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Wal-Mart Interview Questions and Answers

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Practice for your upcoming Wal-Mart job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

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40 Wal-Mart Interview Questions

20 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   What is your availability?

What You Need to Know

Retail work often demands flexible work hours, often spent on one's feet. You may work rotating shifts full time, and on occasion overtime as well. Staff shortages are a common concern as well. Your answer will help them gauge your flexibility and expectations. Best to be honest. If you have other priorities or demands that limit your flexibility or availability, it is worth clarifying this now. It's better for all concerned to clarify this up front.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

Answer Example

"I have open availability. Whatever the team needs, I'm here to help."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

2.   What was your least favorite job? Why?

What You Need to Know

Most people have worked a job that they don't particularly love. When relaying why it was your least favorite position, relay it for the right reasons, such as not feeling there was enough growth opportunity or challenges to further you along your career path. Always put a positive spin on the negatives. Attitude is everything here. Always exhibit a team oriented, professional growth mindset is the standard of consistent you want to aim for throughout your interview.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Many years ago, I worked as a waitress at a local sports bar. I liked the job because of the customers, but I didn't feel appreciated by my boss. He was negative, even during the busiest and most challenging shifts. I did my best and worked hard, but moved on when I had the opportunity. I learned that having a boss who is encouraging and motivating can make such a world of difference!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

3.   What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company?

What You Need to Know

There are some things that your resume cannot do. Showing off your great personality is one of them, for instance! This question is an excellent opportunity to share your soft skills (or interpersonal skills). Share your experience and approach to your time management, project management, communication skills, emotional maturity, and any difficult to quantify traits, such as a positive attitude. Any leadership qualities and/or an ability to motivate your teams or setting the workplace. Demonstrate to the interviewer your customer service skills are above and beyond. You are willing to work your hardest and make sure Wal-Mart will always be a place where customer satisfaction is guaranteed, where friendly service can be expected. Talk to the interviewer about some of your unique qualities and be sure to tie these qualities into how they will benefit the company, should they hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I have a unique ability to strike up a conversation and build rapport with nearly anyone. This skill is a great help when it comes to customer service and sales. My up-selling percentages are always very high."

Written by Rachelle Enns

4.   How do you deal with monotonous work?

What You Need to Know

They want to ensure you'd be a sustainable hire, and that you'd stay onboard long term. They're trying to ascertain whether you'll burn out quickly from the monotony of the job. Offer your understanding of what the position you are interviewing for looks like, and assure them you're cut out for the job.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

Answer Example

"I'm indifferent to that part of the job. I take pride in my work, no matter what I'm doing. I'm not easily bored. When you are good at what you do, you enjoy the work. So I set myself up for success for that aspect of the job a long time ago."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

5.   Who is your role model and why?

What You Need to Know

Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why. A candidate's role model, or figure of inspiration, will offer a glimpse into their personality, philosophy, and approach to life and work. Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author - anyone! Be relatable and try to inspire conversation.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

Answer Example

"I'd say my grandfather was. He was a fighter pilot in the 50s and 60s for the Navy, and encouraged me to join the Navy out of high school. He taught me my work ethic early on, and that your work means nothing if not performed with integrity."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

6.   How do you expect to make a difference at Walmart?

What You Need to Know

Research their company and explore their mission statement and core values. As stated on their website, 'Since the first Walmart opened in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas, we've been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers. Today, we're helping communities save money and live better all over the world.' This question assesses how familiar you are where their company and values, while ascertain how align your values are with theirs. If their mission statement is part of what drew you to pursue this opportunity, let them know.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I will make a difference by being the smiling face that every customer wants to see when they enter into a Wal-Mart. I am very punctual and am very much a sponge when it comes to taking feedback and implementing it. I am a quick learner and easy to manage."

Written by Rachelle Enns

7.   Tell me about a recent high-stress situation you were in. How did you recover?

What You Need to Know

Retail work can be at times be exhausting. They are often high-pressured work environments, requiring a fair share of mental flexibility. Offer your understanding of high-stress work environments and a thorough understanding of what's expected of you. Share how managed stressful situations, logistically and emotionally. Describe where you steer your focus to stay positive and productive when the tough gets going. Describe the tricks you apply to maintain your focus while keeping the stress at bay. It's fine to have stress as long as the stress doesn't have you. Emotional balance is what you should aim to convey with your answer.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

Answer Example

"I was working in a building where there was an emergency and a lockdown. Many went into a panic trying to get out of the building. When the building lost power, I took command, getting our department to calm down, and restored order. After the lockdown, we exited the building. Everyone went home, but there was one coworker that went into something of a panic attack, and contributed somewhat to the overall stress of the situation, quite honestly. I spent some time with this person, getting them to slowly breath and calm themself. I was able to calm them after a while, and I suppose I realized after I wasn't that stressed at all. That's when I realized as long as I stay productive, helping anywhere I can, I successfully distract myself from the stress. Simply by keeping a level head, am I able to continue putting one foot before the other."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

8.   Why should we not hire you?

What You Need to Know

Start your answer by saying there is no reason not to hire you. Advertise your merits and all the positive qualities you'd bring with you. Tell them you are difficult to reprimand because you take ownership of your growth opportunities at every opportunity. Tell them you are actively looking to improve yourself and help others over achieve as well.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I think that if there were any reason to pass on hiring me, it would be because I am newer to my career. However, you will see that between my volunteer experience, my athletic background, and the fact that I speak three languages, I will make up very quickly for the years of experience you feel I may not bring."

Written by Rachelle Enns

9.   How do you like to spend your spare time?

What You Need to Know

If your hobbies present conflicts with work, such as saying you have full availability to work any hours so that you have a better chance of landing the job, but then also relay that in your spare time you spending every night performing live with your band until 2am, then your interviewer will doubt the authenticity of your previous answers throughout the interview set. This question can also provide you with an opportunity to make yourself more seem interesting and more relatable. Taking this approach could result in some connective conversation that might leave the interviewer with a more memorable interview experience.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

Answer Example

"I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love reading, watching documentaries, learning, attending lectures, and cooking. I'm something of a health nut and a foodie. I try to avoid processed foods whenever possible, so I do a lot of cooking from scratch. Aside from that, getting a bite to eat somewhere, or going for a walk or a hike somewhere new."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

10.   What are some of your weakness?

What You Need to Know

Your greatest weakness in its own right can be viewed as an asset. Choose weaknesses that are not a required essential skill for the job. Be sure to have an action plan in place to improve in this regard. Your answer may provide the insights into your self-awareness and emotional intelligence and how proactively you identify your weaknesses as growth opportunities that you're already aware of and actively working on. Remain conscious of your body language throughout the interview process. Make sure your answers remain consistent with how you present yourself.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I would say the area I need to focus on improving would be my Retail POS proficiency. I am proficient, and it does not hinder my ability to do my job successfully, but it's certainly something that I need to work on improving, and am always asking for other managers to show me their tips and tricks."

Written by Rachelle Enns

11.   Do you prefer working in a team environment or alone?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer is trying to get a feel for your personality and how you interact with others. You may be self guided in your work, or perhaps you thrive in a collaborative team environment. Either way, be transparent with the interviewer about your preferences. How you answer this question will also clue them into how well you would function in their work environment, and will assist them in placing you where you would be best suited. Most people fall somewhere in the middle between these two extremes. The most important thing is to exude a sense of self-awareness. Be honest and confident. If you are one, the other, or both, offer storytelling examples where you've used this to your advantage and shined.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be successful working autonomously as well."

Written by Rachelle Enns

12.   What are some of your weaknesses?

What You Need to Know

Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. Where possible, pick a weakness that is behavioral and could be viewed, in its own right, as an asset. Wanting to prove yourself and having difficulty asking for help can be one weakness that is also a strength. Another is an eagerness to please, having difficulty saying no and taking on more projects than you can handle at one time. Advertise an ability to recognize your own weaknesses and display you're actively working on these growth opportunities. Have an action plan in place. Show enthusiasm and an ambition for self growth.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I do not enjoy talking in front of large groups of people, therefore when I have to give instructions to a large team, I have to spend an hour beforehand writing notes and making sure my presentation is rehearsed."

Written by Rachelle Enns

13.   What is your best personal trait?

What You Need to Know

This question should be easy, so try not to overthink it. Share your marks of pride and describe what you believe makes you shine. Provide the personal strengths you feel make you excellent at your job. Strengths can be skills or qualities which allow you to overcome challenges. Your strengths help you understand a client's needs and apply what you have learned from your setbacks. Whatever your answer may be, be prepared to describe a scenario in which you have applied that trait for the benefit of the workplace. Share those strengths and attributes which have most lent to your success.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I believe that my best personal trait is my attention to detail and my great memory. This trait especially compliments my career in retail since I can remember pricing, product features, customer names, and specials!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

14.   How would your references describe you?

What You Need to Know

If you have a relationship with your references which bridge into your personal life, be careful how much you share. It's great to offer how well you get along with your superiors and your team. Exude confidence in your answer, and stay on course with what you believe others would say you have to offer.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"In my recent performance reviews and discussions, my manager describes me as a hard worker, motivated, and consistent employee. I always strive to exceed expectations when I can. My current manager is happy to speak on my behalf as a positive reference as well."

Written by Rachelle Enns

15.   How would you improve Walmart if you were CEO?

What You Need to Know

This is a tricky question when you aren't privy to the inner working of the company or the challenges the company's executives face. The best approach for preparing for this question is to do a bit of research online for any articles or interviews with their chief executive officers on this topic, such as the uphill battle facing the company's fierce competition with companies such as Instacart, Amazon and Target. Try not to be presumptuous or arrogant when delivering your answer. Instead, use it as an opportunity to showcase that you did your research on the company before the interview, and that you stay up to date with what is happening in the industry. This will display you as going above and beyond when preparing for your work, and being proactive in your training and knowledge.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"If I were CEO of Walmart, I would start with the reducing the cost of production on the higher priced, lower margin products."

Written by Rachelle Enns

16.   Where do you see yourself in the Walmart organization in two years?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer is checking to see how motivated you are to be working at Wal-Mart long term. Employee turnover is a constant in the retail industry. The recruitment and onboarding process requires a lot of extra expense, which could be reduced by finding the right candidate who's interested in a long-term employment opportunity. If you're a career minded professional with a five-year career plan, share how working with Walmart fits into your goals. Whatever your reasons, assure them you are looking for a long-term position are would like to know about the opportunities for growth within the company.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I am very thankful for this position and if I am hired, and will put in my best effort throughout my entire tenure. I plan on being at Wal-Mart for the foreseeable future as long as your store will continue to employ me. If there is advancement into a management role, in the future, even better!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

17.   Why are you pursuing a position at Walmart?

What You Need to Know

Before your interview, spend some time talking with people who work there and ask them what they enjoy about their experience. Look online and explore their website and familiarize yourself with their core values. When you've shopped there, what part of that experience resonates with you most? Then, assemble a statement on how working for Walmart is a worthy pursuit. Close with enthusiasm.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"The primary reasons Wal-Mart stands out to me include your focus on employee development and continued education. You have a strong reputation for nurturing the human resources that you have. I would be so grateful to work here."

Written by Rachelle Enns

18.   Why are you looking for a new job?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer is curious about what your circumstance might reveal about you as a potential employee. It's okay to be honest, but take care not to over share. Quitting your job before lining up another speaks to your poor planning skills. Being laid off or let go can present as a red flag if not presented in the appropriate context. If it's an employees' job market and you are testing the field, they'll undoubtably question your level of commitment to your current employer. Best to primarily focus on your wish list vs. career stagnation. Focus on the positives with a mindset for career growth. Steer away from speaking about your current or previous employers negatively. Be sincere, but frame your answer with a positive growth mindset.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Since my company went through a merger, I have been looking for a new role. The quality of production has declined, and I am no longer proud to represent the product that is being put out."

Written by Rachelle Enns

19.   Looking at your resume, I see multiple gaps between employments. What were you doing during those gaps?

What You Need to Know

There are many valid reasons for employment gaps. It's typically best to be transparent about the reasons. Examine the life events that played a role. However, best to avoid examples where you voluntarily quit your job without lining up another one. This will only serve to suggest you are a poor planner with a limited scope of the big-picture.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

Answer Example

"That wasn't by choice. There was a fire at the location I was working at and they had to shut down the facility for repairs during that period. Then when they brought us all back on board, there was some confusion about their grand reopening, and they'd over-staffed. Then they let half of us go again. It was a bummer. Onwards and upwards is the only way."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 9th, 2022

20.   Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

What You Need to Know

The trick to this question is in how you answer it. Regardless of how difficult this question is to quantify with a number, avoid giving yourself a 10. Nobody is perfect, and suggesting you have a perfect ten score with communication might speak against your self-awareness. Coming across as overly confident or someone who has no room for feedback and improvement could betray your narrative. Instead, focus your answer on the big-picture nature of this question. Communication is essential to the stable operations of any organization. You want to carefully frame your answer in a way that showcases the strength of your communication skills. Share relevant anecdotes as a testament to your skills.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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