Do you remember your first job?
Excitement, anxiety, expectations. That’s a lot to take in.
But Walmart takes pride in creating a welcoming space for both customers and staff. That’s why, many choose the company to be the starting point of their professional journey.
Afterward, some move up the corporate ladder. While others continue to pursue their career goals in alternative ways.
Yet, all remember their first job. The one they got at the local Walmart shop.
This guide is for you, if you are:
- At the start of your professional journey
- Making changes in your career path
- Searching for extra and/or part-time positions
So, what does it take to appeal to Walmart hiring managers?
First and foremost, a good resume!
How do you do that?
Keep on reading to find out!
Here is what you can expect from our thorough guide
- How to properly frame your resume, depending on your work experience
- How to highlight your strengths the right way
- How to appeal to Walmart’s core values and include them in your resume
- How to pique hiring managers’ attention with your resume summary
- Which skills do Walmart recruiters consider preferable and how to describe them
- How and what to expect from the job application process
Looking for related resumes?
How to build an impressive Walmart resume and wow recruiters
This may surprise new jobseekers, but writing your resume is usually the last task you’ll do. Or second to last. That is, if you count the act of submitting your resume as a final step.
So what happens before that?
Research. Lots and lots of research.
Long gone are the days when you can whip up a single resume and use it to apply to multiple positions.
Now you have to tailor your resume. Not only for each company, but the different positions, too.
As a result, you’ll have to research both the company and your desired position.
Where to start?
A good rule of thumb is to paint the general picture first. Start by learning about the company’s mission and values.
Walmart’s mission statement goes as follows:
We help people save money, so they can live better.
Walmart
And this is reflected in the company’s values, too:
- Guided by good
- Service to the customer
- Respect for the individual
- Strive for excellence
- Act with integrity
Why do these matter?
Because they determine its culture. Being a cultural fit is oftentimes the decisive factor when narrowing down candidates.
Remember, job searching is a two-way street. Just as much as recruiters are vetting candidates, you’re also selecting an employer.
Walmart also prides itself on inclusivity and providing equal opportunities. Even if you have a criminal record. Or lack traditional education.
Sounds promising, right?
Next on the research agenda are the available job positions.
Walmart and, by extension, Sam’s Club offer the following career path opportunities:
- Stores & Clubs
- Corporate
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Drivers & Distribution Centers
Once you find a position you like, make a note of the job description. It will come in handy when you start filling out the work experience section. More on this later in the guide.
Pro tip
Nobody can tick all the boxes all the time. But make sure that you at least cover the basic job requirements.
Walmart and Sam’s Club’s minimum age requirement is 16 and 18, respectively. While this is great news for students, keep in mind you may not be considered for some positions.
Either because you can’t cover certain shifts. Or because you don’t have the necessary training (e.g. a Forklift Operator license).
Before moving on to the actual resume writing, you have two more tasks to complete:
- Jot down the relevant skills and experience you can offer. With examples, of course.
- Choose the appropriate format for your resume.
There are three types of resume format to choose from:
The first type is considered the traditional one. And it’s most preferred by hiring managers due to the predictable layout.
If you have lots of professional experience, use the reverse-chronological format. But list only relevant positions and don’t go back further than a decade.
Making a career change?
Walmart hiring managers advise to carefully consider such events.
That’s because you may be drastically under qualified for certain positions. So, make sure this is something you really want to do.
If it is, your best option for a resume layout is the hybrid resume. It will allow you to showcase transferable experience and skills.
What if you don’t have any work history at all?
Worry not - the functional resume is reserved for cases such as this one.
Why?
This layout focuses on your education and abilities. Instead of work history, you have the space to reference side projects and volunteer work.
You may not have work experience. But if you show you have the right mindset for the company, you’re getting hired.
What about the length of your resume? Walmart's recruiters haven’t issued any recommendations on resume length.
So it’s best to keep it up to a page. Keep in mind, the company is large, and the competition is big. You must be succinct and to the point.
Also, depending on the role you’ve chosen, there may be additional submission rules. For example, Walmart doesn’t accept paper applications for hourly positions.
Rest assured, there is some leeway when it comes to file attachments. The company’s career portal accepts up to 5 attachments with a variety of file extensions.
Can you apply to more than one location?
Unfortunately, you’ll have to apply to each location separately. Generally, Walmart keeps your application on file for up to 60 days.
This means you have two months to update your job preferences. Or apply to a different location.
So, we discussed the format and file extensions. But how should you divide your resume?
Here is a simple structure you can follow:
Must-have sections for your Walmart resume:
- A header to detail your contact information and link your portfolio/social profiles
- A resume objective or summary to showcase your biggest accomplishments
- An experience section, where you describe your relevant work experience
- A skills segment to highlight your social and technical abilities
- An education and certificates box to display you have the necessary qualifications
- Additional sections you can append to supplement your resume
Simple enough, right?
After form comes substance. Sometimes, having a framework is not enough to come up with ideas on how to fill them.
Have a look at the table below. We’ve gathered a list with some of the questions to focus on, while writing.
What are recruiters interested in knowing about you:
- What is your biggest accomplishment? How did you achieve it?
- Tell us about a challenge you’ve had to overcome? How did you do it? What did you learn from it?
- Tell us about yourself.
- Tell us about a mistake you’ve made. How did you resolve it? Did you discuss it with your manager or colleagues? If not, why?
- Do you work well in a team?
- How do you approach disagreements with colleagues? Do you try to resolve them yourself?
- Why do you want to work for Walmart?
- What do you enjoy most about working in [your desired role]?
- Why do you think you would be a great fit for the team?
After you’ve compiled your resume, all you need to do is go through the online application process. It usually takes up to an hour to complete everything.
Bear in mind there may be extra assessments, depending on the position you’ve chosen. Which will lengthen the process.
Now, let’s go over each section individually.
How to turn the resume header into your very own business card
Why a business card?
Because this is the first thing hiring managers see when they look at your resume. It may only contain your contact information. But it communicates so much more.
Attention to detail and ability to communicate effectively. These are just two of the many indicators your resume header can expose about you.
As such, presentation is key.
What should you include in your resume header? Your:
- Full name
- Job title (current or preferred)
- Address
- Phone number
- Portfolio
- Business social media profiles (LinkedIn, GitHub, etc.)
Keep track of typos or missing information. And make sure every link you add works.
Take a look at the sample resume headers we’ve prepared for you.
3 Walmart resume header examples
For this guide, we’ve picked Anya Kennedy’s draft resume. She gladly agreed to show how her resume writing process went.
This is what her header looked like initially. Do you notice anything out of place?
Probably the most glaring mistake is Anya’s email address. We all remember the random emails we’ve registered when we were young.
But nothing says unprofessional more than an email, such as sweetpotato99@gmail.com
This is another part of the research and preparation process. You need to have all your assets ready and in place for whenever you’ll need them.
Another error on Anya’s part is the vague job title she’s added. “Operator” can refer to many different types of jobs.
Don’t make hiring managers guess. Remove all ambiguity from your resume.
And include your phone number. The Walmart location you’re applying to may be down the street. But recruiters need to be able to contact you.
Always provide at least two methods of contact.
Listing your portfolio and business social media accounts is optional. Yet, preferable if you want to make an impression.
Having all this in mind, check out the edited version of Anya’s resume header:
Much, much better! You may find it strange that Anya, as a Cashier Manager, has a website. But this could be her side business she is rightfully proud of.
Why list it at all?
A side project, while not completely related to the position, can show your character. If she has the know-how to run a business, then she is more than qualified to manage teams.
It shows organization, time management and task delegation skills. As well as budgeting and planning abilities.
Who wouldn’t consider this impressive?
Here is another sample resume header:
In this one, Anya has listed her LinkedIn instead of a website. Does it make any difference?
Yes!
True, Anya The Pharmacist may not have a website of her own. Yet, she can display involvement in the pharmaceutical industry through her LinkedIn.
Conferences, webinars, certificates - she can edit her profile in real time. Moreover, she has a space to showcase her credentials. All without being restricted by the resume layout.
Consider the position you’re aiming for and curate the header accordingly.
What makes your Walmart resume really stand out: the summary
This is one of the few resume sections, where the text is slightly more free-form. Use this to your advantage.
How?
By showing your character. Communicate how you will help Walmart achieve its mission and goals. Show recruiters how you think.
But what if I don’t have experience, you may be asking yourself.
Again, worry not. There is a version of the resume summary specifically designed for new professionals. It’s called the resume objective.
What’s the difference between a resume summary and an objective?
Tenured professionals use the summary to present their career growth. Its focus is on past achievements, acquired skills and familiarity with the industry.
By contrast, the resume objective concentrates on abilities. And relevant side project experience you have to offer. As a result, it’s best used by students and career switchers.
In both cases, the text is no longer than 5–6 sentences. So you have to carefully consider how to construct the paragraph.
3 Walmart resume summary examples
Check out the following sample resume summary. Does it sound convincing?
Not really. But why?
The applicant boasts 5 years worth of work experience as a pharmacist. They have the title to support this fact, too.
Yet, nothing of significance has been listed to provide actual proof. What has happened during those 5 years? What about achievements? Or a certificate?
On top of that, the next sentence reads like a job description. It’s not something the recruiter will be very happy about.
Then, what does a good resume summary look like?
Consider the following example:
Not only has the candidate stated what they specialize in. But they are focused on a particular position.
What’s more, the applicant has listed their strengths. And how they can be applied to Walmart’s benefit and their future goals.
Even better, they know English and Spanish. Perfect for company locations with a diverse community.
Take a look at another good sample:
Showing career progress with your Walmart resume experience section
Want to know a secret?
Large corporations invest heavily in employer brand management. They want to look good in front of current and potential employers.
And very often, they have videos to show for it.
You get something else, too. A template for framing your work experience.
Think about the impact of your work. How does it affect your customers? Or your colleagues? Do you make your boss’ job easier?
Include it!
And add some data to supplement your claims. Present measurable and provable results. This is why lying on your resume gets you nowhere.
It’s difficult to spin stories about your work history, if you haven’t lived it.
Don’t know how to do it?
We’ve prepared some samples to visualize this concept:
3 Walmart resume experience examples
As always, we’ll begin with all the things you must avoid doing. Here is how Anya first approached crafting the experience section:
02/2000 - 11/2004 - •Helped customers use the self-checkout system.
- •Responsible for handling cash.
- •Good knowledge of POS systems.
The lack of attention to detail is glaring. From the missing company description to not having the company website linked.
Almost every modern business has an online presence. While some companies need no introduction, present less-famous past employers.
They provide the context of your work experience.
The next missing item is the location. Big corporations have many different branches. So when recruiters check your references, they need to know who to contact.
Last, but not least - the dreadful “to-do” list approach to describing your work history.
Refrain from citing the job description. You bring no value to your resume. Apart from parroting back what Walmart is searching for.
What you can do is to reference the skills and tools listed in the job description. But use your own experience to display your level of expertise.
You can see the difference when you compare the first sample with the example below:
07/2017 - 04/2021 
- •Decreased workplace accidents by 25% by introducing new inventory management methods.
- •Reduced the amount of spoiled produce by 42% by rearranging the warehouse layout.
- •Limited shrinkage to 1.5% by maintaining a detailed inventory and activity logs.
This one seems more impressive, doesn’t it? Anya shows that she has reflected on her past performance. And she has worked towards bettering herself.
Want another example?
Check out the sample experience section below:
01/2018 - 05/2022 - •Doubled number of new patient visitations by providing timely and informative patient care.
- •Increased patient satisfaction rates by 129% by regularly re-examining patient prescriptions and suggesting medication with fewer side effects.
- •Sped up the patient consultation process by 80% by introducing new and quick methods for identification of ailments.
- •Kept up to date with all new developments surrounding the COVID-19 virus by attending locally-organized and online seminars.
Social and tech abilities which appeal to Walmart hiring managers
You don’t need to be a genius to get hired. Not having all the skills listed in the job description still wouldn’t limit your chances.
But you need to display a certain level of proactiveness in your resume.
As such, Walmart recruiters tend to favor social talents more than hard skills.
Of course, if you’re applying to be a pharmacist, you’ll have to know your stuff. As well as have the necessary credentials.
But Walmart wants to be the place where every customer and employee gets taken care of. So, emphasize your go-to attitude and willingness to learn.
Create the perfect balance between soft and core skills.
How?
Let’s tackle each group one by one.
How not to overwhelm recruiters with technical jargon
Oftentimes, hiring managers work alongside your potential manager. That’s because they need to be in the loop with what the available position entails.
They may be knowledgeable about the field the new employee will operate in. But ultimately, the department’s manager knows best.
So, while hard skills are easy to talk about, try not to go too in-depth. Recruiters are impressed by the impact your work has.
As a result, continue with the sentence structure used in the experience section:
“Power/action verb + results + context/issue resolved”
Or, in other words, the C-A-R method. This stands for challenge - action - result.
Explain what the challenge was. Then describe how you’ve acted accordingly and share the result.
Here are some of the important skills for popular Walmart positions. So you can jumpstart your brainstorming.
Vital core skills for Walmart cashiers and cashier managers:
- Cash handling
- POS systems
- Stocking shelves
- Backroom duties
- Stamina
- Product sorting
- Product re-stocking policies
- Cleaning abilities
- Nurture relationships with clients
- Shoplifting prevention
- Ability to pick up items heavier than 25 pounds
- Merchandise presentation skills
- Food and produce monitoring and code dating
- Knowledge of sanitation standards
- Order management
- Ability to assist customers and colleagues
- Computer skills
- Product knowledge
- Payment processing
Key technical abilities for Walmart driver and forklift operators:
- Moving, loading and unloading inventory
- Organizing products and merchandise
- Nurture relationships with coworkers and vendors
- Ability to manage freight flow
- Ability to manage power equipment
- Maintain and manage merchandise supply
- Ability to ensure freight quality
- Equipment maintenance skills
- Warehouse organization skills
- Inspection and maintenance skills
- Ability to operate warehouse systems
- Log keeping and reporting
- Ability to identify damages and shrinkage
Crucial hard skills for Walmart staff pharmacists and managers:
- Knowledgeable about current standards and procedures
- Patient consultation skills
- Knowledge of medication substitutions and side effects
- Ability to assist patients with proper medication application
- Ability to follow and improve pharmacy procedures
- Monitoring inventory levels
- Maintaining proper medication storage
- HIPAA training
- Quality assurance
- Knowledge and understanding of NAPRA and CDC guidelines
- Medical insurance and billing knowledge
How to translate your soft skills into verifiable achievements
Easy, just follow the same method you used for your core abilities!
But how?
Many don’t think about their social skills on a daily basis. Let alone measure the impact these talents have on other people.
Yet, if you’ve managed to make someone’s life easier, then you can boast that.
Have a look at the examples in the table below:
Many wouldn’t think of including a running marathon to their resume. Especially if it has nothing to do with their job.
But if you think about it, Walmart is all about community. And helping each other. So the marathon fits perfectly with the type of candidate they’re searching for.
The same goes for the other two samples. They are job related, yes. Yet, they show the type of mindset the applicant has.
Their job is so much more than giving out medication or simply planning a holiday. They provide an experience.
If you need ideas on what to include for your soft skills, consider the suggestions below:
Top social skills to have on your Walmart resume:
- Customer service
- Customer relations
- Vendor relations
- Empathy
- Understanding
- Customer-focused
- Innovative
- Resourceful
- Agile
- Creative
- Problem solver
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Flexibility
- Adaptability
- Mentorship skills
- Accountability
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Motivation skills
- High performer
- Inclusive
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
- Trustworthiness
- Strategic thinking
- Risk assessment skills
- Curiosity
- Growth mindset
- Resilient
- Results-driven
- Organization skills
- Time management skills
- People managements skills
- Personable
- Friendly
- Multitasking
- Ability to prioritize
- Decision-making skills
- Detail-oriented
Do Walmart hiring managers have strict education requirements?
Yes. And no.
It all depends on the position you’re aiming for. Most roles demand only a high school diploma, an associate’s degree or a license.
Unless you’re applying for a Pharmacist position, you wouldn’t need a special degree. But if you do, Walmart recruiters are searching for someone with a:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy
- PharmD degree
- FPGEE (NABP)
- An ACPE Accredited Immunization training program license
If you don’t have much experience, share what you majored in. As well as any relevant school and side projects you’ve completed.
Need more tips? Check out how to frame the education section on your resume.
Are there any certificates which can boost your chances?
Of course there are!
These, however, depend entirely on your professional choices. Check which certifications are deemed reputable by industry peers.
For example, here are some of the top certifications for Sales Representatives:
11 Sales certificates to get noticed by Walmart recruiters:
- Retail Management Certificate
- Professional Credit Associate (PCA)
- Certified Sales Development Representative (CSDR)
- Certified Manager Certification
- Certified Sales Professional
- Certified Professional Sales Person Certification (CPSP)
- Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP)
- Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL)
- Certified Master Sales Professional
- Customer Service and Sales Certified Specialist
- Certified Sales Executive (CSE)
Check their validity before adding them to your resume. This shows you’re up-to-date with business standards.
Is there anything else you can include in your Walmart resume?
Again, the answer is yes!
Even if you’re a recent high school or college grad. People aren’t one-dimensional beings. Your personal life and interests can say a lot about your character.
Especially if you’re one to help your local community.
As such, some of the extra sections you can add to your resume include:
- Volunteer work
- Languages (English, Spanish, ASL, etc.)
- Hobbies and interests
- Side projects
- Awards and prizes
- Cover letter
If you’re writing a cover letter, don’t forget to mention why you’re interested in the position.
You must persuade recruiters you not only want the job, but you’re also a good fit for it.
Key takeaways: how to ace your way to an interview with Walmart
- Research Walmart’s future goals and appeal to the company’s values
- Choose the proper resume format to fit your level of expertise
- Read the job descriptions carefully and make references to the skills in the ad
- Check for typos and missing information in the resume header
- Flaunt your best accomplishments in the summary box
- Follow the CAR method when describing your work history
- Balance out your core and soft skills when building the talent section
