Have you ever questioned or given critical feedback to your employer?

"A few years ago, I was working for a very small company of just five people, and I had a real ethical problem with a decision that the owners made. I took some time to think about it and do some research to more fully understand the situation, and then I scheduled a meeting with the owners so that I could hear more about their perspective on the situation. It turned out that they hadn't considered the ethical concerns inherent in their decision, so they took the change off the table temporarily so they could reassess their plans. I was really proud of myself for bringing it up -- I think that if I hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have lasted much longer at the company."

At Lidl, we respect our employees and honor those who have the courage to ask questions, even if those questions are critical ones, and we take time to respond to those questions. We encourage feedback from our employees, so talk to the interviewer about any times you've questioned or given critical feedback to your employer.

"I recently had a problem with the way I saw my manager treating a new hire -- I know my manager pretty well, and the way she was behaving was pretty out of character. I took some time to think about it, and then I pulled her aside and told her what I had witnessed. She was grateful that I had brought it up and said that she would talk to the new hire and smoothe things over."

"Yes. I think that if we talk about what is wrong in the company with the employer, it is better then complaining. I speak straight and expect a positive reaction."

"While working for ______, I was put on their rising stars program. As part of this, we were asked to do a project on how to boost team morale. As well as researching ways different companies had done this, I took to the floor and asked my colleagues for feedback on what they felt would improve their days. The majority of feedback was that they felt micro-managed and wanted to be trusted to do their jobs as the professionals they were. I prepared a file and arranged a meeting with my store manager; he was grateful that I had brought it to him and took it on board, and implemented some of the other ideas I had researched."

How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

"I stay calm and composed when issues arise. My dad got rear ended one time when driving me to school. I texted my friend to see if she could tell my teacher what happened. I explained the situation to my teacher when I got to class. If this happened on my way to work, I would call ahead of time to ensure someone could cover my shift."

Proper planning will get you far, but sometimes life happens, and you'll need a plan B. Think about some of the variables in your life that could affect your ability to arrive on time for work. Sick children, traffic, car breakdowns... the list goes on. It may not be possible for everything to work out so smoothly, getting your shift covered or still making it to work on time. Your interviewer is looking to see that you are proactive and that you can handle the stress of unexpected situations that can arise.

"I hope never to be late! When I started working at a restaurant at sixteen years old, we were taught the adage of 'if you're on time, you're late,' so I've worked to implement that into my life. I always try to arrive 15 minutes early, but there are unforeseen circumstances that can arise. I handle surprises using common sense and keeping courtesy to others top of mind."

Tell me about the best job you've ever had. What made it so special?

"My favorite job was at my last store -- if I hadn't had to move to a new city, I would definitely still be there. I loved my coworkers and our regular customers, but what really stands out to me is that my managers took a real interest in me as an individual and found ways to encourage my strengths and improve upon my weaknesses. I learned so much while I worked there, and I'm really looking for more opportunities to grow and expand my skills."

At Lidl, it's important to us to understand what you look for in a workplace so that we can identify if the culture at Lidl is right for you. Talk to the interviewer about one or two of your favorite jobs and describe what set them apart.

"The best job I ever had was actually a volunteer position at a local homeless shelter. We had such a strong team there -- we really all bore the physical and emotional burdens of the work, and it was so incredible to form relationships with the men and women who came to the shelter for help. I'll never forget the feeling of truly helping someone, even when it was just through a gentle conversation or a smile. I'm looking for a job where I can see my impact on the lives of my customers and coworkers every day."

"My favorite job was a film I worked on in 2017 called ______ - it was a film highlighting the homeless crisis we have at the moment in Ireland. I loved my colleagues, and our team developed a rhythm and flow that meant we could anticipate the other's needs without too much discussion. It was the first job that somebody took a chance on me and moved me up from a trainee position, and I was so eager to repay them that kindness that I threw all I had into it and felt like I got tenfold back. My designer took a real interest in me as an individual and found ways to encourage my strengths and improve my weaknesses. I learned so much while I worked there, and I look forward to any opportunity to grow and expand my skills."

What do you hope to learn from this job at Lidl?

"I am looking to lay the foundation for the rest of my career with this position. I looked at a lot of job postings and had interviewed some very carefully selected places, but you are by far my front-runner. I want to learn not only the fundamentals of sales but also become comfortable with both sides of the business. I appreciate that you want me to start with the basics of the inside sales before moving into outside sales."

At Lidl, we have a firm commitment to providing training and development opportunities and embracing a culture of internal progression. We aim to build outstanding teams that are equipped with expert knowledge. Our training opportunities are tailored to help you accomplish your goals -- so wherever you want to go, we'll help you get there. Talk to the interviewer about what you hope to take away from your time with Lidl.

"I hope to gain stronger skills in communication and customer service. I understand that retail can be challenging because of the multiple personalities you are faced with on a daily basis. I believe this will help my confidence to grow, and my sales skills as well."

Tell me about a time you had to handle conflict at work.

"I've been lucky enough to never be involved personally in conflicts with a coworker, but I've definitely done my share of mediating between two coworkers before. The retail industry can be really stressful, so naturally the stress gets to people from time to time. When I'm helping coworkers through conflict, I always make sure that I'm fully hearing both sides of the story and trying to get to the root of the hurt between them. I think the experience of having and resolving conflict can actually be really healthy -- it's made the teams I've been on that much stronger because it helps us all know how to respond to each other instead of react."

We've worked hard to create an exceptional company culture here at Lidl, but we know there's no way to prevent conflict from happening from time to time. When conflict arises, we address issues directly and immediately, and then we resolve them as fairly as possible -- that's just part of our commitment to treating all of our employees with respect and trust. Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker or manager? How did you resolve the issue?

"Last year, I was having a hard time in my personal life, and my attitude was really negatively impacted by that. It all came to a head when I snapped at my manager when she asked me a simple question. She took a breath, walked away for a few moments, and then came back a few minutes later and said we needed to talk about it. I was so horrified that I had treated her so poorly and immediately apologized and took full responsibility -- she hadn't done anything wrong at all, and I explained to her where my frustrations were coming from. We have a great relationship and are still friends, so the situation was easily resolved. I learned a lot that day about how to keep my personal troubles at home as well as the incredible example she set for how to deal with inappropriate responses from coworkers -- she was gracious and respectful even when I wasn't, and I'll always remember the lessons I learned that day."

"I try to solve the problem as soon as possible. Often explaining the problem and answering a few questions will solve the problem quickly. I do not allow a stressful situation because the work is unpleasant, and we do not achieve a good result."

"Recently, I asked our prop store manager if he had a fridge space that I could put some cakes I had bought for a scene being shot the following morning. He reacted as if I had asked him to do this task for me and grabbed them from me while ranting. I let him finish and then left the room for a while to let him calm down. I came back a few minutes later and asked to talk to him about it. He apologized and explained that he was under a lot of stress and I had come in after a very stressful phone call. I listened to him and let him get to the root of the problem. It was easily resolved, and just a few minutes of my day and some understanding made him feel much better."

What are your salary expectations?

"I am currently making $10/hour with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

At Lidl, we truly care about our teams. That's why we offer a competitive benefits package for all of our employees -- regardless of the number of hours per week they work -- including dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k with company match, plus paid time off for all employees (even part-time workers). With part-time store associate salaries beginning at $12 per hour, we're truly committed to extending care to our employees. Are you comfortable with the salary and benefits package available through Lidl?

"I make minimum wage right now, so $12 per hour plus all of those amazing benefits would be a huge step up. Are there any merit-based pay increases or cost of living bonuses available after some time?"

"My salary is very important to me but not at a high level."

"I currently make about $ ____ a year, I would like to stick to something close, but I am aware that I am changing career and the many benefits Lidl provides, so I am flexible."

How can Lidl motivate you on the job?

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you find motivation on the job.

"I am very much self-driven and self-motivated. As long as I am being treated with respect and feel appreciated, you will get the best work from me."

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard, and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."

Describe to me your ideal employer.

"I need to work for a company whose values I feel aligned with, and that's certainly the case at Lidl. It's especially important that I'm working for a company that is economically, socially, and environmentally responsible, which is why I was so happy to see all of the information on Lidl's website about their high standards and commitment to sustainability. This is exactly the kind of company I would love to build a career with."

There's a lot to love about a job at Lidl: from our core principles and guiding values to our commitment to quality food and the lowest prices to our care for our local and international communities. What kinds of companies stand out to you? What do you look for in a potential employer?

"Companies that are truly invested in their employees in proactive ways are always the first to catch my eye, so I was excited to read about all of the leadership and career development opportunities at Lidl. I'm looking to build a career at whatever company I work for next, and I can definitely see myself working for Lidl for many years."

"Companies that are truly invested in their employees in proactive ways are always the first to catch my eye, so I was excited to read about all of the leadership and career development opportunities at Lidl. I'm looking to build a career at whatever company I work for next, and I can see myself working for Lidl for many years."

What kinds of events cause you stress on the job? How do you handle stress?

"A few years ago, I was the manager on duty at the end of the day when the electricity in the entire building suddenly went out. It was my first time managing the store alone, and nobody had trained me on how to respond to this kind of situation. There were customers stranded in the dark in the fitting rooms, and several transactions at the register were suddenly stalled. I was really stressed out, but I took a deep breath, checked in on my team to make sure everyone was safe and had what they needed, then gave them instructions on helping our customers while I tried to get in touch with the building manager. The electricity eventually came back on without incident, but I was really proud of the way I stayed cool under pressure. The customers all expressed appreciation for how calm I was -- they said it made them feel safe and secure, even though they didn't know what was going on."

At Lidl, we've worked hard to create an extraordinary culture for our team members, but there are certain unavoidable realities in the retail industry: it's fast-paced, competitive, and ever-changing, and there are bound to be times of stress. Talk to the interviewer about stressors you've encountered in the workplace and how you respond to times of stress.

"I love the pace and energy of retail, but I can get really stressed out if there is strain or toxicity between my coworkers -- I tend to absorb others' energy, and it's hard for me to focus if my coworkers are always complaining and creating drama. I've gotten better about this over the years, though. When I find myself feeling stressed, I try to channel my energy into efficiency and having great customer interactions."

"Last-minute issues can be difficult, especially if I already have a packed schedule. Taking a few moments to reassess things and organize myself can alleviate stress greatly and let me know if I need to ask for help. If I feel overwhelmed, I will sometimes take a few minutes to go and get some air or go for a quick walk to clear my head and allow me to focus."

"A few years ago, I was the manager on duty at the end of the day when the electricity in the entire building suddenly went out. It was my first time managing the store alone, and nobody had trained me on how to respond to this kind of situation. There were customers stranded in the dark in the fitting rooms, and several transactions at the register were suddenly stalled. I was really stressed out, but I took a deep breath, checked in on my team to make sure everyone was safe and had what they needed, then gave them instructions on helping our customers while I tried to get in touch with the building manager. The electricity eventually came back on without incident, but I was really proud of the way I stayed cool under pressure. The customers all expressed appreciation for how calm I was -- they said it made them feel safe and secure, even though they didn't know what was going on."

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."

Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of environment offered in this position before the interview.

"Rather than focusing on the negative, try spinning your answer into a positive focus: "I do best in a supportive environment where there is room to grow, the ability to ask questions, and healthy co-worker relationships."

"I dislike working in an environment that is toxic or negative. If there is a positive attitude in the room where you feel supported and have healthy relationships with your co-workers, it can ease the most stressful task."

Personality fit is important to us at Lidl. How would you describe your personality?

"I think kindness is always the best policy -- in any situation, being kind will always do more good than harm. I think that putting loving, kind energy into the world and the workplace makes a huge difference in a customer's day and in my coworkers' days as well!"

At Lidl, we love our employees and we respect their individual personalities and skills. We're very team-oriented here at Lidl, and the interviewer will be trying to see how you may fit on the existing team at the store. Take some time to talk to the interviewer about your personality and what unique contributions you would make to the Lidl team.

"I used to be very insecure about my strengths, but in recent years I've been working on becoming more self-confident, and now I would say my confidence is one of the most important parts of my personality. It pushes me to do my best and helps me feel comfortable enough to ask questions and learn more when I don't know the answer to something."

What do you think creates an environment of good communication?

"Luckily, I've consistently worked for managers who are excellent communicators -- they work in a really similar way to the way managers are described at Lidl. On my end, I always make sure to ask a lot of questions -- about the work itself, the status of the company and store success, as well as questions about my coworkers and managers lives and interests. I think the best communication comes through genuine relationships, and it's important to me to have camaraderie with the people I work with."

Communication at Lidl is simple and direct -- just like our business model. We speak honestly and openly, and our managers always ensure that they explain the overall context of company-wide policies, decisions, and changes. At Lidl, we lead through communication. Talk to the interviewer about how you establish good communication with your managers and coworkers.

"Communication is a two-way street: while I've been frustrated in the past about poor communication from my managers, I realize in hindsight that I could have been doing more to ensure good communication between us. In the past, if I was confused about conflicting information I was receiving from different managers, I would just bite my tongue, but that strategy doesn't really get you anywhere. I've definitely learned to check and double-check my managers' expectations so that I can deliver and do my best work."

"I think kindness is always the best policy -- in any situation, being kind will always do more good than harm. I think that putting loving, kind energy into the world and the workplace makes a huge difference in a customer's day and my coworkers' days as well!"

What type of manager brings out the best in you?

"My most recent manager is an extremely hard worker and always shows so much enthusiasm for the work, the store, and the company as a whole. Her excitement and work ethic was infectious -- I wanted to do my best work because I wanted to please her and meet her expectations. She has high standards for her employees and makes it a point to give regular feedback, but her criticism is always gentle and purposeful. I would love to work with a manager like her again."

At Lidl, our managers see themselves as part of the team and put their shared success at the heart of the business. They set an example in all of their actions and give their team members free reign while setting clear boundaries for independent decisions. What are some positive relationships you've had with managers in the past? What made these relationships so successful?

"In the past, I have worked best with managers who are strong mentors but also offer autonomy when it comes to the tasks they know I am well versed in."

"I enjoy working with managers who are enthusiastic in their work; I find that sort of ethic infectious and makes me want to meet their expectations and my own. During the year, I worked as a trainee buyer, and the feedback I got from my supervising buyer was regular, and criticism was purposeful and positive. I would love to work with a manager like that again as I felt supported and appreciated."

Why is this job with Lidl right for you at this time in your career?

"I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I feel that this job is right for me, at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity for me to utilize my recent education in Communication while giving me an opportunity to advance in my management skills."

At Lidl, we believe in our people, which is why we offer so many opportunities to develop your professional skills and foster your personal growth. Whether your intent is to join a team and be the best at what you do or to grow into a leadership position, Lidl will support your efforts and create opportunities for you to develop your career -- wherever it takes you. Talk to the interviewer about your personal career objectives and how this position with Lidl will help you achieve your goals.

"This job will fit perfectly surrounding my school schedule. I hope once I complete my education that I can be given full-time hours for the summer. I am excited to work for Lidl because of the flexibility you offer students, as well as the growth potential."

"I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I feel that this job is right for me in my career because it offers me an opportunity to utilize my recent experience working in the art department for TV and film while allowing me to advance and learn about another industry."

How do you feel about working closely with a team?

"I love the idea of working on a team. My job for the last few years has been extremely independent, which has been good in many ways, but I find the isolating nature of the work really difficult. I do much better when I can work on a team with people who are like-minded and share an enthusiasm for the work and the company."

Two of our guiding principles -- that we respect and encourage each other, and that fairness to every member of the company is imperative -- are all about forming healthy teams that work together to bring about great results. Our people expertly balance their personal drive and ambition with a supportive, team-based approach that recognizes the efforts of all employees who contribute to our collaborative workplace. Talk to the interviewer about how you feel about working closely with a team.

"I'm definitely a team-oriented person, so I'm really glad that teamwork is so foundational to the culture at Lidl. I've worked on teams in the past that have been toxically competitive and combative, and it was really disheartening and distracting. I'm really looking for a job where I can invest in my teammates and build something really strong together."

"I love being a part of a team. My job in film requires a lot of independent work, but I am only a phone call away from a team member if I require help or advice and vice versa. I enjoy seeing something big come together well when everyone's strengths are used to their best ability."

This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

"I am happy to offer a flexible schedule, and to work overtime as needed. I do take an evening college course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I would not be available those days, after 5 PM."

Most retail positions require a wide range of hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split shifts. Assure the interviewer that you can commit to a wide range of hours. If there is anything in your schedule that may hinder your availability, be sure to address this.

"I understand that this role will include working evenings, weekends, and holidays. I am available to work anytime and am happy to work overtime as well."

"Yes, I am happy to offer a flexible schedule and to work overtime if needed."

How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

"I think it's always nice to have a mini-celebration that the entire team can enjoy when someone accomplishes something really big, like the completion of a long term project. After all, we're all a team and anything we accomplish as individuals is a result of group effort."

At Lidl, we're proud of our teams and acknowledge achievements within them, so talk to the interviewer about how you personally enjoy being recognized for your accomplishments.

"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is through words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is noticed."

"I like to feel proud of my work and put a lot of energy into my work. I am easily encouraged, and knowing my hard work is being noticed by simple acts such as words of kindness and recognition are wonderful little boosts."

What do you think will be your biggest challenge if hired at Lidl?

"I'm rejoining the workforce for the first time in about twenty years because I took some time to raise my family, and I know that the retail industry has changed dramatically since the last time I was a retail worker. Even though I'm nervous, I like to see challenges as opportunities instead of inconveniences, which is why I'm looking to rejoin the retail workforce in the first place. I'm really eager to get started, nerves and all!"

Every job has benefits and challenges, and a position with Lidl is no exception. Talk to the interviewer about your expectations about challenges you may face as a team member at Lidl and how you would approach these challenges.

"I've never worked in a retail or grocery position before, so I'm nervous and excited to get started! I can be kind of shy at first, but I've been working hard to improve my confidence lately and be more outgoing. I think a job with Lidl will help me practice my communication skills and up my confidence -- I'm ready to dive into the challenge!"

"I can be shy at first and sometimes struggle with my confidence. I have worked hard on this in the last few years and actively try to be more outgoing. A new team and a new job make me feel a bit nervous, but nerves can be good too sometimes, and I am eager for a career change and ready to dive into the challenge."

Take me through your some of your career history. How have your previous positions prepared you for success in this role with Lidl?

"I've worked in retail for about three years, and I've really enjoyed it. My experience has greatly strengthened my communication skills as well as my confidence -- I'm not much more outgoing, friendly, and straightforward than I was when I was first getting started."

At Lidl, previous retail experience is strongly preferred, but we're also interested in candidates who show enthusiasm, strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and an avid interest in working on a team. Talk to the interviewer about how your job experience -- retail or otherwise -- has prepared you to do well in a role with Lidl.

"I have worked in retail for the past eight years. My most challenging position was with Company ABC. I found it so challenging because it was a different industry than I was accustomed. I learned a great deal during that time. This position was also my favorite because it was such a great challenge. I like to be pushed beyond my boundaries. It keeps me motivated to be better."

Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Lidl?

"I love that recognition is one of the company values here -- it's really important to me that my managers show appreciation for their teams and recognize hard work. I would incorporate this value into my work at Lidl by taking time to recognize the skills, strengths, and accomplishments of my teammates. After all, anything we achieve at the store is a group effort."

Our company values are all about honoring our employees and our customers, and these values -- respect, recognition, responsibility, and trust -- form the foundation of everything else we do as a company. Choose one of these values and describe how you would incorporate it into your role at Lidl.

"Trust is something that's very important to me, so it means a lot to see it listed on Lidl's company values. I try to embody the value of trust in everything I do by honoring everyone I come in contact with and treating everyone with respect. I would certainly do this for my coworkers and customers if I joined the Lidl team."

"Working as a team is very important to me, and I love that recognition is one of the company values here. I think it is important to respect and recognize each other's skills and strengths to move toward our goal, and I would certainly do this for my coworkers and customers if I joined the Lidl team."

You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at Lidl. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?

"My most recent employer and all others would say that I have strong character and always choose honesty first. I have solid references who will attest to that as well."

At Lidl, we trust our employees and have confidence that they will meet their responsibilities -- both the tasks they're given every day as well as their ethical responsibilities for how they treat the cash and merchandise in the store. In return, we expect our employees to treat our company with respect. How can the management team at Lidl be sure they can trust you?

"My most recent employer would say that I am a person of integrity. I fully believe in honesty at all times."

"I would like to say that they think of me as a person with integrity; I believe in honesty at all times and believe my references would attest to that."

Which of our guiding principles makes the biggest impact on you?

"I think it's so unique that one of Lidl's guiding principles is to grow through continuous improvement in their stores. I've worked for companies in the past that stick to the status quo and are really afraid of branding out and trying new things -- and I don't think that's a successful strategy for long term growth. I like Lidl's approach much more, and it makes me excited to know that Lidl is committed to transparency with their employees so that everyone always knows what's happening in the company and how they can contribute to the company's success."

Since our humble beginnings in 1930, our guiding principles have remained the same. Show the interviewer that you've spent some time on the Lidl website and explored the company's guiding principles. Talk to the interviewer about which of these principles stands out to you most.

"I'm committed to only working for companies that have made it very clear that they are pursuing economic, social, and environmental responsibility. It shouldn't be rare for a company to be committed to these things, but it's surprisingly hard to find! Lidl's commitment to responsible business practices is one of the main reasons I'm interested in working for this company."

"I am so impressed by Lidl's commitment to environmental responsibility. I could not believe the amount they do to offset their carbon footprint and that they strive to have no waste in landfills. That they saw Ireland's limitation in recycling black plastic and worked to that is amazing. It is rare and wonderful to see this attitude, and I hope other companies can learn and follow in their footsteps."

How do you handle upset or frustrated customers?

"On my very first day at a new job a few years ago, an extremely irate customer came into the store. I was really taken off guard, but luckily my manager was right there. I got to see how she handled the situation: by being extremely understanding and sympathetic, acknowledging that the customer's frustrations were valid, and showing the customer that her satisfaction was our highest priority. Since then, I've had to deal with my fair share of upset customers, and I have a great base to work from because I got to see how my manager expertly handled that situation."

At Lidl, it's important that our customers feel heard and understood when they have a problem with our merchandise or experience an issue in one of our stores. Talk to the interviewer about how you approach an angry or upset customer and how you would turn a problem into an opportunity to create a satisfied customer.

"As a general rule, I think it's important that customers feel heard and understood when they have an issue with one of their purchases. I know that Lidl has a terrific training program for new employees, so I'm really looking forward to learning the Lidl approach to handling customer complaints and issues."

"I think that it is very important to listen to the customer to understand why they are upset. Once the issue has been highlighted correctly, I will do my best to resolve the problem and communicate well with the customer. I feel like this is important, so they feel like they are valued and taken seriously."

Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Lidl.

"I would describe myself as flexible, hardworking, and an enthusiastic team player. My schedule is very flexible, but more than that, I have a natural ability to adapt quickly to changing situations, which I know is important in a retail role. When I'm at work, I'm extremely focused on accomplishing my tasks and am very motivated by checking things off the many mental 'to-do' lists I have in my head at any given time. Finally, I love to work on teams with coworkers who share my enthusiasm for hard work and forming relationships with customers."

At Lidl, we love our employees and respect their individual personalities and skills. Our store team members are truly the backbone of our business, and we want them to feel empowered to be themselves at work. Talk to the interviewer about three qualities that make you well-suited for a position with Lidl.

"I have a lot of qualities that transfer well into a retail-based position. The top ones would include my strong organization skills, my ability to have a conversation with anyone comfortably, and my solid work ethic/level of honesty."

"My strength is my flexibility to handle change. I welcome a day with different challenges, and if problems arise, I can stay calm and analyze the situation while handling the problem through creative solutions that will work things out with my team. I am dedicated and will do what I can to meet deadlines and demands."

At Lidl we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?

"I'm really looking to build a long-term career with the next company I work for, so I'm being very specific about the companies I apply to. The reason I chose to apply for a position at Lidl is that the company culture seems truly one-of-a-kind, the benefits are really competitive, and most importantly there are plenty of opportunities for progression from the store into the corporate environment, which is where I'm setting my sights. I would definitely be interested in talking about leadership opportunities at the store in the future."

At Lidl, we foster an environment for leadership growth to ensure continuous success for each individual team member and for the company as a whole. That's why we encourage and promote our employees while enabling them to grow. Talk to the interviewer about any interest you have in moving into a leadership position at Lidl in the future.

"I have been in an unofficial leadership role for the past three years of my career. I believe that a management role with Lidl would be a great next step in my career."

"I'm really looking to build a long-term career with the next company I work for, so I'm particular about the companies I apply to. The reason I chose to apply for a position at Lidl is that the company culture seems unique. Lidl values its employees with really competitive benefits, and most importantly, there are plenty of opportunities for progression down the line."

Tell me about a time your manager criticized your work.

"I like to think about criticism and challenges as opportunities for growth -- about a year ago, I made it a common practice to ask my managers for feedback on my work regularly so that I have an understanding of what I'm doing well and how I can improve. It never feels good to be criticized at the time, but I really believe that I've only ever become a better worker as a result of criticism from my managers."

At Lidl, we care about our employees and believe that they have a right to know where they stand. That's why we provide constructive feedback on their performance along with recognition and acknowledgment for a job well done. Has a manager ever given you negative feedback or criticism on your work? How did you respond?

"I've definitely been critiqued by supervisors in the past, and I've never had a problem with it. If a supervisor was ever rude, aggressive, unfair, or unkind in their criticism, I would probably try to talk about the issue with them later on and let them know that their approach to the feedback was hurtful or unnecessary, but I've never been in that situation before."

"As I currently work in the art industry, almost all work is put to the designer or art director to be signed off. As these are collaborative, we will have discussed the task beforehand, so there are usually not many issues. If there are any issues, I think it is important not to take these criticisms to heart, we are working towards the same end goal, and we need to communicate. I am grateful for the feedback and second opinion."

We have a strong employee honesty program in place at Lidl to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?

"My reaction to employee theft would differ if I were a retail associate or a retail manager. If I were a manager and caught an employee stealing, I would terminate them immediately. If I were an associate, I would report the incident according to company protocol. I would avoid approaching the employee as I would not want to make it a personal issue."

Loss prevention initiatives are incredibly important in the retail sector. Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle a situation surrounding employee theft. Be sure to avoid sounding self-righteous in your answer. Be diplomatic and refer to company protocol in these situations.

"I value honesty so if I saw a co-worker stealing; I would tell my manager immediately. Do you have a process in place for reporting these types of situations?"

"This is a tough situation as many situations lead someone to steal. I would not like to approach a co-worker myself about this, so I would speak to a supervisor or manager about my suspicions to allow them to follow on according to company protocol."

How would you describe the Lidl way to a customer who was unfamiliar with our company?

"I love the simple ways that Lidl has found to help customers save money and become more informed shoppers, especially their Lidl-branded products. I was really impressed that over 90% of the products Lidl carries are their own brand, which means they really have control over the quality and integrity of every single product in the store. As a mom, I know how important it is to know exactly what's in the food my family is eating, and I always know I can rest easy shopping at Lidl."

Lidl is not your cookie-cutter grocery store -- we're revolutionizing grocery shopping. We have enacted specific, proactive strategies to save our customers money while ensuring only the best products end up in our customers' homes. Talk to the interviewer about how you would describe what makes Lidl unique to a customer or acquaintance who was unfamiliar with the company.

"Lidl does so many unique things to cut down overhead costs -- that's money directly in the pockets of its customers. One of the simplest ways Lidl cuts out overhead is through the Bring Your Own Bag program: they don't build the cost of plastic or paper bags into their product prices, like most grocers do, and it's so much better for the environment, which is something that's very important to me."

"I love the simple ways Lidl has found to help customers save money and become more informed shoppers. I am impressed that over 90% of products are Lidl's own brand, which means they really control the quality and integrity of so many products in the store. That they are focusing on making healthy eating a possibility for everyone with a plan to cut sugar and salt across their range and sourcing ethically and locally makes me feel more responsible when shopping with Lidl."

What do you know about Lidl? Why do you want to work for us?

"I grew up in Germany, and my family were die-hard Lidl shoppers, so when I found out that Lidl was expanding into the US at the exact same time I was ready to reenter the workforce after raising my family, I knew I wanted to apply for a position here. Besides the unique approach Lidl has to grocery shopping, I also appreciate the stability and track-record of a nearly 100 year old company; I would feel very secure about my future working for a company like this."

From its humble beginnings in 1930 to today, when we have over 10,000 stores in 30 countries, our principles, mission, and commitments have always stayed the same: to provide customers with the best products at the lowest possible prices with extraordinary customer service. Talk to the interviewer about what attracts you to working for Lidl.

"I've spent a lot of time diving into the Lidl website, and I'm so impressed by the wealth of information available for customers and potential employees alike. The culture here seems truly outstanding -- I don't think I've ever encountered a company that takes its commitment to its employees' development and well-being, both at work and at home, so seriously. I would love to work for a company that cares so proactively about its employees."

"I have spent some time on your website, and I was so impressed with what I read. From the way they treat their employees to their suppliers, it is clear they care about people. As well as this, the responsibility they have taken with their effect on the planet, from work on packaging to using renewable energy, is overwhelmingly impressive. I am proud to be a customer and would be delighted to work for a company that aligns itself to so many of my personal ideals."

Lidl puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?

"I know that many grocery shoppers don't want to be hassled when they're running their errands, so I usually greet customers with a friendly 'hello' but then give them space unless they have a question. If a customer interrupts me with a question when I'm in the middle of a task, like stocking shelves or cleaning up, I always stop what I'm doing and make sure they can find what they're looking for before returning to my task."

At Lidl, customer satisfaction is our highest priority, and everything out our business is designed with customers in mind: from our efficient layouts to our cost-reducing strategies, we're changing the way the world shops for groceries. Talk to the interviewer about your own customer service strategy.

"I ensure that my customers' needs are met by actively listening to them and also asking the right questions. Treat others as you want to be treated. It's a good rule to live by."

"I am friendly with customers and greet them so they can feel comfortable approaching me if they need to. A happy customer is one that will return and recommend, so I make sure I listen to their needs and help as much as I can before returning to any other tasks."

Lidl Interview Questions

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1. Have you ever questioned or given critical feedback to your employer?
2. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?
3. Tell me about the best job you've ever had. What made it so special?
4. What do you hope to learn from this job at Lidl?
5. Tell me about a time you had to handle conflict at work.
6. What are your salary expectations?
7. How can Lidl motivate you on the job?
8. Describe to me your ideal employer.
9. What kinds of events cause you stress on the job? How do you handle stress?
10. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
11. Personality fit is important to us at Lidl. How would you describe your personality?
12. What do you think creates an environment of good communication?
13. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
14. Why is this job with Lidl right for you at this time in your career?
15. How do you feel about working closely with a team?
16. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?
17. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
18. What do you think will be your biggest challenge if hired at Lidl?
19. Take me through your some of your career history. How have your previous positions prepared you for success in this role with Lidl?
20. Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Lidl?
21. You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at Lidl. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?
22. Which of our guiding principles makes the biggest impact on you?
23. How do you handle upset or frustrated customers?
24. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Lidl.
25. At Lidl we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?
26. Tell me about a time your manager criticized your work.
27. We have a strong employee honesty program in place at Lidl to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?
28. How would you describe the Lidl way to a customer who was unfamiliar with our company?
29. What do you know about Lidl? Why do you want to work for us?
30. Lidl puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?

Lidl Interview Questions

1. Have you ever questioned or given critical feedback to your employer?

2. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

3. Tell me about the best job you've ever had. What made it so special?

4. What do you hope to learn from this job at Lidl?

5. Tell me about a time you had to handle conflict at work.

6. What are your salary expectations?

7. How can Lidl motivate you on the job?

8. Describe to me your ideal employer.

9. What kinds of events cause you stress on the job? How do you handle stress?

10. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

11. Personality fit is important to us at Lidl. How would you describe your personality?

12. What do you think creates an environment of good communication?

13. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

14. Why is this job with Lidl right for you at this time in your career?

15. How do you feel about working closely with a team?

16. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

17. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

18. What do you think will be your biggest challenge if hired at Lidl?

19. Take me through your some of your career history. How have your previous positions prepared you for success in this role with Lidl?

20. Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Lidl?

21. You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at Lidl. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?

22. Which of our guiding principles makes the biggest impact on you?

23. How do you handle upset or frustrated customers?

24. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Lidl.

25. At Lidl we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?

26. Tell me about a time your manager criticized your work.

27. We have a strong employee honesty program in place at Lidl to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?

28. How would you describe the Lidl way to a customer who was unfamiliar with our company?

29. What do you know about Lidl? Why do you want to work for us?

30. Lidl puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?