Sorry if this is slightly off topic, but it does fall under communication issues- I haven't worked anywhere since 2000 for a variety of reasons. I mostly gave up since no one would hire me after I was arrested for shoplifting in 2000, and then I got my first and last DUI in 2011.

I completed my community service and alcohol classes of course. I have not had any problems since then with the law. Since we need the money more than ever due to bills stuff like that, I have to get a job. I have no college degree although I did attend community college for 2-3 years. I have worked at a lot of places in the past, but either quit or got fired after a year or less.

Anyways, one place that I applied to did call me back for an interview on Tuesday. I'm very nervous since I'm not sure how to answer certain questions that well, and it's been a long time since I've been to an interview.

Also, I'm even more nervous since I lied about working for my husbands company as well as "working" for a retail store that went out of business years ago. I had to make myself look like I had some experience.

I figure that I might get away with it like I have in the past as long as they don't do a through background check. What do they find out in the background check? Do they call any references? I only used my husband and one friend.

I will also be interviewed by three people, maybe even in a group setting. For a retail position, what would be the best answers to the following questions:

Tell me about yourself.

How did you deal with a difficult customer in the past?

Why should we hire you?

What is your greatest weakness?

What are you greatest strengths?

Why do you want to leave your current job? For this, I think that I'll just admit that my husbands company is far away, so the commute is a problem. It's an hour away from home. I'll also claim that the business can be slow during certain seasons, and I need a more consistent source of income.

I'm sure that some of you can offer better answers than that.

The place is for Walmart. Has anyone worked there before, or known anyone who did? If so, please let me know what they ask and what the hiring process is like and what it was like working there. I wasn't told what position the job is for, but I applied for a retail associate position as well as a few other positions like overnight stocker and cashier.

How long do they train you for there? Or for most cashier positions at a grocery store?

I know that I can look up stuff on the Internet, but I'd like more detailed answers that would work best for a job in customer service/retail. I'm very nervous! And they do a urine test too.

I take valium which is considered to be a controlled substance. Will that ban me from employment? Will they not hire me once they find out about my past misdemeanors? I hope not.

I'd appreciate any good advice and tips!

Oh, as for the question, what is my greatest weakness, I was thinking of saying, Although my computer skills aren't the best there are, I do have a basic understanding of how computers and Microsoft work.

I have also been able to teach myself how to burn music to my p.c, and I have also taught myself and some of my friends some basic technical stuff such as how to text, copy and paste, and more. How does that sound?

I doubt that the people there would really care about me not being able to use a computer that well as it's just a cashier job, lol. How does that sound?

As for my strengths, that I have a lot of experience in the field of retail and customer service work, and that I have excellent communication skills, that I'm well organized and detailed oriented, and am able to follow directions well, etc....

[Crazy Hitch]

I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for your interview

No matter what - give it your best shot!

You may have to consider that you would need to go for a few interviews before securing a job to get into the "groove" of interviews. But hey - maybe you'll be lucky and they'll have something to offer you

Calling referees would be a standard starting point if you're shortlisted from the interview.

As for the retail store that went out of business, slim chance they'd find out either way if you worked there. I'm sure you're not the first person to fabricate on your resume because you're desperate for a job.

Just have a very clear idea what you would discuss with regards to what you did for your husband's company.

In terms of taking prescribed valium, they certainly don't need to know that - ever.

As for your past misdemeanours, I'm not sure what they are and I can't state anything from a legal perspective because I just don't know. But you're surely not the only person to seek employment after past offences.

Tell me about yourself.

Looking for changes in my career ... my husband's business is doing well ... I love what I do at his company but I'm missing being in the retail industry because I really enjoyed it .... Enjoy meeting and interacting with new people ...[I wouldn't really be making yourself out as desperate and needing to pay the bills hence rushing back into the work force]

How did you deal with a difficult customer in the past?

Listen to what the customer has to say ... Being aware of what the company's policies are with regards to redress and complaints so that problems are dealt with efficiently and effectively in a manner that makes all parties happy ... Being consistent ... Courteous ....

Why should we hire you?

I thrive in a working environment where I get to interact with others ... Enjoy customer service and seeing customers happy ... I pay attention to detail ...

What is your greatest weakness?

I like to please people .... This means that if somebody asks me to do something, I'll jump at the opportunity to help others out ... Even if it is not my responsibility to do so ...

What are you greatest strengths?

I am ambitious, hardworking and motivated towards getting something that I set out to achieve.

Originally Posted by Crazy Hitch

I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for your interview

No matter what - give it your best shot!

You may have to consider that you would need to go for a few interviews before securing a job to get into the "groove" of interviews. But hey - maybe you'll be lucky and they'll have something to offer you

Calling referees would be a standard starting point if you're shortlisted from the interview.

As for the retail store that went out of business, slim chance they'd find out either way if you worked there. I'm sure you're not the first person to fabricate on your resume because you're desperate for a job.

Just have a very clear idea what you would discuss with regards to what you did for your husband's company.

In terms of taking prescribed valium, they certainly don't need to know that - ever.

As for your past misdemeanours, I'm not sure what they are and I can't state anything from a legal perspective because I just don't know. But you're surely not the only person to seek employment after past offences.

Tell me about yourself.

Looking for changes in my career ... my husband's business is doing well ... I love what I do at his company but I'm missing being in the retail industry because I really enjoyed it .... Enjoy meeting and interacting with new people ...[I wouldn't really be making yourself out as desperate and needing to pay the bills hence rushing back into the work force]

How did you deal with a difficult customer in the past?

Listen to what the customer has to say ... Being aware of what the company's policies are with regards to redress and complaints so that problems are dealt with efficiently and effectively in a manner that makes all parties happy ... Being consistent ... Courteous ....

Why should we hire you?

I thrive in a working environment where I get to interact with others ... Enjoy customer service and seeing customers happy ... I pay attention to detail ...

What is your greatest weakness?

I like to please people .... This means that if somebody asks me to do something, I'll jump at the opportunity to help others out ... Even if it is not my responsibility to do so ...

What are you greatest strengths?

I am ambitious, hardworking and motivated towards getting something that I set out to achieve.

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Thanks for your reply! I like your answers, they're good! I'll use most of them probably! I did mention that I have one shoplifting incident back in 2000. It wasn't for much, but omg, we sure paid a steep price for that mistake! Never again!

And then there was the DUI in 20011. I heard that if given the opportunity to hire two qualified candidates on paper, they'll always hire the person with the clean record. Ugh! I hope that they won't care about that. I just made a couple of stupid mistakes. I did my time, not in jail, but community service and attending classes.

I really hope that they don't really go to deep into my history and hopefully all they're looking for are felonies and if my drug test comes up clean or not. I would NEVER ever tell anyone that I take valium unless they needed to know about it!

It WILL show up in a urine test though, so would that be an issue or not? I'm in Ca. and from what I found on here, they only look at the last 7 or 10 years on someones record.

IF I get hired, I'll have to switch pharmacies as that's where I get my current prescription. God, I hope that the pharmacists don't ever tell anyone there about how they recognize me and that I'm on paxil and valium. I hope that the manager doesn't have access to those records for if they do, they might notice that I get my refills there.

[Crazy Hitch]

Originally Posted by Shy Introvert

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Thanks for your reply! I like your answers, they're good! I'll use most of them probably! I did mention that I have one shoplifting incident back in 2000. It wasn't for much, but omg, we sure paid a steep price for that mistake! Never again!

And then there was the DUI in 20011. I heard that if given the opportunity to hire two qualified candidates on paper, they'll always hire the person with the clean record. Ugh! I hope that they won't care about that. I just made a couple of stupid mistakes. I did my time, not in jail, but community service and attending classes.

I really hope that they don't really go to deep into my history and hopefully all they're looking for are felonies and if my drug test comes up clean or not. I would NEVER ever tell anyone that I take valium unless they needed to know about it!

It WILL show up in a urine test though, so would that be an issue or not? I'm in Ca. and from what I found on here, they only look at the last 7 or 10 years on someones record.

IF I get hired, I'll have to switch pharmacies as that's where I get my current prescription. God, I hope that the pharmacists don't ever tell anyone there about how they recognize me and that I'm on paxil and valium. I hope that the manager doesn't have access to those records for if they do, they might notice that I get my refills there.

Your managers definitely don't have access to your pharmaceutical scripts.

That's good to know! I think it's best to still switch pharmacies if I were to get hired there. That'd be way to awkward to face the pharmacists there and end up getting caught waiting for a prescription by other employees and managers. So I'll have to drive to the next nearest store to get a refill then.

[Moogieotter]

I worked at Walmart off and on for about seven years in the 90s including some hiring. They have a questionnaire that assesses your risk for internal theft and substance abuse issues. Just approach that questionnaire with your rose-colored glasses of innocence on and you'll be a OK. Just understand that removal of any item work supplies or otherwise is considered a big deal. They have some questions to weed out your opinion of illegal drugs just play it very innocent.

They used to also drug test I don't know if they do this anymore. The basics are mainly what they're after. It's all about availability punctuality and attendance. This might also tie in to reliability of transportation questions. If they get the sense that you will show up every day on time whenever they need you with a smile on your face and a good attitude you're going to be a ok.

Walmart is certainly not the most glamorous place to work but you can get steady regular income including health insurance as long as you have the right attitude and it's a profitable store. There is management potential but that's years away years of proven performance and you can move up some. Good luck!

moogs

[divine1966]

Crazy hitch got some good ideas.

Any time I worked for retail ( and I do now part time to supplement my income especially during summer) they ask nothing, they hire on a spot, they just want to know your availability. They do like if you have experience but that's not required. They don't care if you use a computer or not.

Never was asked for drug test or finger prints. As about references for my teaching job of course they did background check and tests and they called my references. In retail no one cared about my references.

Also I personally prefer to be honest because I just can't lie that well lol when they asked me why are you seeking part time job in retail I told them my day job took a huge pay cut and I am just not making enough and need more money.

At my store most people work elsewhere full time and work part time in retail. They clearly aren't doing it for fun, but for the money

I wish you luck. It's awesome that you are applying and going to interviews!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Moogieotter

I worked at Walmart off and on for about seven years in the 90s including some hiring. They have a questionnaire that assesses your risk for internal theft and substance abuse issues. Just approach that questionnaire with your rose-colored glasses of innocence on and you'll be a OK. Just understand that removal of any item work supplies or otherwise is considered a big deal. They have some questions to weed out your opinion of illegal drugs just play it very innocent.

They used to also drug test I don't know if they do this anymore. The basics are mainly what they're after. It's all about availability punctuality and attendance. This might also tie in to reliability of transportation questions. If they get the sense that you will show up every day on time whenever they need you with a smile on your face and a good attitude you're going to be a ok.

Walmart is certainly not the most glamorous place to work but you can get steady regular income including health insurance as long as you have the right attitude and it's a profitable store. There is management potential but that's years away years of proven performance and you can move up some. Good luck!

moogs

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Thanks for the great tips! I did hear about that from doing research on here from past applicants and employees. Good thing that I did! That helped me pass the online test- They want either black or white answers, so I'm guessing that the test you mentioned works the same way-

I'll be anti-drug for sure, ha ha. Not that I do anything anyways, lol. Oh, and I did see a youtube video of how they make a big deal out of stuff being taken out of the store, even by accident. If I'm not sure about something, I'll definitely ask if this or that is OK or not, etc....

It also helps that I put down that I'm "available" any day, and at any time. I would prefer to NOT work mornings, but beggars can't be choosers, ugh! I just hope that I will not be expected to work every single weekend, especially on Sunday when my husband is off work. Saturdays are OK as he works then.

I just hope that they don't ask me any difficult questions or worse, make me do a group interview and expect us to interview each other, or play their interview game of picking up cards. I hate surprises like that. I don't do improv well, lol.

As for my weakness, I really not the best liar, so the I enjoy working with people won't be that believable. I'm personable enough I think. So I think that this answer will be good enough as it doesn't really have much to do with the job (I'm so clever at times, lol).....

I wish that I was more technical. I don't know how to operate certain programs such as Excel that well, but I do have a basic understanding of how to use M.S word.

I have also been able to teach myself how to upload music to my laptop and tablet easily by searching information on the internet and by watching youtube videos. I've also been able to teach some of my friends how to text and perform basic computer stuff, so I am able to learn new things fairly easily.

How does that sound?

The tell me about yourself will start with how I live nearby and that I studied business and marketing in community college, and that I have extensive experience in the field of customer service and retail (which is true, just not about the companies I worked for, lol)....

As you can see from my resume, I've worked for a major retail store for a long time, so I'm used to dealing with lots of different types of people, and I'm flexible and familiar of what's expected of me in a retail environment. I'm a team player, but I can also work well on my own independently.

If I can change these answers to sound better, than please let me know before tomorrow if you can.

I'll also be sure to bring copies of my resume and cover letter in case neither can be found. I'll also be sure to close the interview by asking them when I can expect to hear back from them. And I'll express interest in the job and tell them that I'd make a good employee since I have the right experience an skills to do the job, lol.

Then I'll ask for a business card and follow up with a thank you letter. I just hope that I'll be able to b.s my way better than I think I'll can tomorrow, lol.

If I DO get the job, then I'll know better this time then to keep to myself. I'll be friendly to everyone, especially the boss even if I don't really like them. I'll always be nice to them unless they really cross a line. If that ever happens, I'll be as respectful as I can.

I heard that people who don't socialize a little with their coworkers are often let go of unless they have a special talent that's not easy to replace, ugh! Looking back, I did tend to last the longest at places to where I got along OK with most of the people there even though my main boss was a jerk.

Oh, I have no interest in management either as I can't handle stress that well. If I get this job, that's stressful enough for me!

Originally Posted by divine1966

Crazy hitch got some good ideas.

Any time I worked for retail ( and I do now part time to supplement my income especially during summer) they ask nothing, they hire on a spot, they just want to know your availability. They do like if you have experience but that's not required. They don't care if you use a computer or not.

Never was asked for drug test or finger prints. As about references for my teaching job of course they did background check and tests and they called my references. In retail no one cared about my references.

Also I personally prefer to be honest because I just can't lie that well lol when they asked me why are you seeking part time job in retail I told them my day job took a huge pay cut and I am just not making enough and need more money.

At my store most people work elsewhere full time and work part time in retail. They clearly aren't doing it for fun, but for the money

I wish you luck. It's awesome that you are applying and going to interviews!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Well, I hope that you're right about what you said. According to what I read on here after extensive research, it does sound like the interview process is a real pain and difficult as well. I hope that won't be the case.

I especially hate group interviews and stupid stuff like games. I will be honest and relatable by telling them that I need a second source of income since the cost of living is high in our area. Anyone who lives around here knows that. Of course, I'll also mention that I want to work there before that because I think it'll be a good company to work for as it's been around for awhile, and I personally like shopping at Walmart, etc....

[Moogieotter]

Good Luck! You've got this - just be relaxed, friendly, and relate-able!

We're rooting for you!

moogs

[TishaBuv]

They can never check about the store that went out of business. Don't worry about that.

I would say in my interview that I take a prescription medication, but I would not discuss with them which med. They don't have a right to know that.

Just say that you are a friendly, welcoming, hard-working, honest, people-person who gets satisfaction out of pleasing their bosses and the customers. You get along great with co-workers. You love being a part of the Wal-Mart family.

Just be yourself. You'll be great!

[divine1966]

It's a good idea to be polite and nice. But don't feel forced to socialize with people you work with . You cannot let go because you don't socialize at work. It's not a requirement. But sure be nice. Good luck tomorrow

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Moogieotter]

How did it go?

Hi everyone, I got hired on the spot!!!! Yay! They barely asked me any question! They didn't care about the DUI. I would've come back here sooner, but the last few days have been super busy! I worked until late in the evening.

And tomorrow I'll have to be there super early, ugh! I'm supposed to work overnight stock. I like that as I won't be around people as much. It's easy work and it I like it except for when I have to bend down to stock stuff on the low shelfs. It hurts my knees.

The people there are nice too. None of the customers have been difficult so far. They gave me my B-day and the next day off, thank god! Thanks for all of your tips!

[Crazy Hitch]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations

So happy for you!

[Moogieotter]

Woot! Congratz!

Wow! Well done Shy!

[divine1966]

Wonderful news!!!! Keep it up. Wear comfy shoes as it will help with knees. So happy for you!!!!!

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[TishaBuv]

Congratulations! No matter what, stay positive and keep this job for at least 6 months so you now have a better resume if you want to change jobs. It's good to work for a major company like Wal Mart.

Thanks everyone!!!! The interview was super easy, they barely asked me anything! The work is easy but physically demanding. Everyone that I've met so far is nice. The customers are nice too. I only had an issue with one impatient lady.

I'll be working nights soon doing overnight stock. That's great as I won't be working around to many people. That works for me since I have more energy at night. Also, it's a great job for a shy and socially anxious person!

I have said hi to everyone. They hired a lot of new people since they need people pretty badly. My starting pay is 11 something an hour. Overtime is 16 something. I worked 40 hours last week, and they paid me for the time I was there for the interview and for watching the store DVDS too! Yay!

I was told that the stockers get $15 an hour, but they're probably more experienced. I'm so glad that I no longer have to rely on my controlling husband so much! Yay! I can start paying off a lot of bills soon!!!! And have some fun money leftover too! I'll save what I can too of course for emergencies. I only get a 10% discount, but it's not for food. It's better than nothing. The store is 5 minutes away from where I live, so I can come home for lunch-

Sorry that I haven't been here sooner. Until yesterday, I was working from 2-11p.m almost every day! I'll be working the same hours until Friday.

My background check didn't come back yet. I'm worried that they'll find out about lying about my work history and that I have a shop lifting charge from 2000. I told them about the DUI, but they didn't care about that- How far back to background checks go?

Oh, and I lost 6lbs. since working there w/o dieting!!!!

[divine1966]

Awesome!!!!

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Thanks! I finally got my sign in badge, a locker, and I got f/t hours for now for some reason! I'm only supposed to be a p/t stocker.

I got the night shift!!! So I can avoid my husband who tends to be mean to me at times more often, yay! I'll be working from 8-5a.m tonight. I get two weekdays off. I'll be sure to save money for any emergencies for sure! I'll try my best to only use cash from now on to rebuild my credit and get out of debt asap.

Their attendance policy is super strict. So hopefully I won't get sick anytime soon as they fire people for that more than anything!

So pleased for you Shy - I can feel the happiness in your posts!