Australians have been left stunned by the rigorous multi-step recruitment process that Woolworths applicants must navigate. For those seeking employment at one of the company's supermarkets, several steps must be completed before they can even speak to a real person.
The Recruitment Steps
Jobseekers begin by submitting an online application and resume, followed by automated screening questions. They are then required to record video responses to interview questions alone in front of a webcam. Only after completing these steps do they become eligible for an in-person interview. Some applicants have also reported undergoing online personality or behavioural assessments designed to measure traits such as teamwork, customer service skills, and reliability.
Public Backlash
The hiring process has sparked significant backlash online, with one Facebook user venting their frustration: 'Absolutely insane that to get a job at Woolworths now you have to submit a resume, talk to an AI chatbot, then record a video interview talking to yourself before you even get the chance to speak to a real human being.' They added, 'Our parents' generation walked in, shook someone's hand, and started work the next week, but now, people are expected to perform for algorithms, smile at webcams, and pass automated personality tests just to earn enough to survive. No wonder so many people feel disconnected from the workforce, the hiring process doesn't even feel human anymore.'
Many Australians agreed, calling the process over the top. One commented, 'Woolworth's recruitment needs an overhaul unless you are recruiting for executive roles or support staff.' Another noted, 'All that and you still barely get greeted or spoken to at a supermarket.' A third user remarked, 'Imagine all the poor little 14 and 15-year-olds trying to get their first job and they're chatting to an AI bot, recording a video chat, and passing personality tests.' A fourth added, 'You then get in there and they haven't even paid attention to what you said in any of the interviews.'
Comparison to the Past
Many also pointed out how much easier it was to secure a supermarket job in previous decades. One person recalled, 'I went for a job interview and at the end, the 2IC asked if I would wait outside for a few minutes. A few minutes later he came out and said, can you start Monday, and I worked there for almost ten years.' Another shared, 'I got my first job in 1994 after school in a supermarket. Walked up to the manager, said "Got any jobs?", he said "yeah" and I was there for four years.' A third recounted, 'Late 80s I walked into Woolies looking for casual work. They took me to the staff room to do a maths test, I failed, so they gave me a job in the deli.'
The Daily Mail has contacted Woolworths for comment. The supermarket giant is not alone in using such a hiring approach; many popular retailers like Coles, Kmart, and Bunnings employ similar methods.
