METRO Manager Interview Questions
& Process

I initially submitted my CV at a university career fair and was contacted two weeks later for a skills assessment. The first step was an online personality test. Next, I had to travel to Madrid (travel expenses were not covered until the final stage) for an English test, a case study focused on improving Cash & Carry productivity, and a competency-based interview. After passing that, I traveled to Madrid again for an Assessment Centre with about seven other candidates. We started with an icebreaker where we introduced ourselves using a 'Smurf' metaphor, followed by breakfast. Then, we had a group dynamic exercise where we discussed future recommendations for a Cash & Carry. I wasn't a fan of this exercise because the interviewers seemed to favor those who talked the most, rather than those who made qualitative contributions or encouraged others to speak. Following that, there was a Role Play where I had to discuss employee issues in a specific store with the interviewer and outline strategies to boost sales. Candidates who passed this stage had to prepare and present an Individual case study to a senior Sales Manager. Successful candidates then proceeded to a European Assessment Centre, which involved similar tasks and assessed all candidates regardless of their nationality.

The application process took 2.5 months. It included 2 phone interviews, an assessment center, and finally a meeting with the CEO and Head of Sales. The atmosphere was great, with clear time management and good support throughout. The conversations were pleasant, informative, objective, fair, and always at eye level. Having the CEO involved in the final interview was a great sign of appreciation for the candidate. After positive feedback from the meeting, the contract and all important details were discussed. The draft contract was sent by email for review two days after the assessment center.

It's a multi-stage process that begins with submitting your CV and cover letter. First, after they pick candidates, you'll have a personal interview that's mostly standard questions about your background, experience, strengths, and weaknesses, plus some behavioral ones (like 'give an example of when you had to X and what happened'). Then, if you make it, you'll spend a full day doing assessments, including IQ and personality tests, a role-play simulation, a group discussion, and a presentation. After that, successful candidates present two case studies to the country management team and answer their questions. Finally, the top candidates from each country go to an international location for a 2-day assessment with others, and the best person from each country gets an offer.