I applied online. I interviewed at Co-op in Mar 2022
Interview
Somewhat stern interviewer, blessedly speedy application process and follow-up procedures. I think I was unlucky but treated fairly.
You need to bring your Right To Work documentation to the interview in order to even answer one question, I nearly got turned away because my passport was out of date.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Interview was quite focused on how I intended to progress in the company considering the seemingly casual nature of the job. One question I remember was how I'd build relationships with the (very large) team and what I knew about the company as a whole.
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Co-op (Glasgow, Schottland) in Jan 2022
Interview
Felt more corporate than anything I've ever applied to compared to how the company was advertised. Salaries now lag other chain stores even though they rip off customers.
Had trouble finding the interview office or anyone to help me out until I ran into the security guy. Props to him, he's a great guy.
45min of pointless behavior tests just to ask the same questions in the interview.
So much for their diversity policy, probably didn't get the job for being an immigrant or for having an MSc as my industry is basically on life support. I've been working in retail for since the pandemic started. I know the business model inside and out at this point and used to work when half the employees called in sick.
So much time wasted when there's a 3 month probation anyway.
Oh and you can't apply for 6 months if you don't get an offer. Don't worry guys, I'm not applying again.
Off topic: Your shelves really need reorganizing. Half the time they look empty and the other half it looks chaotic.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time where you did bla bla bla. HR probably googled: "What to ask during an interview?" and this is likely what showed up in the search and thus the process was created.
This doesn't sound like the type of experience you would normally get with us.
Our online assessment should only take around 10 minutes to complete, and they're not designed to be difficult but they do help you understand if this is the right type of role for you.
The questions in the assessment are quite different from what you would expect to answer at interview. The interview guide that we send out explains what you can expect to be asked on the day and provides a handy hint about structuring your answers using the STAR technique.
Above all our interviews don't focus on your experience but on your behaviours and approach to work.
You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging here: https://www.coop.co.uk/diversity-and-inclusion