Inside the Kroger Hiring Process: An Expert‘s Guide to Landing the Job

As the nation‘s largest supermarket chain with over $121 billion in sales in 2020, Kroger is a major employer with a constant need for talent to fill a variety of roles. If you‘re a job seeker interested in the retail industry, Kroger likely has opportunities that match your skills and experience. However, with over 465,000 associates across nearly 2,800 stores, landing a position at Kroger can be competitive.

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As a retail industry expert and picky shopper myself, I‘ve studied Kroger‘s hiring process in-depth and gained insights on what the company looks for in employees at each step. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through Kroger‘s hiring journey from application to orientation and share insider tips to help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you‘re looking for a part-time job, full-time career, or something in between, this article will give you the knowledge and tools you need to get hired at Kroger.

Kroger Hiring Process Overview

While the exact steps and timing may vary somewhat depending on the role and location, most candidates can expect to go through the following stages when applying for a job at Kroger:

  1. Online application
  2. Assessment test
  3. Phone interview
  4. In-person interview
  5. Background check and drug screen
  6. Orientation and training

Let‘s explore each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Online Application

The Kroger hiring process begins at the company‘s career website. Here, you can search for open positions by keyword, job category, schedule (full-time, part-time, seasonal), and location. Once you find a role that interests you, click "Apply Now" to create an account and begin filling out the online application.

In addition to basic information like your contact details, availability, employment history, and education, the Kroger application may ask you to:

  • Upload a resume (though this is usually optional)
  • Select your preferred work schedule and minimum desired pay
  • Answer questions about your eligibility to work in the US, criminal background, and age
  • Indicate whether you have any relatives employed by Kroger
  • Agree to a background check and drug screen if selected for hire

The application itself is not overly long, but it‘s important to complete it fully and accurately. Take your time, double-check your entries, and consider saving your work as you go in case you get interrupted or need to gather additional info.

Step 2: Assessment Test

For most store positions, the next step after submitting your application is an online assessment test. This is a series of multiple choice questions designed to evaluate basic math skills, work-related behaviors, and problem-solving abilities. The test helps Kroger determine if you‘re a good fit for the role and company culture.

Common topics covered in the assessment include:

  • Cash handling and making correct change
  • Prioritizing tasks and managing your time effectively
  • Working well in a team environment
  • Dealing with difficult customers or situations
  • Following rules and procedures
  • Maintaining high standards of honesty and integrity

The test is not timed, but most candidates finish it within 30-45 minutes. You cannot go back to previous questions, so read each one carefully and select the answer that best reflects how you would think or act in that scenario.

My advice? Answer honestly but strategically. For questions about your personal characteristics and behaviors, choose responses that demonstrate responsibility, reliability, and a strong work ethic. On situational judgment questions, think about what outcome would be best for the customer, your coworkers, and the company. It‘s less about always picking the "right" answer and more about showing that you understand Kroger‘s values and priorities.

Step 3: Phone Interview

If your application and assessment results meet Kroger‘s criteria, the next step is typically a brief phone interview with a recruiter or hiring manager. This is usually a 15-20 minute conversation to clarify your job interests, work experience, and availability. You may be asked questions like:

  • "What attracted you to this position at Kroger?"
  • "Why did you leave your previous job?"
  • "What hours and days are you available to work?"
  • "What are your salary expectations?"
  • "When would you be available to start if hired?"

Be professional, courteous, and concise in your responses. This is your first human interaction with a Kroger representative, so make a positive impression by coming across as friendly, articulate, and enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Step 4: In-Person Interview

For candidates who advance past the phone screening, the next hurdle is an in-person interview. Typically this is a one-on-one meeting with the hiring manager for the specific role, such as the store manager, department head, or HR representative. Depending on the position, panel interviews with multiple team members are also possible.

Most Kroger interviews take place on-site at the store location and last between 30-60 minutes. Common questions you may encounter include:

  • "What do you know about Kroger and our values?"
  • "How would you handle an upset customer?"
  • "Tell me about a mistake you made at work and how you fixed it."
  • "What does good customer service mean to you?"
  • "How do you work in a team? Give an example."
  • "Why should we hire you over other candidates?"

To maximize your chances of acing the interview, prepare in advance by:

  1. Researching Kroger‘s history, mission, and recent news to show your knowledge of the company
  2. Practicing your responses to common retail and behavioral interview questions
  3. Thinking of specific examples and stories from past jobs that showcase your skills
  4. Preparing a few thoughtful questions of your own to ask your interviewer (e.g. "What do you like best about working for Kroger?")

On the day of the interview, arrive 10-15 minutes early dressed neatly and professionally. A good rule of thumb is to aim for one step up from what employees wear on the job. For most store roles, that means neat, clean, and wrinkle-free slacks or khakis and a collared shirt or blouse. Avoid t-shirts, athletic wear, shorts, flip flops, or anything too casual or revealing.

Greet your interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Make consistent eye contact, listen attentively to each question, and answer with specific examples. Convey enthusiasm and a customer service mindset in your responses. At the end of the interview, thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

Step 5: Background Check and Drug Screen

If you‘re selected as the top candidate after the interviews, the next step is a background check and possible drug screening. Kroger‘s background checks are conducted by a third-party company and typically cover criminal history and employment verification for at least the past 7 years.

For certain positions, Kroger may also run a pre-employment drug test as a condition of hire. This is most common for roles with higher safety risks like operating machinery or handling pharmacy prescriptions. The drug test usually involves providing a urine sample at a designated clinic that is screened for illegal substances.

If all the pre-employment checks come back clear, you‘ll receive a formal job offer detailing the position title, work schedule, pay rate, and start date. Typical starting pay at Kroger varies by role and location, but as of 2021, the average hourly wage was:

  • Cashier: $11.10
  • Stocker: $12.65
  • Pharmacy Technician: $14.83
  • Department Manager: $22.71

(Source: Indeed Salary Data)

Kroger also offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees that includes:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plans with company match
  • Employee discount on store purchases
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education
  • Training and advancement opportunities

Step 6: Orientation and Training

Congratulations, you‘ve made it through the Kroger hiring gauntlet and received an offer! The final step before diving into your new role is to complete the company‘s orientation and training program. This is typically scheduled during your first few days on the job.

The length and format of Kroger‘s orientation varies based on the position but usually lasts between 1-5 days. Common topics covered include:

  • Kroger‘s history, mission, and values
  • Customer service standards and expectations
  • Store policies and procedures
  • Workplace safety and loss prevention
  • Proper handling of products and equipment
  • Overview of department roles and functions

Orientation may involve a mix of classroom-style sessions, online learning modules, shadowing of experienced employees, and hands-on practice. For front-end roles like cashier, you‘ll receive in-depth training on the POS system and how to process different types of payments and coupons. Stockers and backroom associates will learn the store‘s planogram and inventory procedures.

Specialized roles like pharmacy technicians and cake decorators will have additional training on their specific job functions and may need to complete external certifications as well. No matter your position, don‘t hesitate to ask questions, take notes, and request clarification during orientation. Your trainers are there to help set you up for success.

Tips for a Successful Kroger Career

Getting hired is an achievement worth celebrating, but it‘s just the beginning of your Kroger journey. To thrive in your new role and position yourself for long-term growth with the company, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Show up on time and work your scheduled shifts. Retail is a team sport, so your attendance and punctuality impact everyone.

  2. Stay positive and solution-focused. Customers appreciate associates who go the extra mile to meet their needs with a smile.

  3. Follow proper procedures and ask for help when needed. It‘s always better to double-check than to make a preventable mistake.

  4. Look for ways to build your skills and take on new challenges. Kroger loves to promote from within, so make your ambitions known.

  5. Treat your coworkers and managers with respect. Your professional relationships can open doors down the line and make the job more enjoyable day-to-day.

With over 18 million customer transactions per day, Kroger employees have endless opportunities to make a real impact in their communities. Whether you‘re looking for a reliable first job or a long-term career, Kroger has room for you to learn, earn, and grow. By putting your best foot forward at each stage of the hiring process and demonstrating a commitment to Kroger‘s values, you‘ll be well on your way to securing a rewarding role with this industry leader. Happy job hunting!