How to apply for a job at Ace Hardware

With 4,192 locations in the United States, Ace Hardware offers many different full-time and part-time job opportunities. If you enjoy working in retail and have a specific interest in home hardware, a job at Ace Hardware could be for you. There are many positions available at different seniority levels, including cashier, assistant manager, and sales associate. In this article, we’ll walk you through Ace Hardware’s hiring process, how to apply, and how you can land the job.

Ace Hardware hiring process

Ace Hardware’s hiring process is pretty straightforward. Let’s take a look at how you can land your job fast!

1. Apple online or drop off an application at the store

Ace Hardware’s application process can be done online or you can also drop off an application at the store of your choice. The Ace Hardware job application itself is easy to follow. It asks you to fill in your personal information and what relevant skills you have related to a hardware store, such as paint mixing and key cutting.

2. Interview with assistant manager

During this initial interview, the assistant manager will ask you mostly general questions about your motivations and work history. They will want to know why you want to work at Ace Hardware and what skills you can bring to the table. Emphasize your customer service experience as well as any past experience working in the industry. If you know about tools and hardware, let them know, as they appreciate candidates with product knowledge. While they do train their employees, they expect candidates to at least be interested in learning about their products and services.

3. Interview with store manager

Finally, you’ll have an interview with the store manager. This is the final stage of the interview process. The store manager will also dive into your past experiences and work history. However, they may also ask you some behavioral questions related to the position you’ve applied for. As long as you prepare before the interview, you should have no problem succeeding. Practice answering common interview questions, including relevant examples from your past. Most of all, be friendly and remember that you’re also interviewing them to see if you want the job!

FAQs about applying to Ace Hardware

Here are some answers to five frequently asked questions related to applying at Ace Hardware:

What is the minimum age to work at Ace Hardware?

The minimum age to work at Ace Hardware is 18 years old.

What type of education do I need?

Ace Hardware employees are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

What are some potential interview questions?

Here are some interview questions you’ll likely be asked:

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why do you want to work at Ace Hardware?
• If a customer came to you visibly upset, how would you help them?
• Do you have any experience working with the items carried at Ace Hardware?
• Are you comfortable lifting heavy objects and standing for long periods of time?

What are Ace Hardware’s hours of operation?

Ace Hardware’s hours of operation vary by location. Please contact your local store to inquire.

Can I apply online?

Yes, you can apply for Ace Hardware jobs online by heading over to their career portal and searching for a job. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, that’s also an option. You can apply in person at your local Ace Hardware store.

6 final tips to get the job

Have you lined up an interview at Ace Hardware? Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward and land the job:

1. Research the company

In most interviews, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is, “What do you know about the company?” Do your due diligence and look up Ace Hardware’s history. It will impress the hiring manager and show real initiative. Here’s some information to get you started: Ace Hardware is a home hardware retailer with over 5,000 stores in 70 countries around the world.

2. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer

You’ll likely be given the opportunity to ask your own questions at the end of the interview. You should take advantage of this. Asking questions about the position and company shows the hiring manager that you’re really interested in working for them and succeeding in your role. Here are some potential questions:

• What do you enjoy about working for this company?
• How would you measure the success of the person who gets this role?
• What does a typical day look like in this position?
• What did past employees do to succeed in this job?

3. Take notice of your body language

When you’re practicing your interview questions, take a look at your body language. Make sure you’re coming off as friendly and approachable. Try to maintain eye contact and keep good posture throughout. Do your best not to fidget and, most importantly, smile.

4. Be enthusiastic

Let your personality shine through during your interview. The best way to ensure you get the job is to make the interviewer like you. Be enthusiastic and attentive during the interview, showing the interviewer that you’re actively listening and engaged.

5. Dress appropriately

For an interview at Ace Hardware, we recommend you dress in business casual attire. Men should wear a button-down shirt and a pair of chinos. Women could wear a blouse and a pair of dress pants. If you’re interviewing for a corporate position, consider stepping it up to business executive attire. It can be as easy as throwing a blazer over the top of your business casual outfit.

6. Send a thank-you note

If you’re serious about the job, it would be wise to send a thank-you note to the hiring manager after the interview. It can be as brief as a couple of sentences. Thank the hiring manager for their time and restate your interest in the job. You can also use this as an opportunity to clarify anything you think you may not have covered during the interview. A thank-you note could be the difference between two similar candidates. In fact, 59% of hiring managers said a thank-you note is just about mandatory.

Open positions at Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware hired more than 30,000 people in 2020, and they plan to continue expanding. Let’s take a look at some positions that Ace Hardware frequently hires for.

Cashier

A cashier at Ace Hardware is expected to be great with customers and know how to multitask. As a cashier, you could be having a conversation with a customer while scanning and bagging items at the same time. You should also be comfortable handling money. Find cashier jobs on Jobcase.

Sales/floor associate

As a sales associate, you need to be knowledgeable about everything Ace Hardware. You’re the person customers go to with questions, whether it’s where to find a certain item or what type of fertilizer is best. You should also be comfortable lifting heavy objects. Ace Hardware sells a variety of animal feed, which can weigh up to 80 pounds. Find sales associate jobs on Jobcase.

Assistant manager

An assistant manager has many responsibilities. If you’ve been working in retail for a while, this could be a good step up. An assistant manager is in charge of opening and closing the store following company procedures. They will also ensure the store is tidy and stocked and may even be in charge of inventory management. An assistant manager may also be responsible for training new employees, delegating work, and scheduling. Find assistant manager jobs on Jobcase.

Land your dream job at Ace Hardware

If Ace Hardware is where you want to work, you should brush up on your knowledge of home hardware and home improvement. Other than that, the tips we’ve shared throughout this article will help you fill out your application and ace your interview. For more job searching tips, feel free to visit our Getting Hired Resource Center.