Sixteen-year-olds across the nation are rejoicing at the possibility of starting to earn their own income.
One employer to consider is the retail giant Walmart. Some, who have never worked before, see this as their opportunity to finally get their foot in the door. With a little luck and some effort, they feel confident that they can secure a job at one of the country’s largest employers.
Is it really that easy? What is the process like? Does Walmart Hire At 16? Let’s find out…
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Does Walmart Hire 16-Year-Olds?
To be eligible for work at Walmart, you must be at least 16 years of age. This is the minimum age requirement for all positions at the superstore, including entry-level jobs. If you are not yet 16, you may still apply, but it will not be considered until you reach the minimum age requirement.
Does Walmart Hire At 16 – Available Job Roles
So, what kind of job can you do at the supermarket? Well, there are a few positions that are safe for a teenager to work. Here are some examples and some duties you will be performing:
- Cashier: You will be responsible for handling customer transactions at the register. This includes taking payments, giving change, and bagging merchandise.
- Stocker: As a stocker, you will be keeping the shelves stocked and organized. This may involve lifting heavy boxes and moving them around the store.
- Cart Pusher: You will be in charge of keeping the parking lot clear of shopping carts. This may involve some heavy lifting as well.
- Door Greeter: As a door greeter, you will be responsible for welcoming customers as they enter the store. This is a customer service role that involves being polite and helpful.
- Grocery Bagger: You will be bagging customers’ groceries as they check out. This involves being quick and efficient to keep the line moving.
How Much Does A 16-Year-Old Make at Walmart?
The salary that a 16-year-old makes at Walmart will depend on the position that they are hired for. Some positions, such as cashiers, may start at minimum wage. Others, such as stockers, may start slightly higher. In general, however, most teens can expect to make between $11 and $14 per hour.
How Quickly Will Walmart Hire 16-Year-Olds?
The hiring process at the superstore is usually pretty quick. Once you have submitted your application, it will take 5-10 days for a decision to be made on whether you will receive an interview or not.
If you are offered an interview, it will usually take place within a week or two. Once the interview is complete, you will generally receive a job offer within a few days, although Walmart is trying to get this timeframe down to 24hrs.
What if the store has just opened?
If you are applying to a newly opened store, however, the hiring process may take longer. This is because Walmart needs to hire a large number of employees at once, and the process can be quite overwhelming. In this case, it may take a few weeks or even a month or two to hear back about a job offer.
Are Part-Time Positions Available at Walmart for 16-Year-Olds?
Yes, there are part-time positions available in-store for teenagers. Most of the positions that are available to teens are part-time positions. This is because federal law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from working more than three hours per day or 18 hours per week.
Potential Walmart Interview Questions
If you are lucky enough to be offered an interview at Walmart, you can expect to be asked a few questions about your prior work experience, if any, as well as your availability and the hours you are looking to work.
You may also be asked questions about your customer service skills and how you would manage a demanding situation. Finally, you may be asked a few questions about why you are interested in working at Walmart.
Here are some examples of how to answer common interview questions:
Why do you want to work at Walmart?
I’m interested in working at Walmart because it is a large and well-known company. I feel that it would be a good place to gain some experience in the retail industry.
What is your Availability?
I am available to work Monday-Friday from 4 pm- 8 pm. However, I am also available to work weekends if needed and will be willing to take up extra shifts during school holidays.
Tell me what good customer service means to you?
To me, good customer service means being polite and helpful to customers. It also means being patient and understanding, even if the customer is having a difficult day. They should leave the store feeling like their experience was positive.
How would you handle a situation where a customer was unhappy with their purchase?
I would first try to understand the problem. I would then see if there was anything that could be done to fix the situation. If it could not be solved with an exchange or refund, or there were any issues with providing these due to policy, I would reach out to a supervisor for assistance. Following that, I would apologize to the customer and try to offer them a solution.
What are your strengths?
My strengths include being able to work well under pressure, being meticulous, and being able to handle difficult customers. I am also an adaptive learner and am always willing to take on new tasks.
This is evident through experiences working on the charity committee in high school, where I had to manage a team and work on tight deadlines. Through this, I learned how to delegate tasks efficiently and how to keep a calm head under pressure.
I also have experience working in a retail environment which has taught me the importance of providing good customer service and how to manage difficult situations.
Facts About Working At Walmart!
Firstly, take a look at our in-depth Walmart Vision And Mission Statement Analysis, which will tell you what Walmart is all about, and if you’re ready to apply, check out the Walmart Application as well as the most frequently asked Walmart Interview Questions and Walmart Cashier Interview Questions for 2023.
You might also want to take a look at the Walmart Stocker Job Description if it’s a position you’re interested in? Or, if you’re still in school, check out How Old Do you Have To Be To Work At Walmart, and for those with a criminal record, Does Walmart Hire Felons should be helpful.
Before your first day, you’ll want to find out what the Walmart Dress Code is, as well as Does Walmart Give Bonuses, and lastly, How To Call In Sick At Walmart for future reference if you’re taking the day off.
Does Walmart Hire At 16 – Final Thoughts
Walmart hires at 16, and it can be a great first job, offering the opportunity to gain work experience, learn new skills, and earn some extra money.
The hiring process is usually quick and easy, and there are a variety of positions available. Just remember to be prepared for your interview by knowing your availability, understanding the company’s customer service policies, and having some good answers to the common interview questions.
Good Luck with your new job at Walmart!
