I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Waitrose (London, England) in Sep 2016
Interview
Applied online. There were two situational judgement tests that you had to pass. A couple of days later I got an email inviting me to a group assessment. For me I had the one on one interview first but it depends what time you request for the interview and then the group assessment. There were four other people there. We had to prioritise tasks that had to be in the store and discuss it with the group. (Make sure you speak up, but don't dominate).
I got a call 3 days later offering me the job.
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Waitrose (London, ON)
Interview
Online application consists of 2 multiple choice questionnaires. (Situational).
Once passed, was scheduled for a group interview.
Group interview was split into two sections: Group task and individual interview.
Group task: Introduce yourself to the group (3-6 people & two interviewers), we then had to match some products to some customers based on what they were after (as a group). Each person was then given an item that is sold in the store and was then asked to "sell the item" (just look at the stand out features and say how it would benefit the person) etc.
Individual interview was just a few short questions. Why Waitrose? why you? etc etc.
Was called two days later and given the offer.
I applied online. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at Waitrose (London, England) in Jan 2016
Interview
You apply online by filling out a basic application form. You are then put through to the online tests - these are really simple questionnaires where you rate the answers from 1 to 4 in terms of what action you think is the best and worst. The questions are based on common scenarios that Waitrose staff face. Its really just about prioritising the answers to pin point which ones are the best responses. The tests shouldn't take more than 30mins max. Once you pass these tests, you are put through to the main application form where you can fill in information about your work and education. You are also required to answer 3 questions: 1. Why you want to work for waitrose? 2. What skills and experience do you have that would be good for this role? 3. What would excellent performance look like in this role?
If you are successful, you'll get an email inviting you to an assessment centre. This will consist of a group interview and a 1:1 interview. When you arrive, you are given a form to fill out regarding which stores you'd be happy to work at, what times etc. You are then split off into groups of 7-8 and given a task to discuss. My task was on prioritising daily duties and how to work around tasks when you have a time constraint. You discuss with your group and then one of the assessors will ask you some questions on why you chose what you did. There are normally 3 assessors in the room - 2 observing and 1 talking. You are then taken to another room before you are called for your 1:1 interview. It normally takes Waitrose a couple months to get back to you for a job so don't be discouraged if you don't hear anything straight away! Keep applying!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Name a time when you had to change the way something was done? How did you go about implementing this change?
2. Why do you want to work for Waitrose?