Walmart, as one of the world’s largest retail chains, has a stringent hiring process in place to ensure the quality and integrity of its workforce. The background check is an important part of this process because it allows the company to verify the credentials and criminal history of its applicants.
In this article:
Why are Walmart Background Checks important?
Background checks are necessary to guarantee a safe and productive workplace.
They aid in the discovery of potential issues affecting an individual’s suitability for a specific job. They also ensure that the applicant’s information is correct and reliable.
How Long Does a Walmart Background Check Take?
Now, the elephant in the room: how long does a Walmart background check take? This takes about five days on average. It may take up to 30 days in some cases.
Walmart background checks last different amounts of time depending on the company. The prospective employee authorizes the third-party background check provider directly. Not even Walmart’s management must process it.
Walmart’s background check process can take two hours or three weeks, with an average turnaround time of 24-48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, according to Indeed’s forum discussions.
Preemptive Walmart Background Check
Before discussing Walmart’s background check, consider a proactive step that can streamline the process. Do a background check instead of waiting for Walmart to start one after accepting an offer.
This saves time and prevents surprises. According to their application process, Walmart only runs a background check after an offer is accepted. Thus, self-initiative can be wise.
How to Do a Background Check Before Walmart Does?
Before going through Walmart’s official process, you can run a background check on yourself for peace of mind.
This can be done manually or with the help of a reputable background check service that provides instant results.
DIY Method:
- Visit your state’s police department or Justice Department website for “background check” options.
- Many states offer affordable criminal history reports.
- Check free resources like the National sex offender registry and the Department of Corrections for potential criminal records.
By running a background check on yourself, you can discover everything a Walmart employment background check would uncover.
What are the Typical Procedures for Background Checks?
Typically, a background check will look into an applicant’s criminal history, employment history, education verification, and sometimes even drug testing.
The thoroughness of the background check depends on the position being applied for.
What Factors Affecting the Duration of Background Checks?
The time it takes to complete a background check can vary significantly depending on several factors.
The Extent of the Check: The scope and depth of the background check can influence how long it takes. Some positions may require a more thorough investigation, which could prolong the process.
Volume of Applications: Walmart is a highly sought-after employer, and they receive many applications. The time taken to process these applications can vary based on their volume.
Accuracy and Completeness of Information: Your background check might also be delayed if there are discrepancies or missing information in your application. It’s crucial to ensure that all the details provided are accurate and complete.
Compliance with Company Policies: To expedite the process, you must remain truthful throughout your background check. Honesty is the best policy, which holds true for this stage of your employment journey.
Complexity of the Check: The more detailed the check, the longer it will take. For instance, a check involving multiple jurisdictions or a comprehensive employment history will take longer than a straightforward check.
Jurisdictional Variances: The laws and processes governing background checks can vary from one jurisdiction to another, which can affect the duration of the check.
How Does Walmart’s Background Check Process Work?
Walmart follows a step-by-step process for conducting background checks on its prospective employees.
As of 2024, Walmart’s background check process includes the following steps:
- Authorization: Walmart will obtain your informed and specific consent before requesting a background check. You will be asked to sign a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Authorization and Disclosure Form.
- Criminal history: Walmart will look at felonies and misdemeanor arrests and convictions for the previous 7 years. Violent, sexual, drug, and financial/larceny offenses are most likely grounds for disqualification. Walmart does not hire violent criminals. Expunged records will not show up on a background check.
- Sex Offender Registry: Applicants convicted of sexually related crimes more than seven years ago won’t have these offenses appear on the Walmart background screening. However, if your name is in a state or federal sex offender registry, this can disqualify you.
- Credit Score: While not applicable to all positions, Walmart may check applicants’ credit scores to assess their financial history and trustworthiness.
- Employment history: Walmart will verify your employment history with your previous employers. This includes confirming your job title, dates of employment, and salary.
- Education verification: Walmart will verify your educational history with your high school and any other educational institutions you attended. This includes confirming your dates of attendance, degree earned, and GPA (if applicable).
- Identity confirmation: Walmart will confirm your identity by verifying your Social Security number and address history. This helps to ensure that you are who you say you are and have not committed any identity theft.
Walmart uses a third-party background check company to conduct its background checks.
The background check process typically takes a few days to complete, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of your background.
What are the Tips to Navigate the Background Check Smoothly?
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind to ensure a quick and painless background check experience at Walmart:
Check Your Own Background: Consider running a background check on yourself before applying to Walmart. This will uncover the same information that Walmart’s background check will. Examine the report to ensure its accuracy and correct any errors.
Understand Your State’s Employment Laws: Learn about the employment laws in the state where you’re applying. States have different rules regarding what employers can consider in a background check. Understanding these laws can aid in your preparation.
Maintain Integrity: As previously stated, honesty is essential. Make certain that all of the information you provide is correct.
While you may have little control over the speed of the background check, making a personal connection with the hiring manager can be beneficial. They are frequently the process’s decision-makers.
Be Prepared to Wait: Because the duration can vary, it’s a good idea to prepare for it to take up to 30 days mentally. Don’t be discouraged; this is standard procedure for Walmart.
Provide References: Having references who can attest to your character and dependability can help mitigate any unfavorable information in your background report.
You also might like reading this article: How To Know if You Passed Walmart Assessment Test? Answered! & How to Do a Hardship Transfer at Walmart?
What Charges Might Disqualify You from Employment at Walmart?
While Walmart has no specific policy outlining which offenses will automatically disqualify applicants, some insights can be gained from those familiar with the hiring process.
Generally, individuals with arrests or convictions related to violent crimes, sexual offenses, drug charges, or theft are less likely to be employed by Walmart.
However, circumstances can vary based on the hiring manager or location, as there has yet to be an official policy in place.
What is The Timeline of a Walmart Background Check?
To better understand the process, let’s break down the timeline of a Walmart background check:
Step 1: Walmart Background Check Application (3-7 Days)
- Complete the online job application on the Walmart Careers website.
- Provide personal information, contact details, past employment, education history, and identification.
Once you’ve submitted the online application, send your identification (social security card or birth certificate) and initiate the background check on Walmart’s website within 3-7 business days.
Step 2: Walmart Background Check Login (Few Minutes)
- Applicants who’ve already submitted their online application can check their status by logging into their accounts. A change to “Eligible for Hire” indicates a successful background check.
Step 3: Walmart Background Check Email (Few Minutes)
- Applicants receive an email notifying them of the background check’s completion.
- The email will specify one of the following statuses: “Eligible for Hire,” “Canceled,” “Review Eligible,” or “More Information Required.”
What to Expect During the Check?
It’s natural to feel anxious, but understanding the process can help.
Possible Outcomes
There are generally three outcomes:
- Clear: No issues found.
- Conditional: Minor issues found, but not a deal-breaker.
- Fail: Serious concerns raised.
Addressing Concerns
If there are issues, Walmart might give the applicant a chance to explain. It’s always best to be honest from the start.
Can Walmart Hire Felons?
Yes, Walmart does hire individuals with felony or criminal records, depending on the nature of the crime and the time that has passed.
While certain severe crimes may lead to immediate disqualification, less serious misdemeanors may not prevent you from securing a job at Walmart.
What to Do After a Failed Walmart Background Check
If you receive notice of a failed background check, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to understand the reason behind the failure and what you can do next:
- Contact the Hiring Manager: Reach out to the person in charge of the hiring process to understand the decision.
- Research the Third-Party Service: Gather information about the third-party hiring service to identify why you were disqualified during the online application.
- File a Dispute: You can dispute your background check results through a third-party company.
- Expunge Criminal Records: If a particular record affects your chances (e.g., violent conviction, sexual offense, or larceny), consider pursuing the expungement of such records through the court system.
- Retake the Walmart Assessment Test: Some applicants may have failed the Walmart Assessment test, and they can retake it to become eligible for employment.
Understanding the “how long does Walmart background check take” question can help you navigate the hiring process with confidence.
Final Words
To summarize, the duration of a Walmart background check varies, but it usually takes around five days. This is an important step in Walmart’s hiring process because it ensures the safety and security of its employees and customers.
To ensure a smooth process, be truthful and establish a personal connection with the hiring manager. You can now wait patiently for the results of your background check so that you have a better understanding of the timeline. We wish you success with your application!
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FAQs
How can I check the status of my background check at Walmart?
You can check the status of your background check by contacting the Walmart HR department at 1-800-987-6363 or by logging into the Walmart Applicant Tracking System (ATS) portal that you were provided with during the application process.
Can a criminal record disqualify me from working at Walmart?
Whether or not a criminal record will disqualify you from working at Walmart depends on the nature of the criminal record and the position you are applying for. Walmart does not hire violent criminals, and certain offenses, such as theft, may also disqualify you from employment.
If you have a criminal record, it is important to be honest about it during the application process. Walmart will review your criminal record and decide on your employment case-by-case basis.
What should I do if there is an issue with my background check?
If you see an issue with your background report, contact the Walmart HR department immediately. They will be able to help you clarify any issues and provide any necessary additional information.
Why does Walmart conduct background checks?
Walmart conducts background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of its workforce and customers. Walmart wants to hire employees who are trustworthy and who will not pose a threat to the company or its customers.
Can I apply again if I fail the background check?
Whether or not you can apply again if you fail the background check depends on the reasons for the failure and Walmart’s policies. If you are unsure, you should contact the Walmart HR department.
Do all positions at Walmart require a background check?
Most positions at Walmart require a background check, especially those involving customer interaction or handling money. However, there are some positions, such as janitorial positions, that may not require a background check.
What if there’s an error in my background report?
If you find an error in your background report, you can dispute it with the reporting agency. You can do this by contacting the reporting agency directly.
How will I be informed of the results?
Walmart will typically notify you of the results of your background check, whether you passed or failed. They may do this by phone, email, or mail.
