It can take a considerable amount of time from start to finish. It took 6 month for the whole process from start to finish.
It is important to note that over 50,000 people apply for this role and approximately 100 positions are available. Everyone who applies feel they have the best experience and skills and so on but Aldi knows what they are looking for.
It all comes down to what you are like. They want someone who is not overly confident though as they want people that they can make them do their way of business. In a way it can come down to luck. During my group assessment I had people with barely any skills and experiences, or even a business mindset but that's what they want.
Do not feel discriminated but they do tend to go for very young area managers, straight from graduating but you may be lucky enough. This again is because they can make younger people do what they like.
The salary is great but you will be actually working 60-70 hours a week in your first year which I calculated comes to £13 an hour roughly, but I guess they give you a car.
Some advice for the group assessment and final interview.
Group assessment
* Speak confidently and get involved although don't come across arrogant
* Say your point and then ask someone else if they agree or what their opinion is
* You will review some made up CV's and argue who you would recruit (think about distance, relationships, motivation, skills, commitment and reasons that would make them suitable)
* You will present a topic to the others which is given to you on the day
* Make sure you go to a store and talk to people or you will be clueless
* When presenting about the store, do not talk bad, at mine people were complaining about lack of staff etc, Aldi is happy with the way its doing things so just compliment)
* The topics will be about: Store Layout, till systems, staff, specialbuys, product range and maybe some more
* make loads of notes about each of these, and bring them with you because you can use them on the day to present
* Come presentable, clean shaven, suit
Final Interview
* You will first meet an Area manager and then a regional director
* You will walk around the store, ask questions, you will be asked questions about the products, what you know about Aldi etc
* Clean shaven, nice suit, black shoes
*The day with the regional director lasts 30 minutes
* It's a more casual chat, why your good for it, why Aldi, what you can bring
* Talk about business, dont mention things they can change but instead talk about what you can influence.
* For example, talk about pushing sales, ensuring KPI's are met, efficiency and use business terms.
* They will really judge your appearance, make sure to shave before the interview, I shaved the night before and this was noticed, no skinny ties, black shoes only, don't take your jacket off. It may sound ridiculous but they are a German company and they are very strict with this.
Most important rule, never say anything bad about Aldi and do not take it personal if you don't get it or feel better than others. It is pure luck and they don't want people who are overly qualified.
If you actually look for Aldi area managers on LinkedIn and see their experiences, a lot do not even have business backgrounds, or great working experiences.