Walmart is known for their customer-oriented policy, and affordable prices of consumer goods. Their offer attracts many people to the retails stores, and plenty of job seekers try to get a job with Walmart. In this article we will look at the interview questions, and at things you have to do right if you want to get a job with the famous retailer, and one of the biggest employers in the world. It isn’t going to be the most difficult interview of your life, but it still helps a lot to be prepared for the questions…

 

Fitting the working environment

Your primary goal is to show the interviewers that you would fit nicely to their working environment, that you have the attitude that is expected from the employees at Walmart. Try to show enthusiasm for the job, try to show them that you understand the values and working environment at Walmart, and that it resonates with your own values and goals.

Keep smiling, act friendly, stay positive in the interview. Do what is expected from every Walmart employee. They should not get an impression that you apply for a job with them only because you need money to live, or cannot find any other job at the moment–even if it is the case.

Let’s have a look at the questions you will face while applying for most common in-store positions with Walmart, such as cashier, stock clerk, customer service, sales associate, department manager, and so on.

 

Why do you want to work at Walmart?

Mention the uniqueness of the retailer, positive associations you have in your mind when you hear their name, great location of the store where you apply–great either for you, or for the customers, etc.

Show them that you do not consider them your last option for employment, that you actually have a good reason to work for them, and even prefer to work for Walmart instead of some other retail giant you could apply with. If you got a recommendation from a friend who’s already working for the company, do not hesitate to say so.

Sample answer:

The way you work here, as well as the way the store is organized, resonates strongly with my values and beliefs. What is more, the store is located near my apartment, so it would be easy for me getting to work. All in all I like the job description, and at this stage of my professional career I think it is a fitting job for someone like me.

* We have a full article dedicated to this most common Walmart interview question, and you can check it out here: Why do you want to work for Walmart?

 

What can you bring to our team? Why should we hire you?

Talk about your relevant experience–if you have any. If you have not worked in retail before, you can that you are hard working, ready to learn, and eager to bring positive attitude and discipline to the workplace. You can also say that you are a team-player, and will try to improve the atmosphere in the store, or maintain a great atmosphere they have there.

At the end of the day, you should show some confidence in your ability to do the job, and to do it well. Unless you believe it, they will also find it hard to believe it.

Sample answer:

I can bring positive attitude to work, motivation, and also some experience form a fast-paced working environment. No doubt you will meet more people in this interview and everyone has some strengths and weaknesses, but I believe to have what it takes to excel in this job, and to handle all the duties from the job description. I can promise you that you won’t regret giving me a chance to prove my words in the actual job.

 

This job is repetitive. What will you do to motivate yourself?

You can say that you have a lot of energy, that you enjoy the time with your colleagues, that the eight or twelve hours you spend on the shift really fly by. Work in Walmart is difficult and repetitive, and you may have to remain standing on your feet for the majority of the day. Show them that you do not mind physical work, and do not need frequent breaks, and the you actually prefer repetitive work to something creative, to a job in which you’d have to think a lot.

Another alternative is talking about money, and the reasons why you go to work. Just like anybody in the US you have bills to pay, and things are getting more expensive each year. If you do not want to end up on the street, you simply have to work. Instead of dwelling on such fears, however, you try to take it as a motivation to work hard, even if you do not feel like that on some day.

Sample answer:

To be completely honest with you, most jobs are repetitive. I still try to find some joy in my work, trying to get better every day, having a good connection with colleagues on the shift, and so on. Even though I may struggle with motivation on some days. However, I have my goals, things I want to achieve in life, and I also have bills to pay. It is enough remembering these things to stay motivated to be honest, because I know that if I do not perform up to the standards I will lose the job. And it isn’t something I can afford to happen really…

 

Would you mind working late in the evening (or on weekends)?

A good answer depends on the opening hours of a store. If they close at ten, you should be ready to stay at work until eleven–cleaning the store, finalizing the numbers, closing. Show them that you did your homework, that you learned something about their store, and are ready to work in the evenings–if it is necessary.

It is also important to show some flexibility, and your willingness to sacrifice something for the job. Of course, everybody would prefer to have an off day on Sunday. But stores are open seven days in a week, and someone always have to be there. One Sunday it will be you, another one your colleague will take care of the shift…

Sample answer:

I do not mind it at all. Look, I am not naive and know how the economy works. To stay competitive, this place has to be open 7 days of the week. Someone always have to be here, but shifts do change. I will work on some weekends, and other weekends my colleagues will be here. The same goes about the evenings. You can be sure I am ready to sacrifice something for this job.

Special Tip: You can download the full list of questions in a simple, one page long PDF, print it, and practice your interview answers anytime later, even when offline:

Walmart interview questions, PDF

 

Can you tell us something about your latest customer service experience?

Try to show them that you understand a good customer service–either from the position of an employee, or from a perspective of a shopper. You can even say that you really enjoy the way workers approach customers at Walmart, the way they talk to them, and say that their behavior motivated you to apply for the job and eventually join the ranks of the employees.

Before you opt for this answer, however, make sure it makes sense in the given store. If nobody smiled at you or greeted you during your latest shopping experience at the store, it is better not mentioning it. Store manager is aware of the issue, and there’s no need reminding it to them in the interviews.

Sample answer:

The latest one is fresh on my mind, because it is from yesterday. I was checking some electronics in a store and had problems locating the product line I was looking for. Hence I wanted to ask someone for assistance, but could not recognize any workers in the store. Had to walk for a few minutes before finally finding one crew member, and while he tried to help me, instead of going with me and show me the products I was looking for he just gave me some instructions. Personally I do not consider it the best way to address the customers, and you can be sure I will try to do a better job…

* May also interest you: Walmart management interview questions.

 

Have you ever helped someone else to achieve their goal?

With this question they aim to uncover something about your personality, the way you treat people around you. Do you think about the others, or do you care only about your own goals and life? Show the HR managers that you are a team player, and like to help other people in their life and professional career.

Now you do not have to talk about something groundbreaking. It is enough saying how you motivated someone who was struggling, or helped a colleague with heavy workload in their former job. Your attitude matters for the interviewers, and not the situation you narrate.

Sample answer:

In general I try to be attentive to the feelings and needs of my colleagues. Of course, sometimes the day is just too hard and you have your hands full and struggle to get your own job done. On such occasions, you just do not have an opportunity to help others. But I remember in my last job in one of the fast food restaurants, a guy was struggling to meet the daily quota, because he made some mistakes in the process in food preparation and it delayed him a lot. So I reached out during the low hours of the day, and in about one hour taught him how to do the things in a more effective manner. It helped, he didn’t struggle anymore, and we became friends. To sum it up it was a positive experience all around and I hope to have more such experiences in my new job.

 

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Pick weaknesses that are not relevant for the job you try to get with Walmart. Leadership, management, computer skills--you do not need them working in a retail store. On the other hand, you should pick some strengths that matter for the position you try to get. It can be communication skills, physical strength, ability to work fast and independently, etc.

You should also always elaborate on your answer, saying that you continue working on your skills, and the new job will be your opportunity to discover areas for improvement.

Sample answer:

I have a tendency to be over-friendly to people. Customers may understand my behavior in a wrong way. I know about this weakness, and I try to be careful in the job, in order to avoid some silly or unpleasant situations. I consider good computing skills, and an ability to understand the needs of different people, my greatest strengths. I believe they are useful for a job of a customer assistant.

 

Other questions you may face while interviewing for a job with Walmart

  • Is there anything that may restrain you in this job? (Any allergies, or other limitations? Ensure the interviewers that you studied the job description carefully, and are ready to take care of all your duties, without any physical or mental limitations.)
  • What do you plan to do in five years time? (To mention that you would like to stay at Walmart is probably the best answer, and you can aim for career growth in the store. It doesn’t matter if you eventually stay for two years, or only for two months–life is a change, and they won’t blame you for changing your mind and leaving the store in a few months time.)
  • There is a colleague you have a difficult time with. How will you handle the situation? (Trying to understand their perspective, and why they have a difficult time with you (or you with them) is a good answer. If the issue is serious, you should suggest consulting your supervisor, or a store manager, who is responsible for addressing such issues.)
  • How would you approach a stressed customer or an upset one? (At Walmart, you should approach everyone with smile, and the bad behavior of a customer should not affect you negatively in your job. Focus on it in your interview answer.)

Walmart online assessment for job applicants

You will have to pass this step, typically before the face to face interview. The exact tests you will get depend on the position you are applying for with Walmart, but you will almost always face the dreaded personality test.

Some people claim that the success in the test is a question of luck. I’d say it’s a question of your preparation. Whether you will face customer service scenarios, problem solving at work, or personality questionnaire, we have you covered in the following Walmart interview preparation package. Check it out especially when you apply for supervisory/managerial role with Walmart. The tests are difficult to pass, unless you practice for them in advance. Do not make the same mistake many do, neglecting this part of your interview preparation…

 

What to wear to Walmart interviews

Since 2018 Walmart changed their dress code heavily. You are not obliged to wear blue clothes anymore. You can put on jeans and shirt of any color. They try to promote diversity and give employees an opportunity to express themselves, to be who they are.

You should follow the suit when choosing clothes for your interview. Basically you can put on anything you feel comfortable in. Just be sure that your clothes are clean and well ironed. And if you look attractive, feel free to put on something you look great wearing. Looking great always boost our confidence, and feeling confident will only help you in your interview with Walmart.

 

Final thoughts

Interviews at Walmart can be both easy and difficult, depending on the position you try to get with the corporation. Applying for simple retail jobs (think cashier, stock clerk, etc), it’s enough preparing for the questions I analyze in this article. As long as you do not remain silent when they ask you their questions, they will give you a chance.

The story changes when you apply for supervisory, managerial, or engineering job with Walmart. In such a case you will have to deal with tricky tests–especially the personality test, and with more behavioral questions. Be sure to check the special Walmart interview preparation package, to practice the tests ahead, and understand how to pass them with flying colors.

Thank you, we wish you best of luck in your interview!

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Antony
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