms of questions asked,
If you succeed in this you're invited to a group assessment centre which was the toughest aspect. If you succeed on this you are then invited to a one on one interview with the director, this is your standard CV run through and competency based interview.

What is our five year plan and how are we going to compete with other market leaders?

Research the background and current plans of Aldi thoroughly and it's competitors as you are quizzed around this quite heavily.

The assessment centre is tough, first you are given 15 mins to prepare for a short 2 minute presentation on something you are passionate about. Then you have your numerical and verbal reasoning tests which you don't have long for at all. After that it is a group task where you have to prioritise 10 items that would be useful if you were stranded in the Antarctic. Here they are looking for a leader and someone to take charge of the situation.

The video interview consisted of about five questions. Your camera and mic are set up online and you are then ready to go.

There are a couple of informative videos, showing what to expect, how to dress (joggers on the bottom if you like but smart for the camera).

A practice question is given, and when you are ready you proceed to the formal interview. Each question is shown, then a countdown timer starts and on '0' the recording starts. I can't remember all the questions but these are the ones I can

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about Aldi from your research?

What qualities do you think the placement will bring out in you?

I'm sorry I really can't remember the rest

That's about it really, you answer the questions, and receive a confirmation email.

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt about Aldi from your research?

This was hard for me as I hadn't done much research so had to really think on the spot.

Really be yourself. Obviously you need to tailor your answers to what the company want to hear, but Aldi will be looking at your videos and if you don't smile/laugh a bit/show off some personality it will be very hard to get excited by your answers.

N/A

I received an email in December 2014 from Aldi telling me I was successful with their initial CV check, and was asked to attend a group interview with their at their North-West headquarters in Neston. I arrived with plenty of time to spare and slowly more and more people filtered into the waiting room. Eventually the twelve of us were invited through into a board room - very corporate looking - and we sat round a table waiting for our interviewer, who ended up being their managing director of that region.

When he arrived he seemed relatively laid back and informal. He began by asking us to go round, each briefly telling him our name, where we are at university (if we were), when our degree will be completed, and to explain in 30 seconds why we had applied for this role. This seemed simple enough, giving us an opportunity to speak directly with him, and I found the more relaxed speakers came across the best. Some people seemed very wooden and rehearsed which was surprising.

After this brief introduction he explained that this would be not be a conventional assessment centre, and the interview would proceed with him asking some questions about the company, before giving us a chance to ask questions and invoke discussion.

He asked simple things like the history of the company, whether it is privately or publicly owned, how the company is split (Aldi North and Aldi South), and about the produce they supply to the customers, etc. These question were fairly simple for those who had done their research, but it also meant that those who weren't sure on some answers weren't caught out given they were open questions to the group, and plenty of people were fighting to get their voices heard.

This took 45 minutes to an hour, before asking if we had any questions. He explained that this was a tough job and we need to ask our questions now so each person can assess whether Aldi is right for them, as well as whether they are right for Aldi. This process took another hour (so 2 hours in total) and those people who were calm, collected and asked good, honest questions appeared to be the most applicable for the job.

I heard back within a few weeks and was asked back for a second, 1-on-1 interview with the same manager. This process began, however, with a 15 minute assessment on basic mathematical reasoning, verbal reasoning and logical deduction. For example there were questions which followed the structure 'in a museum, if exhibition A is on a floor above exhibition B, and exhibition C is above exhibition D, but C is below A, and if exhibition E was moved from above B to below C, then what exhibition is on the 4th level?' They were basic questions, and if one used a piece of scrap paper then all the questions were deducible and answerable.

I was then lead upstairs to the interview room and met with the managing director once again. This interview was more personal, and it felt somewhat relaxed as he simply wanted to get to know me. He began by asking me to run him from the age of 0 up to the age of 21. So this was easy, telling him about my family, where I grew up, went to school, etc. Adding in relevant things about my work experience, etc.

He would ask question as I went through, and asked me questions at the end. None about the company, just personal questions which were easy to answer. Once again he finished by asking if I had any questions for him. There was an emphasis on making sure I knew everything I needed to know, so ask as many questions as you can think of!

I received an email the next day telling me I had been unsuccessful, but they declined to give any feedback which seemed odd given I had met this man twice already.

Overall the interview process was wide-ranging, giving you and them the best chance to get to know each other.

No classic interview questions.

Simple business questions like 'Why might it be better to be a privately owned business than a publicly owned one?'

The position appeals to a lot of people for the money and the perks, but as I reached the latter stages of the process I realised the job may only suit a select few. So go ahead with the process but be aware that the position at the end of it will be extremely hard work, and don't expect to have your hand held. I realised when I was eventually rejected that I was relieved.

The company is all about efficiency, and that is what you ought to expect; an efficient, corporate organisation. This may not suit everybody.

The assessment centre was termed an 'assessment centre', but in fact it was a basic question and answer scenario; not at all what I was expecting.