Walmart Orientation: The Insider‘s Guide to Getting Called, Paid, and Being Prepared in 2023
As a successful Amazon FBA seller and ecommerce expert with over 10 years of experience, I‘ve learned a lot about optimizing operations, managing inventory, and scaling sales. Many of these same skills around analyzing data, understanding systems, and motivating teams can be applied to managing orientation and onboarding programs.
In this comprehensive 2845 word guide, I‘ll share my insider knowledge to help you ace your Walmart orientation and ramp up for success as a new retail associate.
Timing and Process for Getting Called for Walmart Orientation
The waiting period after your interview can feel long, especially if you‘re excited to start your new role. Based on my retail management experience, here‘s an overview of the typical timeline and process for getting called by Walmart to schedule your orientation:
1-2 Weeks After Hiring – Most candidates can expect a call from the hiring store within 1-2 weeks of completing their interviews and background checks. However, it can sometimes take up to 3-4 weeks during busy periods when there is higher hiring volume across many locations. Be patient!
Who Calls – In most cases, you‘ll receive a call directly from the HR manager or hiring manager for your specific store. For regional/district roles, the call may come from a member of the district‘s HR team.
What They‘ll Discuss – The manager will introduce themselves, share congratulations, and start discussing orientation scheduling. They‘ll ask for your availability in the upcoming weeks and confirm a specific date and time that works well for you to attend orientation.
Verbally Accept – Be sure to enthusiastically accept the orientation invitation verbally on the call. Ask any pressing questions about dress code, documents to bring, job duties, etc.
Follow Up via Email – After the call, send a thank you email to the manager recapping the details discussed. Confirm the agreed upon orientation date and time in writing. This provides helpful documentation.
Getting the orientation scheduling call is an exciting milestone in the Walmart hiring process. With a friendly tone and genuine enthusiasm, you can start building rapport with your new manager during this discussion.
Paid Orientation: Wage Rates, Policies, and Getting Your Check
Walmart provides paid orientation training to all newly hired associates. But you may be wondering – how much will you earn? When will you get the check? Here are the need-to-know details:
Standard Hourly Wage – Expect to earn your regular negotiated hourly wage during orientation hours. For example, if you agreed to $15 per hour, that‘s your orientation pay rate.
6-8 Hour Days – Orientation ranges from 6-8 hours per day, depending on your location. Calculate your gross pay based on this schedule.
No Overtime – Orientation hours do not count towards overtime thresholds for hourly employees. You‘ll earn straight time pay.
No Shift Differentials – Any shift differentials, Sunday pay, or other incentive pay will not be included in your orientation wages.
Taxes and Withholdings – All required federal and state payroll taxes and deductions will be withheld from your orientation paycheck.
Paid on Regular Paycheck – Your orientation wages will be paid out on your first normal paycheck after starting. It does not come as a separate check.
Knowing these payroll policies upfront helps you determine how much income to expect. With competitive wages and paid training, Walmart makes it possible to earn as you learn.
Decoding the Walmart Dress Code for Orientation
Since you‘ll be hired into a retail hourly position, Walmart orientation follows a casual dress code in line with roles working on the sales floor:
| Acceptable Attire | Avoid These Items |
|---|---|
| Solid color t-shirts | Loud prints or distracting graphics |
| Collared shirts or blouses | Revealing, offensive, or sloppy clothing |
| Jeans in good condition | Ripped or excessively tight pants |
| Khakis or other casual pants | Short skirts or dresses |
| Closed toe athletic shoes | Flip flops or open toe sandals |
| Walmart vest and name badge | Excessive jewelry or accessories |
Some additional tips for choosing the right orientation outfit:
Business casual is okay but not required. Avoid overdressing in formal interview attire.
Opt for solid, neutral colors over bright prints to appear polished.
Make sure clothes are freshly laundered and free of stains, wrinkles, or odors.
Wear comfortable, supportive footwear as you may be on your feet most of the day.
The orientation dress code sets associates up for success by mirroring the expectations for customer-facing roles. Focus on looking neat, professional, and ready to work and learn in a casual retail environment.
What to Bring: Documents, Supplies, and Items for Orientation Success
In addition to wearing proper attire, you‘ll want to bring essential items with you for a smooth orientation experience:
Onboarding Paperwork
Two forms of ID – Driver‘s license and social security card preferred for I-9
Direct deposit details – Voided check or account and routing numbers
Availability – Notes on your hours if not already provided
Contact info – Emergency contact and reference phone/email
Training Supplies
Note taking materials – Highlighters, pens, notebook
Water and snacks – Reusable bottle and light snacks as wanted
Sweater or jacket – In case rooms are cold
Phone charger – To stay powered if using phone for notes
Questions and Engagement
Questions list – Key training and role questions written out
Enthusiasm and focus – Full attention; no distractions needed
Having these items and supplies ready in your bag eliminates hassle and ensures you make a great first impression at orientation.
Recommended Arrival Time for Walmart Orientation
Most Walmart locations host orientation starting early in the morning between 8-10 AM. Some may schedule afternoon sessions from 1-3 PM based on trainer availability.
You should receive clear timing details when your orientation date is confirmed. I recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to get settled, find parking, and locate the right room before start time. You‘ll mingle with other new hires and won‘t risk walking in late.
If unsure, there‘s no harm in arriving a little earlier on your first day. It shows initiative and excitement to get started. You can grab a seat, organize your supplies, use the restroom, and get into learning mode.
What to Expect: Duration and Schedule Flow of Orientation
Walmart orientation spans approximately 1-2 consecutive days in most locations. Here is a sample schedule to showcase what to expect:
Day 1
- 8-9 AM – Check in, meet and greet, facility tour
- 9-11 AM – New hire paperwork and HR onboarding
- 11 AM-12 PM – Walmart culture and values overview
- 12-1 PM – Lunch break
- 1-3 PM – Retail fundamentals training
- 3-5 PM – Operations policies and dress code review
- 5-6 PM – Store and department tour, introductions
Day 2
- 8-11 AM – Job shadowing with assigned trainer
- 11 AM-12 PM – Equipment safety certification
- 12-1 PM – Lunch break
- 1-3 PM – POS system and manual order processing training
- 3-4 PM – Product knowledge and customer service overview
- 4-5 PM – Orientation questions and wrap-up
This schedule will vary slightly by location and position type. But expect a mix of broad training, department-specific shadowing, hands-on practice, and cultural overviews.
The Play-by-Play: Exactly What Happens During Walmart Orientation
So what exactly will you be doing during those 1-2 jam packed days of orientation? Here is a play-by-play of key activities:
Icebreakers – Mixers and games to get to know other new hires.
Paperwork – Fill out W-4, I-9, direct deposit, availability, contacts, and other hiring documentation.
Handbook Review – Thorough reading and Q&A about policies like attendance, harassment, workplace rights, diversity, and inclusion.
Benefits Overview – Learn about medical, 401k, employee stock purchase, and other perks.
Wellness Training – Proper stretching, lifting techniques, ladder safety, and ergonomics.
Equipment Training – Hands-on practice using POS systems, inventory scanners, box cutters, balers, compacters, pallet jacks, and any other equipment needed for your role.
Walmart Culture – Interactive presentations on the company‘s history, mission, values, leadership, store types, and fun facts.
Store Tour – Walk through your location, meet associates and leaders, get a feel for store layout and departments.
Job Shadowing – Paired with a veteran associate in your department to observe and learn hands-on.
Manager Q&A – Ask questions to your direct supervisor and share goals and expectations.
Skills Practice – Roleplaying customer scenarios, sample sales transactions, inventory counting, zoned product displays.
This engaging mix makes the long hours fly by. You‘ll leave feeling immersed in the Walmart culture and equipped with retail skills.
Top Tips to Ace Your Walmart Orientation
These strategies will help you make the most of orientation and start off strong:
Be Prepared
Study basics about the company, mission, history, store types, top-selling products, key leaders
Review any pre-orientation materials provided or online trainings assigned
Have questions ready for your trainer and manager
Engage Fully
Maintain enthusiastic, positive energy from start to finish each day
Participate actively in all discussions and activities
Avoid distractions – silence phones and avoid texting/web browsing during sessions
Take Thorough Notes
Fill your notebook with key details from each presentation and training
Write down instructions, policies, procedures, contacts, and your questions
Note any areas you need extra help with to follow up on
Introduce Yourself
Be warm and friendly with trainers and fellow new hires
Share your background, interests, and what drew you to Walmart
Make authentic connections that you can continue on the job
Ask Questions
Don‘t be shy about asking questions – no matter how small
Jot down topics as they come up to create a list of FAQs
Request extra help or shadowing in any areas you feel unsure about
With this advice, you‘ll make the most of Walmart‘s engaging orientation experience. Congratulations on landing a role with an industry-leading organization. Come ready to learn, work hard, and begin an exciting new career journey.
