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![She was asked to do push-ups, sit-ups, and star jumps. ‘Do Push-Ups, Sit-Ups’: Company Takes Fitness Test Of Woman Over Zoom Call](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/stsp/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img/https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/07/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&width=510&height=356)
She was asked to do push-ups, sit-ups, and star jumps.
A woman who sought employment at a retail supermarket chain recounted an unconventional interview.
A woman applying for a job at a retail supermarket chain shared an unconventional interview experience that has now sparked a discussion online. Instead of the expected routine of answering standard interview questions, the applicant, seeking an in-store position, found herself engaged in a virtual fitness assessment via Zoom, which included exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and star jumps.
A relative of the woman went on the ALDI-focused Facebook group to ask, “I’m not bagging out ALDI with this question but is there an employee here who can answer this please?” She continued, “My relative recently interviewed for a position in-store and then later that day she was asked to partake in a Zoom meeting in her home and was asked to do push-ups, sit-ups, and star jumps to show her fitness level.” “Is this really a part of the interview process or just an overzealous manager?” she asked.
The post, drawing a variety of reactions, raised doubts about the appropriateness of this interview technique. While traditional interviews are known to assess skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role, incorporating a fitness assessment seems unusual. Comments like “that’s creepy” and “this is just weird” echoed the sentiment of those who found the unorthodox interview method unusual.
One person commented under the Facebook post, “I would exit that Zoom call so fast,” while another questioned the relevance of push-ups, stating, “Why do push-ups? They sit down at work all day.”
People also questioned if doing these tests over Zoom was appropriate, while others were worried about the qualifications of the interviewer.
However, some people defended the interview process, with one user mentioning, “Started at ALDI a year ago now, and I had to do a Zoom medical assessment. Thought it was weird at the time, but now I realize how necessary it is. You definitely need a certain level of fitness to be competent in the job… Yep. Part of the process.”
Someone said that their housemate, who works at ALDI, had a similar experience. They explained that the Zoom call involved a physiotherapist assessing the applicant’s physical capabilities to ensure they could handle specific job duties and were not hiding any pre-existing injuries “so later you can’t pin them with work cover or a lawsuit.”