Retail Assistant applicants have rated the interview process at Waitrose with 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 100% positive. To compare, the company-average is 82% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
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I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Waitrose in Sep 2020
Interview
Initially applied online, had to do quite a few online tests which seemed unnecessary as it's for stacking shelves essentially. Took them MONTHS to get back to me then I had a phone interview and got the job!
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Waitrose (London, England) in Jan 2019
Interview
Group exercise followed by an interview. The interview was individual and consisted of a combination of competency and general knowledge about Waitrose questions. Fairly straightforward. The interview lasted approximately 20 minutes.
I applied online. I interviewed at Waitrose (Stockport, England) in Aug 2017
Interview
Online assessment involving situational questions and ranking of decisions. Self explanatory.
Either 1:1 + a group assessment or the otherway around. I had the group assessment first followed with the 1:1 with a section manager.
Group assessment:
A workday scenario with developing events. Every candidate is given a colleague/partner specification and needs to take the relevant information into account when discussing it with others. The shop needs cover in certain areas and there are certain events that need to take priority. What you say isn't really important its more so they can see how you communicate and deal with others. I felt that I didn't do particularly well and wasn't really vocal enough but I still got the job. Perhaps due to my 1:1 interview. About half way through the scenario another situation develops and this needs to be taken into account. I won't say what it is because it makes the awkward assessment easier and lightens the mood so take advantage of that and laugh out any worries.
1:1
This is more of a discussion about the managers time at Waitrose before you have time to proprely introduce yourself. I was able to relate and build up a healthy conversation with the interviewer which is why I think I got the job. Simple question that you should expect
Advice? Do some research about the company and think about why you would like to work for them. Look at their company structure, principles and values.
Good luck.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Q. General questions about how you respond to feedback