I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Waitrose (Birmingham, England) in Mar 2014
Interview
Applied online and was contacted a week or so later and invited to a group interview the week after.
Group interview although daunting as the first I had done, was very easy.
To start was an introduction as to what would happen in the next few hours and then we were given a few minutes to chat to the person next to us and find out what famous person they would invite to tea and why, once this was done we had to present our findings.
We were then given a sheet with a few questions on which we were given 5 minutes to complete and then had to present it again. Questions are pretty easy and you just have to use common sense to answer them. One of my group answered one question very badly. She very proudly announced that she had been accepted into a cabin crew placement next year so just wanted a job to last her till then. Really not what they want to hear!
Then split up into groups and were given a stack of statements and had to pick out what we thought were the three most important. You'll notice that there are a few that compliment a bigger statement. This makes it easier to whittle the list down. Then as a group we had to present which statements we'd picked and why.
We could then sit back and relax whilst the interviewers explained a lot about how Waitrose works and the many many benefits there are to work there, all of which are very impressive.
We were then individually taken though for a 1on1 with one of the interviewers. All questions were fairly easy if you were prepared. With questions more about your past experience and how it would help with the job you've applied for. Remember that Waitrose is a very customer focused company so try to expand on any customer service experience you have.
The following day I received a call asking me to come back for a second interview a few days later.
Attended the second interview which was with the personnel manager I met at group stage and specific section manager for the job you applied for. Quite informal and relaxed. A few questions relating to customer service experience and what you think your daily routine would be. If you have previous experience you will be expected to know about this and tailor your answers to the specific section.
I was then given a tour of the store by the section manager focused on the section you'll be working in and introduced to many of the partners who were working at the time. Which involved a good chat about how things worked and a few other questions, notably if there was anything I wasn't looking forward to. Was then told that I'd hear by the end of the week if I had the position (this was on a Monday).
Was emailed the following day informing me that I'd got the job!
Started working the following week and loving it so far!
If I had any advice for people going to interview, it would be to be relaxed, friendly, honest and smile! Have a chat with other interviewees when you can as this will show you are friendly and also has the added benefit of relaxing and distracting you from nerves.
Good luck!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Most unexpected questions were related to my previous management experience and how I'd react to specific scenarios. I don't think these were normal questions, I think they were sizing me up for potential future promotions...
easy ask basic stuff and got the job on the interview
the lady asks about yout availability and you can choose from a range of stores in and around your area which is good
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Waitrose (London, England) in May 2026
Interview
I applied for a Supermarket Assistant vacancy for all SW London stores (If your applying for a London specific vacancy, please ensure you apply ASAP, they only keep the vacancies for London open for 24 hours max), an early application, is always the best application) I am very happy that I have been given an offer! This was honestly one of the best interview/application processes I've been through, everything went smoothly, and on a timely manner. I applied for the role a week ago, and the next day received an email to say I have been invited for an Interview. You then schedule yourself in for an Interview. Literally 2 days after the Interview, I was called and told I have passed the Interview, and they would offer me a vacancy. My best advice would be to research Waitrose' core values and behaviours, and also research company trends. I have put the questions below. Towards the end of the interview, they'll confirm your right to work, your availability, and your preferred locations.
Good process, nice People and not too difficult. Able to pass interviews as many times as needed.
The same as other supermarket jobs, not much more to say to be honest
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