How to hire an in-stock associate

How to hire an in-stock associate, step by step

Here's a step-by-step in-stock associate hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an in-stock associate job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new in-stock associate
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an in-stock associate do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the in-stock associate you need to hire. Certain in-stock associate roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect in-stock associate also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of in-stock associates.

   Type of In-Stock Associate	Description	Hourly rate
   In-Stock Associate	Material recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.	$12-18
   Merchandise Stocker	A merchandise stocker is an employee who ensures that shelves and aisles are stocked with the merchandise in retail stores or warehouses. Merchandise stockers must receive the goods, unload or unpack them, mark them with codes to be identified, and stock them on shelves... Show more	$11-16
   Night Stocker	A night stocker is responsible for organizing store shelves and stocking merchandise to the appropriate areas. Night stockers ensure that the items are accurately categorized, ensuring that products are free of any damage... Show more	$11-17

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Food Handling
   • Stock Room
   • Ladders
   • Customer Service
   • POS
   • Loss Prevention
   • Cleanliness
   • Basic Math
   • Sales Associates
   • Math
   • Product Knowledge
   • Wine
   • Groceries
   • Cycle Counts

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform basic customer service skills, cleaning skills, and math skills.
   • Offer customer service & cashier duties while stocking wine cases deliver to the store.
   • Accommodate in customer service with sizing and recommending certain styles of clothing for kids and infants.
   • Stock overnight groceries and provide customer service
   • Restock groceries while providing excellent customer service for shoppers.
   • Support pet parents by responding on products and services.

   More in-stock associate duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your in-stock associate job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An in-stock associate salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, in-stock associates' average salary in oklahoma is 23% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level in-stock associates earn 32% less than senior-level in-stock associates.
   • Certifications. An in-stock associate with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an in-stock associate's salary.

   Average in-stock associate salary

   $15.45hourly

   $32,130 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level in-stock associate salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated November 17, 2025

   Average in-stock associate salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$35,319	$17
   2	Oregon	$35,135	$17
   3	California	$34,715	$17
   4	New York	$34,217	$16
   5	Hawaii	$34,017	$16
   6	Nevada	$32,601	$16
   7	Minnesota	$32,472	$16
   8	Pennsylvania	$32,293	$16
   9	Wisconsin	$32,283	$16
   10	Maryland	$32,221	$15
   11	Arizona	$31,895	$15
   12	Illinois	$31,566	$15
   13	Ohio	$30,929	$15
   14	Michigan	$30,702	$15
   15	Texas	$30,344	$15
   16	Indiana	$30,334	$15
   17	Missouri	$30,251	$15
   18	Virginia	$30,120	$14
   19	Colorado	$30,113	$14
   20	New Mexico	$29,750	$14

   Average in-stock associate salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	General Electric	$40,088	$19.27	60
   2	United Natural Foods	$37,717	$18.13	8
   3	The RealReal	$36,869	$17.73	5
   4	Gordon Food Service	$35,651	$17.14	8
   5	Office Depot	$35,127	$16.89	19
   6	Jefferies	$35,119	$16.88	2
   7	Mouser Electronics	$34,967	$16.81	4
   8	The Coca-Cola Company	$34,684	$16.68	154
   9	Heavy Equipment Co LLC	$34,564	$16.62
   10	Lucky Brand	$34,489	$16.58	1
   11	NEX	$34,407	$16.54
   12	Delicato Family Wines	$34,306	$16.49
   13	Nestlé	$34,285	$16.48	19
   14	Tillamook Ice Creamery	$34,097	$16.39
   15	Hallmark Services Corporation	$33,980	$16.34	13
   16	ACCO Brands	$33,851	$16.27	1
   17	Michael Kors	$33,834	$16.27	33
   18	Steve Madden	$33,830	$16.26	95
   19	CORT	$33,821	$16.26	40
   20	Abercrombie & Fitch Co	$33,801	$16.25	383

4. Writing an in-stock associate job description

   A job description for an in-stock associate role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an in-stock associate job description:

   In-stock associate job description example

   At Office Depot Inc., the Services Advisor is a part-time role, providing “total solutions” to our customers encompassing Technology, Services, Furniture and Print offerings. The associate will quickly build and maintain customer relationships and become a trusted advisor by utilizing training of Technology products/services and print offerings.
   
   The Services Advisor will demonstrate a passion for the brand, technology products, furniture, print, and other services/products offered to our customers. The Services Advisor will utilize Office Depot Inc.’s proven sales principles to proactively engage customers, to drive the sales of our total offerings, and properly assess customer needs to ensure satisfaction in every interaction.
   
   The essential functions of this position may require you to consent to periodic comprehensive background checks conducted by a third-party.
   
   products and services. Effectively utilizes communication tools to request assistance anywhere on the sales floor, and to coordinate the appropriate service, and customer engagement throughout the store. Performs duties such as cashier, logistics support, stocking, restocking, down stocking, inventory control, cleaning the store and protecting company assets. Ensures the completion of damaged and defective/buy back merchandise through the RCC process.
   
   When not assisting customers, performs merchandise-related activities to ensure merchandise presentation guidelines are met through implementing plan-o-gram changes and updates, merchandise set and price changes. Sets weekly ads, including price changes, and any associated updates to store signage.
   
   Proactively acknowledges and engages every customer to ensure a positive customer experience. Utilizes and understands the selling program to promote the sale of the best solution as well as additional product and/or services solutions. Maintains awareness of planned advertisements and promotions.
   
   Able to evaluate the customer’s needs to determine what additional offerings or services that a customer may need in addition to determining if a customer should be referred to the Contract Sales organization.
   
   Works to continually develop personal selling skills and specialized product knowledge. Drives Technology, Tech Services, Furniture and Print sales by supporting all related current programs, new product launches and special initiatives.
   
   Ensures compliance with company policies, procedures and practices; and supports company loss prevention efforts.
   
   Successful completion of Tech, Print, and other applicable training and continued education in these areas is expected, up to and including designated certifications, if required.
   Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Level of Formal Education: High School diploma or equivalent education preferred Years of Experience: Minimum 1 year experience in related field Type of Experience: 2 Years Sales and/or Customer Services experience preferred Technical Competencies: Must possess the ability to use technology and print equipment applicable to role, and to access information necessary to complete daily responsibilities Must possess ability to process information/merchandise through POS register system Basic computer skills Skills and Ability: Must possess strong selling skills Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills Must be adaptable to a changing environment Must be able to coach and train others in a professional environment Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills Personal Attributes: Positive and Engaging Action Oriented Integrity, Accountability & Trust Demonstrate passion for the brand, products, services and solutions offered to our customers Must possess a desire to continually develop personal selling skills and product knowledge Drive for Results Decision Quality Patience Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule Pay Range: $16.50/hr - $17.00/hr Office Depot and OfficeMax offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button. How to Apply Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button. Equal Employment Opportunity Office Depot and OfficeMax is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find in-stock associates for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any in-stock associates they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level in-stock associates with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your in-stock associate job on Zippia to find and recruit in-stock associate candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit in-stock associates, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new in-stock associate

   Once you've decided on a perfect in-stock associate candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new in-stock associate. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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