Everything you need to know about the Home Depot background check

If you're interested in home improvement and DIY, you can apply for a job at The Home Depot. The company has over 2,300 stores worldwide, and hiring managers are always looking for enthusiastic new team members.

It's a fast-paced work environment, and to be successful, you'll need to be motivated and have excellent customer service skills. But, most Home Depot jobs are entry-level positions, with on-the-job training provided.

Home Depot has a transparent hiring process. Once you've filled out the online application, you'll need to pass a background check. You'll also need a clean drug test.

Before applying for a Home Depot job, make sure you read the following guide. We'll give you tips to help with your application and tell you about the employment background check.

What is The Home Depot?

The Home Depot, Inc. is the leading home improvement retailer in the US. It began in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia, and the company has since grown to employ more than 500,000 associates.

As the world’s largest home improvement retailer, Home Depot has stores in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

These hardware superstores sell a range of goods for both tradespeople and home DIYers. For example, you can shop there for power tools, hardware, paint, wood, gardening tools, and plumbing and electrical supplies.

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The closest competitors for The Home Depot include Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, True Value, and Menards.

The Home Depot is a friendly place to work. If you get a job as an associate, it can be a good way to earn money while you study.

Or, you can build a long-term career at The Home Depot. The company offers opportunities for training and promotions.

It’s an inclusive and diverse workforce, and The Home Depot believes in second chances. While there is a background check, having something flagged on your record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from being hired.

What is a Home Depot background check?

When you go through the Home Depot application process, one of the final stages is a background check. This is a requirement for most jobs, and it’ll happen after you’ve received a conditional offer of employment.

Before the employee background check, The Home Depot will ask you to fill out a background check consent form. If you say no, you won’t be able to work for the hardware chain.

The background check company will search local, state, and federal databases. They’ll be looking for any red flags that could impact the health and safety of the Home Depot team and customers.

Home Depot pays for the pre-employment background check, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.

What kind of background check does The Home Depot do?

The Home Depot doesn’t do the background checks themselves. They use a third-party company. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number, full name, residential address, and email address.

They're looking to see if you have a criminal history and whether the information you've provided on your application is correct.

Depending on the position you're applying for, the screening process can include reference checks and checks for warrants, felonies, drug charges, and misdemeanors. The company will also verify your employment history.

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Some management candidates may require a credit check. In this case, the report will include your credit history, including bankruptcy and debts.

And, if your role requires driving, they'll be interested in your driving records. The background check will also show that your driver's license is current.

The checks go back at least seven years. In some states, your history can go back ten years or more.

Remember, this is one of the last stages of your application. If you have something that might be flagged, we recommend explaining it prior to the check. This gives you an opportunity to talk about any progress you've made or rehabilitation you've been through.

How long does The Home Depot background check take?

You can expect your background check report back within about a week. Sometimes, there can be delays if the system is backlogged or if you provide the wrong information.

If you have a successful background check and there's no criminal history, you'll move forward to the final stages of your application.

If you have a criminal record, the outcome will depend on the type of offense and how long ago it was. The Home Depot company is on the "felon friendly" list, which means you may get a second chance. If it's a minor offense or you've explained the situation, you could still get the job.

But, if it is a significant offense, you may automatically be disqualified during the check.

What happens if there is a mistake in the background check?

If your background report comes back and something isn't quite right, you can file a dispute. For example, your criminal background check could show a felony or misdemeanor that you didn't commit.

Anything on your report can impact your chances of getting hired. For this reason, it's important that you follow up as soon as possible.

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Because The Home Depot uses a third-party background check provider, you'll need to communicate with the background check company. The best way to do this is in writing, either via email or a typed letter.

Make sure you explain the issue and provide your contact details.

Once the company receives your dispute request, they'll process your background records again. This reinvestigation can take up to 30 days, depending on your circumstances.

If there's a genuine error, it'll be removed from your report. On the other hand, if the original information is proven accurate, no changes will be made.

Can you do your own background check?

Most companies do extensive background checks for employment purposes. If you're not sure what's on your record, you can do your own check.

How? Some background check companies offer this option for free. For example, Checkr has the Better Future digital service, where you can ask for a personal background check report.

Any criminal convictions and misdemeanors will show up, and you'll know exactly what the employer will see. Your conviction history will show case numbers, court jurisdictions, charges, dates, and sentences.

It'll also verify your personal details and show your previous addresses and employment history.

The background check screening process will help you prepare for the interview, and you can use this information to help you explain your circumstances. And if you do notice an error, you'll have the chance to fix it.

Does The Home Depot do a drug test?

You'll need to pass a drug screen to work at The Home Depot. The most common methods are cheek swab drug tests and urine tests, which look for the most common drug types.

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The company has a zero-tolerance drug testing policy for all employees. Alcohol use is also prohibited in the workplace.

If you get the job, you'll need to stay drug-free. There may be times when you need to take a random drug or alcohol test to continue your employment at The Home Depot.

How do you apply for a job at The Home Depot?

If you want to work at The Home Depot, you have a few application options. If you're near a local store, you can visit the information kiosk and ask for an application form.

Alternatively, you can browse Home Depot positions on our job board. Create a free account, sign up for job alerts, and chat with other job seekers and experts in our community discussions.

If you want to apply online, you'll need to set up a profile on The Home Depot's careers page.

There's a range of jobs to choose from, including warehouse associate, cashier, store clerk, and retail sales associate.

Once you've found a job you like, the next step is a series of pre-screening interview tests. These assessments may include personality tests or a math test depending on the job role.

During the application process, you can upload your resume, share your skills, and outline your availability.

Check out our Home Depot application guide for more information.

What jobs are available at The Home Depot?

Want to work at The Home Depot? Here are three of the most popular positions:

Warehouse associate

Warehouse associates work in The Home Depot’s distribution centers. They unload trucks and sort inventory. They use a range of equipment, including forklifts, hand trucks, and hoists.

Warehouse associates pack orders and load trucks. To work in this role, you'll need to be physically fit. Lifting, pulling, and carrying are all part of the job description.

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Warehouse associate is usually an entry-level role, and there are opportunities for promotion.

Cashier

Cashiers can be found in the store. They offer excellent customer service and process cash and credit card payments.

Cashiers can answer questions and work quickly and efficiently. If a customer wants to return or exchange an item, a cashier can help.

To work as a cashier, you'll need basic math skills. You should also be friendly and have a positive attitude.

If you've worked in customer service or retail in the past, that'll help you get the job.

Customer service associate

Customer service associates help customers find what they're looking for. They use their product knowledge to give accurate advice.

Customer service associates have good communication skills and know how to make customers feel welcome. They also make sure the store is clean and tidy and the shelves remain stocked.

If you have home renovation experience, customer service skills, or a background in sales, that'll be an advantage.

Tips for getting hired at The Home Depot

Here are our top tips to support your Home Depot application.

1. Focus on customer service skills

The Home Depot prides itself on exceptional customer service. If you have any work history that includes customer care, make sure you highlight it in your application.

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For example, experience in retail, sales, or administration will be an advantage.

If this is your first job, you can focus on other soft skills such as listening skills, communication skills, and teamwork. During the interview, you may be asked to give examples of how you have used these skills.

2. Research the company

If you get asked to attend a job interview, do your research. Learn about the company and its values, and think about how your skills would match.

Browse The Home Depot website and social media pages. You can see what products they sell and look through project ideas. You can also browse Home Depot topics on our community discussion board.

When you have your interview, your knowledge of the company will show the hiring manager you have good attention to detail and are truly interested in the job.

3. Get ready for the interview

For your job interview to be successful, you should arrive on time. Aim for around 10 minutes before the interview, as this will give you time to compose yourself.

To help boost your confidence, you can practice common interview questions before the day.

If you’re applying for a job as a sales associate, you should wear business casual clothing. For example, you can wear black pants or a skirt with a blouse or polo shirt.

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We recommend business professional attire, such as a suit and tie, if it's a leadership position.

4. Be honest

Try not to hide your history that may appear on a background check from the hiring manager. You should always be honest in the job interview because anything you say can be double-checked.

If you’re open about your history, you’ll have a chance to explain the circumstances. For example, you may have been through rehabilitation, or your case may be pending in court.

It’s not just your criminal history that you should be honest about. Your previous employment and education can also be verified.

5. Read the job description

There's a range of different jobs available at The Home Depot. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, take the quick career quiz on the brand’s website.

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The job description will give you an overview of what you can expect. For example, for some positions, you’ll need to be physically fit and able to lift up to 80 pounds.

If you want to be successful, make sure you apply for the right position for your skills, interests, and abilities.

Still not sure? Check out the Jobcase careers quiz.

Common interview questions at The Home Depot

Potential employees usually attend an interview before they get a job at The Home Depot.

The interview questions can vary depending on the position. For example, someone applying to work at a distribution center may be asked if they can lift heavy packages. A person who wants to work as a cashier may be asked about their cash handling experience and math skills.

Here are some of the most common questions to look out for:

• Why do you want to work at the largest home improvement store in the US?

• What do you know about The Home Depot?

• Do you have any experience with home improvement projects?

• What is your availability?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• How would you deal with an unhappy customer?

• Do you have any questions?

How much can you make at The Home Depot?

The average salary depends on the job you're applying for and whether it's a part-time or full-time job.

The average Home Depot salary in the US is $13.83 per hour.

For associate positions, the average salary is $13.00 per hour. Cashiers can expect an average of $12.00 an hour, and it's $14.00 per hour for head cashiers.

A forklift operator can make $14.00 an hour, and the average is $13.00 per hour for a merchandiser.

Those in leadership roles have higher salaries. For example, a retail department supervisor makes around $17.00 per hour.

Senior positions pay more, and salaries can vary depending on the location and your experience.

Where to get a job at The Home Depot

If you want to work for this company, our website has a section dedicated to The Home Depot. You’ll be able to start your job search and find links to other useful articles.

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For example, there’s a list of the most popular positions, the top employee benefits, and a rundown on how to apply for a job.

Or you can go straight to our job board and browse The Home Depot jobs in your area.

If you prefer, you can visit The Home Depot careers section on the company website.

Working at The Home Depot

If you enjoy building, DIY, and working with customers, a job at The Home Depot could be the perfect fit.

Once you’ve completed the application process, you’ll be asked for a background check. The Home Depot uses a third-party provider to check your records.

It covers local, state, and federal databases and goes back at least seven years. You’ll also need to pass a drug test.

If you want to work at The Home Depot, make sure you focus on your customer service skills. Before your interview, research the company and practice your answers.

Always be honest and read the job description to make sure the position is right for you.

Ready to work? You can start by browsing job vacancies on our job board. And, you can read more articles like this one in our resource center.