The Step-by-Step Kroger Hiring Process in 2024
As experts on retail recruitment with over 10 years of experience studying hiring practices, we get many questions about how America‘s largest grocery chain – Kroger – brings on new talent. With openings across 2,800 stores and distribution centers, Kroger actually receives over 1 million applications every year.
And with over 400,000 employees to keep operations running, Kroger has built an effective hiring process to screen candidates. Here is our insider‘s guide to landing jobs at Kroger in 2024.
Online Job Application
Over 90% of applications happen online through Kroger‘s careers portal. You can search for openings by location and filter by criteria like:
- Job Category – cashiers, online order fulfillers, meat clerks
- Employment Type – full-time, part-time
- Experience Level – entry-level, manager
Once you find a relevant opening, submit a complete application with your background details, work history and availability.
Online Assessments
For retail store associate and cashier roles, Kroger uses online situational judgment tests before interviews. These assess how you would respond in hypothetical customer interactions – like dealing with product pricing confusion.
Examples of questions:
- A customer wants to buy an item on promotion but the discount is not applying at checkout. What do you do?
- You notice a co-worker not following food safety protocols. How do you handle it?
Aim to choose sensible responses highlighting good judgement. The assessment takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
Interview Process
Below are the key stages of Kroger‘s interview process and tips to help you advance at each step:
| Interview Type | Who Conducts It | Key Details | How to Prepare |
| Phone Screen | Recruiter | – 30 minute call to evaluate background, skills, availability | – Review job posting beforehand |
| In-person Interview | Hiring Manager | – Covers experience, scenarios with difficult customers, availability | – Dress professionally in business casual clothing |
| Second Interview (for supervisor+ roles) | Store Manager | – Assesses management style and culture fit | – Ask thoughtful questions about store operations |
During interviews, expect situational questions like:
- A customer wants a refund on an item purchased 2 months ago. What do you do?
- If you find a co-worker stealing, what action would you take?
Frame your responses around Kroger‘s customer obsession and integrity values.
Job Offer Process
Once interviews are completed, Kroger begins pre-employment screenings required for final offers:
Background checks: Kroger partners with third-party agencies to conduct 7-year background screenings assessing criminal history.
Drug tests: Applicants must pass a standard 5-panel drug test that screens for THC, cocaine, amphetamines etc. Offers can be contingent on clearing tests.
In 2022, over 380,000 candidates cleared checks and tests for Kroger job offers. The process usually completes in 5-7 business days.
Onboarding & Training
Kroger provides comprehensive training to new hires through:
1-2 day orientation: Covers company policies, food safety protocols, workplace conduct
On-the-job training: Shadowing co-workers, hands-on practice with systems and equipment
Continual skills development: Access to 1000+ free eLearning courses on topics like leadership, technology, compliance
With structured hiring and onboarding, Kroger maintains productive teams driving their business. We hope this guide gives you an insider look into landing your next role with America‘s leading grocer!
