Online Application
The initial stage involved filling out personal information, uploading your CV and answering a series of questions evidencing specific skills (mainly leadership), such as why Aldi? and what you hope to gain from the graduate programme. You are also asked to take complete several short situational judgement tests. In each question, you are presented with a situation and given four ways to resolve it. You will have to choose the best and worst answer.
How to respond for success
Aim to provide detailed examples/evidence. Be honest, they want to find out more about what motivates you! Also, make sure to try and tailor your CV towards critical skills included on the Aldi Careers website job description to evidence a keen interest in management.
Expect a 1-month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
You will watch a short introductory video explaining the details of how the interview is conducted before being asked questions from a pre-recorded clip. The test will take around 30 minutes to complete. For each question, you have to prepare an answer and answer within the given time frame.
Example task
- Why Aldi?
- What do you bring to the graduate programme?
- Why would you be a good fit?
- Name a time you overcame a challenge?
How to respond for success
Show that you are a hard worker and that you can overcome challenges. The way I did this was by bringing up examples from my time working part-time in retail and experiences from my placement year at Siemens. I also made sure to research Aldi in-depth online. I think it's also essential to make an effort to look smart, so I wore a full suit for the video interview.
Expect a 1-2 week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Online Tests
You’ll be sent a link to complete a number of online tests. This is done to test your core skills (problem-solving/decision making/numerical ability etc.) and your personality. Aldi uses Saville Assessment as a test provider. Included in these tests are sections on numerical, verbal and diagrammatic reasoning. For each test, you are given an opportunity to practice, then allowed between 5-10 minutes to complete the actual tests.
Example task
Numerical Reasoning questions in this test assesses your ability to work with the information provided in graphs and tables etc.
Verbal Reasoning in this test assesses your logical and linguistic abilities. You are given two passages followed by two questions each. The questions involve determining the meaning of specific words and comparing different passages of text.
Diagrammatic Reasoning in this test assesses your ability to conclude from the information presented through shapes and patterns. You are given rules, and for each rule, you need to determine if the sequence presented meets that rule.
How to respond for success
The best way to prepare for online tests is to practice them. I made sure to research tips and preparation techniques online, as well as watch a number of YouTube tutorials.
Expect a 1-2 week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Group Interview
This stage of the application process consisted of a group interview exercise with around ten other candidates. We had to role-play a number of problem-solving scenarios. It lasted about 1 hour.
Example task
Group exercise topics will vary, but several personal questions asked to candidates throughout may be along the lines of: "Tell us about yourself" or "What’s your favourite Aldi product?"
How to respond for success
I made sure to come across confident and articulate myself well. I offered to be a timekeeper for the group. I would also advise people not to talk over other people. Make sure you are educated on Aldi as a company, what their core values are and their aims/culture. I also made sure to look presentable by wearing a full suit.
Expect a 1-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Final Interview
The final stage of the application process was an in-person interview with the Managing Director of my chosen region. It lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Example task
- Why Aldi?
- Talk me through your CV?
- Name a time you led a team?
I was also asked standard leadership/determination questions. Also, we went through a role-play exercise, where I acted as an area manager trying to get a store manager to do what I wanted them to do.
How to respond for success
I tried to come across as confident as possible and made sure to show past experiences of when I’d overcome obstacles. Be sure to do your research on Aldi, show that you’re willing to put the company first and work long hours. I also wore a suit for the in-person interview.
