Sears Jobs & Careers – Application, How to Apply, Requirements & Interview Tips
Last Updated: September 20th, 2019 by
If you enjoy providing excellent customer service while being surrounded by fashion, technology, and more, then fill out your Sears job application today.
The official name of Sears is Sears, Roebuck and Co. and the company is a leading retailer that provides a variety of products to consumers.
Sears offers a variety of benefits to shoppers including the Shop Your Way program where consumers can earn points, additional coupons, and more.
Since Sears got its start back in 1886, it has taken off and the company now has 506 full-size stores in the U.S.
Sears provides a multitude of opportunities for interested applicants. You can work as a sales associate helping customers find the items they are after or you can run an entire department as a manager.
If you love the Sears name and want to help customers find the products they need, then a position at one of your local stores may be the right move for you.
How to Apply for Employment at Sears
To apply for a position at Sears, the most commonly used method is through their online application portal.
Application Information
- Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age required to work at Sears is 16 years old.
- Hours of Operation: Sears is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Hours may vary by location.
- Methods to Apply: Interested applicants can apply to Sears by submitting on online application through the Sears’ job page.
Searching for an Open Position
To search for an open position at Sears, you will need to visit Sears’ job page. From here, you can choose to enter in search criteria including a location or keyword.
Once you enter in your search criteria, all open positions meeting the criteria will be displayed for you.
To learn more about the position including the location, job description, and requirements, you can click on the job title.
Applying for a Job
To apply for a position, you will need to click on the “apply” button located underneath the job description. You will then be taken to a job details page, which will confirm you want to apply to the position and location selected.
If you are ready to apply, click the “apply to job” button located on the page. You will be asked to create an account.
You will then be prompted to build your profile manually or using other tools such as Facebook or LinkedIn.
The next step is a series of eligibility questions asking if you would perform a drug test, if you’ve worked at Sears before, if you are legally allowed to work, and similar.
The next sections include uploading your resume, your personal information, education background, and work experience.
The last sections include your availability, information about your driver’s license, if applicable, and a review of the information before submission.
Application Tips
When you fill out your application, you may be asked questions that you do not fully understand. Below, we will go over some tips to help you get through it.
Know Your Availability and the Sears’ Hours of Operation
Since your interviewer will ask you for specific times you can work on the availability section of the application, you should make sure you know your schedule and the hours that Sears is open.
The more availability you have, the more likely they will hire you. Many retail positions require flexibility and a willingness to work on the weekends and holidays, so keep that in mind.
There May Be a Criminal Background Check and Drug Test
The application alerts you that where applicable, they may require you to take a drug test or submit to a background check.
You have the option to deny both, but they may put your application at the bottom of the pile.
Don’t Apply for a Position That Needs a License if You Don’t Have One
There is a section of the application that asks if you have a driver’s license and other relevant information. Unless you are specifically applying for a position that requires you to drive, you do not need to enter this information in.
Should You Follow Up?
You can follow up on all submitted applications by logging back into the account you created when you initially applied for the position.
Then you will be able to see the status of the job and any communications in relation to your job application will be displayed here too.
You can also follow up by calling the store that you submitted your application to. Give the hiring manager a couple of days to review your application.
When you do call the store, ask to speak with the hiring manager directly. If he or she is unavailable, ask when a better time to call back is.
Positions and Salary Information
Sears offers both entry-level and management positions throughout their stores in the U.S. The company provides benefits to those who work full-time and there are many opportunities for advancement throughout the company.
- Sales Associate – The Sales Associate is responsible for greeting customers and helping them find the products they are looking for. He or she will also run the cash register. As a Sales Associate, you can expect to make an average of $8 per hour.
- Auto Technician – As an Auto Technician, you will be responsible for conducting maintenance on customers’ vehicles including oil changes, tire rotations, and more. As an Auto Technician, you can expect to make between an average of $33,027/yr.
- Loss Prevention Associate – The Loss Prevention Associate is responsible for protecting Sears’ assets and apprehending shoplifters. Loss prevention managers make an average of $45,009/yr.
- Assistant Manager – The Assistant Manager is responsible for working closely with the Store Manager to ensure customers are happy, employees meet goals, and the store is profitable. As an Assistant Manager, you can expect to make an average of $47,380/yr.
- Store Manager – The Store Manager oversees all of the store’s operations and handles payroll for employees. He or she will also set financial and sales goals. As a Store Manager, you can expect to make an average of $72,071/yr.
Best Entry-Level Positions
Sears offers entry-level positions in their stores throughout the U.S. These positions are stepping stones to management positions and each employee is responsible for working one-on-one with customers and providing the best customer service.
Sales Associate
The Sales Associate is responsible for providing quality customer service in their assigned area. The Sales Associate will operate the cash register, straighten the clothing racks and shelves, and similar.
In this role, you will be responsible for completing all assigned duties and tasks for the day.
Consultative Sales Associate
The Consultative Sales Associate is responsible for helping customers choose products and helping customers understand the benefits and pros of all products.
The Consultative Sales Associate is assigned to different areas including jewelry, home appliances, lawn and garden, and more.
In this role, you will be responsible for stocking shelves, setting up end caps, and similar.
Auto Technician
As an Auto Technician, you are responsible for performing basic auto maintenance jobs on customers’ vehicles including tire rotations, battery charges, and oil changes.
The Auto Technician will perform maintenance checks on all vehicles and let customers know if there is a problem with the car.
Loss Prevention Associate
The Loss Prevention Associate is responsible for protecting all of the company’s assets by watching security cameras and taking inventory of items on a regular basis.
The Loss Prevention Associate will apprehend any suspects who are shoplifting and call local authorities.
Sears Careers in Management
Sears offers a few different management positions in their stores. Both in-house employees and new applicants can apply for these positions.
The Sears’ management positions allow you to step into a leadership role and oversee a team of employees.
Assistant Manager
The Assistant Manager is responsible for overseeing sales associates and providing support to them when needed. The Assistant Manager will assign daily tasks to team members.
In this role, you will work with the Store Manager to create schedules, financial goals, and more.
Auto Center Manager
The Auto Center Manager is responsible for overseeing the automotive center. He or she will lead the Auto Technicians and ensure they are following all of Sears’ policies.
The Auto Center Manager will handle all customer complaints, issues, and problems. In addition, he or she will ensure the automotive center meets all financial goals for the company.
Store Manager
The Store Manager is responsible for all operations of his or her assigned store. He or she will set goals for employees, monitor the company’s sales, and handle payroll.
The Store Manager will address all customer complaints and provide assistance throughout the store when needed.
Interview Questions and Tips
Your interviewer may ask questions that stump you. Below, we will go over some of the most commonly asked questions to help you prepare for your big day.
How Can Your Attitude Affect Sales?
They may ask you how your attitude can affect sales. To answer this question, you should tell the interviewer that when you have a happy attitude, it is infectious and people want to make purchases from you.
If you have a bad attitude, you will turn customers away resulting in a loss of sales.
Are You Comfortable Upselling?
They may ask you if you are comfortable upselling. It is a common practice in many retail stores and consists of you suggesting additional items or asking the customer if they want to apply for a Sears credit card.
Why Do You Want to Work at Sears?
They may ask you why you want to work at Sears. You should answer honestly. Maybe you like the brand. Maybe your parents have shopped at Sears for years and you want to be part of the Sears family.
You will need to base your answer on your reasoning for applying to the position.
Helpful Research for Your Sears Interview
The idea behind Sears started back in 1886 with Richard W. Sears who opened up R.W. Sears Watch Company.
Since its inception in 1886, Sears has grown to include 506 stores throughout the U.S.
Sears has evolved to provide all types of products to consumers including jewelry, home goods, clothing, and more.
What Employees Say About Working Here
Employees who work at Sears have good things to say about their jobs. Many of the employees say that the scheduling is flexible and when they need time off, it is not difficult for their manager to approve it.
In addition, employees say that there is room for advancement and the benefits are great as well.
