Walgreens careers: a guide to getting hired
Walgreens is one of the largest pharmacy store chains in the US, with around 9,000 retail locations across the country. There's a Walgreens in every state, as well as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and D.C.
If you're seeking new opportunities, there is a range of jobs available at Walgreens. For example, there are in-store, pharmacy, warehouse, call center, and corporate roles.
Before you apply, get to know what the pharmacy chain is all about. The following article is a comprehensive careers guide with tips to help you get hired.
Read on because we're going to give you a rundown of the top job types, the average salary, and the most common Walgreens benefits.
Plus, we'll tell you how the background check works and share our tips for a stellar resume.
What is Walgreens?
Walgreens has been in business since 1901. It first launched in Illinois, and its headquarters are still there today.
The company is part of the Walgreens Boots Alliance, and it's a leading retail pharmacy chain. Walgreens employs more than 240,000 people, and in 2021, it filled 1.2 billion prescriptions in just 30 days.
The average store size is 13,000 square feet, and around 78% of people in the US have a Walgreens within five miles of their home. If they can't make it to a physical location, the company offers online shopping.
Walgreens shoppers can get access to healthcare products and services. For example, they can fill their prescriptions and book vaccine or flu shot appointments.
Walgreens retail stores sell everything from wellness products to school supplies. The extensive range includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, beverages, daily living aids, and diapers.
Customers can even get their photos processed.
Walgreens closest competitors include CVS Health and Rite Aid.
Why would you want to work at Walgreens?
Walgreens has a positive company culture. It's an equal opportunity employer, and the company is committed to having a diverse and fair workplace.
If you have long-term career goals, Walgreens will give you the support you need to succeed. For example, you may start as an associate and work toward a leadership position.
When you work here, you can get a good work-life balance. You can work full-time or part-time, and there are fully-remote roles available.
Walgreens gives back to the community, and the company has different initiatives to reduce energy use.
What are the top Walgreens jobs?
We have you covered if you'd like to work at Walgreens but are unsure what to apply for.
Let's take a look at some of the top positions that are available now.
1. Customer service associate
Walgreens customer service associates play an important role. These jobs are usually entry-level, with an hourly salary and shift work.
They're responsible for giving customers a positive shopping experience. They greet customers, answer questions, and share their product knowledge.
Customer services associates often work behind the cash register. They process credit card and cash payments and issue receipts.
These team members need excellent communication skills, positive attitudes, and basic math skills. If you want to work in this role, you should be a team player with good time management skills.
Customer service associates should be comfortable working long hours on their feet.
2. Pharmacy technician
Want to work in the pharmacy department? Apply for a role as a Walgreens pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy techs can start their job with an existing certification. Alternatively, you can apply for an apprenticeship position.
Pharmacists supervise these workers. Pharmacy technicians greet and serve customers and help dispense prescriptions.
Pharmacy technicians make sure the customer's details and insurance are up to date. They process payments and answer phone calls.
To work as a pharmacy technician, you'll need excellent communication skills. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a passion for healthcare are essential.
Basic maths skills, organization, and multi-tasking skills are also important.
3. Beauty consultant
There are jobs available in the Walgreens beauty department. Beauty consultants help customers with all their beauty and wellness needs.
They know about the latest skincare and makeup trends and offer personalized advice. It's a sales-based role, and beauty consultants will try to upsell different products. They host in-store events and work closely with the rest of the team.
To work as a beauty consultant, you'll need retail or sales experience. You should have good presentation and excellent communication skills. Time management, manual dexterity, and attention to detail will help you get a job.
A beauty school degree or certification will be an advantage.
4. Shift lead
If you have at least one year of leadership experience, you can apply for a job as a shift lead.
Shift leads can open the store and order new stock. They supervise associates and make sure the cash registers are working properly. If a cashier has an issue, they'll call the shift lead for help.
They work closely with managers to set up promotions and manage staff rosters.
Shift leads make sure prices are accurate and mark down products as necessary. They may do basic bookkeeping, including ledgers and cash counting.
Shift leads ensure the store is clean and tidy and ask for repairs and maintenance. If the store is busy, they may work in customer service.
Shift leads need excellent communication. They should be team players with problem-solving skills.
5. Inventory specialist
Inventory specialists are experts in managing stock. They make sure inventory is handled safely, and they train and monitor staff as they order, count, and receive goods.
Inventory specialists ensure that the shelves are restocked and that customers can find the items they're looking for. They oversee inventory in both the pharmacy and retail settings.
If any goods are damaged or missing, they'll file a report.
Sometimes inventory specialists have to help in other areas of the store. For example, they may perform cashier duties or fill in for shift leads.
To work as an inventory specialist, you'll need to be detail-oriented. Computer skills, communication skills, and math skills are essential.
If you have had a previous position at Walgreens, it'll be an advantage.
6. General warehouse person
Walgreens has a distribution team who works in a warehouse environment. A general warehouse person has a range of duties, including unloading merchandise and recording inventory.
They pick and scan orders for customers and prepare them for shipping.
These team members are confident using scanners and other technology. They keep the area tidy and maintained and handle every package with care.
To do this job, you should be comfortable working flexible shifts. The role can involve lifting and standing on your feet for more than ten hours.
General warehouse employees need to be team players. They should be organized with good time management and problem-solving skills.
7. Maintenance technician
If you have experience in maintenance, you can apply for a role as a Walgreens maintenance technician.
These team members work in distribution centers. They're responsible for preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
Maintenance techs use software to keep track of scheduled maintenance. They ensure all lifting equipment is safe and ready for use.
On their list of duties is changing light globes, plumbing, and wiring.
Maintenance technicians work in a team. They need excellent problem-solving skills, good communication, and manual dexterity.
An associate degree will be an advantage.
How much can you make at Walgreens?
Walgreens offers opportunities for career advancement and competitive salaries.
If you're in the US, the average salary for customer service associates and cashiers is $11.00 an hour.
Retail shift supervisors can make $14.00 an hour, and assistant store managers make an average of $18.00 per hour. Team leaders make $14.00 an hour, and beauty consultants get between $11.00 and $18.00 per hour.
Customer service representatives create a positive customer experience. Their average salary is $12.00 an hour.
Want to be part of the pharmacy team? The average salary for a pharmacy technician is $14.00 an hour. Senior pharmacy technician positions come with a wage between $15.00 and $24.00 an hour, and pharmacy operations managers make around $22.00 an hour.
Pharmacists require a college degree and experience. These healthcare workers make an average of $57.00 an hour. Some pharmacy positions come with a sign-on bonus.
What benefits do you get at Walgreens?
Those who work at Walgreen Co. get different employee benefits. The perks can vary depending on your employment type, the job title, and hours worked. Full-time employees get more benefits than part-time employees.
One benefit worth mentioning is health insurance. The package includes general medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. There's also disability and life insurance.
Employees can take advantage of a flexible spending account (FSA). Set aside some of your pre-tax income, and if you are hit with an unexpected medical expense, the money will be there waiting.
You can save for your retirement with the Walgreens 401(k) with a company match. You may be eligible for paid parental leave and PTO (paid time off).
Want a long-term career in healthcare? Walgreens offers in-house employee training, career opportunities, and a tuition reimbursement program. A pharmacist career could be in your future.
If you get hired, you'll get a generous employee discount. For Walgreens-branded products, you can save 25%. For the rest of the range, there's a 15% discount.
These are just some of the benefits you can get at Walgreens. You can read more about the perks and the minimum requirements to obtain them in our comprehensive Walgreens benefits guide.
What is the Walgreens application process?
If you want to work for Walgreens, the first step is to decide what type of job to apply for. You can see what's available by searching for Walgreens vacancies on our job board. Alternatively, you can head to the careers section on the company's website.
When you see something you like, hit apply. You'll need to create a free account and agree to the terms and conditions. Make sure you use your real name and a valid email address, as Walgreens will use these details to contact you.
There is a range of positions available, and some require experience while others are entry-level. For most jobs, you'll need to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
The online application is a step-by-step process. You'll be able to upload your resume and cover letter, so we recommend preparing these in advance. You can create a free, professional resume using our resume builder. Plus, you can use these cover letter templates.
If you get through the online application, you'll be invited to an interview. Some applicants have two interviews, followed by a skills test.
Read our Walgreens application guide to learn more about the process.
Does Walgreens do a background check?
If you pass the Walgreens interview, you'll be given a provisional offer of employment. Before you can start work, you'll need to pass a background check.
The background check will look at your criminal record. Any misdemeanors or felonies will show up, and it usually goes back between seven and ten years.
Walgreens will also use the background check to verify your details. They'll make sure any previous work experience and education are correct. This is why it's so important to be honest on your job application.
If the position requires driving, your background screening may include a driving history check.
Walgreens uses a third-party company for the background check. You'll need to give them permission before they can start the process.
Having an issue on your background check isn't always a deal breaker. You can explain your individual circumstances during the job interview.
Read our Walgreens background check guide for more information.
Does Walgreens do a drug test?
Yes. Before you can start work at Walgreens, you'll need to pass a drug test. The most common type of screening is a urine test. You can expect this step after you pass the job interview.
Any non-prescription drugs and alcohol in your system will be flagged. If you do test positive, you'll probably miss out on the job.
It's a drug and alcohol-free work environment. Walgreens does random drug tests on its team members throughout their employment.
If you're taking any medication that may be considered a controlled substance, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Tips for your Walgreens resume
During the application process, you can upload a resume. This is your chance to stand out and show the hiring manager why they should choose you for the job.
You should customize your resume to the position. For example, if it's a Walgreens customer service role, highlight your customer service skills and experience. Or, if you want to work in the pharmacy, share any health experience or certifications.
List your work experience, starting with your most recent position. Read the job description to help you decide which skills to focus on.
Your resume should fit neatly on one to two pages. It may be put through an ATS (application tracking system), so make sure it's technology-friendly. This means you should avoid borders, images, and colors. Save it as a PDF, as this will be easy to upload.
Before you submit your resume, read through it carefully. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes and that your details are up to date.
What are the most common Walgreens interview questions?
Once you've completed the Walgreens online application process, you may be invited to an interview.
Make sure you arrive early and practice your interview questions ahead of time. To help you prepare, take a look at these common Walgreens interview questions.
Why do you want to work at Walgreens?
Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.
What do you know about Walgreens?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why should we hire you for this position?
Do you have any retail or sales experience?
Share an example of when you worked as part of a team.
What is your biggest strength?
What is your biggest weakness?
What is your availability?
Do you have any questions?
Want more? Read our common interview questions and answer guide. Not sure what to wear? Check out these interview outfit tips.
Where to apply for a Walgreens job
Now that you know about Walgreens, it's time to start your job search. You can look for Walgreens positions on our job board and sign up for job alerts.
If you prefer, you can go straight to the Walgreens careers page on the company's website.
Remember, you'll need to create a free account and have your resume and cover letter ready to go.
Your guide to Walgreens careers
Walgreens is a popular pharmacy retail chain. The company has an inclusive work environment and a range of job opportunities.
Some of the most popular positions at Walgreens include customer service associates, pharmacy technicians, beauty consultants, shift leads, and inventory specialists.
If you’re interested in a warehouse role, you may prefer a general warehouse or maintenance technician job.
By now, you know about the application process and the types of benefits you can expect. Plus, you’re familiar with how the Walgreens background check works. All that’s left to do now is apply.
Are you ready to find a new position? Visit our job board to see who is hiring. Before you leave, head to our resource center for interview and resume tips.