Walmart department managers are the backbone of the company. They are responsible for ensuring that their department runs smoothly and that all the products are stocked and priced correctly. They also work with the assistant manager and store manager to create and execute store-level plans.
If you’re looking for a job at Walmart, you’ll need to go through a department manager job interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked a range of questions about your experience, your knowledge of Walmart policies, and your ability to lead a team.
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of the most common Walmart department manager interview questions and answers.
WALMART Interview Questions & Answers 2020! (Walmart Interview Process, Tips and ANSWERS!)
Interviews for Top Jobs at Walmart
Area Manager Interview
I interviewed at Walmart (Rockville, MD)
Interview
Phone and video. With Basic questions that are in most interviews. Felt comfortable and was informal. Dress was definitely casual. No suite req, actually not recommended in my opinion person conducting interview , HR manager was in sweat pants.
- Asked about previous experience and skills
Area Manager Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Walmart
Interview
Asked behavioral questions mostly. They use the STAR method type questions. If you have background in managing people it shouldn’t be very difficult. Try to come prepared with different situational questions and you should be ok.
- Name a time you improved a process? What happened?
Area Manager Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Walmart
Interview
Recruiter did a phone screening interview and then scheduled a teleconference with two assistant general managers. The interview with them lasted about 30-45 mins. I got a response within 48 hours.
- Describe a time you had to deal with a colleague you disagreed with. Describe a time you had to implement a change, what hurdles did you face and how did you deal with them.
Popular Careers with Walmart Job Seekers
Example: “I’ve used several different inventory management systems in my previous roles, but I find that the one I use most often is ABC Inventory Manager because it allows me to track all aspects of inventory from sales reports to product returns. It also has an easy-to-use interface that makes entering data simple.”
Example: “I believe communication is one of the most important skills when it comes to being an effective leader. I always make sure my team knows what they are doing each day so they feel confident in their roles. When communicating with customers, I try to be as friendly as possible while still remaining professional. I find that by making eye contact and smiling, I am able to put customers at ease.”
Example: “I recently took an online course in negotiation strategies for conflict resolution. I find that many of my employees have questions about their paychecks or other HR-related issues, so I wanted to learn more about how to resolve these conflicts professionally. The course helped me understand what information is available to my employees and how to use it to my advantage when negotiating.”
As a department manager, you may need to resolve conflicts between your employees. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills needed to help your team work together and get along. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation and what steps you would take to ensure that your employees can continue working together.
Example: “I believe that communication is one of the most important skills for a department manager. I am always sure to communicate with my team members about any changes or updates to our schedule so everyone knows what to expect. Another skill that’s essential for this position is time management. As a department manager, I need to ensure that I’m able to manage all aspects of my workday while also meeting deadlines and expectations.”
Why do you want to work as a store lead/store manager/specialty manager here at Walmart?
I suggest you to relate to several areas at this point. First one is your experience, and what makes you a good candidate for the job (in your own eyes). Perhaps you managed similar operation before (achieving X and Y), or you are an expert in a given product category you should manage, or you had the same job with one of Walmart’s competitors, or you simply believe that with everything you’ve done in your career up to this point, the job is an excellent match for you, at this stage of your career.
Second area to focus on is Walmart, their operation, what they try to achieve, and how it resonates with you. Let me explain. As a manager (or “wanna be manager”) you have thousands of possible workplaces. So why did you pick Walmart? That’s what they wonder about. Luckily Walmart is a major player, which makes it easier for you to come up with something meaningful. You can say that you always wanted to work for the biggest retailer in the world, that you admire the success and the story of the owner, that their core values (service to the customer, respect for an individual, etc) resonate with you. Of course you can come up also with a more unique, personal reason. But that’s up to you to decide.
Last but not least, we all go to work to earn money, and you should also say what you expect from the job. Good salary and benefits is one thing, but you should also talk about personal growth, interesting challenges (that motivate you), and anything else that managerial career with Walmart can bring into your life. Once you connect these three areas together in one answer, you will make the best possible impression right from the get-go.
FAQ
What are questions asked in Walmart manager interview?
How do I pass my Walmart interview?
- Know the role. Understand the role you’ll be interviewing for. …
- Do your research. …
- Visit a store. …
- Understand the interview structure. …
- Prepare questions. …
- Dress for success.
How difficult are Walmart interviews?
How many rounds are there in Walmart interview?
