Big Lots Stock Clerk Job Description & Interview
Job Description and Duties
What Does a Big Lots Stock Clerk Do?
A Big Lots stock clerk unloads deliveries and stocks shelves. Stocking duties include setting up and tearing down displays and monitoring inventory levels. Additional duties a Big Lots stock clerk may perform include cleaning the store and removing expired merchandise from shelves.To ensure a safe and productive working environment, stock workers must keep the stockroom clean and well organized.
Is This a Physical Job?
Stock clerks at Big Lots may need to meet certain physical requirements. Stock associates need to be able to stand for extended periods of time. Big Lots also wants stock workers capable of lifting over 25 pounds. An applicant may need to display the ability to lift certain items during the interview process with Big Lots.
Fulfilling Other Roles
If working on the sales floor during store hours, a stock clerk may also need to provide customer assistance. A stock worker should possess the ability to answer customer questions and provide basic product knowledge.
Salary and Compensation
How Much Do They Get Paid?
Average wages for a Big Lots stock associate range from $7.00 to $10.00 an hour. In time, pay rates for stock workers generally increase. In addition to base salary, Big Lots offers excellent work benefits.
Does Big Lots Offer Job Benefits?
A qualified stock associate may earn medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, vacation pay, and many other employee benefits. All Big Lots stock clerks enjoy job perks, like flexible scheduling, paid training, and career growth opportunities.
Next:
Review the Big Lots Application page.
Big Lots Stock Clerk Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Big Lots Stock Clerk: My job title was a stocker. Basically, what I did was I was in the back, and I loaded the trucks and I unloaded items, like the food cans, and we ticketed the stuff in the back. And basically that was it, ticketing the stuff and stuff like that. Then, I put it out on the floor and aisles it was supposed to be in.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: The work environment was okay. Basically, you’ve got to keep to yourself. Basically, you’re doing what’s asked of you, staying on task, stuff like that. So, the work environment you have to make work for you. Just stay to yourself and do what you’re asked of, and everything will be cool.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: My favorite part about working there was I was always by myself. It wasn’t a fast-paced job. I was by myself and ticketing items, and I was supposed to make sure everything was on the floor. So, it was an easy job because I mostly stuck to myself most of the time.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
Big Lots Stock Clerk: I used to work a lot of morning shifts, so I used to come in, clock in, have my box cutter, cutting boxes, and ticketing the stuff. Basically, wait for the truck to pull up, pulling up the guard to unload the truck, had to get a ladder, and stuff like that. Go inside the truck and start rolling the supplies all into the store, and stuff like that.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: I just walked in one day and filled out the application, and they called me and asked me if I was interested in working at Big Lots. And of course I was because I needed a job at the time. And I went to the interview and everything went well, and I got hired on the spot.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: They asked questions, like what made me choose Big Lots, what hours would I be able to work, stuff like that. How would I answer the customer if the customer came in and asked me questions, stuff like that.
Interviewer: What set you apart from the other candidates?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: I guess the way I came in dressed casual. No jeans, no type of jeans, nice button-down shirt, casual shoes, no tennis shoes, stuff like that.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: When they ask you a question, make sure you come in there with strong words. Know what you’re talking about, know what you’re meaning, keeping eye contact with the supervisor. Just be ready to work, I guess.
Big Lots Stock Clerk 2 Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Big Lots Stock Clerk: When I applied for Big Lots, my position was stock woman, I guess you want to say. And my duties were to, as loads came in, actually cut down and break down the boxes, put the stock on the shelf, and check with inventory to make sure everything was all together. Like if there were 80 boxes, you had to make sure 80 were there. We did have to count before we stocked the shelves.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: At first, I kind of knew what to expect because I had worked at Marc’s, also as a stock woman. So, I kind of knew the feel of it. Of course, you know, it’s a new environment and you meet new people and are surrounded by new people. So at first, I didn’t know the feel, but once I got working with the other employees, I got more comfortable on the job.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
Big Lots Stock Clerk: When you enter in, you do have your little I.D. card that you swipe. Once you have swiped, there’s a station there. Usually, your employee will let you know what they have done, what you need to catch up on for your shift. Maybe they didn’t finish breaking all the boxes down or maybe they broke all of the boxes down but didn’t properly dispose of them and throw them away. You might have to catch up a little bit on that and then once in a couple weeks you get used to the same routine and it’s not as bad. Just knowing where to place things might get a little confusing because it’s big back there but not too bad.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: I actually went into the store. I was shopping and I saw the sign and I asked which manager was on board that day. And at the time, he was Jeff and I spoke with him. He told me I couldn’t interview that day, but he did have me come in two days later and actually come in and do the interview with him. It was about 15 minutes and filled out the application right on the spot. Then, I waited about four days later and he gave me a call, told me about the shift, and asked if I could work it, be acceptable at the time, and I went from there.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: Past experience. Had you ever worked in that environment? What to expect: did I know what to expect, what was expected of me? Could I lift certain things? Definitely, I think that was the main thing. Could I lift it? Would I be able to lift it? We’re talking about couches, mattresses, tables, and things like that. I was kind of, on the first day, put to the test lifting a couch, but I did lift that couch and I got the job done without a scratch. So, I was kind of proud of myself. But, as far as basic interview questions: where I had previously worked, the hours, the pay. Of course, they started me off at minimum wage, like $7.15 per hour, and I worked myself up to $8.00 per hour before I left. Just the standard questions; on the application, it was the same: name, address, previous employer, “Can we contact your previous employer?”, “How many hours?”, and pay and location. Location was a big thing, too, because Big Lots is nationwide. And there were a few. And would I be okay with the area, which was on Whipple Rd. (North Canton, Ohio). So, it wasn’t too bad for me.
Interviewer: What set you apart from the other candidates?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: I think maybe the experience and the way I held eye contact during the interview. I wasn’t really shifty with my words a lot when I was doing the application process. I came clean and on time. I think just the experience helped a lot and getting the feel for it. You wouldn’t have to retrain a person in this area. Whereas, maybe there were applicants who had never worked stock in their life so they didn’t know what to expect. But I kind of knew what to expect, so I kind of had the feel already. I just had to get the feel with the interviewer, I guess.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Big Lots Stock Clerk: You definitely want to know whether or not you can lift things because, once again, the position is stocking. If you’ve never worked a [stock] position before, maybe you could Google a couple of things and ask a couple of people, maybe friends or family who have worked in that position. It’s kind of like if you were to apply for Rent-A-Center, I mean, going out on the jobs you would still have to have the capability to lift the furniture. Really for [stock] positions, if you can’t physically do anything, I wouldn’t advise it, but, you know, if you’re willing to lift certain items without a problem, it would work for you.
