Walmart Brings Jobs to D.C.

Today, Walmart announced plans to expand in the Washington, D.C. area, which will not only provide access to affordable, healthy food options for residents, but which could also help combat the nearly 10% unemployment rate in our nation’s capital.

They’re starting with a two-year plan for stores in four different areas, which will lead to 400 temporary construction jobs, but more importantly, if you’re trying to find a retail job, 1200 new positions will open at these Walmart locations.

The first of the new stores will be located in wars 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the city, where Walmart currently only employs around 600 people. City residents often travel to surrounding states to shop at Walmart for affordable groceries, according to reports. According to Walmart’s announcement, “Positions will include pharmacists, human resource managers, customer service associates, cashiers and sales associates.  These jobs will offer a competitive wage, affordable benefits and the chance to build a career. Walmart’s average hourly wage in the Washington D.C. region is $12.49/hour.”

The locations are set to open in 2012, but hiring will start much sooner. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re interested in a new D.C. Walmart job:

• Show up to the interview on time and neatly dressed, with a completed application. If you’re late to the hiring company or sloppy and unprepared, they may assume that you’ll be like that as an employee as well.
• Be prepared to talk about your past jobs and highlight interactions you’ve had with customers. Companies like Walmart want to know that the people they hire will be able to create an awesome customer experience.
• Ask three to five people (past managers, co-workers, teachers, etc.) to serve as your references. On the day of the interview, make sure you have their contact information written down in case you’re asked to submit it.
• Do a little research on Walmart before you apply. Sure, you may know about them from a shopper perspective, but look up online some information about their company history, corporate philosophy, and mission.