Lidl Graduate Area Manager interview questions

Assesment day resulting in a boardroom style interview with directors. It was very informative and resulted in being invited back for another interview. Unfortunately, it ended up being a complete waste of time as rather than put me on the area management program, they recognised my potential and only offered me an assistant manager position in one of their stores saying that I would progress quickly. Even though I was already working as a store manager and had been awarded store manager of the year, they stated that I did not have enough experience for the graduate program. Rather ridiculous considering it is a graduate job where experience should not even matter. Which graduate is realistically already going to be working as an area manager applying for a graduate position!! I did end up finding out that the job went to an internal employee that was not even a graduate. My understanding of the graduate program is that it is a way of getting top graduates through their doors and getting them managing their stores in lesser roles under the false promises of quick promotion. Very unethical.

Online Application consisted of a Numerical and Verbal test - very easy Second stage Phone interview - Straight forward, normal questions 'Why Lidl, What do you know about our business, Why management, Flexibility, Team work skills, Lidl values etc Awaiting Assessment centre date.