1) What is Lidl UK like?
Extremely unique, and everything we do comes down to one simple thing: providing our customers with top quality products at the lowest possible prices.
How do we do it? Efficient decision making, simple working practices and a fantastic sense of team spirit, or, as we know it...'team Lidl'.
2) What was it about the Lidl graduate programme that made you want to apply?
Having worked as a customer assistant at Lidl while at university, I was able to see firsthand the opportunities available to graduates. This allowed me to identify very early on what a fantastic career the company could offer, and most importantly, what it took to secure a place on one of the programmes.
After university, I was fortunate enough to have a couple of options, so I really had to think about exactly what I was looking for in my career to make the right decision.
Lots of responsibility, fast-track career progression and the opportunity to travel were the key things for me, and so far I've had a taste of all three at Lidl.
Oh, and the rewards package isn't too bad either.
3) What were your first few days, weeks and months like at Lidl?
Crazy, exciting and quite incredible. Within my first month I was working at a Lidl store in Scotland one week, and designing our new careers website in London at our head office the next.
That's one of the great things about working at Lidl, opportunities can happen in the blink of an eye and if you are prepared to grab them, there's no telling where they could take you.
4) What is a typical day like at Lidl?
There isn't such a thing. Every day is different and the business never stands still, always striving to better itself and improve the Lidl experience for both customers and staff alike.
As an employee, this 'better never stops' attitude creates a fantastic working environment which I thoroughly enjoy being a part of.
5) What's your favourite part of working with Lidl UK?
Undoubtedly, the amount of trust and level of responsibility placed in me as a new graduate.
Being assigned my own project, relocating to London and experiencing our head office so quickly in my career has been fantastic. It has exposed me to various areas of the business and significantly developed both my skills and confidence.
Although the amount of work and responsibility can sometimes be tough, the level of training and support I've received has been excellent. At no point have I ever felt unable to ask for help, and whenever needed, someone has always been there to offer me advice.
We have an exceptionally strong network across the whole company. This cohesion, along with the levels of encouragement to maximise and fulfill potential, makes Lidl a fantastic place to be.
6) What sort of person fits in best at Lidl UK?
Someone who is extremely ambitious, likes a challenge and is not afraid to step outside their comfort zone.
Our working environment is very competitive, but being a part of 'team Lidl' means more than just pursuing individual goals.
We also recognise that contributing to the collective success of our organisation is just as important as excelling individually, so working together and forging strong relationships is something that we value highly.
7) Has Lidl UK got a big future in your opinion?
Absolutely, we are expanding rapidly and if you don't currently have a Lidl store near you now, the chances are you will soon. The more we grow as a business, the more we need to develop and implement new technologies and initiatives to ensure our success, something we are continually investing in.
This keeps our employees happy, our employees keep our customers happy, and our business continues to grow and flourish.
8) Do you think the retail sector is a good career choice?
Graduates have the wrong impression about the retail sector, they think of it as a last resort and assume it means working in a shop, doing long hours and being underpaid. I can't speak for other companies, but I certainly can't speak highly enough about my time with Lidl as a graduate so far.
I studied law, and the graduate area manager programme was my first choice of career after university. Yes retail can be hard work, but take the time to research the industry, overcome the stigma and you will definitely be surprised by the fantastic opportunities that are available.
9) What are your plans for the future with Lidl?
Having spent the past four months as a project manager at head office, my secondment is due to end and I will pick up where I left off on my area management programme.
I am relishing the challenge of delving back into my training, and the opportunity of making my mark on a number of our stores. Hopefully, at some point in the near future I will also be able to experience an international opportunity.
Flexibility plays a big part in being successful at Lidl, so whatever the company throws at me I'll grab with both hands.
10) What would you say to a graduate applying now?
Lidl is one of the UK's most well respected and sought after career choices for graduates, so competition for a place on our programmes is extremely fierce. My advice would be to prepare as much as possible, learn about our company, how we operate and show us how we would be a good fit together. Lidl offers graduates a tremendous amount of responsibility, and a rewards package to match, so if that's something that excites you then I would definitely encourage you to apply.
For more information and to apply for these roles, click here.
This content was funded and produced by Lidl.
