What Happens After You Submit the IGA Job Application Online?

Applying for a position at IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance) is an exciting first step toward a career in retail and grocery services. With numerous stores across Australia and internationally, IGA offers a wide variety of positions, from entry-level roles to management. Submitting a strong IGA job application online is only the beginning. Many applicants wonder, “What happens next?” This guide explains the typical process after submission and provides tips to improve your chances of moving through each stage successfully.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Submitting Your Application Online

The IGA online application portal has become the most efficient way to apply for positions:

Convenience: Apply from home or anywhere with internet access.
Speed: Applications go directly to store managers.
Organization: Keep track of multiple applications in one place.
Up-to-Date Listings: New openings are posted regularly.

Submitting online ensures your application reaches the right people quickly, which is the first step in the hiring process.

Step 1: Confirmation of Submission

Once you submit your IGA job application online, you typically receive a confirmation email:

Confirms that your application was successfully received
May include a summary of your submitted details
Provides contact information or next steps

This confirmation reassures you that your application is in the system and is being considered.

Step 2: Initial Review by Store Managers

After submission, the hiring manager or store owner reviews your application:

They check if your skills, experience, and availability match the position
Review resumes, cover letters, and additional documents
Shortlist candidates for further consideration

This step determines whether you will progress to the next stage of the hiring process. Accuracy and completeness in your application are critical here.

Step 3: Screening or Pre-Interview Contact

For shortlisted candidates, IGA may conduct a screening step before an interview:

Phone Call: Confirm availability, experience, and interest in the position
Email or Online Questionnaire: Answer questions about skills, flexibility, or past experience
Initial Assessment: Some roles may require short skill tests

Respond promptly and professionally to screening requests to increase your chances of moving forward.

Step 4: Interview Process

If you pass the initial screening, the next step is usually an interview:

Types of Interviews

In-Person: Conducted at the store for customer-facing roles
Video Interview: For initial screening or managerial positions
Trial Shift: Especially for department-specific roles like deli, bakery, or produce

What Hiring Managers Look For

Customer service skills
Teamwork and reliability
Flexibility with shifts and work hours
Relevant experience in retail or grocery
Enthusiasm for working at IGA

Being well-prepared and professional during the interview can significantly impact your chances of being hired.

Step 5: Reference and Background Checks

For some positions, especially supervisory or managerial roles, IGA may conduct:

Reference Checks: Contacting previous employers or personal references
Background Checks: Ensuring the candidate meets company and safety standards
Verification of Certifications: For roles requiring food handling or other certifications

Providing accurate information on your application ensures these checks proceed smoothly.

Step 6: Job Offer

Once your application, screening, interview, and checks are complete, successful candidates receive a job offer:

Offer may be communicated via email or phone
Includes details such as start date, pay, and work hours
Provides information about orientation, training, and policies

At this stage, it’s important to review the offer carefully and confirm your acceptance promptly.

Step 7: Onboarding and Orientation

After accepting the offer:

Attend orientation or onboarding sessions
Complete paperwork, including tax forms and employment agreements
Learn company policies, safety protocols, and department procedures
Receive training for your specific role

This ensures a smooth transition into your new position and sets you up for success at IGA.

Tips to Navigate the Process Successfully

Submit a Complete and Accurate Application: Double-check all fields, documents, and contact information.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight skills and experience relevant to the position.
Respond Promptly to Communications: Answer calls, emails, or messages from the store quickly.
Prepare for Interviews: Review common retail interview questions and know the store’s departments.
Be Flexible: Emphasize willingness to work various shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Follow Up Professionally: If you haven’t heard back after 7–10 days, a polite follow-up demonstrates initiative.

These strategies help you move through the hiring process faster and leave a positive impression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or inaccurate applications
Using a generic resume or cover letter
Ignoring communications from the store
Not being prepared for interviews or trial shifts
Providing limited availability or inflexible schedules

Avoiding these mistakes increases your likelihood of successfully progressing through each stage.

Timeline of the Hiring Process

While timelines vary by store and position, the general sequence after submitting your IGA job application online is:

Application Review: 1–5 business days
Screening Contact: 2–7 business days after review
Interview Scheduling: Within 1–2 weeks of screening
Reference/Background Checks: 1–3 business days
Job Offer: Typically within 1–2 weeks after interview
Onboarding: As scheduled by the store

Being proactive and responsive can help you move through this timeline faster.

Conclusion

Submitting your IGA job application online is just the first step in the hiring process. After submission, your application goes through review, screening, interviews, and possibly background checks before a job offer is made. Understanding what happens at each stage allows you to prepare effectively, respond promptly, and increase your chances of being hired quickly.

By submitting a complete and professional application, tailoring your resume and cover letter, showing flexibility, and following up appropriately, you can navigate the IGA hiring process with confidence and secure a rewarding career in retail.