Big Lots operates as a closeout merchandise retailer with over 1,400 locations across the contiguous 48 states. Founded in 1967, the brand name and closeout chain enjoys rising popularity and offers a wide variety of entry-level and career-oriented positions. Job seekers looking for part-time or full-time employment with the department store chain may take interest in available positions.
Facts About Working at Big Lots
Hiring Age: 16 years old (How old do you have to be to work at Big Lots?)
Available Positions: Cashier, district manager, stock clerk, stocker, store associate, store manager
Printable Application: Yes. Print Big Lots application (PDF) or Search Job Openings.
Big Lots Employee Interview Videos
Job Opportunities at Big Lots
Entry-level employees like store associates mainly work as cashiers, stockers, and work unloading trucks at Big Lots. Most store associates perform multiple duties and tasks in order to complete all necessary tasks. Finding a job with the closeout chain proves fairly uncomplicated, especially since the company does not require entry-level job seekers to possess any previous experience. The popular department store desires to hire employees with a knack for providing excellent customer service and a willingness to work in a team.
Workers seeking opportunities in management positions with Big Lots typically need to have up to three years of retail management experience. Employees that work hard and show genuine interest in moving up in the company often earn promotions and advance to management positions when available. The closeout retail store needs a dedicated team of managers to oversee store operations at each location. Experienced applicants with career aspirations should search the company website or fill out an application form to start the hiring process.
Big Lots Positions and Salary Information
The opportunity to work in a friendly, fast-paced environment, while interacting with customers on a daily basis provides allure for workers seeking customer service positions. Job seekers must typically meet minimum age standards of 16 years old. Some workers may need to stand at least 18 years of age to qualify for managerial positions. Managers must often possess a minimum of three years retail management to receive hiring consideration. The following outlines some of the most common job titles offered at the department store chain:
Cashier
- Big Lots cashiers operate registers in the front of the store.
- The pay rate of a cashier just starting is around $8.00 hourly.
- . Cashiers must possess strong interpersonal skills and work quickly to accommodate long lines of customers in certain instances.
Store Associate
- Store associates perform a variety of duties including stocking shelves, cashiering, and unloading trucks.
- Hourly wages can range between $8.00 and $9.00 per hour.
- Organization along with a friendly disposition are great traits for store associates.
Management
- Managers participate in interviewing and hiring new crew members, weekly scheduling and payroll maintenance, and ensuring store cleanliness and safety.
- Management has a salary near $40k.
- Persuasive candidates excel at manager roles by increasing sales and meeting quotas.
Tips for Applying
Potential team members should complete the application thoroughly, neatly, and with as much precision as possible. Inquiries on applications typically prove straightforward and address topics like availability, education and work background, and preferred schedule. Complete the application but avoid adding irrelevant information. Big Lots often requires upper-level job candidates to submit resumes online in order to receive hiring consideration, focusing on providing information relevant to the position applied.
Application Status
Hiring practices often vary by location and managers may utilize either telephone or email to contact eligible applicants about possible hiring decisions. Job seekers should either place a follow-up call or visit the location of desired employment within a couple of weeks of applying if not contacted by a hiring manager. Applicants should choose slower business hours to check on application status to show respect for the business itself. Staying in contact with hiring managers proves the most effective way to ensure consideration for a job with the popular department store.
Benefits of Working at Big Lots
The typical Big Lots employee enjoys work benefits including:
- Medical,
- Dental, and vision,
- As well as company-provided life insurance.
The closeout merchandise retailer also offers bonus incentives, education assistance, and paid holidays and vacation time. Select individuals meeting employment benefits requirements may take advantage of 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and both short and long-term disability.
More Details about Big Lots
Big Lots has been a loyal sponsor of Toys for Tots since 1994. Toy for Tots, a program run through the United States Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes toys to children when parents cannot afford to provide presents at Christmas time. Big Lots ensures less-fortunate children receive a toy at Christmas by providing drop off areas in corporate stores across the country. As a fundraising entity, Big Lots donates and provides services, as well, to continue to make Toys for Tots a yearly success.
sandra noel says:
Do your job helping out on orders, customer service is the big part of it. Be friendly, keep your station nice and clean and be a role model. Greet every customer and be patient. Say thank you to every customer.
Daniel says:
I worked at Biglots as stocker /retail associate/ recovery
William Tyson says:
I worked for Big Lots, unloaded trucks and stocked shelves. I also assembled some displays from time to time.
Jessica Simmons says:
I have worked at Big Lots in the past and it was the easiest & laidback job I have ever had. My “crew” members were hard workers, teachers, and just down right fun to work with. I would love to work for Big Lots again.
Mary Jane Rubio says:
I worked At Big Lots, it was a wonderful place to be. Great team, regular customers who knew you and treated you like family.
rebecca stacy says:
I worked for Big Lots and it was a very rewarding job. I enjoyed all the different tasks of my position- cashiering, recovering, and stocking. Loved getting to know my co-workers and customers.
shirley curran says:
I worked at Big Lots in Tampa Fl. We moved to Pennsylvania and I would love to work for the team in Lehighton Pa. I really enjoyed working for the company. my positions were recovering,stocking, cashiering.
Jennifer says:
Working at Big Lots taught me so much… Since I had moved, I miss working at Big Lots as a cashier. Fortunately, I called a store that is literally walking distance, with great news Manager is hiring! Next step is to reapply.