Coolblue Team Lead Interview Questions
& Process

I had a recruiter call first, and then they quickly set up a technical interview with two team leads. I thought that was great because they were fast. But in the second interview, the team leads mostly asked behavioral questions. For example, they asked 'How would you deal with someone who isn’t performing well?' I said I'd try to mentor and help them get back on track. After the interview, they called to say I was rejected because they wanted someone who would 'be direct.' Apparently, they meant confrontational rather than helpful. That’s when I realized the rumors about Coolblue’s toxic culture might be true, and this interview confirmed it.

First, I had a chat with HR. She told me about the company's policy of not hiring from certain countries. While I get that companies have their reasons, it would be better if this was on the website or job description. It would save everyone time. Also, when I asked why, the answer wasn't clear. Judging everyone from a country based on past stuff might not be fair and could seem biased. This might stop good candidates from applying.

I found the job opening online and it immediately caught my eye. I sent in my resume and was then invited for a first meeting with a recruiter. This meeting took place at a Van der Valk hotel in Apeldoorn. I was quite nervous before the meeting, but thanks to the informal atmosphere at Coolblue, I quickly felt relaxed. You don't need a fancy suit and tie to impress. The most important thing for this meeting was to show who you really are. The first meeting with the recruiter went well, and I was invited for a second meeting with two depot managers. This meeting was at the head office in Rotterdam. Being at the head office, you immediately notice how fun and youthful the company is. Again, it was a nice informal job interview where I quickly felt at ease. They presented some quite difficult situations that I had to respond to. Since I didn't know the company's processes yet, it seemed difficult to answer, but when I just answered how I would act if it were my own company, it became a bit easier. In short, this meeting was also a pleasant one, and I received a message the same day that I was hired.