Brand spotlight

Does Kroger Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Kroger and many of its banner stores hire 16-year-olds for courtesy clerk, bagger, and online pickup roles. Grocery teams depend on teens who are friendly, detail-oriented, and ready to help shoppers quickly. Showing up with a tailored resume, availability grid, and commitment to safety helps hiring managers trust that you can operate in a busy store with minimal supervision.

Before applying, review Kroger's emphasis on fresh food, community involvement, and safe workplaces. Think about times you kept shared spaces clean, followed checklists, or helped neighbors carry groceries. Grocery leaders value teens who double-check expiration dates, verify prices, and stay alert on the sales floor. Mention any customer service experience, from school events to volunteer programs, that shows you can greet guests warmly and solve small problems on the spot.

Expect interviews to cover teamwork, communication, and punctuality. Practice explaining how you stay organized, respond when lineups grow, and support coworkers during restocking. Bring a robust availability grid that identifies when you can work, especially evenings and weekends. Stores often need extra coverage before holidays, so highlight how you plan to handle exam weeks while still supporting peak shopping days.

After the interview, send a thank-you message that references the department you hope to join and your excitement to help shoppers. If you do not hear back within a few days, check in with the hiring coordinator or store manager. Consistent follow-up, a polished teen job kit, and a helpful attitude often lead to quick job offers.

Apply online

Create a Kroger Careers account and search for courtesy clerk, bagger, or e-commerce roles. Filter for stores within a comfortable commute and confirm that the listing accepts applicants aged 16.
Prepare your resume, reference list, and a brief cover message describing your customer service strengths, attention to detail, and schedule flexibility. Save the documents as PDFs.
Complete the application, including the assessment that evaluates service mindset and integrity. Provide honest availability information and note any relevant certifications, such as food safety training.
Monitor the candidate portal for updates. If you do not receive a response within three business days, call the store and ask for the hiring coordinator to confirm receipt of your application.

Walk-in application tips

Visit during mid-afternoon when grocery traffic slows. Wear business-casual clothing, bring your resume folder, and ask the customer service desk for the hiring manager.
Introduce yourself, mention your online application, and explain how you enjoy helping neighbors. Share a quick story about keeping a space organized or assisting a community event.
Ask about cross-training opportunities, union membership details if applicable, and how the store schedules teen associates. Take notes so you can personalize your follow-up message.
Leave your resume with the manager, thank them for their time, and confirm the best time to check back. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to reinforce your interest.

Resume bullets you can copy

Resume bullet 1

Assists community pantry events by sorting donations, rotating stock, and greeting families with a welcoming attitude.

Resume bullet 2

Balances schoolwork with extracurriculars; communicates schedule changes early and swaps shifts responsibly.

Resume bullet 3

Keeps shared spaces tidy and follows safety guidelines, including careful handling of carts and cleaning supplies.

Resume bullet 4

Comfortable using tablets or handheld devices to track orders; learns new apps quickly by practicing tutorials.

Finish your packet

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

Open resume builder Plan availability

Frequently asked questions

Do all Kroger stores hire at 16?Show

Most Kroger-operated stores hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles, but certain departments may require applicants to be 18. Review each listing or ask the store for age requirements before applying.

What should I expect during the assessment?Show

The assessment presents customer service scenarios and integrity-focused questions. Choose answers that demonstrate honesty, teamwork, and a focus on shopper satisfaction.

How can I prepare for bagging and courtesy tasks?Show

Practice packing groceries at home, learn how to separate fragile items, and memorize standard bagging patterns. Mention during interviews that you are ready to learn store-specific routines.

Do Kroger stores offer flexible schedules for students?Show

Yes. Managers work with teens to balance school and extracurriculars, but they expect clear communication and early notice for conflicts. Bring a detailed availability grid to demonstrate responsibility.

How should I follow up after applying?Show

Stop by the store or call the customer service desk within a few days. Introduce yourself, mention the role, and ask about next steps. Friendly persistence shows you are serious about the job.