Applying for a job at Walmart can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. With over 2.3 million employees worldwide, Walmart is the largest private employer in the United States and a major player in the retail industry. Landing a job at Walmart can be a great opportunity for career growth and stability, but the application process can be daunting, especially if you‘re left waiting for a response.
As a career coach and former retail hiring manager, one of the most common questions I hear from Walmart applicants is: "Should I call about my application?" The answer isn‘t always straightforward. In this guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about following up with Walmart after submitting your application. I‘ll share data-backed insights on Walmart‘s hiring process, expert tips for making your application stand out, and a step-by-step script for checking your status.
Understanding Walmart‘s Hiring Process
Before we dive into whether you should call Walmart about your application, it‘s important to understand how their hiring process works. According to Walmart‘s corporate website, they receive over 1 million applications per year in the U.S. alone. With that volume of candidates, Walmart relies heavily on technology to screen applicants and identify top talent.
When you submit an application online at careers.walmart.com, it first goes through an automated parsing system that scans your resume for relevant keywords and experience. From there, selected candidates are invited to complete a series of online assessments, which may include personality tests, situational judgment exercises, and skills tests related to the role.
Applicants who pass the initial screenings are then reviewed by a human recruiter or hiring manager. For entry-level positions, Walmart hiring managers typically select the top 3-5 candidates to bring in for in-person interviews. The number of applicants interviewed may be higher for specialized roles or management positions.
However, the majority of applicants do not make it to the interview stage. A former Walmart store manager shared that they typically only interview around 2% of the total applicant pool. A 2021 report from Walmart‘s corporate office stated that out of 900,000 applications received for hourly positions, approximately 50,000 candidates were hired – a selection rate of just 5.5%.
So what does this mean for your chances of getting hired at Walmart? While the odds may seem daunting, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting noticed by Walmart recruiters. Later in this guide, I‘ll share some expert tips for making your application stand out. But first, let‘s talk about Walmart‘s typical hiring timeline and communication process.
Walmart‘s Application Timeline
The time it takes to hear back on a Walmart application varies based on several factors, including the role, location, and current hiring needs. However, Walmart does aim to fill most entry-level positions within 30-45 days of posting the job.
According to Walmart‘s hiring FAQs, if your skills and experience look like a potential fit for the role, you can expect to hear back from a recruiter within two weeks of submitting your application. If you are selected to move forward, you‘ll receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments.
After passing the assessments, the next step is typically a phone screen or in-person interview. Walmart‘s goal is to provide interview invitations and rejections within 3 weeks of the role being posted, although this timeline may be extended for high-volume roles or during the holiday hiring season.
If you are selected as a final candidate after interviews, you will need to pass a background check and drug screen before receiving an official offer. This process can take an additional 1-2 weeks.
Below is a sample timeline of Walmart‘s hiring process compared to other top U.S. retailers:
| Company | Application to Interview | Interview to Hire | Total Time to Hire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 3-5 weeks |
| Target | 1-2 weeks | 2 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Costco | 1 week | 1-2 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Kroger | 2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
*Data based on reports from Glassdoor and Indeed
As you can see, Walmart‘s hiring timeline is similar to that of its competitors, with most candidates receiving a final decision within a month of applying. Keep in mind that these are just averages – the actual timeline for your application may be shorter or longer depending on the specific role and circumstances.
Should You Follow Up on Your Walmart Application?
Now let‘s address the burning question: should you call or email Walmart to check on the status of your application? The consensus from Walmart recruiters and hiring managers is that in most cases, following up is not necessary or helpful in the first few weeks after applying.
Walmart receives a high volume of applicants for each role, and their recruitment team is focused on efficiently screening and interviewing candidates. Continuously calling or emailing for a status update is likely to be seen as a nuisance rather than a demonstration of your interest.
Brit Harding, a Senior Recruiter for Walmart, advises candidates to be patient and trust the process. "We know the waiting game is tough, but no news doesn‘t necessarily mean bad news," says Harding. "If your application is active in our system, you are still being considered. If you haven‘t heard anything after 3+ weeks, then a quick email checking in is fine. But there‘s no need to follow up every few days."
However, there are some exceptions where reaching out may be warranted:
- If you applied over 3 weeks ago and haven‘t received any communication
- If you‘ve completed interviews but haven‘t heard back after the stated timeline
- If you‘ve been given an offer but need to clarify details or request an extension
In these scenarios, sending a polite email to your recruiter or the hiring manager is an appropriate way to follow up. You can also try calling the store directly and asking to speak with a manager, but be prepared for them to defer to the corporate recruitment team.
When following up, keep your message brief and to the point. Reiterate your interest in the role and company, and politely inquire if there are any updates on your application status. Avoid sounding impatient or making demands – remember that the recruiting team is juggling many candidates.
Here‘s a sample email you can customize:
Subject: Checking In - [Role Title] Application
Dear [Recruiter/Hiring Manager],
I hope you‘re doing well. I wanted to quickly follow up on the status of my application for the [Role Title] position at Walmart [Location]. I submitted my application on [Date] and completed the online assessment on [Date].
I‘m very interested in the opportunity to bring my [relevant skills/experience] to Walmart, and I wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for the role. If there are any additional details I can provide to assist in the hiring process, please let me know.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]If you don‘t receive a response after following up once, it‘s best to assume you are no longer being considered for the role and focus your energy on other opportunities. Don‘t take it personally – with such a high volume of applicants, Walmart simply cannot provide individual feedback to everyone who applies.
How to Stand Out as a Walmart Applicant
While you can‘t control how quickly Walmart recruiters respond to your application, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting noticed and selected for an interview. Here are some expert tips:
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Tailor your resume to the job description. Walmart‘s applicant tracking system looks for keywords that match the requirements and responsibilities listed in the job posting. Make sure to incorporate relevant phrases like "customer service," "cash handling," and "inventory management" if they apply to your experience.
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Highlight your retail experience. Walmart values candidates who understand the unique demands of the retail industry. If you have previous experience in retail, merchandising, or sales, make sure this is clearly communicated in your resume and application. If you don‘t have direct retail experience, emphasize transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
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Complete all assessments promptly. Walmart‘s online assessments are a critical screening tool, so it‘s important to complete them as soon as you receive the invite. Set aside dedicated time to focus on the assessments without distractions. Some candidates find it helpful to practice with online retail aptitude tests to get a feel for the types of questions asked.
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Research Walmart‘s values and culture. Walmart has a distinct organizational culture centered around values like service, excellence, and integrity. Do your homework on Walmart‘s mission and value proposition, and think about how you would contribute to their goals. Understanding Walmart‘s culture can help you align your language in the application and interview to what the company is looking for.
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Leverage your network. As the largest private employer in the world, chances are you know someone who works or has worked at Walmart. Reach out to your personal network and see if you have any connections who can give you tips on the hiring process or even provide a referral. While not a guarantee, having an internal recommendation can help your application get a closer look.
What to Do While You Wait
One of the hardest parts of applying for a job is waiting to hear back. It‘s easy to get anxious or discouraged when you don‘t receive an immediate response. However, it‘s important to stay positive and proactive in your job search. Here are some ideas for what to do while you wait:
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Keep applying to other positions. Until you have a firm job offer in hand, it‘s wise to keep your options open. Continue applying to roles at other companies that interest you. Not only does this increase your odds of landing a position, but it can also give you leverage in salary negotiations if you receive multiple offers.
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Prepare for a potential interview. If you do get invited to interview with Walmart, you‘ll want to be ready. Research common Walmart interview questions and practice your responses. Prepare specific examples of how you‘ve demonstrated the skills and qualities Walmart looks for in employees. Conduct a mock interview with a friend or family member to get comfortable speaking about your qualifications.
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Build your skills. If there are areas where your experience doesn‘t quite match up with the job requirements, consider taking an online course or workshop to build your knowledge. For example, if you‘re applying for a role that involves cash handling, taking a class on cash management or financial basics could make you a stronger candidate.
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Stay organized. Keep track of the roles you‘ve applied to and the dates you submitted your applications. Note any follow-up communications you‘ve had with the company. Having a clear record of your job search progress can help you stay motivated and identify areas for improvement.
Key Takeaways
Navigating the Walmart application process can feel overwhelming, but remember that persistence and preparation pay off. While it may be tempting to call Walmart repeatedly to check your application status, be respectful of the recruitment team‘s time and process. In most cases, following up within the first 2 weeks is not necessary or helpful.
Instead, focus on putting your best foot forward in your initial application and interview. Tailor your resume to the role, highlight your most relevant experience, and complete all online assessments promptly. Leverage your network for insights and referrals if possible.
If you‘ve applied to Walmart and haven‘t heard back after 3+ weeks, sending one polite email to check on your status is acceptable. However, avoid becoming a nuisance by repeatedly calling or emailing.
Ultimately, landing a job at Walmart is a numbers game. With millions of applicants vying for a limited number of open roles, not everyone will receive an interview or job offer. But by understanding Walmart‘s hiring process, tailoring your application, and being persistent in your job search, you‘ll be well-positioned to find the right retail role for you.
For more expert insights on retail job hunting, visit my website at www.retailcareercenter.com. Happy job searching!
