Big Lots Hiring Process: Job Application, Interviews, and Employment

Big Lots Hiring Process: Job Application, Interviews, and Employment

The Big Lots hiring process involves various stages, including the job application, interview, and other processes you will be expected to complete to be employed by the Company.

This post provides detailed information about the recruitment process at Big Lots, to help individuals seeking employment there to increase their chances of being hired.

Please read on:

Big Lots Company Overview

Big Lots Inc. is one of America’s renowned retail organizations, owning and operating more than 1,400 stores in 47 states, with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

The company’s history can be traced back to 1967, when Sol Shenk first formed the consolidated stores corporation, which then birthed its first closeout store, known then as Odd Lots.

Before this company was rebranded, which resulted to the recent name Big Lots, it had been purchased and operated by some business owners, one after the other.

Moreover, even though Big Lots is not as old as some of the largest retailers in the United States, the company has successfully employed thousands of professional staffs, creating an opportunity for them to advance their careers.

The Big Lots Hiring Process

The only way an applicant can be recruited into the Big Lots workforce is by possessing all the necessary requirements, and being able to undergo the hiring process of the company.

As a job seeker, expect these stages in the Big Lots hiring process:

1. Job Application Process

Big Lots usually expect every applicant to first apply for a job before he/she can proceed in the remaining aspects of the hiring process.

To make your job application, go to the Big Lots careers website and fill the online employment form.

The company offers a wide range of jobs, and you will be able to access any of the jobs by simply entering the job title in a search box.

Just like most online applications you may have completed, you will be needed to create a profile/account to successfully complete the Big Lots job application process.

This will require some significant information from you, such as your full name, home address, email address, current phone number, as well as your resume/CV.

2. Interview Process

Typically, after the submission of your job application, you will receive a response from the hiring manger in not more than a week.

You will be informed about the successful reception of your application and how you can participate in the scheduled in-person interview.

This would be a formal interview session with one of Big Lots supervisors or even the hiring manager.

It normally entails a brief discussion, questions and answers session, and probably a simple exercise to assess your expertise.

When applying for managerial positions, expect at least two interviews which would be pretty tough.

But if you are only applying for a common role within the store, you just need to undergo one interview.

Furthermore, Big Lots interviewers usually ask series of questions regarding customer service, your knowledge of the company, your expertise, and the role.

The Big Lots interview questions to expect include:

• What is your definition of customer service?
• If granted an employment offer, do you think you have the ability to do this job?
• What motivates you to be efficient at work?
• As an employee, what do you have to offer Big Lots?
• Do you have a personal mission statement? If yes, tell me.
• Tell me something significant about Big Lots, and how it is distinct from other retail companies?

As a candidate who wants to ace the Big Lots interview with ease, you will need to make intensive preparations for it.

Most times, it is advised to begin your preparation even before you receive an invitation for the interview.

Here are a few interview tips that you should know of:

• When answering interview questions, ensure you don’t speak hurriedly. Answering questions in a rush may prevent you from giving out the right detail.
• Don’t wear a timid countenance during the interview, even if the interviewer seems to be intimidating.
• After answering a question, you can ask the interviewer if he/she is satisfied with the answer, or needs more explanation.
• Attending an interview late is terribly bad, and invalidates your competence.

3. Hearing from Big Lots after the Interview

After participating in an interview, the Big Lots HR department wastes no time in communicating the results of your interview performance to you via an email or a phone call.

And this usually happens in less than two weeks. Even though some candidates claim to hear nothing from the company after an interview, Big lots typically responds to interviewees even though a job offer wouldn’t be given.

However, if you haven’t gotten any response in due time, you can adhere to the company’s advice, which is contacting the store leader or supervisor that interviewed you.

4. Drug Test

In a bid not to recruit an employee who would perform work duties under the influence of hard drugs, Big Lots does not hire an applicant until he/she has been drug tested.

Drug testing is currently conducted by almost every organization, and it helps the Human Resources department to choose a modest and ideal candidate for a job role.

Your urine sample may be required for the test, and if the company finds you clean, expect your employment offer afterwards.

The drug test is the final aspect of the hiring process, and it is highly compulsory. Failing to submit yourself for a drug test will terminate the possibility of getting a job offer.

Big Lots Jobs and Careers

Here are the common jobs that most applicants seek for at Big Lots:

• Store associate/stocker: This role performs various tasks, including cashiering. The employee may also offer assistance to the merchandise handler sometimes. A store associate/stocker needs to have retail or cashiering experience in order to be efficient in the role.
• Material handler: This role is responsible for picking, receiving, loading, transporting, as well as sorting merchandise for online orders. This employee may also be asked to operate powered equipment, and this will require valid driver’s license.
• Lead support associate: This employee does varieties of duties within the store, which include customer service, cashiering, and unloading of truck. He/she also performs a few maintenance tasks in the store. A retail leadership experience is needed to be efficient in this position.
• Customer care specialist: This position is mainly responsible for attending to customers’ complaints, responding to phone calls, emails, and other communication from customers. He/she works closely with specific departments to ensure that Big Lots customers get exceptional care and immediate attention when needed.
• E-commerce coordinator: This employee is responsible for collaborating with some other employees in a bid to plan and implement merchandising on Big Lots official website. He/she performs a few duties to improve product marketing. An e-commerce coordinator also runs and produces reports, as well as investigates every aspect of e-commerce in the company.

What to Expect Working at Big Lots

Working at Big Lots is usually a wonderful experience for most people. Managers are most times very nice, and do what they do best.

You may get to network with co-workers who are supportive and friendly. As an employee, you will get a decent pay, and you will receive discount on purchased products in the store.

If you are someone interested in customer service and merchandising, there are lots to learn as you work.

Although they are rare, you may have to deal with intolerable managers who threaten one’s job.

You may sometimes need to perform some duties that do not pertain to your role, and it can be very inconveniencing.

Conclusion

Big Lots is interested in hiring competent individuals who are energetic, dedicated, and enthusiastic as well.

Before applying for a job at Big Lots, thoroughly assess yourself and ensure you possess all the qualities that they need, and even more.

Based on your role and the Human Resources team in charge of recruitment, you may need to undergo a hiring process that is slightly different from the one provided in this article.