How Long is Orientation at Walmart? (The Ultimate Guide 2023)

Are you considering applying for a job at Walmart? 

This huge retailer is known as being a great place to work. The company hires thousands of new employees each year to work in stores all around the United States. Once you have found the perfect job at the company, you will have to complete the application process. If you are lucky, you will be called in for an interview and then be told that the job is yours. 

So, you may be wondering, ‘how long is orientation at Walmart?’, well, it’s time to find out…

The Company’s Hiring Stages  

Before we dive right in, let’s take a look at how to land a job at the company in the first place. When you head on over to the Walmart website, you will find a careers section at the bottom of the page. It is important to take your time to browse through the vacancies and choose the perfect match for your skills. 

Once you have found the right role, you need to take the following steps to secure it. 

The application

Once you have found the role you want, you will be prompted to complete the online application. It is important to note that the company only receives online applications for available positions. Make sure you complete all parts of the application form, which takes around an hour. 

The online assessment 

Once this is complete, you will need to complete an online assessment. This will vary slightly depending on the role you are applying for. It is important to follow the instructions on the screen carefully before writing or choosing your answers to provided questions. 

The first interview

If your application is strong, you will be called into your nearest store for an interview. The first interview takes place alongside two other candidates, and the interviewers will choose the strongest candidate to advance. You can expect the interviewers to throw several multi-faceted questions at you during this interview. 

The second interview

If you make the grade in the first interview, the HR team will call you in for a second interview. At this stage, you will be the only candidate in the room, and there will be three or four interviewers. Your skills and abilities will be analyzed during this interview, and you need to show why you’re perfect for the job. 

The orientation

Before a formal job offer is made, you will be subjected to background and drug tests. Once you pass these tests, you will receive a call from HR to invite you to attend orientation. It can take a few weeks to receive the call, so it is important to stay busy and focused. 

How Long Is Orientation At Walmart?

If you have made it to this stage, the company has already decided that you are right for the role. However, it is important to create a strong impression during the onboarding process. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during this process…

What time does it start?

Most sessions start in the morning at around 08:00. This is because the stores are not as busy in the morning as the rest of the day. It is important to make sure you get plenty of rest the night before and be prepared to learn. 

Pay

The process takes place during working hours and is considered to be part of your work commitment. As a result, you will be paid for your attendance during the onboarding process. You will receive your regular hourly pay for every hour that you attend the sessions. 

What to wear

The dress code is very relaxed in the company’s stores, and there is no need to dress to impress. It is a good idea to dress for the onboarding process in the same way as you would for your shifts. Take the time to research the company’s dress code policy and choose clothes that are smart yet comfortable. 

What to bring

You need to be prepared to take notes during the onboarding process, so bring a notebook and pen. You are sure to be given a large amount of information in a short amount of time. Taking notes of the most important information will help you to remember it.

There is also a range of administrative obligations to complete during this process. You need to bring your social security card and another form of ID with you. In most cases, you will be asked to present these documents to the Human Resources department. 

What The Process Covers

The start of the process features a whole day of classes and training. During this day, you will be shown a number of instructional videos and receive instruction from managers. 

So, let’s take a look at the main topics and information that these classes cover…

Policies and procedures

Like most major companies, Walmart has strict policies and procedures that all employees are expected to follow. Failing to follow the correct procedures in work situations can cause serious issues. Therefore, it is important to make sure you understand the requirements and follow them to the letter.  

Employee benefits

This part of the training program teaches new employees about the benefits they are entitled to. This includes details of employee discounts and any bonuses that employees are entitled to receive. Employee benefits also include free access to health care advisors, nurse care managers, and retirement savings plans. Employees will also learn about leave periods and the pay for being on leave. 

Exercises

This part of the onboarding process is designed to make sure employees move safely and correctly. This includes demonstrating the correct way to lift heavy objects to avoid back strain. Other types of exercises include the correct way to stack shelves and how to operate cash registers and the intercom system. 

Communication skills

Employees act as the face of the company, and it is essential to be polite to customers. This training program teaches new employees essential customer service skills and how to relate to different types of customers. This section of the training also covers the correct way to dress for work and other aspects of appearance. 

Sales training

All employees need to have a good understanding of the company’s products. This part of the training program teaches new employees how to explain the merits of products to customers. This helps to increase sales and make sure that customers find the right products for their needs. 

Workplace safety

Any company needs to make sure that accidents in the workplace are kept to a minimum. This part of the training program teaches employees essential health and safety practices. This includes learning where the emergency exits are and what to do in different types of emergencies. 

How Long The Process Takes

The exact length of the process depends on the role you are applying for. In most cases, the process can last up to a week to make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge. Let’s take a closer look at the process for different types of roles. 

Store stockers

The main part of the onboarding process for these employees takes a day. The training covers the basics of the job, the dress code, safety practices, and the company culture. Most of the training for this role is hands-on, and classroom instruction is kept to a minimum. 

Overnight stockers

It typically takes a full shift to complete the training for this role. Before you can start stocking the shelves, you will need to complete a certain amount of classroom instruction. Overnight stockers also watch videos that cover sales techniques, the company dress code, communication skills, and the company culture. 

Personal shoppers

It takes a full workday to complete the onboarding process for this role. This includes a mixture of online learning and classroom instruction. After watching a series of videos, new employees will have to complete tests to demonstrate their understanding. 

Cashiers

It takes a full eight-hour shift for cashiers to complete the onboarding process. A lot of the training focuses on customer service techniques and how to operate the cash register. New employees are permitted to take breaks during the training, while a one-hour meal break is also provided. 

How Long is Orientation at Walmart? – How To Prepare

Your manager will use the onboarding process to get to know you and make sure you are right for the role. It is important to make a positive impression and show that you are ready to start work. Here are some ways to prepare for the onboarding process and make sure you ace it. 

Learn about the company and its culture

The company has a strong and clearly defined culture that drives everything that it does. It is important to understand the company culture and how it relates to your job. Being able to refer to the company culture when answering questions is sure to score you points with your manager. 

Understand the company’s values

This company is customer-focused, and it is important to understand and embrace this core value. The company values form the main guidelines of how to behave in different situations. You can find full details of the company’s values and details about the company culture on its website. 

Research the specifics of your role

It is important to show that you understand the challenges of the role you are about to take on. Your set duties and responsibilities are sure to vary depending on your specific job. Make sure you understand what will be required from you and are ready to meet the challenges. 

Get ready to be tested

At the end of the onboarding process, you are likely to be given a series of tests. These tests are usually multiple-choice and should be fairly simple if you’ve been paying attention. If you perform badly during these tests, your manager is likely to reconsider whether you are the right candidate.

Fortunately, you are allowed to refer to your notes when taking these tests. Therefore, it is important to take clear and detailed notes during classroom instruction and videos. You can use your breaks to review your notes to make sure you understand everything that was covered. 

Get plenty of rest

It is important to be alert and receptive during the entire training program. Appearing to be sleepy or uninterested is sure to lose you points with your manager straight away. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the onboarding process and arrive ready to learn.

Prepare a few questions

During the classroom instruction, your manager is sure to invite you to ask questions. This is your chance to stand out and show that you are ready for the challenges of the job. Preparing a few insightful questions will help to show that you have been paying attention. 

Starting Work

Once the onboarding process is complete, you will be ready to start work. Whether or not you are asked to start right away depends on the staff demand at the time. During busy periods, you may be asked to start work straight away.

However, there will usually be a short waiting period before you work your first shift. This can be as long as two weeks. It is a good idea to confirm when your first shift will start and use the waiting period wisely.

Essential Employee Info For Walmart

Learn more about the company with my Walmart Vision And Mission Statement Analysis; following that, check out my Walmart Application and some common Walmart Interview Questions, and my Walmart Cashier Interview Questions to prepare, along with my Walmart Stocker Job Description if you’re not sure its the position for you.

If you’re still in school, then check out How Old Do you Have To Be To Work At Walmart, what is the Walmart Dress Code, and Does Walmart Give Bonuses, along with How To Call In Sick At Walmart if you’re feeling under the weather, and Does Walmart Hire Felons if you happen to have a criminal record.

You might be interested in more facts about Walmart, such as How Much Is Walmart Worth, the Companies Owned by Walmart, as well as the Biggest Walmart Competitors in 2023.

How Long is Orientation at Walmart? – Final Thoughts

Most people agree that Walmart is a great place to work and gain experience. 

However, competition for job vacancies is high, so it is important to work on your application. If you are lucky enough to secure a role at the company, you will have to complete the orientation process.

This process is designed to teach new employees everything they need to know about the company and their roles. While the Walmart orientation is fairly short, you will gain sales training and learn a range of important techniques. This allows entry-level candidates to gain the knowledge they need to be successful.

All the very best with your Orientation at Walmart!