How to Get Hired at Walmart in 2026: Complete Application Guide

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—job hunting sucks. Sending out application after application and hearing nothing back? It’s like shouting into the void. But here’s the thing about learning how to get hired at Walmart: they actually hire people. Like, a lot of people. We’re talking 1.6 million employees in the U.S. alone.

And before you roll your eyes thinking “oh great, another generic job article,” let me stop you right there. I’ve helped thousands of people figure out how to get hired at Walmart, and I’m about to give you the real deal—no corporate BS, no fluff, just the actual information you need to get hired.

Whether you’re 16 and looking for your first job, 45 and need a career change, or 62 and want some extra cash in retirement, Walmart’s got a spot for you. This complete guide on how to get hired at Walmart will walk you through every step—from the application to your first paycheck.

The Quick Facts (Because You’re Probably in a Hurry)

Here’s what you need to know right now about how to get hired at Walmart:

💰 Average Starting Pay: $14-$19/hour (location matters—more on that later)
📍 Number of Stores: 4,600+ locations across the U.S.
👥 Total Employees: 1.6 million associates
⏱️ Time to Get Hired: Usually 1-3 weeks from application to first day
🎂 Minimum Age: 16 years old (18 for some positions)
💉 Drug Test: Yes (most positions)
🔍 Background Check: Yes
🎓 Education Required: Nope! Most jobs don’t need a high school diploma

Now let’s dig into the good stuff.

What Jobs Can You Actually Get at Walmart?

Here’s where it gets interesting when you’re figuring out how to get hired at Walmart. Walmart isn’t just cashiers and stockers anymore (though those jobs are still there and perfectly good options). They’ve got positions you probably didn’t even know existed.

Frontend Jobs (The “Face” of Walmart)

Cashier – $14-$16/hour

This is classic Walmart. You’re scanning items, taking payments, and pretending to laugh at customers’ jokes about “if it doesn’t scan, it must be free!” (Spoiler: You’ll hear that joke approximately 47 times per shift.)

What you’ll do: Ring up purchases, handle returns, make small talk with customers, resist the urge to eat the candy at your register.

Best for: First-time job seekers, students who need flexible hours, anyone who likes people (or can at least tolerate them for 6-8 hours).

Real talk: This job is way easier than it looks. If you can use a smartphone, you can be a cashier. The register basically tells you what to do.

Customer Service Associate – $14-$16/hour

Think of this as “cashier’s slightly more dramatic cousin.” You’re working the returns desk, which means you get to hear every excuse in the book for why someone needs to return a bikini in November.

What you’ll do: Process returns and exchanges, handle customer complaints, call managers when things get spicy, master the art of saying “I understand your frustration” without sounding sarcastic.

Best for: Patient people, problem-solvers, anyone who doesn’t take things personally.

Insider tip: This position actually teaches you valuable skills. Dealing with angry customers? That’s basically a masterclass in conflict resolution that you can use anywhere in life.

Self-Checkout Host – $14-$16/hour

You’re the guardian of the self-checkout area. Your job is to help people who somehow can’t figure out that yes, they need to put the bananas on the scale, and no, you can’t override the age verification on wine just because they “obviously look over 21.”

What you’ll do: Assist customers with the machines, clear error messages, prevent theft (it happens), reset machines that freeze up.

Best for: Tech-savvy people, multitaskers, anyone who can keep their cool when four machines all beep for help at the same time.

Fun fact: This position exists because people are terrible at self-checkout. Job security!

Stocking & Backroom Positions (Where the Magic Happens)

Overnight Stocker – $16-$19/hour + shift differential

Here’s a secret: overnight stockers often make the most money per hour for entry-level work. You’re working when the store is closed (usually 10pm-7am), and you get paid extra for the vampire lifestyle.

What you’ll do: Unload trucks, stock shelves, organize the backroom, listen to music or podcasts while you work (depending on your manager), avoid the weird customers who shop at 2am.

Best for: Night owls, people who hate dealing with customers, anyone who wants to make an extra $2-3/hour for working overnight.

The reality: Yes, it’s physically demanding. Yes, your sleep schedule will be weird. But if you’re young and don’t mind odd hours, this is honestly one of the best-paying entry-level gigs out there. Plus, you get to wear headphones at most stores. Try doing that as a cashier.

Daytime Stocker – $14-$17/hour

Same job as overnight, but with sunshine and customers asking you where the pickles are every 15 minutes.

What you’ll do: Stock shelves, face products (making them look neat), help customers find stuff, operate pallet jacks.

Best for: People who like staying active, anyone who doesn’t want to work overnight, those who don’t mind being interrupted constantly.

Pro tip: This job is actually pretty chill once you get the hang of it. Put on your earbuds (if your store allows it), find your rhythm, and the shift flies by.

Freight/Unloader – $15-$18/hour

This is the “gym membership you get paid for” position. You’re unloading delivery trucks and moving heavy stuff around. If you’re sitting at a desk job and paying $50/month for a gym, this is kind of hilarious when you think about it.

What you’ll do: Unload trucks, sort merchandise, move pallets, build some serious muscle.

Best for: People who like physical work, gym rats, anyone who gets antsy sitting still.

Warning: You need to be able to lift 50+ pounds regularly. If you threw your back out putting on socks last week, maybe skip this one.

Department-Specific Positions (The Specialists)

Electronics Associate – $15-$18/hour

You’re the tech person. Customers will ask you which phone they should buy, and you’ll realize most people have no idea how technology works.

What you need: Basic tech knowledge (like, you know what RAM is), sales skills, patience to explain the same thing five times.

Best for: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, people who don’t mind activating phones.

Reality check: You’ll also be stocking shelves and dealing with online order pickups. It’s not all playing with gadgets. But you do get to check out new tech before most people, which is cool.

Deli/Bakery Associate – $14-$17/hour

You’re slicing meat, making fried chicken, and decorating cakes. Walmart will train you on food safety, so don’t worry if you’ve never done this before.

What you’ll do: Prepare food, operate slicers and fryers, keep the hot case stocked, write “Happy Birthday” on cakes without screwing it up.

Best for: People who like food prep, anyone interested in culinary work, morning people (bakery starts EARLY).

Perk: You sometimes get to take home food that didn’t sell. Free rotisserie chicken? Yes please.

Pharmacy Technician – $16-$21/hour

This is a step up. You’re helping the pharmacist, counting pills, and interacting with customers picking up prescriptions. You’ll need certification for this (Walmart can help you get it).

What you need: Pharmacy tech certification, attention to detail, ability to read doctor handwriting (kidding, it’s all digital now).

Best for: People interested in healthcare, detail-oriented folks, anyone looking for a career path.

Career potential: This actually leads somewhere. Pharmacy techs can advance and make good money. Plus, you’re helping people, which feels nice.

Online Grocery Pickup (OGP) Associate – $15-$18/hour

This is the fastest-growing department at Walmart. You’re basically a personal shopper—grabbing groceries from the shelves for online orders, then loading them into customers’ cars.

What you’ll do: Shop orders using a handheld device, bag groceries, take orders to cars, try not to pick bruised bananas.

Best for: Fast walkers (you’ll rack up 15,000+ steps per shift), organized people, anyone who’s good at finding things.

Why it’s actually fun: You’re moving around constantly, so the shift goes by fast. And you’re not stuck in one spot like a cashier. Plus, the job is pretty straightforward—the computer tells you exactly what to grab.

Auto Care Center Technician – $15-$20/hour

Oil changes, tire rotations, battery installations—basic car maintenance. If you’re even slightly into cars, this is a solid gig.

What you need: Basic mechanical knowledge (they’ll train you), ability to get dirty, comfort working with tools.

Best for: Car people, hands-on workers, anyone who likes variety.

Bonus: You’re learning marketable skills. These same skills work at any oil change place, tire shop, or dealership.

Team Lead – $18-$25/hour

This is the step up from hourly associate. You’re supervising 5-15 people in your department, but you’re still hourly (which means overtime pay, unlike salaried managers).

What you need: Usually 1+ years of retail experience (but some stores promote faster if you’re good).

Best for: Natural leaders, people who want more responsibility, anyone eyeing management.

Real talk: This is actually a sweet spot. You make significantly more money, you get some authority, but you’re not dealing with the insane stress that store managers face. And you still get overtime pay.

Let’s Talk Money (The Part You Actually Care About)

Here’s the deal with Walmart pay when you’re learning how to get hired at Walmart: it varies. A lot. Where you live makes a huge difference.

Pay by Position (National Averages)

Position	Starting Pay	Average Pay	Top Pay
Cashier	$14/hr	$15/hr	$17/hr
Stocker (Day)	$14/hr	$16/hr	$18/hr
Overnight Stocker	$16/hr	$18/hr	$19/hr
OGP Associate	$15/hr	$17/hr	$19/hr
Team Lead	$18/hr	$21/hr	$25/hr
Electronics	$15/hr	$17/hr	$19/hr
Auto Center	$15/hr	$18/hr	$20/hr

Important: If you live in California, New York, or other high cost-of-living areas, add $2-4/hour to these numbers. If you’re in rural Arkansas, these might be a little high. Geography matters.

Pay Raises

You’ll get annual performance reviews, and they typically come with $0.25-$0.50/hour raises. Not earth-shattering, but it adds up.

The real money jump comes from promotions. Going from cashier to Team Lead can add $3-5/hour. That’s an extra $6,000-$10,000 per year. Not bad.

Fast Track to More Money

Here’s what I’ve seen work:

Be reliable (seriously, just show up on time—you’ll already be ahead of 30% of employees)
Be flexible with your schedule
Cross-train in multiple departments
Express interest in moving up
Don’t call in sick unless you’re actually dying

People get promoted at Walmart. It’s not some corporate fairy tale. If you’re decent at your job and don’t have an attitude problem, you can move up within 6-12 months.

The Benefits (Actually Pretty Good)

Okay, let’s be real—you’re probably not working at Walmart for the “passion.” You’re working for money and benefits. So let’s talk about what you actually get.

Part-Time Benefits (Under 30 hours/week)

10% employee discount (It’s not huge, but it adds up. Especially if you shop at Walmart anyway.)
401(k) with company match (Yes, really. Walmart will match your retirement contributions. Start this early, trust me.)
Walmart Academy training (Free courses to build skills)
Paid sick time (varies by state—some states require it)

Full-Time Benefits (30+ hours/week)

Everything above, PLUS:

Health insurance starting at around $30/paycheck for basic coverage. That’s $60/month for health insurance, which is actually insane compared to what most people pay. Dental and vision are extra but also pretty cheap.
Life insurance (Basic coverage provided)
Disability insurance (Short-term and long-term)
PTO (Paid Time Off) – This accrues based on hours worked. The longer you’re there, the more you earn.
Maternity/Paternity leave – Walmart offers paid leave for new parents. It’s not super generous, but it exists.

The Big One: Live Better U (Free College Tuition)

This is legitimately amazing and way too many Walmart employees don’t know about it or use it.

Here’s the deal: After working at Walmart for just 90 days, you can go to college FOR FREE. Not discounted. Not “we’ll help pay.” FREE. As in zero dollars, zero debt.

What it covers:

100% of tuition
Books
Fees

Schools you can attend:

University of Arizona
Southern New Hampshire University
Purdue University Global
Several others

Degrees offered:

Business
Supply Chain Management
Technology
Healthcare
And more

The catch: There isn’t really one. You just need to work at Walmart (part-time or full-time) and maintain enrollment.

Real talk: I’ve talked to people making $15/hour at Walmart who are getting a bachelor’s degree debt-free. Meanwhile, their friends are drowning in $50,000 of student loans. Who’s winning here?

If you’re young and considering college, working at Walmart while going to school online is honestly a brilliant move. You’re getting paid, getting benefits, AND getting a degree without debt. That’s the trifecta.

The Application Process (Don’t Screw This Up)

Alright, let’s get you hired. Understanding how to get hired at Walmart starts with mastering the application process. It’s straightforward, but there are some landmines you need to avoid.

Step 1: Find Open Positions

Go to careers.walmart.com

Enter your ZIP code and browse what’s available near you. You’ll see a bunch of positions.

Pro tip: Apply on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings. That’s when hiring managers are most likely to review applications. Monday they’re drowning in weekend drama, and Friday they’re mentally checked out.

Step 2: Create Your Profile

You’ll need:

Email address (Use a normal one. “partyboy420@yahoo.com” is not going to inspire confidence. Create a professional email if you need to—it takes 2 minutes.)
Phone number
Basic info

Save this profile. You’ll use it for all Walmart applications going forward.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application

Set aside 30-45 minutes. Don’t rush this.

You’ll need:

Work history from the last 7 years (if you have any)
Education (but remember, most jobs don’t require a diploma)
Availability (More on this in a second—it’s CRUCIAL)

The Availability Section (This Can Make or Break You)

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Walmart’s system automatically prioritizes applicants with more availability.

If you can only work Tuesday and Thursday from 2-6pm, you’re probably not getting hired. If you’re open all week, any shift, you’re moving to the front of the line.

Strategy:

Check as many days as possible
Check as many shifts as possible
You can negotiate your actual schedule after you get hired

I know, I know—you have a life, you have other commitments. But here’s the thing: get the job first, THEN figure out the schedule. Once you’re in the door and you’re a reliable employee, managers will work with you. But you need to get the job first.

The Assessment Test (This Is Where People Fail)

Okay, here’s the part where a lot of people blow it when trying to figure out how to get hired at Walmart: the assessment test.

After you submit your application, you’ll get an email asking you to complete an “assessment.” This is a 65-question test that determines whether you move forward or not.

Here’s what you need to know:

You Can’t Retake It for 6 Months

If you fail this test, you’re done. You can’t reapply to Walmart for half a year. So take it seriously.

Don’t take this test on your phone while riding the bus. Find a quiet place, eliminate distractions, and focus.

What Kind of Questions Will You Get?

The test has three types of questions:

1. Situational Judgment Questions

These present a workplace scenario and ask how you’d handle it.

Example: “A customer is yelling at you about an out-of-stock item. What do you do?”

Options might be:

A) Tell them to calm down
B) Listen to their concern and apologize
C) Walk away and get a manager
D) Argue that it’s not your fault

Correct answer: B (Listen and apologize). Then offer to help find an alternative or get a manager.

2. Personality Questions

These try to gauge what kind of worker you are.

Example: “Do you prefer working in a team or working alone?”

How to answer: Lean toward “team player” answers. Walmart values collaboration. If you say you prefer working alone all the time, you’re not getting hired.

Example: “How important is punctuality?”

How to answer: Very important. Don’t be cute here. They want to know you’ll show up on time.

3. Agree/Disagree Scale Questions

Example: “It’s okay to call in sick if you’re not feeling motivated to come to work.”

Strongly Disagree. Obviously.

How to Pass the Assessment

Think like the ideal employee. Walmart isn’t looking for honest answers about your flaws. They’re looking for reliable, positive, customer-focused team players.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

✅ DO answer this way:

“I enjoy working as part of a team”
“Customer satisfaction is very important to me”
“I believe in showing up on time every day”
“I stay calm under pressure”
“I’m flexible with my schedule”

❌ DON’T answer this way:

“I prefer to work independently” (They’ll think you’re difficult)
“I sometimes need to call in when I don’t feel like working” (Instant rejection)
Extreme answers on either end (Answering “strongly agree” to everything makes you look fake)
Inconsistent answers (They ask similar questions to catch you—be consistent)

The Bottom Line

Imagine you’re a hiring manager. Would you want to hire someone who:

Shows up on time
Works well with others
Stays positive under stress
Focuses on customers

Of course you would. Answer like that person.

Is it gaming the system? Maybe a little. But it’s also showing that you understand what the job requires. Nobody wants to hire someone who says “I hate working with people” for a retail job.

The Interview (You Got This)

Congrats! If you made it to the interview stage, you’re already ahead of most applicants. Seriously—a lot of people fail at the application or assessment stage. Knowing how to get hired at Walmart means nailing this interview.

What to Expect

Most Walmart interviews are pretty casual. It’s usually:

One person (hiring manager or team lead)
15-30 minutes
In-person or video call
Sometimes group interviews if they’re doing mass hiring

This isn’t a corporate interrogation. They’re just trying to figure out if you’re normal, reliable, and won’t be a nightmare to work with.

What to Wear

Business casual is your sweet spot:

Guys: Khakis or dark jeans (no holes), collared shirt (polo or button-down), clean shoes
Gals: Khakis, nice jeans, or dress pants, casual blouse or sweater, clean shoes (flats or sneakers are fine)

What NOT to wear:

Shorts
Tank tops
Flip-flops
Anything with profanity or controversial statements
Your Walmart employee vest from your last job at a different Walmart (yes, people do this—it’s weird)

You don’t need a suit. You’re applying to stock shelves, not be an investment banker. But you do need to look like you gave a damn.

Questions YOU Should Ask

At the end, they’ll ask “Do you have any questions for us?”

❌ DON’T say: “Nope, I’m good” (Looks like you don’t care)

❌ DON’T ask: “When do I get my first raise?” or “How much PTO do I get?” (Save these for after you’re hired)

✅ DO ask:

“What does a typical day look like in this position?”
“What do you enjoy most about working here?”
“What are the opportunities for advancement?”
“What are the next steps in the hiring process?”

After the Interview

Send a thank-you email if you have the interviewer’s email address. Keep it short:

“Hi [Name], thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the Walmart team. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks again!”

If you don’t hear back within 3-5 days, it’s okay to follow up. Check your application status online or call the store and politely ask about the status of your application.

Background Check & Drug Testing (The Final Hurdles)

You crushed the interview. They want to hire you. But understanding how to get hired at Walmart means clearing two more hoops: the background check and drug test.

Background Check

Walmart checks:

Criminal history (usually 7 years back)
Employment verification (they’ll call your previous employers)
Education (only if it’s relevant to the job)

What disqualifies you:

Theft or larceny convictions (especially retail theft—they really care about this)
Violent crimes
Recent drug-related felonies
Pending criminal charges

What usually DOESN’T disqualify you:

Minor traffic violations (speeding tickets, etc.)
Misdemeanors from 7+ years ago
Arrests without convictions (you weren’t found guilty)

If you have a record: Be honest if they ask. Lying and getting caught later is worse than being upfront. Some positions and some locations are more lenient than others.

Timeline: 3-7 business days for results.

Drug Testing

Here’s the deal: Walmart drug tests. Almost every position requires it.

When you’ll be tested:

After they make you a conditional job offer (before your start date)
Randomly for certain positions (management, pharmacy, auto center)
After workplace accidents
If they have “reasonable suspicion”

Type of test:

Urine test (most common)
You’ll go to an approved testing facility
You usually have 24-48 hours to complete it

What they test for:

Marijuana (THC)
Cocaine
Opiates
Amphetamines
PCP
Other common drugs

Important note about marijuana: Even if you live in a state where weed is legal, Walmart can still enforce a drug-free workplace policy. Legal doesn’t mean they have to hire you if you test positive.

If you smoke weed recreationally, stop now. THC can stay in your system for weeks. Don’t risk blowing a job opportunity over it.

Prescription medications: If you take prescribed medications (ADHD meds, pain medication, anxiety medication), you’re fine. Just:

Bring documentation from your doctor to the testing facility
Inform them of your prescriptions

This will NOT disqualify you. They just need to know it’s legitimate.

Timeline: Results come back in 2-5 business days.

Your First Day (Don’t Stress)

You got the job! Congrats! Now what?

Orientation Day

Your first day is usually orientation, which lasts 4-8 hours. It’s mostly paperwork and computer training.

What to bring:

Government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Social Security card OR birth certificate + driver’s license
Bank account info (account and routing numbers) for direct deposit
Pen and small notepad
Positive attitude (you got this!)

What you’ll do:

Fill out a mountain of paperwork (I-9 employment verification, W-4 tax form, direct deposit, emergency contacts)
Watch training videos (some are actually useful, others are corporate fluff)
Take a store tour
Meet your department team
Get your schedule

What you’ll get:

Your Walmart vest (this is your uniform—don’t lose it)
Employee badge (wear this every shift)
Name tag
Training materials
Employee discount card (sometimes you get this later, after 30-90 days)

The Training Period

You’ll have 1-2 weeks of training where you’ll:

Do more computer-based learning modules (bring headphones if allowed)
Shadow an experienced associate
Learn the registers, systems, or equipment
Make a ton of mistakes (this is fine—everyone does)

Pro tip: Ask questions. It’s way better to ask “How do I do this?” five times than to screw something up because you were too proud to ask.

Your First Paycheck

Walmart pays bi-weekly (every 2 weeks). Your first check might be smaller because you only worked part of the pay period.

Timeline: You’ll probably wait 2-3 weeks for your first paycheck. Plan accordingly. If you’re broke right now, see if you can borrow some money to tide you over. Don’t blow your first paycheck on stupid stuff—you’ve got bills to pay.

What It’s Actually Like Working at Walmart (The Unfiltered Truth)

Let’s talk about the day-to-day reality.

Your Schedule

Schedules are posted 2-3 weeks in advance (usually)
You can request time off, but it’s not guaranteed, especially during busy seasons
You can swap shifts with coworkers (with manager approval)
Part-time = 15-28 hours/week on average
Full-time = 34-40 hours/week

Real talk: If you want more hours, be vocal about it. Managers give hours to reliable people. If you’re constantly calling in or showing up late, you’ll get the minimum.

Dress Code

Walmart provides: Blue vest, name tag
You provide:
- Black or khaki pants (no jeans with holes, no sweatpants)
- Any solid color shirt (the vest covers most of it anyway)
- Closed-toe shoes (sneakers are fine, no sandals or flip-flops)

It’s pretty relaxed. Some people show up in basketball shorts under their khakis and change in the bathroom. We don’t judge.

The Career Path (If You Care About That)

Walmart promotes from within. Like, actually does it. I’ve seen 19-year-olds become store managers by 25.

The typical path looks like this:

Hourly Associate (starting position)
Team Lead (6-12 months if you’re good) → Add $3-5/hour
Coach (1-2 years) → Salaried, around $45-65K
Store Manager (3-5 more years) → $100K+ easily

Is everyone going to become a store manager? No. But the opportunity exists if you want it.

The Good Parts

✅ Flexible scheduling – If you need to go back to school or have kids, most managers will work with you
✅ It’s not corporate BS – You can wear sneakers, listen to music (sometimes), and be yourself
✅ Free college – Seriously, this program is incredible if you use it
✅ Consistent hours – You’ll get your hours. Some retail jobs play games with scheduling
✅ Transfer anywhere – 4,600 stores. You can move across the country and keep your job
✅ Employee discount – 10% adds up over time
✅ Diverse workplace – You’ll work with people from all walks of life. It’s actually pretty cool.

The Not-So-Good Parts

❌ It’s physically demanding – You’ll be on your feet all day. Wear good shoes or your feet will hate you
❌ Weekend/holiday work is required – Black Friday is mandatory for most positions. Sorry.
❌ Starting pay varies widely – $14/hour in rural areas, $18/hour in cities. Geography matters
❌ Customer-facing positions can be draining – Some customers are great. Others… not so much
❌ High turnover – You’ll constantly be training new people because some folks quit after a week

Insider Tips

1. Show up on time. Seriously, this alone puts you ahead of 30% of employees. Being reliable is the fastest way to get promoted.

2. Cross-train in multiple departments. More skills = more hours = more money. Plus, you’re not stuck doing the same thing every day.

3. Take advantage of the benefits. Use that 401(k) match. Use the free college. Don’t leave money on the table.

4. Be cool with your managers. You don’t have to be best friends, but don’t be difficult. Managers remember who makes their life easier.

5. Don’t gossip. Every workplace has drama. Stay out of it. Do your job and go home.

6. If you hate it, have an exit plan. Not every job is for everyone. If you’re miserable, start looking for something else. Life’s too short.

Frequently Asked Questions (Because You’ve Got More Questions)

Q: What’s the minimum age to work at Walmart?

A: 16 years old for most positions (cashier, stocker, cart attendant). You need to be 18 for positions involving machinery, the auto center, or the pharmacy. And you need to be 21 for management roles in some locations.

Q: Does Walmart hire felons?

A: It depends. Walmart considers the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and whether it’s relevant to the job. If you stole from a previous retail job, that’s going to be tough to overcome. If you got a DUI five years ago, you’ll probably be fine for most positions.

Be honest if they ask. Lying on your application is an instant disqualification.

Q: How long does the hiring process take?

A: When you’re learning how to get hired at Walmart, expect the process to take 1-3 weeks from application to first day. Sometimes faster during hiring blitzes (right before holidays), sometimes slower during slow seasons.

If you haven’t heard back after a week, follow up. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Q: Can I work part-time and go to college?

A: Absolutely! Tons of Walmart employees are students. Be upfront about your class schedule during the interview. Most managers will work with you. And hello—free tuition through Live Better U. You’d be crazy not to take advantage.

Q: Do I need experience?

A: Nope! Most entry-level positions require zero experience. Walmart trains you. If you can show up, follow instructions, and not be a jerk, you can get hired.

Q: What benefits do part-time employees actually get?

A: You get the 401(k) with company match, employee discount, some PTO (varies by state), and access to the college tuition program after 90 days. Not bad for part-time.

Q: How often do you get raises?

A: Annual performance reviews typically come with $0.25-$0.50/hour raises. It’s not huge, but over time it adds up. The real money comes from promotions.

Q: Can I transfer to another Walmart?

A: Yes! After 6 months of employment, you can request a transfer. If there’s an opening and you’re in good standing, it’s usually approved. This is great if you’re moving or just hate your current store.

Q: Is overtime available?

A: Yes, especially during busy seasons (November-December, back-to-school, summer). Overtime is time-and-a-half, so it’s good money if you want extra hours.

Q: When do I get my employee discount?

A: Usually after 30-90 days of employment, depending on your location. It’s 10% off most items (excludes groceries, unfortunately).

Q: Does Walmart provide uniforms?

A: Walmart gives you the blue vest and name tag. You provide appropriate pants and closed-toe shoes. Easy.

Q: Can I have visible tattoos and piercings?

A: Yes! Walmart’s dress code is pretty relaxed now. Tattoos and piercings are generally fine as long as they’re not offensive or graphic. Nobody cares if you have a sleeve or a nose ring.

Q: What if I fail the assessment test?

A: You’re locked out for 6 months. That’s why I stressed taking it seriously. If this happens, apply at Target, Kroger, or Home Depot while you wait out the clock.

Q: Do seasonal workers get hired permanently?

A: All the time! Walmart hires tons of seasonal workers for the holidays (November-January). If you show up, work hard, and don’t cause problems, there’s a very good chance they’ll keep you after the season ends.

Q: What’s the best position for someone with no experience?

A: Cashier, cart attendant (the person who gathers carts from the parking lot), or stocker. These are the most common entry points. Once you’re in, you can move to other departments.

Q: Will they fire me if I call in sick?

A: No, but don’t abuse it. Walmart uses a points system. If you call in too much, you’ll rack up points and eventually get fired. But calling in when you’re legitimately sick is fine. Just don’t be the person who calls in every Saturday night because you’re hungover.

Q: Can I listen to music while I work?

A: Depends on your position and manager. Stockers can often wear earbuds (at least one ear). Cashiers? Not so much—you need to interact with customers. Ask your manager.

Q: Is it hard to get hired at Walmart?

A: Not really. If you follow this guide on how to get hired at Walmart, pass the assessment, show up to the interview looking decent, and aren’t completely socially incompetent, you’ll probably get hired. Walmart needs workers. They’re not Harvard.

Alright, Let’s Get You Hired

So there you have it—everything you need to know about how to get hired at Walmart.

Look, I get it. Working retail isn’t everyone’s dream job. But if you need income, benefits, and a path forward, Walmart’s actually not a bad gig. You get paid every two weeks, you get health insurance, and you can go to college for free. That’s more than a lot of jobs offer.

Your Action Plan (Do This Today):

✅ Go to careers.walmart.com
✅ Search for positions near you
✅ Set aside 45 minutes to complete the application (don’t rush it)
✅ Take the assessment test seriously (you only get one shot)
✅ Be as flexible as possible with your availability
✅ Prepare for your interview using the questions I gave you
✅ Follow up if you don’t hear back in 3-5 days

The jobs are out there. Walmart is hiring right now. Now that you know how to get hired at Walmart, the question is: are you going to take action or keep waiting?

Before You Go

Here’s the truth: Getting a job is a numbers game combined with doing the right things. Some people get hired after one application. Others send out 20. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. Keep applying, keep following up, and it’ll happen.

And hey—once you get that first paycheck, buy yourself something nice. You earned it.