For Kathy McVadon, getting the job at Wal-Mart wasn't tough. She had a flexible schedule and the skills to work in almost any department. "I think that really helped me land the interview," McVadon said. "And when I sat down with the hiring manager, the questions were pretty straight-forward. They were what you would expect to be asked in an interview for a retail job."
But McVadon admits, Wal-Mart has its own culture when it comes to the hiring process. Others have said much the same. Here's some advice from former employees, as well as information gleaned from reviews on Glassdoor.com.
Online application
Wal-Mart accepts applications for hourly and management positions online. Even if you go into one of the 86 locations in metro Atlanta, you will be directed to a kiosk to complete an online application, McVadon said. Current openings are listed on Wal-Mart's career page.
There is also a list of employee benefits on Wal-Mart's website. You'll have to create an account to submit an application and, according to the balance.com, expect the application process to take between 30 minutes to an hour. Tip: Apply to work at more than one store.
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Assessment test
Once you complete your job application, McVadon says you will likely be required to take an assessment test. It will consist of about 65 multiple choice questions. Once you have submitted an answer, you cannot return to the page and change it. The questions focus on the applicant's skills when interacting with customers, and other associates and managers.
There are also questions to determine an applicant's ability to adhere to store policies. However, if you do not pass the assessment test in the first go-round, McVadon says an applicant can try again in 60 days. Tip: Be decisive in all your answers. Either you feel strongly about something or you don't.
Network
After submitting your application, recruiters suggest going to the store where you most want to work. Dress in business casual and ask if you can speak with the store manager on duty. Introduce yourself and tell the manager you are interested in working there and have submitted an application. If there is a specific department or departments of interest, visit those managers as well.
First interview
According to one manager, Wal-Mart interviews multiple candidates for each opening. Realize this is not a done deal going into the interview. Be prepared and dress appropriately for the job you are interviewing for. Walk in ready to explain why they should hire you over someone else. You will likely interview with more than one manager, so remember to look at each person you are speaking with and answer what is asked.
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Second interview
McVadon says if you are called back for a second interview, the hiring managers decided you were the best candidate of all interviewed in the first round. You may be asked some of the same questions you were in the first interview. It's important not to go in a completely different direction when you answer the questions again. You'll also likely be asked to agree to a drug screening test and background check. Be ready to negotiate pay.
In Georgia, in 2016, the average hourly wage was $13.64 for full-time hourly associates, and $10.47 for part-time hourly associates. Know that going into the interview and pre-plan what you are going to say.
Know what the company offers
According to Wal-Mart's corporate website:
• Full- and part-time associates are eligible for quarterly bonuses based on store performance.
• In 2016, associates earned approximately $550 million in bonuses.
• Associates can earn college credit for work experience.
Eligible associates are also offered comprehensive benefits plans that include:
• Medical plan
• Dental plan
• Vision plan
• Coverage for domestic partners
• Centers of Excellence Program – covers select spine and heart procedures, knee and hip replacement surgeries, and covers breast, lung and colorectal cancers – all at no cost to associates
• Free access to nurse care managers and health care advisers
• $500 to $1,000 through health reimbursement plans and up to a $600 match in the health savings account plan to help pay for eligible network or non-network medical expenses
• Resources for Living, a free confidential counseling and health information service
• Company-paid life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Business travel accident insurance
Click here to find out more about careers at Wal-Mart.
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