Walmart Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
Walmart is an American mega-corporation serving North America and beyond. Since its founding in 1962, Walmart has become one of the most prevalent and well-known superstores in the country.
Walmart offers a huge variety of jobs to individuals of all skill sets and experience levels. Sales associate jobs at Walmart are often understaffed, which means if you apply to this job, you have a good chance of landing it and working often. However, this also means that these hours may be excessively long or busy.
If you are looking to ensure a spot on the Walmart crew, look no further. Below we offer some helpful tips about the application and selection process and some common interview questions and example answers.
Walmart Hiring Process
Submit an application. First, you will apply, either online or in person. Your application will then be received, and your information will be reviewed by the facilities you applied to.
Complete the interview. If your application looks good, you will be called in for an onsite interview. Walmart personnel decide whether or not to respond to an application based on their role in filling and the applicant’s fit.
Pre-employment checks. After the interview has been completed, you will hear back shortly with either a job offer or a rejection. The next step will be pre-employment checks, including a possible background check and drug screening if you receive a job offer.
Orientation. The final step in your onboarding process will be the Welcome to Walmart orientation, where you will learn more about the company and the duties of your position.
Common Walmart Interview Questions and Example Answers
Why do you want to work for Walmart?
The “why do you want to work here” question is a classic one, and you can be certain it will show up in some capacity.
The answer may very well be that you are just looking to make money, and this is the best option available to you right now. While that is a perfectly respectable answer, it would be a good idea to think of some ways you align with this company and this role and highlight those qualities.
Example Answer:
I have always enjoyed working with people and providing help, and I know this opportunity at Walmart will allow me to do both of those things.
What hours are you available to work?
This question is both very straightforward and very important. Corporations like Walmart have more shifts to fill than people to fill them, and their ideal candidate has loads of availability, especially at less popular times.
Be honest about your availability and other priorities, but keep in mind that the more open you are, the better your chances.
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I would be available during the weekdays any time before 4:00 pm as I share parenting responsibilities with my spouse. I would also be occasionally available on weekends.
Tell me about a time when you displayed excellent customer service skills.
In customer service positions, customer service skills are obviously of the utmost importance, and any prior experience in customer service roles is a plus.
Walmart has plenty of job opportunities available to those with limited or no prior experience. In this situation, you would think of examples from any prior work, schooling, or even personal situations that can answer the prompt.
Example Answer:
In my prior position at Mcdonald’s, I was well known for my ability to handle customer concerns quickly. During one of my shifts, a customer came in angry that her drive-thru order had been incorrect. I spoke with her, apologized for the situation, and assured her that we would remake her order. She was thankful and left the establishment happy.
How do you manage a fast-paced workload while still ensuring quality?
Regardless of the position you are applying for at Walmart, you can be sure that you will have days where your tasks just seem to keep building and overlapping. The interviewer wants to know that you are prepared for the stresses of this job and that you can still deliver great work.
Example Answer:
I like to prioritize my tasks by urgency. I typically place customer requests at the top of my list of priorities.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question is a bit of a trick question, as typically when employers ask you this, they would like to hear that you are intending on staying with the company for the long haul. However, regardless of whether or not this is your plan, it would be good to talk about your future with the company.
Example Answer:
Once I get the job here, I would like to continue growing with this company and advancing my career.
What would you do if you saw a coworker stealing cash from the register?
The interviewer asking this question wants to know that you are willing to speak up about actions taken by fellow employees that are against policy and harmful to the organization as a whole.
Example Answer:
If I saw a coworker stealing money from the cash register, I would report it to my supervisor immediately.
How would you handle an angry customer?
At any customer service-focused job, you can be sure you will run into some patrons who are less than pleased with their experience for any number of reasons, some more legitimate than others.
While angry customers can be frustrating, the interviewer asking this question wants to know that you are prepared to manage this frustration and give an honest attempt at addressing and resolving the customer’s issue.
Example Answer:
First, I would remind myself not to take any anger they may be expressing personally within reason to ensure that I do not get emotionally caught up in the situation. Then I would work to resolve this customer’s issue quickly. If I am not able to resolve the issue myself, I will bring in my supervisor.
How well can you manage stress?
The job you are applying to may be fairly stressful and taxing. There are some thankless jobs at Walmart and, if you are not well prepared for the stress, you can quickly feel drained. Answer this question by discussing some tactics you use to help keep you grounded during and after work.
Example Answer:
I am good at dealing with work stress because I make sure to never overload myself with more than I can handle.
Do you prefer working at the cash register or on the sales floor?
Depending on the role you are applying for, you may be asked to check customers out using a cash register or stock items and keep order within store aisles. It can be helpful during your interview to emphasize versatility and flexibility within these roles.
Example Answer:
I prefer working at the cash register, but I do not mind either role.
How do you feel about asking customers to sign up for Walmart credit cards?
In working at Walmart, you may be asked to market rewards cards and other items to customers. The interviewer wants to know that you are comfortable speaking to customers and that you have a good salesman instinct. It’s okay if you have no prior experience with this, as they will likely give you a script to follow.
Example Answer:
I have no problems with asking and assisting customers in signing up for Walmart credit cards.
Tips for Interviewing at Walmart
Come prepared. A surefire way to ace an interview is to convince the interviewer that you are the perfect fit not only with your words but with your nonverbal communication as well.
Dress well, practice good grooming on the day of your interview, and show up about five minutes early. Be sure to have any necessary documents and bring anything you were asked to bring.
Emphasize customer service skills. To succeed at a Walmart job, you are going to need some level of customer service skills. This includes things like being able to communicate effectively with customers, providing a great customer experience, and working quickly yet with care.
Ask questions about the job. Interviews are not only there for the interviewer to see if you are the right match, they are also for you to see if this job is really what you were wanting.
Ask questions about that job that matters to you, such as scheduling, coworkers, working conditions, or other factors. This also shows the interviewer that you are thoughtful and well prepared.
