Aussies stunned by Woolworths' multi-step hiring process for supermarket workers

Published: 02:36, 13 May 2026 | Updated: 02:46, 13 May 2026 Australians have been left stunned by the rigorous multi-step recruitment process Woolworths applicants must go through. For those wanting to work at one of the company's supermarkets, there are several steps they need to complete before they can even speak to a real person. Jobseekers will first submit an online application and resume, and then complete automated screening questions. They are then asked to record video responses to interview questions alone in front of a webcam. It's only after they complete these steps that they'll be able to have an in-person interview.  Some applicants have claimed they've also had to undergo online personality or behavioural assessments designed to measure traits such as teamwork, customer service skills and reliability. The hiring process has sparked backlash online, with one Facebook user venting their frustration with the system.   '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 said in a post.  Australians have been left stunned by the rigorous multi-step recruitment process Woolworths applicants must go through '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 Aussies agreed, saying the hiring process was over the top. 'Woolworths' recruitment needs an overhaul unless you are recruiting for executive roles or support staff,' one said.   'All that and you still barely get greeted or spoken to at a supermarket,' a second said.  '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,' another said.  'You then get in there and they haven't even paid attention to what you said in any of the interviews,' a fourth said.  Many also pointed out the ease with which they were able to successfully get a job working in a supermarket in the past. 'I went for a job interview and at the end, the 2IC asked if I would wait outside for a few minutes,' one said. 'A few minutes later he came out and said, can you start Monday, and I worked there for almost ten years.'    'I got my first job in 1994 after school in a supermarket,' a second said. 'Walked up to the manager, said "Got any jobs?', he said "yeah" and I was there for four years.' 'Late 80s I walked into Woolies looking for casual work,' a third said. 'They took me to the staff room to do a maths test, I failed, so they gave me a job in the deli,' a third said.  The Daily Mail has contacted Woolworths for comment.  The supermarket giant isn't the only company to use a similar approach to hiring, with many popular retailers like Coles, Kmart and Bunnings doing the same.  The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.