The hiring process at Walmart: Walmart holds the title of the world’s largest private employer, boasting a staggering 2 million employees and constantly offering over 30,000 job openings.
Given these immense numbers, their hiring process is largely automated, acting like a filter where only a handful makes it through.
If you’re eyeing a job there, this guide will walk you through understanding their hiring methods and how to apply.
Hiring Process at Walmart
If you’re aiming for a job at Walmart, get ready for a bit of a journey. You’ll likely face a series of interviews and have to tackle an assessment test.
The whole process, from applying to interviewing, could stretch out over about two to three weeks. It could boost your chances if you let them know you’re open to flexible scheduling.
And forget about those old in-store application kiosks because everything is done online now.
The Walmart hiring process contains 4 core stages, which are;
1. Filling out the Application Form
When you apply online for a job at Walmart, you’ll spend about 15-20 minutes entering your personal info, and work history, and answering a few questions.
It seems simple, but remember, they’re already sizing you up.
2. Submitting a Resume
If you’re applying for a job in a Walmart store like cashier or sales associate, you usually won’t need a resume. But for other positions, it’s a must.
Your resume is important because it’s how Walmart gets to know you. Plus, these days, they’re all scanned by AI.
3. Taking the Assessment
Brace yourself, because this part can be tough. After applying, you’ll be asked to take an online test.
And if you don’t pass, you have to wait six months before trying again. There are different tests for different management roles.
4. Interview
This is your chance to shine. Walmart’s recruiters have dropped hints about what they’re looking for, so preparation is key. They want someone who can chat and bring something unique to the table.
If you make it past the assessment, you’ll chat with some big shots from Walmart.
Even if you’re a professional at interviews, don’t skimp on preparation because you want to make the best impression possible.
How to Apply for a Walmart Job
While applying for a Walmart job, the following are to be considered:
1. Know the Role You are Applying for
Your recruiter is your biggest advocate throughout this process, so use them.
An example of a great question to ask your recruiter is, “What did the team ask for in an ideal candidate, but might not be getting with me?”
He will help with preparing and focusing on those pieces to make sure your hiring panel knows you are capable of learning. Finally, bring a couple of examples to sell yourself for this particular role.
2. Register for an Applicant Account
If you are applying online, you and all other applicants must create an applicant account.
If you have applied for a Walmart job before, you can log in to your existing applicant account.
3. Visit a Walmart
If you’re not applying online go into a Walmart Supercenter, Neighborhood Market, or convenience store. Look around and talk to associates.
For hourly roles, you do not need a resume or CV to apply but you will need to share your job history and highlights on the application itself.
If you would like to upload your resume there will be a section where you can add it to your application.
4. Do Your Research
Find out what to expect from the behavioral interviews, a style that helps the hiring team understand your thought process, and how you could potentially work on their team.
This is situational-based and includes a follow-up question to reiterate a time you have been in a situation similar. Be prepared for this.
5. Dress to Impress
A picture says a thousand words and a first impression says a million.
The phrase ‘how you dress is how you are addressed is more than just an old person saying in the corporate world.
For example, you may meet an executive, the leader of your organization, your potential supervisor, and/or your future supervisor/mentor.
Your safest bet is to wear a suit and bring your resume, a pen, and a notebook.
To make it through the whole Walmart hiring ordeal, you’ve got to be ready and understand exactly what they’re looking for in an ideal candidate.
That means getting your resume in top shape, flowing in Walmart’s core values both on paper and in your interview responses, and knocking it out of the park on the online assessment.
Do all that, and you’ll significantly boost your odds of getting the job.
