Brand spotlight

Does Walmart Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Many Walmart stores hire 16-year-olds as cart attendants, front-end hosts, and service associates. Because Walmart operates at large scale, managers prioritize teens who can handle fast-paced environments, communicate clearly with diverse customers, and stay calm when the store gets busy. Showing up with an organized resume, availability grid, and a positive attitude helps you stand out among applicants of all ages.

Before applying, familiarize yourself with Walmart's service standards: warm greetings, accurate transactions, and proactive problem solving. Think about times you demonstrated similar behaviors at school, in clubs, or during community service. Mention experience with technology, including handheld scanners, tablets, or mobile checkout, since Walmart relies heavily on digital tools. Highlight your reliability by explaining how you manage homework, extracurriculars, and transportation.

Walmart interviews often include scenario-based questions about assisting customers, resolving issues, or completing tasks without constant supervision. Practice stories that show you adapt quickly, ask for help when needed, and keep a positive tone even under pressure. Bring a clear availability plan that covers evenings, weekends, and holiday periods. Stores expect flexibility during peak shopping seasons, so outline how you plan to balance exams with Black Friday or back-to-school weeks.

After the interview, send a thank-you message and follow up with the People Lead or hiring manager if you do not hear back within a week. Walmart hires continuously, so persistence matters. Teens who communicate professionally, keep their job kit updated, and follow instructions carefully frequently receive offers.

Apply online

Visit careers.walmart.com and create a candidate profile. Search for roles such as Front End Associate, Cart Attendant, or Online Grocery Pickup within driving distance. Confirm the posting allows applicants aged 16.
Prepare your resume, reference list, and a short cover message that highlights customer service strengths, teamwork, and schedule flexibility. Upload documents as PDFs to maintain formatting.
Complete the application thoroughly. Provide detailed examples in the situational assessment, answer scheduling questions honestly, and note any relevant certifications like food safety or first aid.
Check your candidate dashboard daily. If the status remains unchanged after four days, call the store and ask for the People Lead. Politely confirm receipt of your application and ask about interview scheduling.

Walk-in application tips

Visit during mid-morning or early afternoon when front-end traffic slows. Wear business-casual attire, bring your resume folder, and stop by the customer service desk to request the hiring manager.
Introduce yourself confidently, mention your online application, and offer a quick overview of your availability and customer service experience. Smile, maintain eye contact, and share why you enjoy helping shoppers.
Ask about training timelines, cross-training opportunities, and expectations for teen associates. Take notes so you can tailor your follow-up emails and show that you listened closely.
Leave your resume folder with the manager and request the best way to follow up. Send a thank-you email or make a courtesy call within 48 hours to stay top of mind.

Resume bullets you can copy

Resume bullet 1

Provides calm, friendly assistance to customers during school fundraisers; handles cash boxes with accuracy and transparency.

Resume bullet 2

Keeps shared workspaces tidy and organized; follows checklists to restock supplies and reset stations after each event.

Resume bullet 3

Balances school, sports, and volunteering; communicates conflicts early and arranges coverage when necessary.

Resume bullet 4

Comfortable using tablets, barcode scanners, and store apps; learns new systems quickly by taking notes and practicing.

Finish your packet

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

Open resume builder Plan availability

Frequently asked questions

Are all Walmart roles open to 16-year-olds?Show

Entry-level front-end, cart attendant, and pickup roles often accept 16-year-olds, but departments like pharmacy, automotive, or equipment-heavy areas may require applicants to be 18. Read each job description carefully.

What should I expect from the Walmart assessment?Show

The online assessment presents customer scenarios and asks how you would respond. Choose answers that show empathy, clear communication, and respect for store policies. Review Walmart's Sundown Rule, which encourages responding to every request by the end of the day.

How can I show I am dependable?Show

Bring a precise availability grid, share examples of arriving early for commitments, and explain how you coordinate transportation. Mention any awards for attendance or leadership that prove you follow through on promises.

What training will I receive?Show

Walmart provides onboarding modules, safety videos, and hands-on shadowing. Expect to learn register operations, customer engagement, and how to escalate issues. Take notes, ask questions, and review materials after each shift.

How should I follow up after an interview?Show

Send a thank-you message referencing a specific conversation point. If you do not hear back within a week, call or visit the store to check on your status. Stay polite and enthusiastic each time you follow up.