Brand spotlight

Does CVS Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Most CVS retail stores hire 16-year-olds for front store associate roles. Teen team members keep shelves organized, assist customers, and support pharmacy staff with non-clinical tasks. CVS emphasizes accuracy and patient confidentiality, so managers look for applicants who are responsible, communicative, and committed to following procedures. Bringing your resume, availability grid, and a polished appearance helps the hiring manager picture you in uniform.

Before applying, explore CVS's focus on community health, accessibility, and safe medication practices. Think about times you helped family members manage medications, supported school health drives, or organized supplies for an event. Highlight attention to detail, empathy for customers, and comfort using point-of-sale technology. CVS appreciates teens who ask clarifying questions and escalate health-related concerns to licensed staff.

Expect interviews to include questions about customer service, multitasking, and reliability. Practice explaining how you assisted someone with a complex request, stayed calm when technology malfunctioned, or handled confidential information responsibly. Bring a thorough availability grid with coverage for evenings and weekends, especially during flu season or holiday rushes. Mention your plan for transportation and how you balance school deadlines with shift commitments.

After interviewing, send a thank-you message referencing the store's community role and your interest in supporting pharmacy customers. Follow up within a few days if you have not heard back. CVS regularly hires teens who demonstrate professionalism, respect for patient privacy, and enthusiasm for helping customers stay healthy.

Apply online

Create a CVS Jobs account and search for Retail Store Associate roles within your ZIP code. Confirm that the posting lists 16 as the minimum age and check whether the position is part-time.
Prepare your resume, references, and a short cover message highlighting customer service strengths, attention to detail, and schedule flexibility. Save documents as PDFs.
Complete the online application, including the situational judgment questions about customer service and compliance. Provide honest availability and describe how you balance school work with part-time hours.
Monitor your candidate dashboard for updates. If you do not receive a response within three business days, call the store and ask for the store manager or shift supervisor to confirm receipt.

Walk-in application tips

Visit during late morning or early afternoon when the pharmacy line is shorter. Wear business-casual clothing, bring your resume folder, and ask to speak with the store manager.
Introduce yourself, mention your online application, and explain how you enjoy helping customers find products quickly. Share an example of paying attention to detail or supporting classmates with health-related events.
Offer your availability grid and discuss your readiness to restock shelves, assist cashiers, and follow privacy policies. Ask about training timelines and how teen associates support the pharmacy team.
Thank the manager for their time, leave your resume, and confirm the best method for follow-up. Send a thank-you email the same day to remain top of mind.

Resume bullets you can copy

Resume bullet 1

Assists school health fairs by organizing check-in stations, restocking supplies, and guiding families to resources.

Resume bullet 2

Operates point-of-sale systems during fundraisers; counts cash accurately and resolves small issues with a positive tone.

Resume bullet 3

Keeps shared spaces organized, labels storage bins, and tracks expiration dates for classroom supplies.

Resume bullet 4

Communicates schedule updates promptly; coordinates with parents for transportation and arrives early for every shift.

Finish your packet

Pair these bullets with a polished resume and an availability grid. Managers at CVS hire faster when teens walk in prepared.

Open resume builder Plan availability

Frequently asked questions

Do all CVS stores hire at 16?Show

Most retail locations hire 16-year-olds for front store roles. Certain states or municipalities may require applicants to be 17 or 18 for pharmacy-adjacent tasks, so confirm age requirements in the job posting.

What should I expect from onboarding?Show

Onboarding includes safety training, customer service modules, and privacy guidelines. Pay close attention to HIPAA basics even if you are not handling prescriptions directly.

How do I show I am trustworthy around health information?Show

Discuss times you handled sensitive information responsibly, such as helping a family member manage medications or assisting with school health records. Emphasize that you follow instructions precisely and respect privacy.

What if a customer asks a pharmacy question I cannot answer?Show

Stay calm, thank them for the question, and immediately connect them with the pharmacist or pharmacy technician. CVS values team members who escalate health questions instead of guessing.

Can I request cross-training once I gain experience?Show

Yes. After demonstrating reliability in front store tasks, ask your manager about cross-training opportunities. Many teens eventually support curbside pickup, photo, or seasonal departments.