Safeway Interview Questions.

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Host

It's always hard to know what to expect when going in for that interview -- and preparation can make all the difference. What is the interview process like at Safeway?

Any advice on striking the right note?

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Select

37 months ago

Pass the drug test and you're in!

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chabela in Camarillo, California

37 months ago

Colleen Chambers said: Yes i am trying to apply for a job with your company, and i am currently in college right about now. So basically i'm really struggling terribly bad right about now so can you please email me back and let me know something please i beg....[/QUOTE

WELL, YES AS THIS PERSON MENTIONED, PASS THE DRUG TEST AND YOU'RE IN, BUT PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ABOUT THREE WEEKS DOWNT HE ROAD WHICH MANAGEMENT DON'T TELL IS THAT THE UNION HITS YOU WITH A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO PAY TO THEM OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET TERMINATED! SO IN REALITY YOU WILL BE GIVING UP ALL THAT YOU'VE EARNED BACK TO THEM. IN OTHER WORDS YOU'VE WORKED FOR FREE! SO, SINCE THEY DON'T TELL YOU THIS BIT OF NEWS...I HAVE...GOOD LUCK.

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Select

37 months ago

chabela said:
Colleen Chambers said: Yes i am trying to apply for a job with your company, and i am currently in college right about now. So basically i'm really struggling terribly bad right about now so can you please email me back and let me know something please i beg....[/QUOTE
WELL, YES AS THIS PERSON MENTIONED, PASS THE DRUG TEST AND YOU'RE IN, BUT PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ABOUT THREE WEEKS DOWNT HE ROAD WHICH MANAGEMENT DON'T TELL IS THAT THE UNION HITS YOU WITH A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO PAY TO THEM OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET TERMINATED! SO IN REALITY YOU WILL BE GIVING UP ALL THAT YOU'VE EARNED BACK TO THEM. IN OTHER WORDS YOU'VE WORKED FOR FREE! SO, SINCE THEY DON'T TELL YOU THIS BIT OF NEWS...I HAVE...GOOD LUCK.

Not entirely honest...The hiring person will tell you it's a union position, and the union will allow you to make payments...

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Select

37 months ago

Select said:
Not entirely honest...The hiring person will tell you it's a union position, and the union will allow you to make payments...

[i]But really, you could do better than Safeway[/i]

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JOHN in San Leandro, California

37 months ago

Select said:
[i]But really, you could do better than Safeway[/i]

Anyone can do better than Safeway. As a team member expect to work hard for little pay and feel like a slave in the process. Anyone who has ever worked as a courtesy clerk can tell you that safeway works you like a slave and at very crazy hours. Trust me stay away.

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Jim in Carlsbad, California

37 months ago

I worked for Safeway for about 6 months. It was the worst experience of my life. Before I accepted a position, I informed them that my wife was due to have a baby, and they agreed to let me take 2 weeks off as soon as my baby was born. Well, it was a SCHEDULED caesarian, and I told them months in advance. However, when the time came for me to take the time off, then everyone acted like I was trying to get away with murder. I was told that taking time off was not an option, and that I would just have to work. They said they were very sorry, but would not allow me the time off. HAHAHA...I worked until the agreed upon date, and then submitted my resignation. Just one little story to let you know that you can do A LOT BETTER than working for Safeway/Vons. I have many more stories, and none of them are good.

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boom boom in Vancouver, British Columbia

36 months ago

mm i think..if u tell them ure available 24-7..n chances of them hiring u is higher coz they need ppo..

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Staci in Antioch in Oakley, California

36 months ago

I have applied for every position I am well qualified for at the corporate office in Pleasanton. I still have not heard from anyone regarding the open positions. Does anyone have any suggestions besides applying somewhere else?

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cant tell u in Hayward, California

35 months ago

Well i think all grocery stores are coruppt like nuggetmarket food 4 less. They treat the ppl who work at nugget markets like king and queens, but at food 4 less that is like the dump, u wont get anywhere unless u KISS UP. u try to offer ur natural skills or even just to learn forget it ur a scrubn there. at the f4l in vallejo, some guy told me that they dont allow females to work in any of the departments accept cashier and bakery.. he told me that there was to chicks that worked in produce and they put them there because they were being investigated for not following that equal oppurtunities thing. They r no longer in produce by the way. that is some crap!

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Sam in Van in New Westminster, British Columbia

35 months ago

anyone know how the computer test works at safeway? i heard you have to take a test before they decide to hire you or not

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mutilated in Kenai, Alaska

35 months ago

do they watch you when you take the drug test?

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Select in San Mateo, California

35 months ago

The new drug test involves running a Q tip type swab across your gums for about 20 seconds. So if you're planning on brining your kid sister's piss fo'get about it...

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Select in San Mateo, California

35 months ago

thisgirlsgoing.proboards51.com/index.cgi

Check out this Safeway employee's messaging board for further questions. Just tell'em Select sent you...

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c in Palo Alto, California

35 months ago

when does safeway give you the drug test? after the interview, or the same day of the interview?

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Rhoda in Oxnard, California

35 months ago

c in Palo Alto, California said: when does safeway give you the drug test? after the interview, or the same day of the interview?

Drug test is given during the interview.

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xman in Phoenix, Arizona

34 months ago

Is the drug test given at the end of the interview, or is this the first step in the interview process?

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Cameron in Spanaway, Washington

34 months ago

does any one know how far back the safeway drug tests go back for marajuawna

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rudedawg in Oakland, California

34 months ago

Sam in Van in New Westminster, British Columbia said: anyone know how the computer test works at safeway? i heard you have to take a test before they decide to hire you or not

The test is a personality profile 150 questions, followed by about 16 code identifier questions, then 8 code identifier, After that it is procedure testing about 12 questions, and then mathematics about 12 questions.

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wanda in Federal Way, Washington

34 months ago

Select in San Mateo, California said: The new drug test involves running a Q tip type swab across your gums for about 20 seconds. So if you're planning on brining your kid sister's piss fo'get about it...

is there anything u can do

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Taylor in Fairbanks, Alaska

32 months ago

I'm curious about the drug test, can they tell that day, or does it take time? Also, you don't have to join the union if you're under 18, do you?

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Emily in Palmer, Alaska

32 months ago

JOHN in San Leandro, California said: Anyone can do better than Safeway. As a team member expect to work hard for little pay and feel like a slave in the process. Anyone who has ever worked as a courtesy clerk can tell you that safeway works you like a slave and at very crazy hours. Trust me stay away.

I was a courtesy clerk for a year and I know how hard it is. Now I'm a cashier/natural foods stocker. That was exactly what I hated about being a courtesy clerk. It is a thankless job, and courtesy clerks are little more than slaves. But what I hate now is the rude customers. I've had so many of them laugh at me when I make mistakes, throw their Club Cards/money/credit cards/etc at me.... I don't think people should stay away though. A job is a job.

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jake in Chula Vista, California

32 months ago

yes, im interested in knowing as well, how far back does the swab test go (for MJ specifically)?

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Debra in Fremont, California

32 months ago

Hi,

Has anyone worked at the corporate offices in Pleasanton?

I would like to know about the culture, hiring process, environment, pay/benefits, etc.

Thanks!

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Jack B. in Portland, Oregon

31 months ago

Does safeway drug test at the interview??

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sugarlover in San Jose, California

31 months ago

Yes, Safeway does give you a saliva test IN the interview. Saliva tests can only trace drug consumption for the last three days up to immediate use*

*on average. Not much more than that, though, and that doesnt depend on how much of party fan you are.
If you used last week, it will not show up. period.

But, if you used last night... start applying for another job.

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niki in Austin, Texas

31 months ago

Maybe I misread your note but law requires that companies of 50 or more employees MUST offer you 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave and a position of equal pay when you return, regardless of whether you are male or female or work a full or part time position. No benefit package necessary. Though you have resigned it may be helpful for others in that position to look into it.

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Michelle Robbins in Whittier, California

31 months ago

I worked at Safeway #1977 in Lacey, Washington for 2.5 years, I was a courtesy clerk for 5 months of that time. Yeah it was hard work, if you worked hard your supervisors/managers noticed, and when/if you go for another position you'll get it. I got every position I applied for, I was up against 3-5 people each time. I've been courtesy clerk, customer service clerk, checker, back-up frozen/dairy manager, bookkeeper, and video manager. Hard work pays off. Also, if you have great shop scores, I'm 18 for 20!

I now work at Vons #2524 in La Habra, California as a file maintenance clerk. I do it because I love the hours, most people don't like 3am-12pm, but I do. Plus I wanted to learn every position in the store, because if I ever move up I want to say I did it all.

I have an interview for Transportation Warehouse Clerk in El Monte, California for Vons.

With my past interview experience with the company, I'll get the job, but I'll try not to get too cocky.

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Kamie in Elberfeld, Indiana

30 months ago

Taylor in Fairbanks, Alaska said: I'm curious about the drug test, can they tell that day, or does it take time? Also, you don't have to join the union if you're under 18, do you?

it is 30 seconds.

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Kamie in Elberfeld, Indiana

30 months ago

if any courtesy clerks want to move up in positiion, thank by name! Your superiors love that! Not many courtesy clerks do that, and plus u get points on ur shops. IT is easy! helped me :)Also, help people unload from their cart, to the checkstand, works too.

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Nightswings in San Francisco, California

26 months ago

Boy, I might have to get a job as a clerk as well. The drug test is just a slap in the face to be quite honest with you. What a basterdly way to keep the man down

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kakashi5 in Chehalis, Washington

4 months ago

Michelle Robbins in Whittier, California said: I worked at Safeway #1977 in Lacey, Washington for 2.5 years, I was a courtesy clerk for 5 months of that time. Yeah it was hard work, if you worked hard your supervisors/managers noticed, and when/if you go for another position you'll get it. I got every position I applied for, I was up against 3-5 people each time. I've been courtesy clerk, customer service clerk, checker, back-up frozen/dairy manager, bookkeeper, and video manager. Hard work pays off. Also, if you have great shop scores, I'm 18 for 20!

I now work at Vons #2524 in La Habra, California as a file maintenance clerk. I do it because I love the hours, most people don't like 3am-12pm, but I do. Plus I wanted to learn every position in the store, because if I ever move up I want to say I did it all.

I have an interview for Transportation Warehouse Clerk in El Monte, California for Vons.

With my past interview experience with the company, I'll get the job, but I'll try not to get too cocky.

so when u were changing departments did u ever have to retake your drug test to change?

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Michelle in Cerritos, California

4 months ago

Since I wrote that I've been promoted to dispatcher.

And to answer your question, I've never had to retake the drug test out of all the times I've changed departments/facilities. I believe it is only when you get hired on with the company.

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FalconSays in San Jose, California

2 months ago

Hi Michelle,

Congratulations on all your success with the company. I have had some difficulties with Safeway, but that has not deterred me. You make a valid point: work hard and it pays off.

I was pounding the pavement for any two jobs I could get. I am a single mom going to school online. I really wanted Safeway for the longevity and security. I am 40 and have to finally grow up and think about what the hell and how the hell I am going to take care of me and my daughter (and our pets) when I am too old to "work" anymore. (although I plan on working well into my 70's)

I was working part time at both Bath and Body Works and the new Safeway store, "The Market" in downtown San Jose. I worked hard, never missed an opportunity to fill in if someone asked me to cover their shift, cleaned up after myself and always made it clear to managers that I was sincerely asking for more hours.

My hard work paid off when one day, unexpectedly, the store manager offered me the position of ICC, managing the warehouse M-F & full time hours and a raise (in time).!!!!!! I jumped on the opportunity!

Just moved back to Cal in Aug, started at The Market Sept 3rd and by mid-Nov am M-F full time and on my way to better money! I am very happy and very fortunate and in no way taking the VALUE of this opportunity lightly. This M-F means sooooo much to me and my daughter.

Anyway, to all the above soooo curious about the drug test, um, hello, DON'T DO DRUGS. And to the one that is concerned if you have to re-drug test after you move to new positions within the company - ONCE YOU LAND A GOOD JOB, WHY JEOPARDIZE YOUR OWN LIVLIHOOD DOING DRUGS!!! That's the same as shooting yourself in the foot.

The grocery business does have it's drawbacks. There is stress and a heck of a lot of different personalities you have to put up with or vein commeradery. But for my life and livlihood, I am willing to play along.

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Alegna40 in Concord, California

19 days ago

Host said: It's always hard to know what to expect when going in for that interview -- and preparation can make all the difference. What is the interview process like at Safeway?

Any advice on striking the right note?

I just got a job as a Starbucks clerk in Safeway. Be on time, dress nicely, be friendly. Here are the questions I was asked;

Why do you want to work here?

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker? If you have had no conflicts, they will still ask you what would you do in that situation.

What would your prior supervisor say about you?

What does service mean to you?

What was your greatest achievement?

There was one other that I just can't recall. The first part of the interview was mgr basically asking me if I have any restrictions, telling me about the job they are hiring for and asking if i'm still interested after they tell me the rate of pay. If you say yes they will then commence to the a/m questions and then that's it. I had to suck on some weird sponge thing for the drug test and they did the background check at same time while I wandered around the store. It was very easy and nothing to worry about. Just don't say stupid things to the questions and I think basically anybody can get a job. I had to take it because I had no other choice since unemployment benefits have yet to be extended and any money is better than no money. I was corporate worker for over 15 years but again you gotta do what you gotta do and i'm grateful for the job. Good Luck to all reading this, it really is easy to get an entry level job at Safeway.

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Alegna40 in Concord, California

8 days ago

Oh yeah and be prepared to be an obnoxious sales person if you get a job in a department (starbucks, deli, bakery, meat, etc...). I just quit cause it just was not my thing, I just didn't like it. It's not for everyone I guess but do be prepared to sell, sell, sell otherwise you get written up and terminated if you do not improve. Something to keep in mind. If you are shy and do not like talking to people, do not apply. Training was rushed and hurried, mgr kept leaving me to fend for myself and after 3 days I was physically and mentally burned out, by the 4th day I knew I didn't want to continue and quit.

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Alegna40 in Concord, California

8 days ago

Select said:

I agree, the union will let you make payments and I was also told not to start making payments until you're 100% sure you are going to stay otherwise you will be throwing money away, they will not refund you. I was told by hiring mgr to wait until probation was over (6 mos) before paying into union. Union will come visit you and tell you all about it and try and get you to pay into it earlier, DON'T. I quit after a week and i'm glad I did not join union right away.

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