Application Process & Interviews at Coles

One way interview followed by a group activity and then finally an individual interview

There was an aptitude test, then an one way recorded interview, followed by a group activity where you collaborate with other interviewees, and individual interview with two assessors (one to interview, the other to observe).

Like I mentioned earlier, this process is far too slow and varies far too much. This is purely in terms of how long it takes, how long contracts take, the "red tape" side of things, if you will. Needs improvement. As for the actual interview portion, that was actually quite good, and I had a great experience.

When ej was in the role, the process was organised and simple. However I'm unsure about the current process now. In terms of roll off after the graduate program, getting solid information and feeling support is a little hard.

There were many stages to recruitment as I came through the graduate program

When I joined it was very similar to other graduate roles I applied for. There was an initial application where I gave in my resume and answered some questions. Then there were a few tests I was asked to do (numerical, verbal reasoning, etc.). The next stage was an assessment centre which had a group task and a one on one interview. We then got notified of the outcome within a few days of completing the assessment centre. They were very open about the conditions when compared to other companies I applied for and this helped me make an informed decision.

General knowledge test, self-recorded interview, followed by group interviews and individual interview.

Slow

Reasonably straight forward.

After applying, I was invited to an assessment center which provided comprehension, numeracy and other types of testing. This was followed by a recorded video interview answering questions and then a "discovery center", which was an opportunity to work with other applicants. In this discovery center, a one-on-one interview with two assessors also took place.

Hiring process is tedious, however, the results is you get the right person each time

Very lengthy. For the grad program we underwent 4 intakes of assessment, each one needing to progress to the next stage. 1. Application. 2. Psychosocial analysis - logical, numerical, behavioural assessments. 3. Video interviews - we had a question pop up on the screen and had to record an answer a minute after viewing. 4. Virtual discovery centre - meet current tms and they essentially interview you and you can ask them questions back. Once you make it through, you will be waiting roughly 5 months until you actually start your role.

During the graduate program, coles got back to the graduates in a timely manner and with sufficient detail about my current progress in the hiring process. After assessments, coles would return feedback as well. The interviews consisted of: a video interview, a group interview and a one-on-one interview. These interviews were held professionally. The assessments included: numeric, understanding and logical assessments. Coles got back to graduates with feedback in regards to these assessments.

Systematic and timely - with each step, they didn't make you wait around for weeks after the interview/assessment centre. They let you know basically right afterwards.

All online for interview and assessment, very straight forward and easy to follow

1. Sent in resume/ filled questionnaire 2. Online games/ problem solving 3. Video interview (recorded) 4. Assessment centre & individual interview coles invited current grads to the assessment centre so that potential grads can ask as many questions as they want.

Online application which required specific coles questions. Online testing of literacy, maths, logical reasoning and personality tests. Online interview with recorded answers to preset questions. Online half day with group interview and one-on-one interview.

The timeline was clear throughout the whole process so you always knew where you sat

Interview process was the same as all other grad applications. First you submit an application, then you will do an aptitude assessment. If successful, you will complete a 1 way interview with 3 questions. Final stage is a group assessment and final interview. You find out very quickly after this if you have been successful.

Psychometric assessment discovery centre to do a group assessment individual interview

Don't remember

Strengths and weaknesses, experiences that I had mentioned in my resume, why I think I'm a good fit for coles.

As a graduate, I had to complete multiple phases so it's somewhat unique compared to people going for a role normally. As for the interview portion, I had a great experience - the questions mostly related to my character and seemed to be a mix of the typical interview questions but also questions to gauge my character, which is what I think they should be asking.

Basic behavioural questions

About challenges I had experienced in past jobs, and ow I overcame them

- why do you want to join coles?

Sorry I can't remember

The recorded video interview had three questions such as which company value aligned most to us and also to provide an example of how we have shown this value. In the discovery center, the one-on-one interview had some questions relating to our chosen stream of the graduate program as well as how we work.

3 generic questions, 3 star questions and two business case questions

Highlight a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

I was asked questions around how I would act in certain situations relevant to the role I was applying for.

Standard interview questions - strengths and weaknesses, why you want to join the company, what you do in xyz situation...

Introduction, what key skills I learnt this year

1. What did you think of the assessment centre? 2. A time you went above and beyond? 3. A time you did a new challenge 4. Why do you want to work at coles

How I problem solve? Examples of times I've worked in a team. Why I am interested in sustainability?

Challenges I've faced in prior roles and how I overcame them project I was proud of

There was a group activity and behavioural questions like tell us a time you took on a challenge.

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A lot of questions around real scenarios and how I would respond, as well as group work to test how well I work in a team.

Standard interview questions

General preparations on interview questions and research about company

The assessors are really encouraging and want to make sure you're given the best conditions to interview well, so as long as you prepare for typical interview questions and practice trying to appear more comfortable in interviews, you'll be fine :-)

What helped me was genuinely just bringing my natural presence, I think leaning into what makes you, you, is what makes a strong impression. Typical preparation will suffice - know your material, know the technical stuff if relevant, and bring a good attitude.

Star method but be genuine and conversational.

Know the company and make sure your answers align to their purpose and values. Coles places a huge emphasis on our values and so incorporating these in your answers will make you stand out.

Prepare to answer questions when asked. Think about the questions and think about how you will answer them in a appropriate way.

This is the place for you if you value only money.

Have a go at completing mock assessment centers (if available online) and to go through standard interview questions to prepare for different types of questions that might be asked.

If you are not good at interviews. It is best to prepare thoroughly.

Just being yourself is key! Reflect on past experiences and identify key areas that worked well or did not work so well which may support answering the interview questions.

Demonstrate your interest in the company! Do a little extra reading or research to show the interviewers you care. And smile :)

Research about values, participate in group discussion and don't be scared

Understand the case study

Have specific examples of work that you have done especially if it is at a retail job or outside of university.

Learn the star method and have some examples to common star questions, be relaxed and yourself, don't be afraid to ask questions in interviews to understand roles more.

Research the values, sustainability strategy and be able to explain why coles resonates with you.

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I would recommend reading up on the star technique for answering interview questions as well as being prepared for questions regarding real life scenarios you've faced in the workplace and how you overcame challenges in the workplace.

Learn the values and how they link to your personal values.

Research the company strategy and refer to it during your interview. Show that you've done the research.