Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the leading retail chain in America directly managing upscale hypermarkets, budget department stores and grocery establishments nationwide. As a multinational corporation, it has key operations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, and India with landmark malls in Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Its stores offer the widest product selection from the latest electronic gadgets, the best clothing and footwear, home and furniture, health and beauty, to all your grocery needs.
Founded by Sam Walton on July 2, 1962 and incorporated on October 31, 1969, Wal-Mart head office is located in Bentonvile, Arkansas. The company is a family-owned business headed by the Walton family. As a publicly traded company, Wal-Mart opened up to the New York Stock Exchange in 1972 and quickly became the most profitable retail chain in the US.
From its humble beginnings in 1962, Wal-Mart has expanded not just in its product offerings, but also in its presence worldwide. Wal-Mart now operates 11,703 individual stores scattered across 28 countries in 59 different franchise names. The supermarket giant remains one of the world’s most valuable companies and is the most profitable U.S. retail company in 2016. Dubbed as the largest private employer globally, the company employs 2.3 million workers.
The company’s benefits package offers employees with yearly salary increases, a decent insurance deal, a generous healthcare service package, and even discount cards for general merchandise just for company employees. The entry level salary for hourly positions start between $9-10.50 per hour increasing based on your performance evaluation. Its associate stock purchase plan allows employees to become investors automatically deducting investment funds from monthly pay checks. The store offers flexibility to its employees allowing schedules that suit worker needs as long as it’s within peak shopping hours. Interestingly, 70% of the store’s managers began as hourly associates gradually making their way to the top through the company’s support.
The care and the benefits that the company provides its employees is what sets it apart from other companies. The company applies the principles of diversity and inclusion – making it a point to listen to each employee’s concern and find genuine ways to resolve them – no matter who they are or where they’re from. The supermarket chain believes that the key to continuing growth lies in treating its people well, and fostering a culture of success that keeps employees motivated to the peak of their game.
How old do you have to be to work at Wal-Mart?
Age requirements vary depending on the career area you choose to apply. Company policy states that you must be at least 16 years of age to work at Wal-Mart and a minimum of 18 years old to work at Sam’s Club.
Wal-Mart Careers
Cashier & Front End: Cashiers are responsible for checking out and facilitating store transactions with customers. As they directly engage customers, cashiers & front end employees preferably possess a pleasing attitude and can work under pressure.
Cart Attendant & Janitorial: Cart attendants & janitorial staff have physically demanding tasks – from lifting heavy products and carts, cleaning restrooms and assisting customers regardless of weather conditions.
Stocker, Backroom & Receiving: Staff working in this department does all the heavy lifting. You can expect a comprehensive supermarket experience from courteously greeting customers, to unloading delivery trucks on a deadline.
Sales Associate: Sales Associates are employees dedicated for providing quality customer service. Each sales associate would have to master their area designation and answer customer questions promptly.
Fresh Food Associate: The main task of fresh food associates is fill customer orders and prepare fresh food while keeping with the highest standards of sanitation, safety and of course – quality.
Specialized Roles: A number of product centres require specialized associates as follows:
Automotive specialist – Automotive specialists will be asked to perform oil change, tire maintenance, and take over automotive sales
Pharmacists – Pharmacists are expected to assist customers seeking to purchase medicine and are preferably licensed to fill prescriptions for customers.
Vision Centre – Associates are needed who can provide eyeglass and eye contact assistance for customers.
Asset protection – Asset protection associates will specialize in selling security products geared to maintain safety and deter robbery incidents.
Department Manager: The Department Manager directly manages sales associates and keeps their designated department in order. Department managers are also responsible for keeping and maintaining the store’s inventory records.
Wal-Mart Application
How to Apply? The application process is quite simple. After submitting your filled out application form, you will receive information on your next step. An associate will soon review all the application submissions and identify which ones are qualified for onsite interviews. Should you ace your interview, you’ll immediately get a job offer and will be asked to fulfil other job requirements in the following days.
Application online is available. Application can be done online and onsite.
Tips for filling application form. For first timers, filling out the application form can take 45-60 minutes. But should you choose to apply again, the application time becomes less and less as the interface stores your application details within 60 days. Some positions might entail additional requirements which can take additional time as well.
Advice on resume. If you’re planning to apply for hourly roles, resume or CV is not required. Applications for mid-level and management positions however require you to submit your CV and resume.
Advice on interview preparation or process. Applicants will generally be asked to share their job history, highlights and educational background. While resumes and/or CV are not required for hourly positions, you can still choose to append yours on the application form.
Facts about Wal-Mart
The company is known for cultivating the careers of its employees through equal opportunities and ample benefits. The secret to the company’s success is its roster of highly motivated employees who take their inspiration from the management approach and the culture of success that the company promotes.
Application Links
Company: www.walmart.com
Careers: www.careers.walmart.com
Application: www.careers.walmart.com