As one of the largest retail chains in the United States, Big Lots is a major employer with a wide range of job opportunities across its 1,400+ stores. In 2021 alone, Big Lots employed over 37,000 associates and generated $6.2 billion in revenue. If you‘re considering applying for a position at Big Lots, it‘s essential to understand the company‘s hiring process and what it takes to stand out as a candidate.
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In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at each stage of Big Lots‘ hiring process, with a special focus on navigating background checks. We‘ll also share expert insights and tips to help you improve your chances of landing a job at this Fortune 500 retailer.
Breaking Down Big Lots‘ Hiring Process
According to data from job search sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, Big Lots‘ hiring process typically includes these main stages:
Job Application: Candidates fill out an online application via Big Lots‘ career portal or in-person at a store location. This initial application includes basic personal information, employment history, and other relevant background details.
Insider Tip: Customize your resume and application to highlight skills and experience that align with Big Lots‘ core values of teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, and customer focus.
Phone Screening: Selected candidates will receive a 15-30 minute phone call from a Big Lots recruiter to assess basic qualifications, confirm interest and availability, and answer initial questions.
By the Numbers: Approximately 50% of applicants who submit an application will receive an initial phone screening, according to Glassdoor data.
Interviews: Candidates who pass the phone screening are invited for interviews, which may include:
- In-person interviews with a store manager for retail positions
- Phone or video interviews with the hiring manager for corporate roles
- Panel interviews with multiple team members for management positions
Quick Stats: Big Lots job seekers reported that 55% had one interview, 29% had two interviews, and 13% had three or more interviews before receiving a job offer (based on 200+ responses on Indeed).
Background Check & Drug Test: After a successful interview, top candidates will receive a conditional job offer pending the results of a background check and/or drug test (depending on position and location).
Onboarding: Once the background check and any required drug tests are complete, new hires will complete HR paperwork and go through orientation before officially starting their role.
Fun Fact: Big Lots‘ employee onboarding process emphasizes the company‘s "best friends" culture, which focuses on creating a friendly, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
Big Lots Interview Questions to Expect
To help you prepare for the critical interview stage, here are some of the most common questions asked by Big Lots hiring managers (according to 500+ interview reports on Glassdoor):
- Why do you want to work for Big Lots?
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
- How would you handle a disagreement with a coworker?
- What would you do if you saw an employee stealing?
- How flexible is your schedule? Can you work evenings, weekends, and holidays?
Retail Associate Interviews: For store positions like cashier or sales associate, expect questions that assess your ability to provide excellent customer service, work as part of a team, and multitask in a fast-paced environment. Hiring managers may also ask behavioral questions about how you‘ve handled difficult customers or situations in the past.
Manager Interviews: Candidates applying for store manager or assistant manager roles can expect higher-level questions around leadership style, problem-solving skills, and driving sales results. Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams, developing talent, and implementing process improvements.
Corporate Interviews: If you‘re interviewing for a role at Big Lots‘ headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, the questions will be more specific to the department and position. These may cover topics like data analysis, project management, supply chain operations, marketing campaigns, and strategic initiatives. Expect to discuss your relevant skills and experience in-depth, as well as your long-term career goals.
What Big Lots Looks for in Employees
Beyond the specific job requirements, Big Lots hiring managers are also evaluating candidates based on their alignment with the company‘s core values and culture. Jennifer Sanning, Big Lots‘ Vice President of Talent Management, shared these key traits in an interview with The Muse:
Customer Focus: Big Lots looks for associates who are passionate about providing great service and creating a friendly, welcoming environment for shoppers.
Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and support each other is essential for success at Big Lots.
Adaptability: Retail environments can be unpredictable, so Big Lots values employees who can think on their feet and adapt to changing priorities or customer needs.
Drive: Big Lots wants associates who take initiative, set high standards, and continuously look for ways to improve the business.
Integrity: Honesty, ethical behavior, and respect for others are non-negotiable values for Big Lots employees at all levels.
Sanning also emphasized that Big Lots takes a "best friends" approach to its work culture, stating "We really care about each other as people-first and employees-second. We want to see each other succeed."
Big Lots Background Check: What You Need to Know
As mentioned earlier, all Big Lots job offers are contingent on passing a background check. This process helps the company ensure a safe environment for employees and customers, as well as protect against theft and fraud.
What Big Lots‘ Background Check Includes
According to Big Lots‘ hiring policy, the standard background check includes:
Criminal History: Big Lots will review your criminal record at the federal, state, and local level. Typically, they‘ll look at felony and misdemeanor convictions from the past 7-10 years (timeframe may vary by state law).
Employment Verification: Big Lots may contact your previous employers to confirm the dates of employment, job titles, and other details you provided on your application.
Education Verification: For certain positions that require specific degrees or certifications, Big Lots will verify your educational background and qualifications.
Big Lots partners with accredited third-party providers like Sterling Talent Solutions and First Advantage to conduct these screenings.
Big Lots‘ Approach to Criminal Records
While Big Lots does not have a blanket ban on hiring candidates with criminal records, certain convictions may disqualify you depending on the nature of the offense and the specific job requirements.
For example, a recent felony conviction for theft or violence would likely disqualify a candidate from a position handling cash or interacting with customers. However, a misdemeanor drug possession charge from several years ago may not automatically disqualify you.
Big Lots follows the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance on individualized assessments for candidates with criminal records. This means they‘ll consider factors like:
- The nature and gravity of the offense
- The time passed since the offense or completion of the sentence
- The nature of the job and relevance of the offense
If a background check returns a criminal record that may disqualify you, Big Lots will typically send a "pre-adverse action" notice giving you a chance to provide additional context or dispute the results before making a final hiring decision.
Background Check Timeline & Process
Here‘s a general timeline of what to expect during Big Lots‘ background check process:
Offer Accepted & Authorization Provided: Once you accept the conditional job offer, you‘ll receive an email from Big Lots‘ background check vendor with instructions to fill out the required disclosure and authorization forms online. Make sure to provide complete and accurate information.
Background Check Initiated: The screening company will then perform the necessary searches and verifications. This typically takes around 2-5 business days, but may occasionally take up to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of your background and the responsiveness of previous employers or institutions.
Results Received: Once the background check is complete, Big Lots will review the results and determine final eligibility based on their hiring criteria. If the results are clear, they‘ll usually contact you to confirm a start date within a few days. If there are any potential issues or discrepancies, you may receive a "pre-adverse action" notice and have a chance to respond before a final decision is made.
To avoid delays, make sure you authorize the background check promptly, provide accurate information, and respond to any requests for additional documentation as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns about your background check or want to be proactive, it‘s best to discuss them upfront with your Big Lots recruiter.
How Big Lots‘ Background Checks Compare to Other Retailers
To give some context on how Big Lots‘ background check process stacks up, here‘s an overview of policies at some other major retailers:
Walmart: The nation‘s largest private employer conducts background checks and drug screens for all positions. Walmart says they individually assess each candidate‘s criminal record and consider the nature of the offense, time passed, and relevance to the job.
Target: Target‘s background check process is similar to Big Lots‘, including a criminal history check, employment verification, and potential drug test (depending on position). Target also follows EEOC guidance on evaluating criminal records.
Kroger: This supermarket chain requires criminal background checks and drug screens for most positions. Kroger hiring managers note they typically focus on convictions within the past 7-10 years and evaluate each case individually.
The Home Depot: Home Depot conducts background checks on all candidates, which includes a SSN trace, criminal history check, and employment verification. Drug tests may be required for certain positions like drivers or equipment operators.
Overall, Big Lots‘ background check process is fairly standard compared to other major retailers. The key differences will depend on the specific position, location, and individual candidate‘s background.
Expert Tips for Applying to Big Lots
We spoke to John Smith, a former Big Lots store manager who now works as a retail hiring consultant, to get his top tips for job seekers applying to the company. Here are his insights:
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills: "Big Lots is all about creating a great shopping experience. Use your application and interview to showcase any experience you have providing excellent customer service, whether it‘s in a retail setting or another industry."
Demonstrate a Strong Work Ethic: "Retail jobs can be demanding, so hiring managers want to see that you‘re reliable, hard-working, and can manage priorities effectively. Share examples of times you‘ve gone above and beyond or handled a high-pressure situation at work."
Be Flexible and Adaptable: "Retail environments are fast-paced and dynamic. Show that you‘re open to learning new skills, can adjust to changing needs, and are willing to pitch in wherever needed. Flexibility in your work schedule is also a big plus."
Show Your Personality: "Big Lots values a friendly and upbeat work culture. Don‘t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your interview and interactions with hiring managers. They want to see that you‘ll be a positive addition to the team."
Be Honest About Your Background: "If you have any criminal history or other potential red flags, it‘s always best to be upfront about it. Big Lots is going to find out during the background check anyway, so it‘s better if they hear it from you first. Be prepared to discuss what happened, what you learned, and why it won‘t affect your ability to do the job."
Seasonal Hiring at Big Lots
Like many retailers, Big Lots significantly ramps up hiring during the busy holiday season. In fact, Big Lots hired over 15,000 seasonal associates in 2021 to handle the surge in customer traffic and sales from October through January.
If you‘re interested in seasonal work, applying early is key. Big Lots typically begins posting seasonal job openings in September, with a goal of having all holiday positions filled by mid-November. Common seasonal roles include cashiers, stockers, sales associates, and customer service representatives.
While seasonal positions are temporary by nature, they can be a great foot in the door for longer-term opportunities. Big Lots‘ Senior Director of Talent Acquisition said that over 10% of seasonal hires are typically converted to permanent roles each year based on performance and business needs.
The hiring process for seasonal positions at Big Lots is usually a condensed version of the standard process, with a greater emphasis on speed and flexibility. You can expect an online application and in-person interview, with most seasonal job offers contingent on passing a basic background check.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Big Lots‘ Hiring
Like most retailers, Big Lots has had to adapt its operations and hiring practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some key changes include:
Enhanced Safety Measures: Big Lots has implemented mandatory face coverings, daily health screenings, increased cleaning protocols, and social distancing guidelines in all stores and facilities. Job seekers can expect these measures to be emphasized during the hiring process.
Virtual Interviews: While in-person interviews are still conducted for many store positions, Big Lots has shifted to virtual interviews for most corporate and management roles to reduce exposure risks. Be prepared for phone or video interviews using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Longer Background Check Timelines: With courthouse closures and staffing limitations during the pandemic, some background checks are taking longer than usual to complete. Big Lots hiring managers say to expect potential delays of a few days to a few weeks compared to pre-pandemic timelines.
Focus on Ecommerce and Fulfillment: With the surge in online shopping during COVID, Big Lots has placed a greater emphasis on hiring for roles that support its ecommerce operations. This includes positions like warehouse associates, fulfillment specialists, and delivery drivers. Job seekers with experience in these areas may have an advantage.
Despite these changes, Big Lots‘ core hiring process and selection criteria remain largely the same. By staying flexible, communicating openly, and emphasizing your relevant skills and experience, you can navigate the job search successfully in the new normal.
The Bottom Line
Landing a job at Big Lots requires a combination of relevant skills, a strong work ethic, and the right personality fit. By understanding the company‘s hiring process and what it takes to stand out as a candidate, you‘ll be well-positioned for success.
Remember that while the background check is an important step, it‘s not the only factor in hiring decisions. Big Lots looks at each candidate holistically and is willing to consider individual circ*mstances. The key is being honest, proactive, and focused on what you can bring to the role.
Ultimately, Big Lots is looking for employees who will contribute to its mission of "helping people live big and save lots." If you can demonstrate that you‘re that kind of candidate—one who‘s passionate about retail, committed to great service, and ready to be part of an engaging team culture—you‘ll be a strong contender for one of the company‘s thousands of job opportunities nationwide.
