As a teenager, landing your first job is an exciting milestone. It‘s a chance to earn your own money, gain valuable work experience, and start building your resume. Many teens look for employment opportunities in the retail industry, where entry-level positions are often available for those without much prior experience. If you‘re a teenager considering working at Big Lots, you may be wondering – does this popular discount store hire teens?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about teen employment at Big Lots and other retail chains. We‘ll explore the company‘s hiring policies and practices, what positions may be available for high school students, and how the job application process works. Plus, we‘ll take a broader look at labor laws and work restrictions for minors, the benefits and drawbacks of retail jobs for teens, and tips for acing your interview and balancing work with school.
As a retail industry expert and a picky shopper myself, I aim to provide comprehensive, accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your job search. Whether you‘re a teen looking for your first part-time gig or a parent considering employment options for your high-schooler, read on for all the details you need.
What Is Big Lots‘ Minimum Hiring Age?
Let‘s start with the key question at hand: how old do you have to be to work at Big Lots? According to the company‘s official hiring policy, the minimum age for employment at Big Lots stores is 18 years old. This means that 16- and 17-year-olds, even if they have a work permit, cannot be hired for entry-level positions like cashier, stocker, or sales associate.
Big Lots requires employees to be legal adults, as is common practice in much of the retail industry. Stores often avoid hiring minors due to the extra labor law considerations and restrictions involved. The Fair Labor Standards Act and state regulations place limits on the types of work and number of hours employees under 18 can work, which can complicate scheduling and compliance for managers.
However, 18 is not the universal hiring age in retail – some of Big Lots‘ competitors do employ younger teens in certain roles. For example:
- Walmart and Target hire 16-year-olds for positions like cashier, cart attendant, and sales floor associate.
- Kroger, Safeway, and other grocery stores often employ teens as baggers and clerks.
- Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid sometimes hire teens as young as 16 for cashier and stock positions.
- Clothing stores like Forever 21, Hollister, Old Navy, and American Eagle may hire teens for sales floor roles.
However, the specific hiring age can vary by location based on state laws. Some stores only hire minors during the summer or holiday seasons. And certain positions, like anything involving alcohol sales or driving, are typically reserved for employees 18 and older. It‘s always best to check with your local store for their specific policies.
Teen Labor Laws & Work Restrictions
In addition to company hiring rules, numerous federal and state labor regulations govern the employment of minors and protect young workers. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for 14- and 15-year olds, who can work in retail with the following key restrictions:
- Max 3 hours per school day, 18 hours per school week
- Max 8 hours per non-school day, 40 hours per non-school week
- Cannot work before 7am or after 7pm (9pm in summer)
- Limited to certain occupations (no heavy machinery, transportation, etc.)
16- and 17-year olds have fewer federal work hour restrictions, but are still prohibited from certain hazardous occupations. Some states have additional laws further limiting work hours or requiring special permits for minors. Consult your state labor department for details.
Many retailers avoid hiring anyone under 16 entirely to simplify compliance with these youth labor rules. Companies can face major fines for violating work hour or occupation restrictions for minors. Be aware of these regulations as you conduct your job search to ensure you only pursue appropriate opportunities for your age.
Qualifications for Teen Retail Jobs
So what does it take for a teenager to land an entry-level retail job? Most positions open to minors at big-box stores and other chains have minimal formal requirements beyond meeting the age minimum, which is typically 16-18 depending on company policy and state law.
Work experience is usually not mandatory, as these roles are considered starting points for those new to the workforce. Employers understand that high school students are looking for their first real job. Having prior experience as a babysitter, camp counselor, volunteer, or in an informal capacity like mowing lawns can help you stand out, but it‘s not a deal-breaker.
A high school diploma or GED is sometimes preferred for entry-level retail work but not always required, especially for part-time jobs aimed at teens still in school. Being currently enrolled in high school and having reliable transportation to and from work are usually the main prerequisites.
Certain skills and traits are valuable for any retail employee, including teens. These include:
- Basic math and reading abilities for operating a cash register and assisting customers
- Verbal communication skills for interacting with shoppers and teammates
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in transactions and product placement
- A positive, friendly attitude and an approachable demeanor
- Ability to listen and learn, follow direction, and work collaboratively
Most retail work involves being on your feet and moving around the sales floor for extended periods. Depending on the role and store, you may need to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, operate equipment like barcode scanners, and handle cleaning tasks. A teen applicant should be comfortable with this level of physical activity.
Flexibility in scheduling is another important attribute for teen retail workers. Stores need staff coverage on weekends, evenings, and busy shopping periods like holidays. High school students‘ availability is often limited by class schedules and extracurriculars, so those who can work a variety of shifts are most desirable. If you‘re in school, be realistic about how many hours you can commit to working without shortchanging your studies.
Typical Teen Retail Roles & Responsibilities
Now that we‘ve covered hiring requirements, what specific positions can a teenager usually get in retail? Most entry-level opportunities fall into these main categories:
- Sales Associate / Cashier
- Greet and assist customers on the sales floor
- Answer questions and help shoppers find products
- Operate cash register and process transactions
- Bag purchases and process returns
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of checkout area
- Stock Associate
- Unload merchandise from delivery trucks
- Sort and store products in stockroom
- Replenish items on shelves and displays
- Perform inventory checks and counts
- Break down cardboard boxes for recycling/disposal
- Cart Attendant
- Gather shopping carts from parking lot and store entryway
- Ensure carts are clean and dry for customers
- Assist with bagging purchases as needed
- Help customers load large items into vehicles
- Maintain cleanliness and safety of storefront and lot
At some retailers, these functions are rolled into a general "store associate" role where employees rotate between various tasks as needed. In any case, most shifts involve a combination of customer service, physical labor, and basic problem-solving. For teenagers, it‘s a chance to gain exposure to the working world, develop people skills, and learn how a business operates.
Wages, Benefits & Scheduling
Retail jobs are known for relatively low pay, and entry-level roles are no exception. Most positions start around minimum wage, which varies by state but is typically in the $8-12/hour range. Some companies offer slightly higher starting rates to attract talent, and wages may increase with experience and tenure.
As part-time workers, most teen retail employees do not receive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. However, some stores do offer perks like in-store discounts, free or reduced-price meals during shifts, and scholarship opportunities for college-bound students.
Schedules vary based on the needs of the store, but teens can expect to work primarily on weekends and evenings when not in school. Shifts may be as short as 4 hours or as long as 8, with a 30-minute break for a full shift. During summer months and holiday periods, longer and more frequent shifts are common to accommodate increased customer traffic. It‘s important for teens to be up-front about their availability and to give ample notice of school-related scheduling conflicts.
Pros & Cons of Retail Jobs for Teens
Working in retail as a high school student comes with potential benefits and drawbacks to consider. On the plus side, a retail job allows you to:
- Earn money for savings or discretionary spending
- Gain work experience to build your resume
- Develop valuable soft skills like communication and customer service
- Make new friends and network with coworkers
- Access employee discounts on store merchandise
- Establish a record of responsibility and reliability for future opportunities
However, there are also challenges to working in retail that teenagers should keep in mind:
- Relatively low wages compared to other industries
- Potentially inconsistent or inconvenient scheduling
- Physical demands of standing/walking for long periods and lifting objects
- Interacting with challenging customers and resolving complaints
- Balancing work hours with school, homework, extracurriculars, and social life
It‘s important for teens to weigh these factors and set realistic expectations before committing to a retail job. Talk to your parents, teachers, or guidance counselor about how working might impact your grades and other activities. It‘s all about striking a healthy balance.
Tips for Teen Retail Job Seekers
If you‘re a teenager ready to start your retail career, here are some actionable steps and best practices to follow:
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Research employers in your area that hire in your age group. In addition to the big national chains, don‘t overlook local small businesses like grocery stores, coffee shops, entertainment venues, and fast-food restaurants that may need seasonal or part-time help.
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Prepare a simple resume highlighting your skills, academic achievements, volunteer work, and any informal experience like babysitting or mowing lawns. Have a parent, teacher, or counselor review it for any spelling or formatting errors.
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Identify and list a few professional references like teachers, coaches, or mentors who can speak to your character and abilities if needed. Be sure to ask their permission first.
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Complete job applications thoroughly and truthfully, following all instructions. If applying online, double-check for any typos or incomplete fields before submitting.
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Once you apply, follow up with the hiring manager via phone, email, or in person to reiterate your interest if you don‘t hear back within a week or two. Politely request an update on your application status and the next steps in the process.
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If you land an interview, prepare ahead of time by reviewing common questions, practicing your responses, and coming up with a few questions of your own. Get tips from family and friends who have retail experience.
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For the interview, dress neatly and presentably in business casual attire like slacks/khakis and a collared shirt or blouse. Avoid overly casual clothes like jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, or anything too revealing.
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Arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and collecting your thoughts. Bring copies of your resume, a pen and notebook, and your ID for any onboarding paperwork.
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During the interview, smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly. Convey your enthusiasm for the role and company, and share examples of your work ethic and relevant skills. Be honest about your availability and scheduling needs as a student.
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After the interview, send a prompt thank-you note to reiterate your interest and leave a positive, professional impression. A simple email is fine, or you can mail a handwritten card for a more personal touch.
Remember, the goal of your first retail job is to gain experience, develop marketable skills, and start building a work history. Be open to any opportunities for training and growth, and treat every shift as a chance to learn and contribute. If one position doesn‘t pan out, keep applying and refining your approach until you find the right fit.
What About Big Lots?
Circling back to our original question – while Big Lots does not hire 16-year-olds specifically, 18- and 19-year-olds who meet the company‘s other qualifications are welcome to apply. The same general tips and best practices we‘ve outlined here apply.
Keep in mind that retail environments can be fast-paced and demanding, so it‘s essential to have a strong work ethic, a team-oriented attitude, and a commitment to customer service to succeed. If you‘re not sure retail is right for you, consider other common teen jobs like babysitting, tutoring, or working at a local pool, camp, or amusement park.
A Note to Parents
If you‘re a parent considering retail employment for your teenage son or daughter, it‘s important to be involved and supportive while also granting them independence. A few suggestions:
- Help them research prospective employers and job openings in your area
- Review applications and resumes for completeness and professionalism
- Run through practice interview questions and offer constructive feedback
- Discuss scheduling needs and transportation arrangements
- Reinforce the importance of attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
- Check in regularly about their job responsibilities and work environment
- Encourage them to speak up about any concerns or issues with supervisors
- Monitor their school performance and help them balance work and studies
- Be understanding if they need to adjust their work schedule for exams or school events
A first job is a big step on the path to adulthood and should be a positive growth experience. With your guidance and their hard work, your teen can start their career journey on the right foot.
The Bottom Line
In summary, 16-year-olds cannot work at Big Lots, but may be able to find entry-level opportunities at other national retailers or local businesses that hire younger teens. 18- and 19-year-olds can apply to Big Lots and most other retail chains for roles like cashier, sales associate, and stocker.
Teen retail jobs have pros and cons in terms of pay, scheduling, and workload. It‘s important for high school students to assess their goals and bandwidth before applying, and to understand youth labor laws and company hiring policies.
For those who do decide to pursue retail work, following some proven job search and interview strategies can improve the odds of landing a great first gig. And for parents, providing support and guidance throughout the process is key to a successful outcome.
Retail experience isn‘t right for every teen, but it can be a valuable stepping stone to future opportunities and a chance to develop essential life skills. So if you‘re a teenager considering working at Big Lots or any other store, I hope this guide has given you the information and motivation you need to take the next step. Best of luck in your job search!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and not intended as professional legal, financial, or career advice. Always consult official company hiring policies, state/local labor regulations, and parental guidance for the most current and accurate information regarding employment eligibility and practices for minors.
