WinCo Jobs & Careers – Application, How to Apply, Requirements & Interview Tips
Last Updated: September 20th, 2019 by
If you enjoy helping customers find the products they are looking for while providing superior customer service, get ready to fill out and submit your WinCo Foods job application today.
WinCo Foods was first founded in 1967 and operated under the name of Waremart. The company was a warehouse-style supermarket that specialized in offering the lowest prices to customers.
In 1985 after the passing of the original owner of Waremart, the company became an employee-owned company as employees were able to buy a share of stock in the company.
In 1999, Waremart officially changed its name to WinCo Foods. As of today, WinCo Foods has 104 different employee-owned stores in eight states and employs roughly 15,000 employees throughout those locations.
WinCo Foods offers a variety of positions from working as a cashier to running the store as a manager.
If you are looking for a great opportunity in a retail setting where you can use your customer service skills and help customers, working for WinCo Foods may be the right move for you.
How to Apply for Employment at WinCo Foods
To apply for a position at WinCo Foods, the most commonly used method is by submitting an online job application.
Application Information
- Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age required for employment at WinCo Foods is 18 years of age.
- Hours of Operation: WinCo Foods operates on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis. Some stores may have specific hours and will vary by location.
- Methods to Apply: Interested applicants can apply to WinCo Foods by submitting an online job application through the company’s online application wizard.
Searching for an Open Position
To search for a job opening at WinCo Foods, interested applicants will need to visit the job search page. From here, you can enter in search criteria including any keywords, your location, and the type of position you desire.
Once you have entered in your criteria, click the search button. All results matching your selected criteria will be displayed.
To view more information about a position, click on the job title link.
Applying for a Job
To apply for a position, you will need to click the “apply for this job online” button, which is located on the job description page.
You will first need to create an account by uploading your resume or manually entering in your information.
Once you create your profile, you will then be taken to the application, which will ask you to upload your resume, if you did not earlier. The next section includes your personal information, educational history, any additional training you have received, and your work experience.
Once you get through the basics, you will then be asked about your availability aong with some other general questions about your previous jobs, experience, and whether you have worked for WinCo Foods before.
The next section requires you to answer questions about drug use, whether you can legally work in the US, and then agree to some disclosures.
Once you are done, you can submit your application for consideration.
Application Tips
As you go through your application, you may come across some questions that confuse you. Below, we will go over some tips to help you get past these tough questions.
Minimum Number of Hours You’d Accept
The application asks you for the minimum number of hours you would accept per week. It is important to understand that you may not get 40 hours every week in a retail position, so you must be somewhat flexible.
If you are okay accepting a minimum amount of 15 hours, make sure to add this in. Keep in mind that you will not necessarily only receive the minimum number of hours, but it is a possibility.
The Company Operates 24/7
The application asks what hours and days you are available to work. Since the company is open 24/7, the application warns that there is no set schedule or no guarantee of a specific shift.
When you go through and fill out your availability, make sure that you are choosing the hours you are available and willing to work.
Explain Employment Gaps
The application asks you to explain any gaps that you had in employment. It is important that you explain the gaps.
For example, if you were volunteering from 2011 until 2013, make sure to include that and your responsibilities during that time.
Should You Follow Up?
You can follow up on a submitted job application by logging back into the account that you created when you first applied.
Once at the dashboard, you can view any and all positions you applied to along with the status of the application.
In addition to checking your dashboard, you can call the store that you submitted your application to. Before you call, allow the hiring manager a couple of days to review your application information.
When you do call in, make sure to ask to speak directly with the hiring manager. If he or she is unavailable, ask when a better time to call back would be.
Positions and Salary Information
WinCo Foods hires employees to work in their 104 stores throughout eight different states. The company hires both entry-level and management positions and you may find yourself working as a cashier helping customers complete transactions or overseeing the operations of the store as a manager.
Whether this is your first job or you are looking to step into your future career, WinCo Foods may be the right move for you.
- Cart Clerk – The Cart Clerk is responsible for collecting carts and making sure that they stay stocked within the store. As a Cart Clerk, you can expect to make between $8 and $10 per hour.
- Cashier – The Cashier is responsible for checking customers out and processing their transactions. As a Cashier, you can expect to make between $8 and $11 per hour.
- Stocker – The Stocker is responsible for keeping the shelves stocked with products at all times. As a Stocker, you can expect to make between $9 and $10 per hour.
- Department Clerk – The Department Clerk is responsible for performing daily activities in their assigned department. As a Department Clerk, you can expect to make between $8 and $13 per hour.
- Department Manager – The Department Manager is responsible for managing all activities within his or her assigned department. As a Department Manager, you can expect to make between $68,000 and $75,000 per year.
- Assistant Manager – The Assistant Manager is responsible for assisting with all operations in the store and helping customers. As an Assistant Manager, you can expect to make between $80,000 and $90,000 per year.
- Store Manager – The Store Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities and operations within the store. As a Store Manager, you can expect to make between $120,000 and $140,000 per year.
Best Entry-Level Positions
WinCo Foods hires employees to work in entry-level positions throughout their stores. These positions work with customers on a daily basis, so you must have strong customer service skills.
All entry-level positions prepare you to move into a leadership role and take on responsibilities as a manager.
Cart Clerk
The Cart Clerk is responsible for gathering carts and placing them in a neat order so that customers can grab them as needed. He or she will ensure there are enough carts in the store at all times.
The Cart Clerk will also pick up trash in the parking lot and remove trash items from carts as they collect them.
Cashier
The Cashier is responsible for maintaining a positive atmosphere and greeting customers as they approach the checkout line. You will help customers load their items onto the belt when needed.
In this role, you will scan and weigh all items from the customer’s cart, process coupons, and handle all monetary transactions.
Stocker
The Stocker is responsible for walking throughout the store and making sure that the shelves are always stocked. He or she will make sure products remain in a neat order on the shelf and also arrange displays throughout the store.
If there is an empty shelf, the Stocker will locate the product in the backroom and then add new product to the shelf.
Department Clerk
The Department Clerk is assigned to a specific department including, but not limited to the deli, meat counter, produce section, dairy cooler, or bakery. In this role, you are responsible for all food in the department, keeping shelves stocked, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
As a Department Clerk, you will help customers find the products they need while cutting meat, cheeses, or other items that they need.
WinCo Foods Careers in Management
WinCo Foods hires employees for management positions throughout their stores. Both new employees and in-house employees can apply for these management roles.
When you move into a management position, you will take on new responsibilities and you will be in charge of leading a group of team members.
Department Manager
The Department Manager is responsible for overseeing the activities that go on in his or her assigned department. In this role, you will be responsible for providing fast and friendly customer service while ensuring all employees follow health and safety protocols.
As the Department Manager, you will maintain your department’s area and conduct any relevant paperwork that needs to be completed.
Assistant Manager
The Assistant Manager is responsible for overseeing operations in the store and assisting the Store Manager. He or she will walk around the store and ensure that all company policies and procedures are being handled.
The Assistant Manager is also responsible for customer service and will make sure that all customers are happy with their shopping experience.
Store Manager
The Store Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities and operations in the store. He or she will assign tasks and monitor all employees’ duties.
In this role, you will be in charge of payroll, scheduling employees, hiring and training, and also handling all customer complaints in the store.
Interview Questions and Tips
Before you go on an interview at WinCo Foods, it is important that you prepare for it. Below, we will go over some tips to help you get through your big day.
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
If you are asked this question, answer it honestly. It is important that you avoid fabricating as the interviewer will be able to tell. Simply let the interviewer know what your goals are for working at the company.
Do You Feel Comfortable Helping a Customer?
You will likely be asked how comfortable you are helping customers throughout the store. If you are comfortable, let the interviewer know. If you are new to customer service, let the interviewer know you are always willing to learn and follow all company procedures.
What is Customer Service to You?
You may be asked what you think customer service is. It is important that you think about what you expect when you receive service and then answer truthfully.
You could let the interviewer know that customer service is assisting customers the best way you know how.
Helpful Research for Your WinCo Foods Interview
WinCo Foods originally operated under the name Waremart. The company opened in 1967 in Boise, Idaho and its sole purpose was to provide consumers with low cost foods and products.
The warehouse style supermarket grew in size and has expanded to include 104 different locations with over 15,000 employees working for the company.
WinCo Foods is unique as each location is employee-owned and each employee has the opportunity to purchase stock within the company.
Expansion continues to take place and WinCo Foods recently expanded into two new states in 2014.
What Employees Say About Working Here
Employees working at WinCo Foods appear to be happy at the company. Many of them express that the company offers great benefits and that there is room for advancement within the company.
Other employees talk about how they enjoy working with customers and their management team is supportive.
