Aldi looks for degree of excellence

GERMAN supermarket chain Aldi asks applicants to its UK graduate scheme to have a 2:1 degree or above.

However, the international employer is keen to point out this is not set in stone, and an excellent candidate with a lesser degree classification could still get the job.

The foodstore’s graduate management scheme offers more than many other schemes, with a starting salary of £40,000 and an Audi A4, rising to £61,000 after three years.

Aldi regional managing director and head of graduate recruitment, Richard Holloway, said the firm’s main consideration when recruiting was the extracurricular skills graduates can bring to the organisation alongside educational merit.

He said: “Aldi is well known for favouring the all-round candidate. For us, graduates who stand out from the mix are those that combine academic and non-academic skills and experiences.

“Carrying out voluntary or charity work, having a part-time job, leading a local or university sports team or going the extra mile to reach individual potential is favoured over first-class honours.”

The company has what it describes as an “engagement programme” with universities throughout the UK to help identify high-calibre, dedicated graduates for the opportunity to become area managers.

Mr Holloway added: “Even though the UK economy is recovering from the recession, the job market is still very competitive, especially for new graduates, so it is vital for students to prepare themselves for that first difficult step into the workforce.

“Students should not expect to come out of university with a 2:1 and drop straight into their dream job.

“It is important to offer recruiters a balance of experience to really stand out amongst thousands of other new graduates.”

Mr Holloway said Aldi tried to prepare students for life after university with a placement scheme: “Candidates are taught commercial awareness, customer satisfaction and business efficiency.”

However, the international employer is keen to point out this is not set in stone, and an excellent candidate with a lesser degree classification could still get the job.

The foodstore’s graduate management scheme offers more than many other schemes, with a starting salary of £40,000 and an Audi A4, rising to £61,000 after three years.

Aldi regional managing director and head of graduate recruitment, Richard Holloway, said the firm’s main consideration when recruiting was the extracurricular skills graduates can bring to the organisation alongside educational merit.

He said: “Aldi is well known for favouring the all-round candidate. For us, graduates who stand out from the mix are those that combine academic and non-academic skills and experiences.

“Carrying out voluntary or charity work, having a part-time job, leading a local or university sports team or going the extra mile to reach individual potential is favoured over first-class honours.”

The company has what it describes as an “engagement programme” with universities throughout the UK to help identify high-calibre, dedicated graduates for the opportunity to become area managers.

Mr Holloway added: “Even though the UK economy is recovering from the recession, the job market is still very competitive, especially for new graduates, so it is vital for students to prepare themselves for that first difficult step into the workforce.

“Students should not expect to come out of university with a 2:1 and drop straight into their dream job.

“It is important to offer recruiters a balance of experience to really stand out amongst thousands of other new graduates.”

Mr Holloway said Aldi tried to prepare students for life after university with a placement scheme: “Candidates are taught commercial awareness, customer satisfaction and business efficiency.”