Harbor Freight Hiring Process: Job Application, Interviews, and Employment

This post provides in-depth information on the Harbor Freight hiring process, to boost your chances of gaining employment with the company.

If you are seeking employment with Harbor Freight Tools, you will be expected to go through a hiring process that involves job application and interviews, to prove that you would be a great employee at Harbor Freight.

Harbor Freight Hiring Process

The hiring process at Harbor Freight involves the following stages candidates must complete to be employed:

Harbor Freight Job Application Process

The first step to applying for a position at the Harbor Freight Tools is completing an online job application.

The job application consists of three main sections: personal information, education history, and work experience.

You can find instructions on how to complete each section from the company’s career webpage.

Harbor Freight Interview Process

After submitting your application, you will receive an email with a link to a secure website where you will be required to answer several questions regarding your background and previous work experiences.

These questions are designed to help the company learn more about you and decide if you meet our minimum requirements.

After answering the questions, you will be invited to schedule an appointment for an interview.

During the interview, you will be given a series of tasks to demonstrate your ability to perform certain duties related to the position you applied for, as well as other responsibilities that are part of the job.

For example, during the interview, you might be asked to show the interviewer how you would handle customer service issues, explain why you chose a particular career path, or describe if confronted with a difficult situation how you would deal with it.

During the interview, you should dress professionally and bring copies of your resume and references. References are usually requested after the interview, but they can be provided prior to the interview.

Tips for Passing the Interview

These tips will help you prepare for your interviews and ensure that you get the job offer you want:

Practice makes perfect

Before going into any interview, practice talking about yourself and your accomplishments.

Make plan of what you want to say at the interview and how you will say it.

Dress appropriately

Always wear clean clothes and shoes when you go into an interview. Do not wear anything too revealing.

Be prepared

Bring copies of your resume and all of your references. Also, make sure you have a pen and paper handy so you can write down notes while you talk.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

Think about your strengths and weaknesses and use them to your advantage.

For example, if you are good at writing, then highlight your writing experience on your resume. On the other hand, if you do not like speaking in front of large groups, then list your communication skills as one of your weaknesses.

Ask questions

When you are interviewing, ask questions about the job and the company. You can also ask questions about yourself and your past jobs.

The best way to find out more information is by asking questions.

Follow up

After the interview, follow up with the hiring manager via phone call or e-mail. Thank him/her for his time and let him/her know that you are interested in the position.

Harbor Freight Interview Questions and Answers

Here are sample interview questions (with suggested answers) to expect at Harbor Freight:

How did you choose this career?

I am currently working as a stockroom clerk because I enjoy helping people. I was looking for a new job and found this opportunity online. It sounded interesting and I thought I could apply my skills and knowledge from my current job.

2. What are some things you feel most comfortable doing?

I am comfortable working on computers and using a cash register.

3. Why do you want to work here?

This store has a great atmosphere and I believe it is a place where I can grow and learn.

4. What does a typical day in your life look like.

My normal day starts off with checking emails and browsing through social media sites. Then I start stocking shelves and cleaning the floor. At 3pm I take inventory and close the registers. I spend the rest of my day organizing paperwork and filing.

5. If you were not employed right now, what would you be doing?

I would probably still be working as a stockroom employee.

How Long Does Harbor Freight Hiring Process Take?

After receiving feedback from the interviewer, you may hear back from Harbor Freight regarding their decision in a letter.

This letter is called “Job Offer”. Your recruiter may contact you directly to discuss next steps.

In general, you can expect to receive a Job Offer within 10 days of submitting your application.

However, there is no guarantee that you will receive a job offer since companies hire for many different reasons.

Major Harbor Freight Careers and Jobs

There are several major careers available at the Harbor Freight Tools, including:

Cashier

Description: Cashiers at Harbor Freight assist customers in checkout line; answer customers’ questions, provide change, and assist in bagging merchandise.

Pay Rate: $8.00 per hour.

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent; 1 year of retail sales experience preferred; excellent customer service skills; ability to multi-task; attention to detail; and strong organizational skills.

Parts Sales Associate

Description: They help customers select parts based on their vehicle needs, and answer questions about products and services offered.

Pay Rate: $10.00 per hour.

Requirements: High School Diploma or GED; 2 years of related experience; ability to read technical manuals; basic computer skills; and ability to communicate effectively.

Sales Associate

Description: They provide assistance to customers by answering product and service questions.

Pay Rate: Minimum wage.

Requirements: High School Diploma or GED; must have reliable transportation; good communication skills; ability to stand for long periods of time; and willingness to travel.

Stock Room Clerk

Description: They maintain warehouse area by stocking merchandise, removing damaged items, and ensuring proper shelving.

Pay Rate: minimum wage.

Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required; able to lift up to 50 pounds; cleanliness standards; ability to follow instructions; and attention to details.

Customer Service Representative

Description: They handle incoming phone calls and emails from customers; answer questions about products, services, shipping options, and returns.

Pay Rate: hourly rate.

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent; ability to work flexible hours; and ability to speak English.

What to Expect Working at Harbor Freight

There are great benefits at Harbor Freight, including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, holiday pay, tuition reimbursement, health savings account, life insurance, disability insurance, and more.

What Some Employees Dislike about working at Harbor Freight

The biggest complaints were the low wages and lack of advancement opportunities. Many employees feel like they are stuck in a dead end position and never advance.

Other comments was that the company does not offering any training or career development programs.

Company Profile

Harbor Freight Tools, also known as Harbor Freight, is an American chain of tool and equipment stores headquartered in Calabasas, California.

The company operates over 1200 locations across North America and has been growing rapidly since its founding in 1977.

In 2018, it had annual revenue of $5 billion and employs over 24,000 people.

Conclusion

If you enjoy working in a fast paced environment where you can learn new things every day, then working at Harbor Freight could be a great place for you.

This post has provided you all you need to know about the hiring process at Harbor Freight, and so you are better placed to be successful hunting for a job at the company.