Kohl‘s is a retail powerhouse, with over 1,100 stores across 49 states, $19 billion in annual revenue, and a workforce of over 100,000 employees. As one of the largest department store chains in the U.S., Kohl‘s is constantly hiring for a variety of roles ranging from part-time store associates to corporate positions at its headquarters in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
In fact, Kohl‘s hires an average of 3,500 new employees every month across its stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices. That‘s over 40,000 new hires per year! With such a high volume of job openings and applicants, Kohl‘s has fine-tuned its hiring process to efficiently identify top talent while providing a positive candidate experience.
So what exactly can you expect when applying for a job at Kohl‘s? How long does the process typically take from submitting an application to receiving an offer? What qualities and skills is Kohl‘s looking for in candidates? And what can you do as an applicant to stand out and increase your chances of landing the job?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive deep into every stage of the Kohl‘s hiring journey. With insider tips, expert advice, and real data and examples, you‘ll learn:
- How to find and apply for the right role at Kohl‘s
- What the phone and in-person interview process entails with example questions
- The key qualities Kohl‘s looks for in candidates and how to demonstrate them
- The timeline from application to offer and factors that impact how long it takes
- Kohl‘s background check and onboarding process for new hires
- How Kohl‘s hiring process compares to other major retailers
Whether you‘re a seasoned retail pro looking for your next challenge or a first-time job seeker hoping to break into the industry, this guide will give you the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the Kohl‘s hiring process. Let‘s get started!
Understanding the Kohl‘s Workforce Landscape
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the hiring process, it‘s important to understand the big picture of Kohl‘s workforce and the types of roles available. Here‘s a breakdown of Kohl‘s over 100,000 employees by job function:
- Store Associates: 90,000+
- Distribution Center Workers: 9,000+
- Store Managers: 3,500+
- Corporate Associates: 5,500+
As you can see, the vast majority (over 90%) of Kohl‘s jobs are in its stores in roles like cashiers, sales associates, stockers, and customer service reps. These positions are typically part-time and entry-level, with some seasonal hiring surges around back-to-school and the holidays. Store management roles like assistant managers and store managers oversee daily operations and require prior retail experience.
Kohl‘s also employs over 9,000 workers across its network of distribution and e-fulfillment centers to support its growing online business. These facilities handle shipping, receiving, and logistics for Kohls.com orders and store inventory. Jobs in this area include warehouse associates, forklift operators, and supervisors.
Finally, Kohl‘s corporate headquarters houses the retailers‘ merchandising, marketing, finance, HR, legal, and other business functions. Corporate jobs span a range of experience levels, from entry-level analyst roles up to senior directors and executives.
The type of role you‘re interested in will impact the specific hiring process you can expect, so keep this context in mind as we dive into each step.
Step 1: Finding and Applying to Jobs on Kohl‘s Careers Site
The first step to getting hired at Kohl‘s is finding the right job opening and submitting an online application through the Kohl‘s Careers site. The careers site allows you to search and filter openings by keyword, job category, and location, with detailed descriptions of duties and requirements for each role.
When browsing open roles, pay close attention to the job description and qualifications to assess if it‘s a good fit for your skills and experience. Kohl‘s has a set of core competencies it looks for across roles, including a strong customer focus, collaboration, initiative, and adaptability. Highlight any relevant retail or customer service experience and tailor your resume to the specific language in the job description.
After finding an opening that matches your background and interests, click the "Apply Now" button to create a candidate profile and begin the online application. You‘ll be asked to provide:
- Contact and personal information
- Resume and relevant skills
- Work experience and employment history
- Education and certifications
- Schedule and availability preferences
- Voluntary EEO disclosure information
While these are the basic components of the Kohl‘s job application, some positions may require additional information like a cover letter, portfolio, or assessment. Be as thorough and accurate as possible in your responses, as your application is the first impression you‘ll make on the hiring team.
Insider tip: Kohl‘s looks for well-written applications that are free of typos and errors, so proofread carefully before submitting. You can also set up job alerts for your preferred categories and locations to get notified as soon as new openings are posted.
Step 2: The Phone Interview
If your application meets the requirements and piques the interest of the hiring team, the next step is typically a phone screening with a Kohl‘s recruiter or hiring manager. This initial phone interview usually lasts 15-30 minutes and aims to verify your qualifications, assess your communication skills, and gauge your interest in Kohl‘s.
Common phone interview questions include:
- "Tell me about yourself and what interested you in this role at Kohl‘s."
- "Walk me through your most relevant work experience and how it aligns with this position."
- "What do you know about Kohl‘s and what appeals to you about working here?"
- "Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?"
- "What does great customer service mean to you and how do you deliver it?"
- "What questions do you have about the role or Kohl‘s?"
To prepare for your phone interview, research Kohl‘s history, culture, and recent news to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the company. Practice concise responses to common questions that incorporate specific examples from your experience. And prepare a few thoughtful questions of your own to ask the interviewer – this shows your engagement and helps you decide if the job is right for you.
Insider tip: Exude enthusiasm and positivity in your tone, even over the phone. Employers want to hire candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity. Smiling while you talk can help you sound more energetic and engaged.
Step 3: The In-Person Interview(s)
If you impress the recruiter during the phone screening, you‘ll be invited to interview in-person at a Kohl‘s store, distribution center, or corporate office depending on the role. The number and format of interviews vary based on the position, but most candidates can expect at least one face-to-face meeting with a hiring manager and potentially other members of the team.
For store associate roles, you‘ll typically interview one-on-one with a store manager. For higher volume store hiring, Kohl‘s may conduct group interviews with multiple candidates. Distribution center applicants will likely meet with a supervisor or operations manager. Corporate candidates often loop through several interviews with various stakeholders.
In-person interviews at Kohl‘s tend to blend behavioral and situational questions that assess key retail skills like customer service, problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability. Hiring managers look for candidates who can "think on their feet" and provide specific, relevant examples.
Questions you might encounter include:
- "Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer."
- "Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it."
- "How would you respond to an angry customer who wants to return an item without a receipt?"
- "What would you do if you saw a coworker stealing merchandise?"
- "How would you handle multiple customer requests at the same time?"
- "Walk me through how you‘d sell a credit card to a shopper."
Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to share detailed anecdotes that showcase your skills. Highlight your accomplishments with data when possible. And don‘t forget to ask the interviewer questions about Kohl‘s culture, training and development programs, and growth opportunities.
Insider tip: Dress and groom professionally for your interview, even if you‘re applying for an entry-level role. Kohl‘s expects employees to comply with its dress code on the job, so showing up neat and polished to the interview creates a great impression.
Step 4: Background Checks and References
If your interviews go well, the final step before receiving an offer is a background check. Kohl‘s conducts background screenings on all potential hires to verify employment history, education, and criminal records. The background check process is initiated after your receive a verbal offer and generally takes 2-5 business days to clear, although it may take longer in some cases.
Certain minor convictions like traffic offenses typically do not disqualify you from employment at Kohl‘s. However, felonies or crimes related to violence, theft, or fraud are closely scrutinized and may preclude you from passing the background check depending on the role and how recent the offense occurred. If a background check returns information you didn‘t disclose, you may have a chance to explain the situation before a final decision is made.
Some Kohl‘s positions, especially management and corporate roles, may also require professional references who can speak to your qualifications and work performance. Be prepared to provide contact information for 2-3 former managers or colleagues if asked.
While Kohl‘s doesn‘t require drug screenings for most positions, the company reserves the right to test any employee suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job. Maintaining a drug-free workplace is essential to Kohl‘s commitment to safety.
Insider tip: Run a background check on yourself before applying so you know exactly what an employer will see. If you have any criminal history, be upfront and honest from the start and share what you‘ve learned and how you‘ve grown.
From Offer to Onboarding: The Kohl‘s New Hire Experience
Congratulations, you‘ve received an offer to join the Kohl‘s team! The hard part is over, but there are still a few final steps before you officially start your new job:
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Complete new hire paperwork: Before your first day, you‘ll receive a new hire packet with tax forms, direct deposit info, and company policies to fill out and sign. You may complete this online or in-person at orientation.
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Attend new hire orientation: All Kohl‘s employees start with an orientation to learn about the company culture, policies, and procedures. Retail orientations typically last 3-4 hours and cover customer service basics, POS systems, loss prevention, and safety. Distribution center and corporate orientations are longer and more job-specific.
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Receive your uniform: Kohl‘s provides uniforms to store and distribution center associates, so you‘ll be fitted for your required attire at orientation. The dress code consists of Kohl‘s-branded tops and name tags with dress code appropriate bottoms. You‘ll also receive your employee discount card.
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Get trained on your role: The length and format of training varies based on your job, but most Kohl‘s associates learn through a mix of online modules, shadowing, and on-the-job practice. Store associates are trained on product knowledge, visual standards, and register functions. Expect 1-2 weeks of training before operating independently.
Once you‘re fully onboarded and trained, you‘re ready to start your Kohl‘s career journey! With over 1,100 stores and an ever-expanding digital presence, the opportunities for growth and advancement are vast for dedicated associates. In fact, over 60% of Kohl‘s store managers started as hourly associates and worked their way up.
Insider tip: Embrace the training process and soak up as much knowledge as you can. Ask questions, take notes, and build relationships with your managers and coworkers. Your initiative and hunger to learn will set you up for success at Kohl‘s.
Kohl‘s Commitment to Associates: What Sets Them Apart
While the retail industry is known for high turnover, Kohl‘s prides itself on being an employer of choice that invests in its associates. Some highlights that set Kohl‘s apart include:
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Competitive pay and benefits: Kohl‘s offers above industry average pay for both full-time and part-time associates. Eligible employees can participate in benefits like health insurance, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Kohl‘s also provides a 15% associate discount on merchandise.
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Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion: Kohl‘s is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all associates feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. The company has several Business Resource Groups dedicated to supporting underrepresented populations and promoting allyship.
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Learning and development programs: Whether you‘re an entry-level associate or seasoned manager, Kohl‘s provides continuous learning and skill-building opportunities. Associates can take advantage of online training courses, leadership development programs, and cross-functional workshops to grow their careers.
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Community impact and volunteerism: Giving back is a key part of Kohl‘s culture. The company partners with nonprofits like the Kohl‘s Cares Hospital Program and encourages associates to volunteer in their local communities. Kohl‘s even offers a volunteer match program where eligible associates can earn grants for the causes they support.
By focusing on associate well-being, growth, and engagement, Kohl‘s aims to be more than just an employer, but a place where associates can build meaningful careers. In fact, Kohl‘s boasts one of the highest employee retention rates in retail and has been recognized as a top employer by publications like Forbes and Comparably.
Insider tip: Take advantage of all the resources and programs Kohl‘s has to offer to support your development. Attend trainings, join a BRG, and seek out mentorship from leaders. The more you put in, the more you‘ll get out of your Kohl‘s career.
Putting It All Together: Your Kohl‘s Application Game Plan
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, but here are the key takeaways you need to know to successfully navigate the Kohl‘s hiring process:
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Do your research: Learn as much as you can about Kohl‘s culture, products, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your application and shine in interviews.
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Customize your application: Study job descriptions closely and incorporate keywords into your resume and cover letter. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
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Prep for interviews: Practice common retail interview questions and prepare specific examples that demonstrate your customer service and problem-solving skills. Dress professionally and exude enthusiasm.
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Follow up and be patient: After each step in the process, send a thank you note to your interviewers reiterating your interest. The hiring process can take a few weeks, so don‘t be afraid to politely check in if you haven‘t heard back.
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Embrace onboarding and training: Once you receive an offer, dive into orientation and training with an open mind and eagerness to learn. Building a strong foundation from the start will set you up for long-term success at Kohl‘s.
By following these steps and bringing your unique skills and passion to the table, you‘ll be well-equipped to land a job at Kohl‘s and thrive in your retail career. Happy applying!
Do you have experience applying to or working at Kohl‘s? Share your tips and stories in the comments below! For more career advice and insider insights, check out our other articles on [Company Name] Careers blog.
