Woolworths: common questions about working there

Woolworths uses pre-recorded video interviews as part of its screening process for many roles across its supermarket network in Australia. After submitting your online application through the Woolworths Group Careers portal, shortlisted candidates receive an email invitation to complete a HireVue or similar video assessment. You are given a set of questions one at a time on screen. For each question, you have a short preparation window — usually 30 to 60 seconds — before your response is recorded. Most video interviews consist of four to six questions and take around 15 to 25 minutes to complete. You can complete it from home on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone at a time that suits you, within the deadline provided.

Before you begin, test your camera and microphone to confirm they are working properly. Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a clean, neutral background — a plain wall or a tidy bookshelf both work well. Position your camera at eye level so you appear natural and engaged rather than looking down or up at the screen. Dress professionally from at least the waist up, as you would for an in-person interview. Close any unnecessary browser tabs, turn your phone on silent, and let anyone else at home know you need uninterrupted time. These small details tell Woolworths that you take the process seriously and present yourself professionally.

Woolworths wants to see that you can prioritise calmly under pressure. A good answer: "I acknowledge each customer so they know I have seen them — even a quick 'I will be with you in just a moment' helps. I then work through them in order of urgency, dealing with a quick question first if someone just needs to know where something is, and giving more time to whoever has the more complex need. I try to stay calm and friendly throughout, because rushing or looking stressed usually makes customers more anxious rather than less."

This question is testing your integrity and your ability to handle workplace issues maturely. A solid answer: "I would approach my colleague directly and privately first — not in front of customers or other team members. I would mention what I had noticed in a non-accusatory way and give them the benefit of the doubt that it might have been an oversight. If it was something that posed a safety or compliance risk, I would also flag it to a team leader, because some things genuinely need to be escalated for everyone's safety."

Be honest and practical: "I remind myself that the repetitive tasks — scanning, packing, restocking — are what keeps the store running well and what customers depend on. I try to take ownership of the quality of what I am doing rather than just going through the motions. I also find it helps to set small personal targets, like completing a section of shelving before a certain time, which keeps me focused. And honestly, a good team around you makes repetitive work go a lot faster."