How to apply for a job at Sam’s Club

There are 599 Sam’s Club locations in the US. The members-only warehouse retailer is owned by Walmart and employs thousands of people across the country.

The company offers high wages and benefits compared to other retailers. Because of their competitive pay and benefits, many people apply to work for Sam’s Club.

Let’s take a look at how you can apply to work at Sam’s Club and ace the interview.

How to apply for Sam's Club

The application process for a job at Sam’s Club is pretty straightforward. Let’s take a look.

1. Job application

Applying for a job at Sam’s Club is as easy as heading to the Walmart job search page and finding a position for you on the list of available jobs.

From there, you’ll fill out the online application form.

You’ll be asked for your personal information and work history. This is also when you’ll upload your resume and cover letter, so ensure that you have prepared in advance.

Some positions also require the applicant to complete basic skills and personality tests.

Most positions require the applicant to be a minimum of 16 years of age, but some roles require the applicant to be at least 18.

2. Interview

If the hiring manager is impressed with your resume, they’ll call you in for an interview within two weeks.

Sam’s Club interviews are more casual than other interviews. They won’t ask you any trick questions, but be prepared to talk about your past experiences and why you want the job.

Do your homework regarding the job you’re applying for. You’ll want to know the ins and outs of the position and to speak about how your previous job or experiences prepared you for this one.

Also, be conscious of your body language when interviewing. You want the interviewer to know you’re friendly and open to discussion. Keep your palms open, maintain eye contact, and sit up straight.

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3. Drug test and background check

If your interview is a success, Sam’s Club will put you through a drug test and background check. If you make it this far, odds are you’ve received a conditional offer of employment.

It may take a couple of days to hear back, so don’t panic if you don’t get an instant call back after the interview.

After you’ve finished your drug test, be prepared to wait a few more days for the results.

The drug test will likely take place off-site at a location your local Sam’s Club uses. You’ll do this before the background check, which will come next.

4. Orientation

When you pass your drug test and background check, you’ll do a mandatory orientation, much like any company in a similar industry.

Don’t stress out about this — you’ve got the job. Just be friendly and attentive during the orientation to let the hiring manager know you’re serious about the job and care.

You’ll learn about the company’s policies, history, and background, becoming familiar with all things Sam’s Club.

Then you’ll be given your start date.

Potential interview questions at Sam’s Club

Don’t be too intimidated by having to interview at Sam’s Club. They’ll ask you some basic questions about your motivations, such as why you want to work for them.

The interviewer will also likely want to delve into your background and qualifications.

If you practice answering questions using specific examples from your past jobs, you should have no problem acing the interview. Just be friendly and treat it like a casual conversation.

Here are a few questions you may be asked.

• What do you know about Sam’s Club?

• How would you deal with a customer who was upset?

• Have you ever felt overwhelmed at your previous jobs?

• What was a difficult project you had in your last position?

• Why do you want to work here?

Sam’s Club jobs and careers

When looking for a job with Sam’s Club, you’ll likely find a couple of positions frequently advertised regardless of the location you’ve applied at. Let’s take a look at a few.

Front end cashier

Every Sam’s Club needs cashiers, which is why you’ll find this job advertised quite a bit.

A Sam’s Club cashier needs to be good with money and thrive in a people-first, fast-paced environment. The cashier will greet customers, ring their items in, bag the items, and check the customer out.

If you enjoy the social aspect of working retail and like staying busy, chances are you’d be a good cashier.

Find cashier jobs on Jobcase

Merchandising and stock associate

Sam’s Club also employs full and part-time stock associates that work in the back room. These employees are responsible for unpacking items from boxes and loading them onto shelves.

A stocker may be required to unload trucks as well.

It’s a physically demanding job, so before applying, make sure it’s something you’d be comfortable doing every day.

Find merchandising jobs on Jobcase

Cafe associate

Most Sam’s Club locations also have a cafe where customers can get a quick bite to eat and a drink.

If you have past experience working in a restaurant or coffee shop that you enjoyed, working at the cafe could be a good fit for you.

You should be comfortable interacting with customers and preparing basic food orders.

Find cafe associate jobs on Jobcase

Does Sam’s Club conduct background checks?

Yes, like many other major retailers, Sam's Club requires job applicants to undergo a background check. They do this to ensure the safety of both employees and customers. A background check is usually the step following a conditional job offer.

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Sam’s Club background check involves checking for the following:

• Criminal convictions: Sam’s Club will check to see if you have any criminal convictions on your record.

• Credit history: Sam’s Club will also check your credit history to see if you're financially responsible.

• Drug screening results: You will also be required to take a drug test as part of the Sam’s Club background check process.

• References: Sam’s Club may also collect information from your references to get a sense of your character.

These are all standard checks that most employers will conduct. Sam’s Club may also run additional checks depending on the position you're applying for.

For example, if you're applying for a position that involves handling money, they may run a check to see if you have any prior convictions for fraud or embezzlement.

How does Sam’s Club collect information about you?

According to their website, Sam’s Club collects information about job candidates in various ways. Some of them include:

• Provided by you: When you apply for a job at Sam’s Club, you will be asked to fill out an application. It will include information such as your name, address, and contact information. You will also be asked to provide your social security number so that they can run a background check.

• Found online: Sam’s Club will also likely look you up online; they will search for you on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. They may also Google your name to see what comes up.

• In-store technology: The company may also use in-store technology to collect information about you. For example, they may scan your driver's license when you apply for a job and use in-store cameras during the hiring process.

• Third-party source: Sam’s Club may get your information from an external source, such as a government agency or another retailer.

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The company will get an authorized disclosure before accessing your criminal record. It will also send you a notice that it is running a background check.

What do you need to do to prepare for a Sam’s Club background check?

Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a Sam’s Club background check:

• Get your paperwork in order: Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, such as your ID and Social Security number.

• Search for yourself online: Search your name online to see what comes up. If there's anything you're not comfortable with, take steps to remove it. The key is to make your digital footprint as employer-friendly as possible.

• Prepare your references: Choose them carefully and ensure they're prepared to speak highly of you.

• Be honest: Don't try to hide anything from Sam’s Club. If they find something in your background, it will only make things worse.

The good news is that Sam’s Club is known to hire felons. Your employment chance may depend on your offense's severity and how long ago it occurred.

6 tips for applying for a job at Sam’s Club

To help you land the job, here are six tips to keep in mind during the application process:

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job

This applies to any job you’re applying for.

Look at the job description as well as the company, and use that information to tailor your resume and cover letter.

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If the job description asks for someone with a specific skill, make sure to include that skill on your resume (if you have it, of course).

And when it comes to your cover letter, make it specific to the job you’re applying for. You probably don’t want to talk about your drawing ability when applying to work as a cashier.

2. Dress appropriately for the interview

The interview is your chance to speak to the hiring manager and leave a positive impression. And your interview attire is the first thing they’ll notice.

For a Sam’s Club interview, business casual attire will suffice.

For men, this looks like a pair of chinos and a button-down shirt. If you want to elevate your look, throw on a blazer or jacket.

Women can wear a statement dress, or a blouse with slacks or a pencil skirt, and a pair of closed-toe shoes to fit the bill.

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3. Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer

One mistake a lot of people make during an interview is not asking any questions of their own.

Not only does this give you the chance to get answers to some questions you may have, but it shows the hiring manager you’re invested.

Consider asking about things like the workplace culture and opportunities for growth.

4. Review common interview questions

Interviews are all about preparation.

Practice common interview questions in the mirror, or record yourself on your phone. Not only will you be able to practice answering questions, but you’ll see how you’re carrying yourself.

We mentioned how important body language is. If you notice you’re fidgeting or breaking eye contact, practice correcting that.

5. Send a thank-you note

Finally, sending a thank-you note after an interview is good practice.

This tells the hiring manager that you’re still interested in the position even after speaking and hearing more about the company and the job itself.

Keep your thank-you note short and sweet. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention how excited you are about the job, and sign off.

If something specific came up during the interview, you can also address it in the thank-you note.

Land your next job at Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club is a high-paying retailer, making it a great place to work in the industry.

If you enjoy a customer-oriented job, you’ll thrive at Sam’s Club. There are several types of positions available, and there’s sure to be something that’s a good fit for you.

For more tips on how to get hired, check out Jobcase’s Getting Hired Resource Center.