How Do You Get Hired At Walmart In 2023? (Step-By-Step)
Want to get hired at Walmart, America‘s largest private employer? With over 1.6 million US associates, Walmart has enormous job opportunities across its 4700+ stores.
But with so many applicants, how do you stand out and get a Walmart job offer?
As a veteran ecommerce expert and Amazon seller, I‘ve done extensive research on Walmart‘s hiring best practices. Read on as I walk you through the proven step-by-step process I recommend for getting hired at Walmart in 2023.
An Overview: Key Steps for Getting Hired at Walmart
Here are the key steps I advise to get hired at Walmart:
Search available jobs on the Walmart Careers site and apply to promising openings.
Create an applicant profile and thoroughly complete Walmart‘s online application.
Pass the Walmart online assessments to demonstrate your abilities.
Call the store manager to check application status and show initiative.
Prepare thoroughly for the first interview and put your best foot forward.
If called back, ace a second round interview by highlighting your qualifications.
Clear Walmart‘s background check and drug screening.
Complete orientation training and onboarding.
Follow these steps correctly, and your chances of getting that Walmart job offer will be very high. Let‘s explore each phase in-depth.
Step 1: Find Open Jobs to Apply for
Your first step should be browsing open roles on the Walmart Careers site and applying for ones that match your skills, interests and availability.
With new stores opening all the time, Walmart is almost always hiring for positions like:
- Cashiers
- Stockers / Order Fillers
- Department Sales Associates
- Food and Grocery Associates
- Overnight Stockers
Be sure to consider:
Location – filter for openings within comfortable commuting distance.
Employment type – full-time, part-time, seasonal.
Department – checkout, food, apparel, etc.
Qualifications – make sure your background fits.
Cast a wide net by applying to multiple openings that appeal to you. This boosts your odds over just applying to one role.
Step 2: Create Your Online Candidate Profile
Once you‘ve identified relevant job openings, it‘s time to create an applicant profile on Walmart‘s portal.
Here are the key steps to complete your Walmart application fully:
Choose a username/password. This allows you to save your application and complete it over time.
Enter your personal details – legal name, contact info, DOB, address, etc.
Provide education/work history. List schools attended, certifications, previous jobs with details on roles and responsibilities.
Share references. Give contact info for professional references like former managers who can vouch for you.
Answer questions on availability, salary expectations, reasons for applying, relevant skills and experience, etc.
I recommend setting aside 30-60 focused minutes to complete all sections accurately. Rushing through applications is a common mistake.
Step 3: Complete Walmart‘s Online Assessments
The next step is completing Walmart‘s online assessments.
These evaluate your abilities, behaviors, and skills to determine fit for the applied role. Almost all applicants must take them before submitting their application.
Here‘s an overview of Walmart‘s assessments:
Personality Assessment – 62 questions on how you handle situations at work. No right or wrong answers.
Work Scenarios – Judgement test with 8 scenarios examining how you‘d respond.
Skills Checks – Assess basic skills like math, reading comprehension, inventory management. Questions vary based on role.
From my analysis, Walmart‘s assessments take around 30-45 minutes. There are 60-70 questions in total.
Stay focused rather than rushing. Provide honest answers that reflect your true qualities and capabilities. This gives the most accurate picture.
Step 4: Call the Store to Follow Up
Don‘t just submit your application and wait! I recommend calling the store 2-3 days after applying to speak with the People Lead or Store Manager.
When you call:
Verify they received your application.
Remind them of the position(s) you applied for.
Share your enthusiasm for joining Walmart.
Politely ask if interviews will be scheduled soon.
Offer to provide any other information needed.
This shows initiative and gets your application prioritized. It can make the hiring process much quicker compared to just waiting.
Step 5: Prepare for the First Interview
If your application is strong, expect a call back within 1-2 weeks to schedule an initial interview.
Here are my tips for acing it:
Study Walmart‘s history, values, and business model. Get familiar with the company so you can speak knowledgably.
Practice common interview questions like "Why do you want to work here?" Prepare stories highlighting your top strengths and achievements.
Dress professionally. Aim for neat, pressed business casual attire to make the best first impression.
Review your application to refresh yourself on all the details you provided.
Bring supporting documents like your resume, ID, work permits if needed, etc.
Arrive 10 minutes early. This shows punctuality and respect for their time.
Your first interview may be one-on-one or a group panel. Greet each person by name, smile, make eye contact, and answer confidently.
Step 6: Prepare for a Second Interview
If called for a follow-up interview, that‘s a great sign! Walmart often does two rounds of interviews before selecting top candidates.
To excel in round two:
Study the role in-depth – day-to-day duties, skills required, metrics for success. Understand Walmart‘s business needs and how you‘re a fit.
Prepare concrete examples of times you demonstrated the key abilities needed for excelling in the role. Quantify your achievements and impact.
Ask informed, thoughtful questions about the team, training programs, growth opportunities, etc.
Send a follow-up thank you note reaffirming your interest and qualifications.
After the second interview, you may even get a conditional job offer on the spot if you‘re among the top choices.
Step 7: Pass the Background Check and Drug Screening
The final hiring steps are clearing Walmart‘s background check and passing a drug test.
Expect 5-7 days for background check results. Ensure your application was factual.
Follow drug test instructions precisely. Avoid any substances that could show up.
Once you‘ve successfully crossed these last hurdles, you‘ll get a formal job offer letter! This is a major milestone.
Step 8: Complete Orientation and Training
The last part of the process is Walmart‘s new hire orientation program. This covers company policies, systems, procedures, expectations and more to integrate you.
Stay engaged during orientation, ask questions, and complete any paperwork. This sets you up for success as you embark on your Walmart career!
Then be ready to fully devote yourself to the training for your specific role. Soak up these learning opportunities. Master your job responsibilities and deliver exceptional results.
Before you know it, you‘ll be flourishing as a newly hired Walmart associate!
Key Walmart Hiring FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting hired at Walmart based on my insider expertise:
How long does the Walmart hiring process take?
The typical end-to-end timeline is 2-4 weeks from initial application to job offer. It can be faster if you have open availability and follow up persistently.
What percentage of applicants does Walmart hire?
Walmart hires about 6% of applicants on average. Competition is stiff, especially for full-time positions. Put your best foot forward and demonstrate why you‘re a cut above the rest!
How hard are the Walmart interviews?
Walmart interviews are not overly difficult, but do assess your qualifications and fit. Come prepared, research the company, practice interviewing, and present yourself professionally to stand out.
What are some tips for getting hired at Walmart?
- Apply for multiple openings – this expands possibilities.
- Highlight all relevant experience – even seemingly minor details.
- Emphasize schedule flexibility – overnight, weekends, holidays.
- Convey passion for the brand – Walmart wants enthusiasts.
- Send thank you notes – shows you‘re serious.
Does Walmart negotiate pay?
Walmart typically does not negotiate pay for hourly store associates. The wage offered is based on the position, experience, and local market pay rates. However, it doesn‘t hurt to respectfully ask if there‘s any flexibility once an offer is made.
Conclusion: Apply Today and Get Ready to Join Walmart
I hope this guide provides you a roadmap to getting hired at Walmart in 2023. With over 5,000 stores and clubs across the US, Walmart offers incredible job opportunities. But you have to know how to navigate the process successfully.
The keys are finding the right openings for your background, nailing all the application steps, and wowing hiring managers in your interviews.
Spend time on each phase rather than rushing. Showcase your skills, commitment, and enthusiasm. With the right preparation, you can get a coveted Walmart job offer!
So don‘t wait – start your application today and get ready for an amazing retail career at this iconic American company. All the best!
