I applied online. I interviewed at Ocado Retail (Hatfield, East of England, England) in Feb 2026
Interview
First an initial online application (CV + cover letter), followed by invitiation to complete SHL assessments. These included tests about ability (inductive/deductive reasoning, maths) and a SJT test. Was then invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview (they provided the questions in advance to help with preparation). Finally invited to an assessment day in their Hatfield office.
This included presenting a pre-assigned modelling task (based on their business/customer context) and answering questions on this. Next was a 1:1 interview with a member of the data science team where we were given a handout on linear regression model and asked to explain and answer as many questions about this as possible, and also a handout on a code snippet in Python where we had to answer questions about this, followed as some other behavioural questions. Then was a lunch/informal session with current grads in the same area.
The final task of the day was a group session with about 3 others where we were given handout with data relevant to Ocado's business context, and we had to discuss recommendations together based on this and present to 2 assessors with follow up questions afterwards.
Overall the process was good, with each stage taking no more than 2-3 weeks and regular, clear communication throughout. Assessment day went smoothly, even if some of the technical questions asked were challenging for me.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when you recently used a data science technique
Tell me about a time when you involved others in a group task
What do you think are the biggest data science opportunities for Ocado Retail at the moment?