Working At Big Lots

No, Big Lots does not routinely drug test. There is no drug test requirement in its hiring process.

The company does have a drug-free workplace policy. Employees may be asked to complete a drug test if there is reasonable suspicion based on physical and behavioral signs to suggest that they are intoxicated, or if they have an accident at work. If a drug test is required for these reasons, it is usually a standard urine test.

Yes, Big Lots does hire felons. For the most part, Big Lots does appear to hire felons if they are the best candidates for the job and their convictions do not conflict with the job under consideration.

While Big Lots does hire felons, it may vary depending on the Big Lots location because, at the end of the day, it is ultimately up to the person doing the hiring. Big Lots does background checks before onboarding a new employee. Every state is different, so if you have a felony, it may or may not show up on your record.

Some felonies fall off your record depending on your record. To know for sure, we recommend running your own background check.

In recent years, there have been efforts to increase opportunities for those with a criminal record in the workplace, and this includes Big Lots. Regardless you will need to let the employer know about your past before the background check. The background check is typically done at the last stage of the hiring process as the final step.

Before applying, be sure to do some research about how your state handles background checks. In some states, there is only a limited number of years on which the background check will focus on.

For the following states, for example, the background checks only go back seven years:

• California

• Colorado

• Kansas

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New York

• Texas

You answer the question, "Why are you interested in working for Big Lots?" by talking about your interest in retail and customer service, and your relevant work experience. Big Lots is a retail organization, with a specific focus on delivering exceptional value for its customers, so any answers about delivering excellent customer service are appropriate.

Big Lots also has warehouse and distribution center jobs. In this case, showing a desire to work efficiently and an ability to work well within set processes and procedures is appropriate.

To write a cover letter for Big Lots, you only need a couple of paragraphs at most for an entry-level job. The Big Lots hiring is done through an online application that may offer you to upload or cut and paste a cover letter.

Computers check applications for keywords that match the language in the job opening. Your work history is usually more important than your cover letter for this type of service job. Your cover letter can be a one or two-paragraph description of who you are, any relevant accomplishments or experiences, and a statement of why you want to work at that store.

You have to be 18 years old in order to work at Big Lots. This requirement is across the board for all positions at Big Lots, whether full or part-time.

Big Lots requires that a person is at minimum 18 years old to be hired. Additionally, they also prefer that you have a high school diploma or GED.

They have this higher age requirement due to the nature of the job, which uses potentially dangerous tools and machinery (like a baler to crush cardboard) that a person needs to be an adult in order to operate.

Additionally, they only hire 18-year-olds because they are looking for employees who have a flexible schedule and can fill a variety of shifts needed to complete the work.

Big Lots offers a full range of benefits, though some are subject to eligibility requirements and part-time or full-time status. A general overview of its benefits includes:

• Medical

• Prescriptions

• Dental

• Vision

• Company-paid life insurance

• Supplemental life insurance

• Investment opportunities

• 401(k) savings plan with company match

• Disability income protection

• Short and long-term disability

• Paid sick days

• Bonus programs

• Competitive vacation plan

• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays

• Educational assistance

• Associate merchandise discount

• Flexible spending accounts

• Employee assistance program

• Relocation assistance

• Discounts on mobile service and products

The dress code at Big Lots is business casual. Generally, Big Lots requires an outfit consisting of jeans or dress shorts with a Big Lots shirt for men, and jeans or dress pants and a Big Lots shirt for women. They also require employees to wear flat, closed-toe shoes.

The hiring process at Big Lots consists of a series of steps that include an online application and interview process. The entire hiring process can take between one week to one month, depending on the job that you're applying for.

Entry-level applicants typically take up to one week to complete the entire hiring process; however, potential managers may spend between two weeks to a month attending interviews and fulfilling the various requirements for upper-level candidates.

To begin, candidates must apply online because the screening process must go through their human resources department first. To complete an online application or view available positions at Big Lots in your area, go to www.careers/biglots.com. The website also offers a notification option that will alert you when relevant positions at Big Lots open up.

Once you submit your application online, you will receive an automated acknowledgment via the email address you added. The length of time to review all applications varies by position - ranging from two days to three weeks.

If qualified, you will be contacted by a Big Lots Team Member to set up a 1:1 interview. In most cases, the interview lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. For most entry-level positions, only one interview is needed.

Typically, you'll hear back within a day or two on whether you have the job. In some cases, they may hire you on the spot. For management positions, it may require several rounds of interviews that can take up to one month.