### Positions for 16 and 17-Year-Olds Minors who are at least 16 years old can apply for several entry-level positions. These roles generally do not involve hazardous equipment or restricted products. Common jobs for this age group include: * **Cashier and Front-End Associate:** Handling transactions, assisting customers during checkout, and maintaining the register area. * **Cart Attendant:** Gathering shopping carts from the parking lot and keeping the entrance clean. * **Sales Associate:** Working in departments such as apparel, entertainment, or homelines to stock shelves and assist customers. * **Stocking Associate:** Unloading merchandise and stocking shelves (excluding the use of heavy machinery). Minors hired by Walmart must comply with federal and state-specific child labor laws. These regulations often limit the number of hours a minor can work per day and per week, particularly when school is in session. Additionally, minor employees are typically restricted from working late-night or overnight shifts. ### Positions Requiring a Minimum Age of 18 For safety, legal, and operational reasons, many positions at Walmart require candidates to be at least 18 years old. These roles include: * **Department Manager and Team Lead:** Handling supervisory duties, managing inventory, and overseeing team members. * **Specialized Fresh Departments:** Roles in the deli, bakery, or meat departments, which require operating commercial slicers, mixers, and ovens. * **Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Associate:** Handling prescription medications and sensitive customer health information. * **Asset Protection (Security) Associate:** Monitoring store security, preventing theft, and handling conflict resolution. * **Auto Care Center Technician:** Performing oil changes, tire installations, and automotive maintenance. * **Stocking and Receiving (Heavy Equipment):** Roles that require operating heavy machinery, such as forklifts, electric pallet jacks, or cardboard balers. ## The Walmart Background Check Process

Walmart requires all prospective employees to undergo a background check. This screening process begins only after a candidate has completed the interview process and received a conditional job offer. ### What the Background Check Covers The background check is conducted by an external, third-party consumer reporting agency. The screening primarily focuses on: * **Criminal History:** The check reviews local, state, and federal criminal databases for felony and misdemeanor convictions. * **Identity Verification:** The screening verifies the applicant's Social Security number and legal authorization to work in the United States. * **Employment and Education History:** Depending on the level of the position (such as management or corporate roles), the screening may verify past employment and educational credentials. ### How Far Back Does the Background Check Go? Generally, Walmart’s background check looks back seven years into an applicant's history. However, the exact timeframe can vary based on state and local laws, which may restrict how far back employers can look or what types of records they can consider during the hiring process. ### Fair Chance Hiring and Background Check Results Walmart follows fair-chance hiring practices. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment. The company evaluates background check results on a case-by-case basis, taking into account: * The nature and gravity of the offense. * The amount of time that has passed since the offense occurred. * The relevance of the offense to the specific duties of the job.

## Drug Testing Policies While Walmart does not require a pre-employment drug test for every entry-level position, certain roles do mandate screening. Candidates applying for the following positions are typically required to pass a drug test: * Pharmacy and healthcare roles * Asset protection positions * Roles requiring the operation of power equipment, such as forklifts * Auto care center positions * Management and supervisory roles The drug test is usually scheduled within 24 hours of receiving the conditional job offer and must be completed at an authorized testing facility. ## How to Apply and Verify Job Requirements

To apply for a job at Walmart and view the specific requirements for any open position, candidates should use the official Walmart Careers portal. 1. **Search for Openings:** Visit the official Walmart Careers website and search for jobs by keyword, category, or location. 2. **Review Job Descriptions:** Each job listing outlines the specific age limits, physical requirements, and qualifications needed for the role. 3. **Submit the Application:** Complete the online application, providing accurate personal information, employment history, and consent for the background check. 4. **Monitor Application Status:** Candidates can log into their Walmart Careers account to check the status of their application, background check, or drug test scheduling. If an applicant believes there is an error in their background check report, they have the right to dispute the findings directly with the third-party screening agency listed on their report copy.