Plenty of Entry-Level Jobs Available at Walmart
Arguably the most recognizable retailer in the world, Walmart already employs more than 2 million workers across the globe. Fortunately, the company constantly seeks out new associates to work at more than 11,000 Walmart locations. With such extensive hiring needs, Walmart maintains several unique interview and hiring practices. Job seekers can do several things to prepare for an interview with the massive department store retailer.
How to Get a Job at Walmart
3 Day Process (typically)
Walmart uses both traditional and innovative means for interviewing new workers. The Walmart hiring process typically takes about three days, from filling out the administrative paperwork and participating in the actual interview to attending orientation for new employees.
1 on 1 Interviews
Traditional hiring sessions include both one-on-one and group interview formats. A Walmart store manager or department supervisor often conducts one-on-one interviews.
Group Interview
A human resources representative from the company may administer larger group interviews. Most of these sessions discuss job duties, work environment, proper procedures, and available rewards.
Non-Traditional Interview Methods
Board Game Interview
More unconventional interviews with Walmart include the "board game" job interview. Played in groups, the board game gives interviewees a fun alternative to more typical interview sessions. Candidates move spaces and pick up playing cards. Each card usually holds information about the company, questions for the interview subject to ask, and other directions such as asking a fellow interviewee questions or playing out scenarios.
Additional interview formats with Walmart include an assessment test evaluating customer service abilities, reading comprehension, and math skills.
What to Prepare Before Facing the Interview
All Walmart job interviews cover both the personal and professional information an applicant previously submitted to the company when applying for the position.
What questions do they ask?
Expect interviewers to ask about previous employers, availability, job skills, and personal interests. However, most questions tend to center around the desired position. Walmart managers ask candidates if they can handle or tolerate the demands of the job. Interviewers may pose scenario-based questions for applicants to say what they feel the proper course of action may be. Examples may include:
- How would you handle an upset customer?
- Can you handle the demands of the job?
- Have you ever disagreed with a boss or co-worker?
- Can you handle pressure?
- How do you manage your time?
Following the interview process, qualified applicants are contacted to complete the other steps of the Walmart hiring routine.
Insider Tips
We speak with former employees about working for Walmart:
Walmart Cashier Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties?
Walmart Custodian: Well, I was a custodian. I had to clean bathrooms, clean up messes in the aisles, and also help stocking, put things up.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Walmart Custodian: Since it’s a big place, it’s kind of a cluster here and there, and take time consuming. That’s about it.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Walmart Custodian: Favorite part is probably, since they was custodian, it’s probably stocking because it’s like, dang, I don’t want to clean a bathroom right now.
Interviewer: Please describe the application and interview process.
Walmart Custodian: Well, I did an application online. And then they called, then scheduled the interview over the phone. Then I went to the job site or where I was working and I had the interview there. They asked pretty simple questions. They asked why do I feel that I should be a good person for the job? Stuff like that.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
Walmart Custodian: It took two interviews there. They called by the phone and said, can you come in on this day? Which day would be best beneficial for you to start?
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Walmart Custodian: Just keep calling after you apply.
Walmart Cashier Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Walmart Cashier: I was a cashier for Walmart. My primary duties was basically serving people and giving them a better environment. When people come to Walmart they need help and they don’t know where to go to. As a cashier, you’re the first person that they talk to so you always had to have a good attitude and so forth like that. Makes people feel friendly and feel like they coming home, just come inside their kitchen, or come inside your house.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Walmart Cashier: The work environment was interesting. It was … You had your entertainment moments and you had your dull moments. At Walmart, you don’t know who is going to come in, honestly. Some days you might have a wild person who is … Some days you may have college kids who are trying to get something for a party. You just never know.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Walmart Cashier: The application process is long. You’re going to go there and they are going to have the little machine and you’re going to … When you go there, just make sure that you have time on your hands because there is going to be questions. I really can’t go into too much detail, like the questions that are being asked, but as long as you keep a clear head, a clear mind, and just answer honestly, then you’ll be good to go. Just make sure you have time.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Walmart Cashier: He asked me what … He asked me about bringing what happens outside, inside. He asked me how I would handle an irate customer. You may have customers that are going to come in that ask you, that say, well this back here says it was $5 and it rang up $14. How would you handle that situation? He asked you real life things that will happen to you. All the questions that he asks you are things that you may experience. You may have a strong possibility of experiencing them.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
Walmart Cashier: Well first, once I filled out the application, I had my interview. I gave them about a week or so and I called to check the status of the application. Then when I checked the status of the application, then he, I guess, he pulled my application in and he was like, okay you’re real good. You did real good on the interview then he let me know in about two to three days. It was a very timely, well manner fashion.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Walmart Cashier: Don’t give up. Right now we … You may be at that point where you feel as though you can’t find a job. That’s that point where the job comes and don’t close a door on any opportunity because you never know what opportunity can open up what network capabilities you can have. Working at Walmart, you guys, a lot of people may think that I don’t want to work there but like I said before, you don’t know who may come in. A person may come in who may be a business owner to another company and say, well, you have very good customer service skills, sir or ma’am. You want to … Here is my card, just give me a call some time. You never know what can come in.
Walmart Stock Associate Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Walmart Stock Associate: My job title, primary duties at Walmart consisted of being a stock position holder and my duties were just to pretty much move my unit to the floor in a timely manner. They give me until 4:00 if I came in to 12:00 to finish one unit.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Walmart Stock Associate: It took me about 2 months to get really in tune with everybody, they made me feel like family. I really enjoyed it, it was really nice.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Walmart Stock Associate: The people, like coming there and the relationships I established and how quick it happened.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Walmart Stock Associate: The application processes consisted … I filled out mine online, so it’s going to be an online portion and then as soon as you’re done online portion the detrimental part of the application by being on the inside the test they had you take. You have to do good on that test because that’s where they evaluate everything, so your test and your resume is what you should really excel in and look forward to. They’re going to ask you scenarios of questions like they’re going to put you in the mindset of the actual job. Before you have the job they’re going to ask you what would you do in a situation in order for them to see the type of worker you were.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Walmart Stock Associate: She asked me basic information, have I ever done anything like this, what type of positions like stock have I had. Luckily I had experience, I was able to supply what everything she needed.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Walmart Stock Associate: Once again, focus on that test that that you got to take at the end of your application. Two, just follow any video you see on YouTube that tells you to dress professionally at the interview and you should get it. Have a good resume as well, you need to have a good resume.
raquella says:
I heard that walmart prefers that you really, really dress up? Is that true, or can I get buy with a casual outfit? I have some casual pants on the dressier side, but I don’t really have super formal clothes.
Joleta says:
Here is a tip you cannot ignore, you must dress appropriately for interview — raquella you should wear conservative clothes that are nice. Another Wal mart job tip is to be very friendly. They like nice people that can deal with their customers nicely. I am going to fill out my Walmart application today so if you all have any other tips or secrets please, please post.
Kimberly says:
The best way is to fill the application and then schedule your interview with them, get dressed up, answer all the questions clearly and show sympathy.
gary says:
Who should I give this application to?
Alana says:
You should take the application to the wallmart where you desire to work. I’m pretty sure they have an office for this kind of stuff there.
admin says:
Smile77 – its ok to be nervous. Everyone gets nervous for a job interview – that’s just natural. One good thing to say for your weakness is that you like to take on more work than you can handle – tell them that you have a hard time saying no to more work – assuming that they are going to ask you this question.
sweets says:
A worker told my mom that you have to leave the “availability” part completly open!Leave it available every day or the computer automatically boots you out! I reapllied using this technique and have already been called for 2 interviews!just waiting on the 3rd one i hope they call back!
Kim Dear says:
As a management major I’m going to give it a shot on advice:
(1) Talk about what you have accomplished in the field that you are interviewing for.
and
(2) What it is you can do for the job .
I hope this helps
Respectfully,
EveryDayLowPrices:) says:
The best thing to do is put in an online application and call every few days until you get a hold of the head of personnel and tell them you’ve put in an online application and you were wondering if they had a chance to look it over. They’ll look over your application right then with you on the phone and tell you if the position(s) you’ve applied for are available. If none of the positions you applied for are open, then they will tell you what positions are open, and give you the opportunity to go back to your application and change the requested position. Then you call back and let them know you made the changes and they’ll schedule you an interview immediately. I put the application in today, followed this process, and i got the job. The thing about not getting hired if you fill out the availability boxes isn’t true. i put down exactly what hours i could work and obviously it didn’t make a difference. Hope this helps!
Debbie says:
Have at least six problem/solutions customer service stories that you have experienced. I just interviewed yesterday in Cali. and that was all they wanted in the 1st and 2nd interview. None of those weakness or strengths questions but you had better have some stories. They did call my personal references. 3rd interview today…was casual. Hired 🙂 They did send me for a drug test and I had to sign for a background check. Hope my bad credit won’t exclude me! Good Luck.
mmstepek says:
I have absolutely no experience with a real job, although I do have volunteer experience in a nursing home and at the YMCA will this help me?
Rjones0319 says:
My friend said he had to take a personality test when he filled out the online application, but it didnt ask me to fill one out..Does that mean they wont consider me?
Richard says:
i just had been called for an interview. i am a college student and every weekend i go home for my job there. what should i wear to the meeting i have a pair of black dress pants and a white button up shirt with a black or red tie and im not great talking with people but what is some advice that they would ask a college student with no experience working with customers my other job is carpet installing so u don’t really talk with customers
lene2307 says:
i have been trying to get a job at walmart since i was old enough to work. this will sound crazy to some but i love being at walmart, it how nice all the worker are and you can find anything there. i just got off the phone with a lady there for any interview, i didnt know that they call you in for 3 inteview. but i am hopeful. it really seams to be a wonderful place to work and thats what i am looking for. and good luck to all that are trying to get in too.
Courtney says:
Are you supposed to call them or are they supposed to call you?
Eli says:
I just got called back for my 2 interview 🙂 am nervous but if I managed to survive the first one I’m sure I can manage this next one as well.
I have ZERO job experience beside babysitting, and this is my third time applying (furthest I’ve made it in the interview process). Only advice I can give is be honest about who you are as a person. First two times I tried to make it seem like I knew what I was doing. This time I was up front about who I am (guess I’m a good person :D) and joked and laughed with the 3 people I interviewed with in the 1st interview.
My next interview will be with the Store Manager. Wish me luck!
Kamran Khan says:
I passed wal-mart online test and woman called me for interview, i told her to schedule my interview on 3rd of December. Can some one please tell me what questions they ask? I am desperately in need of job. Please some one help me how to pass the interview?
Eric says:
I see a lot of people asking for question examples receiving little/ no responses so I’ll drop a few examples;
1. Name a time when you found it hard to be courteous. How did you handle it? Why did you handle it that way?
2.Explain a time that you had to meet a dead-line. What was the reason for the deadline? What was the quality of work?
3. When did you have to follow a plan to reach a goal and failed to do so? What would/did you do different the next time?
It’s important to remember that they are looking for full thorough answers and you will be docked points for incomplete answers.
Albert says:
I went to my first interview and immediately was sent to concentra for a urine test was told im getting a backgroud check. . I dont do drugs and i never been in trouble with the law and its been 5 days since than. How long will it take them to get back with me for orientation? PLEASE! IM REALLY ANXIOUS. Thanks.
AnthonyC says:
I got called yesterday for an intervire at Wal-Mart! I called called and CALLED them. I basically botherd them l0l, but they called me that morning I called them. She asked me if I am available for Lawn and Garden and I was/ AM so excited. But I am so nervous about the Interview Monday. I am going to wear Black Dickie pants and a collard shirt, would that be alright? ,What kind of questions will they ask me, and how should I respond/ answer these questions(I am so nervous)?
AnthonyC says:
Well, the interview this morning went good I guess. I tried my best, and he said I did pretty good. but I feel that I flunked it. but to find out, the guy whom interviewd me, we maybe related. We had one of those conversations l0l. but if I get calld back for the second interview I wonder what questions they will ask me. The first one this morning was questions like “Describe a time when you had a project to do and blah blah BLAH and the way you approached this how did BLAH BLAH BLAH”. and it seemd like they were the same questions but askd in a different way. I hope they don’t do that on the second interview. It really messes you up!
Dave says:
I handed in an application form but I still no notice yet? Should I call them to book an appointment for interview
ashley says:
i had my first interview today i was so nervous it seems everytime they ask me a question i would repeat the same answers i feel that am not going to get hire cause i didnt answer the question properly after the interview they told me they was going to give me a call after they review more applications so is this a good thing or a bad thing am thinking they would say well when to come for a second interview please respond back
Sally says:
I am in the process of hiring in full time to the pharmacy in Wisconsin, but my problem is I applied for my THC card two weeks before I found out about the position. I am scared of the extra effort that they do during drug screening for that postion. I have Quck fix but I’m not sure if that drug screening is urine or not. Do they watch???? Ect…. please help any info is appreciated.
Alauxus says:
i was reviewed at walmart on saturday at 10:30pm and i was so nervous. i tried answering the questions to best of my knowledge . after the interview she told me that they’d call me and today is Thursday and i haven’t recieved a call back yet. Help what should i do??
Grant says:
I just read every post here. Everyone apparently gets told they’ll get a call back. Looks like a lot of people didn’t get that call and was recommended to call them. I go in for an interview today at 3:00PM. What I’m doing is writing past goals we had set at other jobs that we achieved. If they ask weaknesses I’m just gonna say something like, “My weakness is turning down work. I take on more work than I can handle, but I still get it done.” Put down some strengths too. I’m not always the greatest with customers to be honest, but would I say that. HELL NO. Just put on that smile and psych yourself out to where you believe you really are that friendly Walmart Employee we see all the time. Be strong and confident. Tell yourself you got it. Remember your interviewers name before you go. Eat a good breakfast. Take a nice shower to wake yourself up and dress well. I think I’m also gonna come up with 6 Problems/Solutions. Someone in an earlier post recommended that. After writing all this, too, I noticed one other thing. I DONT FEEL SO NERVOUS ANYMORE! YAY! Wish me luck! =P
Jess says:
Ok, so I just applied for a job at Walmart and I’m seriously starting to freak out. I have never had an official job before -just some babysitting and helping my mom’s friend clean out her old house- and I’m wondering exactly what I should expect. The end of the school year is coming up and I’m going to be graduating high school next week, so right now I’m pretty swamped with studying for semester finals. I’ve read everyone’s posts and a lot of them are saying to be persistent in calling them, but with the way my next week looks I’m not going to be having much down time -not to mention I’m nervous as heck about having to call them. Anyway, my main questions are ‘How long should I wait for them to call me for an interview?’, ‘How far can I set the interview date and will it affect their decision at all? (like can I set the date two weeks from now or should I make it as soon as possible)’, and ‘How should I dress?’ Also I’m really concerned about answering the interview questions since I’m not sure exactly what they would be looking for in an answer. Please help.
lala says:
i got called for an interview at walmart. you have to leave the availability open because they verify this in the interview. you have to be available days, nights, evenings, weekends, and overnight. Also, for the walmart I am about to work for, once you are called in for an interview, you already got the job so what you say in the interview dont matter. I had my interview 4/13/2011. I had one with two employees and another with the asst mgr to see if my questions were consistent. I had to go and take the drug test THE SAME DAY. she called the next day amd said i passed so i have oreintation on tues 5/17/2011(:
lilo says:
i had an interview today for pharmacy technician with the pharmacy manager. she just had me read prescriptions, maybe like 20 of them. i missed a couple tho. she didnt have any questions for me so i just asked about the hours and we talked awhile about that and job duties and training. she said someone from HR would have to interview me also maybe tomorrow because they were all in a meeting today and she would call and let me know if they’re still busy so i figured she’d just call and say that. but she found me in the store afterwards and told me to come back in the morning. im excited and a little nervous about all the questions this person might ask.
Nola says:
How long did it take for them to call you about an interview? it’s been 3 days and I haven’t heard from them
Banks19 says:
So What kind of question do they asked you for an Interview ? and what kidn of clothinq should you wear for your interview and just wanna know what kind of questions will they have for you?
cmoney says:
I was called back for an interview, even though my availability was not left completely open. I think it just comes down to your qualifications, and if you have any relevant job history.
tim says:
i have an interview july 12th for a wal mart truck driver. i am nervous an wondering what to do how to dress an everything,
Banks-Harris19 says:
So when completing the walmart application career and it ask you about your employment but i havent had a job before do i leave it blank ?
Emily says:
Hey everyone! Just reading thru the posts, and I just had my third interview with Wal Mart this morning, and was sent for my drug test.
I wanted to say, in my case I did not have to leave the availability open. I put down exactly what hours I was available for each day of the week. They even had me go over the hours I put down, to make sure they were correct, in all three interviews.
Dave says:
With regards to the person who asked about bad credit: When I got my job at WalMart as overnight Meat associate, I had been out of work for two years, my debts had piled on, and my credit was absolutely shot (and still is for that matter). I don’t know if that was taken into consideration in the hiring process, but I did get the job despite those problems.
Also, with regards to the open availability issue: It depends on the individual store, I imagine. I personally have open availability, but I know that some people I work with do not, many working second and third jobs. One thing I do know, however, is that in my store, when times are tight and management has to cut back on hours, people with open availability lose fewer hours, so if money is tight, open availability can help keep the cash flowing.
Angela says:
I had a interview today with walmart and they asked me six questions. I was so nervous when it came to answering them because i wasnt perpared. But I guess they are interested in me because they asked me to come back tomorrow for a 2nd interview with the Assistant Manager. Im nervous and hope I get hired…any advice on what to expect?
banks20 says:
what do you put for the empolyment histroy if you havent had ajob before ?
Abbi says:
@Angela -What were the six questions?
jnyce says:
My son took his drug test for walmart august 3rd and is still waiting to here back from them. The store is in Rancho Cucamonga ca how long does it take for them to call back?
Andrea says:
I have an interview on tuesdsy at 9:30. And I’m so nervous! This will be my first actually interview and I’m scared I won’t answer the questions right. D:
Miranda says:
I have an interview on Tuesday at 9:30am and I am very nervous about the questions. I’ve never had an interviw like this.. Could someone maybe give me some advice on the questions they ask? :-/
bryan says:
i got the first interview on a thursday. they asked me questions that had to do with past experience, like handling problems at jobs youve had before. my advice in the interview is be on time…even early. make good eye contact but dont make it seem like ur staring. dress as if you have nothing to worry about. i wore jeans, steel toe boots and a polo. project your personality and let the people interviewing you know that you are good with people. they really like people who are not afraid to talk to new people, so maybe act like youve met them before and try ur best not to be nervous. i got called back and went to the second interview, and the second interview is lust like the first, but an assistant manager asks the questions. just answer the same as in the first and be confident and you pretty much got the job. good luck folks.
K.Aguirre says:
Last, week i had an interview for a assistant manager in Walmart, they called me for a 2nd interview for next week. What should I expect for this interview? How could I prepare? Is it only a short interview (like th efirst ones )or whole day one? any ideas and tips?
HelpNeeded11 says:
Can Someone Give Me An Example Of Answer They Answered To The Interview Questions Please!!!!!!
Critenour says:
If you have gone through the assessment testing and passed, have an open availablity and have checked the box on your app that they are hiring for you will probably get an interview. Remember if they are hiring for a cashier and you do not have that box checked your app will not come up.In the interview look for questions similar to the assessment. Including how you would deal with a customer or how you have in the past. Co worker problems and how you have dealt with issues at other jobs cover a lot of the interview. The questions from one interview to the next are pretty similar. If you get that third interview expect to go for drug testing that day! Good Luck
Mya says:
I’m 16 years old and just had my first interview this morning and I’m having my second either later tonight or tomorrow, they told me I was basically hired just had to meet with the store manager . Which I’m a little nervous but before my first interview I stressed out MAJOR and wrote down three pages of notes and dressed the best I could but I can honestly say I stressed out for no reason because the interview was VERY easy and laid back and wasn’t that hard at all. I actually didn’t need any of my notes. She asked questions like: Whats a time you solved a problem, what was your plan for this and how was the outcome./ Whats a time when you got involved in a situation with another person and how did you resolve it . Stuff like that, Just be your self, smile, laugh, and most of be calm pretend you already know the person and act confident . The worse they can do is not give you the job.
Joseph says:
I just got done with my second interview. The first interview was with the “CSM” or Customer service manager. I showed up 5-7 minutes early, and asked an associate to let her know that I had arrived. It’s always good to show up just a little bit early in order to give them a little time to prepare. I was asked to take a seat in the waiting area. She came out a shortly after and called for another applicant, who fortunately, did not show up. She sighed and went back in her office. A couple minutes later she came out and called my name. I swiftly got to my feet and met her hand with mine and greeted her sincerely. She escorted me to her office and asked me to sit across the table. She handed me a couple pieces of paper, asked me to read carefully and make sure all of the information for me was correct, sign, date, and initial. She asked me 4-5 questions, all asking for examples. Explain a time when you had to deal with multiple tasks at once, how did it affect you, how did you deal with it. Or when has there been a time that you had a disagreement with somebody, how did u handle that, how did it work out. All very basic. Think of a real situation or make them up, but be specific, don’t use generalities. She told me she had 6 other applicants and she would call by 5 the next day. She ended up calling around 5:00 that day and asked me to show up the next day for my second interview. When I arrived at the second interview, 8 minutes early, I was greeted by the three head managers. They brought be into a security room, all of them wearing ear wigs, one sat on the counter in front of me, asked me to take a seat in a computer chair and the other two pulled up chairs on either side of me. I would say at first I was a little nervous. They asked me the exact same questions as the first interview. I calmed down after the first question or two and told them exactly what they needed to hear. There are words that managers love to hear. Organization, hard work, determination, motivated, and things like, to benefit the company, or maintain a positive outlook. Make eye contact with everyone interviewing you. Give them situations that they can relate too. Ask them about their stories and how they came up in the company. They had 2 more applicants after mine but they assured me they would have their answer in 2 days when the CSM was scheduled to work.
I hope this helps, and remember, DRESS AND ACT PROFESSIONAL!
Debra says:
You all are putting to leave the availability part open and i want to let you know, NO you shouldn’t leave it open. If you are available 24 hours a day, put that. When I was hired, I was only available to work 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM Monday – Friday and that is what I put. On the weekends, I was available 24 hours. They want honesty, so be honest. Also FYI, on the assessment test, they don’t want a worker who is going to run to management all the time whinning about something whether it is with a co-worker or customer. They want to know if you have the ability to solve problems and work things out, do you know how to talk things out with customers and co-workers.
Jane says:
You can tell you’ve gotten the job when they send you for a drug test. Everyone I know who works or has worked at Walmart was sent for a drug test the day of their interviews. This was also true in my case. The first time I interviewed there, they told me, “Thanks for coming, we’ll call you,” and I wasn’t hired. The second time, however, I was sent for a drug test and I was hired.
Lissa says:
Hello,I was hired a week ago,took drug test and signed submission for the drug test.It’s now a weel later and I haven’t heard anything back from them.I applied for a new store that is being built.I had a different experience then some of the others that posted up here.I was interveiwed with another applicant,the store manager and the personell manager.They asked us both 4 questions,sent us outside,then called both of us back .To make the story short,we both were hired.I just wanted to know if anyone else had similar situations.Thanks!!!
Maria says:
I have worked for Walmart several times. I just had an interview with Walmart on Tuesday, and they told me they are gonna give my info to the overnight manager to call me. Is this good or bad?!!!
Maries says:
I had an interview at walmart, they said I had the job, and I took my drug test which I know for sure I passed, but it’s been two weeks and they haven’t called me for orientation. I’m mad. Everytime I call, the personnel manager “isn’t in” how hard can it be to say whether I’m hired or not?
Bryan Nguyen says:
Overall, the interview is pretty great! This will help me become more successful in the future. Keep up the great work!!!