Steps to Complete a Walmart Background Check Successfully

Introduction and Overview of Walmart Background Checks

A Walmart background check is a detailed review of an applicant’s history to ensure that they meet the company’s standards for hiring. Walmart, as one of the largest retail employers globally, has a responsibility to maintain a safe, secure, and trustworthy environment for both its employees and customers. Background checks are an essential part of this process, helping the company verify the qualifications and character of potential hires.

These background checks help Walmart assess whether applicants are suitable for the role they’re applying for, aligning with the company’s hiring policies and values. They also help ensure that the workforce remains compliant with industry regulations and internal policies, especially when it comes to safety, ethics, and legal standards.

Why Are Walmart Background Checks Important?

Walmart places a strong emphasis on security and safety, both for employees and customers. Background checks serve multiple purposes for the company:

Ensuring Safety and Trustworthiness: By verifying an applicant’s criminal history, employment history, and other relevant factors, Walmart ensures that its workforce is trustworthy and reliable.
Protecting Company Assets: With a large volume of transactions and goods, Walmart needs to reduce the risk of theft, fraud, or other misconduct by ensuring employees don’t have a history that would compromise their role.
Legal Compliance: Walmart must comply with federal, state, and local laws that regulate employment screening, ensuring that the company adheres to proper hiring practices and non-discriminatory policies.
Enhancing Customer Experience: A well-screened workforce helps maintain high customer service standards and strengthens the company’s public reputation.

Types of Walmart Background Checks

Walmart conducts various types of background checks as part of its hiring process. The primary categories include:

Criminal Background Check: Walmart reviews an applicant’s criminal history to determine if they have any convictions that could disqualify them from employment. The company typically checks federal, state, and county criminal records.
Employment Verification: Walmart verifies the employment history provided by the applicant, ensuring that previous jobs, job titles, and dates of employment align with the information submitted. This helps confirm the applicant’s qualifications for the role they are seeking.
Drug Testing: Walmart may require drug testing, particularly for positions involving safety-sensitive tasks or operating heavy machinery. This is to ensure that employees adhere to a drug-free workplace.
Credit Check: While Walmart typically does not perform credit checks for most positions, it may do so for specific corporate or managerial roles, especially those that require access to financial data or responsibilities.
Driving Record Check: For positions that require driving, Walmart may review the applicant’s driving record to ensure they have a safe and clean driving history.
Social Media and Online Presence Checks: While not always part of the formal background check, Walmart, like many other employers, may review an applicant’s public social media accounts for any red flags or inappropriate behavior.

Who Needs to Undergo a Walmart Background Check?

Walmart requires background checks for various types of positions, including but not limited to:

Retail Positions: Employees applying for roles such as cashiers, sales associates, and stockers must undergo a background check to ensure they meet Walmart’s hiring criteria.
Corporate Roles: Corporate employees applying for positions in management, finance, or human resources will typically undergo more in-depth background checks, including employment verification and credit checks.
Seasonal and Temporary Jobs: Even for seasonal employees who may only work for a few months, Walmart conducts background checks to maintain company standards and ensure safety in stores and warehouses.
Warehouse Positions: Applicants for warehouse jobs, such as stock clerks and forklift operators, must also undergo background checks, particularly regarding criminal history and drug testing.

Timeline for Completing a Walmart Background Check

The background check process at Walmart typically takes 3 to 7 days, depending on several factors. Some of these factors include:

Location: The background check process can vary based on the applicant’s location. Some states or counties may have different laws or databases that could cause delays in obtaining records.
Record Complexity: The time required to retrieve records can depend on the complexity of the applicant’s background. For example, an applicant with a clean record might be cleared faster than someone with a more complicated criminal or employment history.
Drug Testing Results: If a drug test is part of the process, the timing can vary depending on the type of test and how quickly the lab processes the samples.
Volume of Applications: During peak hiring seasons, such as around the holidays, there may be a delay in processing due to the increased volume of applications.

It’s important to note that Walmart’s hiring process is fairly streamlined, and they generally try to process background checks as quickly as possible to ensure that applicants aren’t left waiting for too long.

Step-by-Step Process of Walmart’s Background Check

The Walmart background check process is relatively straightforward, but it requires several steps to ensure that all necessary information is accurately verified. Here is an overview of the process that applicants typically undergo:

1. Application Submission

The first step in the process is submitting an application to Walmart. This can be done online through Walmart’s careers portal, or applicants may apply in person at a local Walmart store, especially for retail or warehouse positions. After submitting the application, applicants must also create an account or profile on Walmart’s job portal.

2. Job Offer and Consent

Once the applicant has been shortlisted for the role, they will receive a conditional job offer. As part of this offer, Walmart will request permission to conduct a background check. The applicant is required to give written consent before Walmart proceeds with the check.

Consent is essential as background checks involve gathering personal information, and employers must comply with regulations regarding privacy and fairness. Without the applicant’s approval, Walmart cannot legally perform a background check.

3. Criminal Background Check

The criminal background check is one of the most important elements of the process. Walmart uses third-party vendors to obtain criminal history records from county, state, and federal databases. This step will show whether the applicant has any criminal convictions, arrests, or pending charges.

What Walmart Looks For: Walmart’s screening typically focuses on serious offenses, including felonies, violent crimes, theft, drug offenses, and other major convictions. However, minor infractions or arrests may not necessarily disqualify an applicant.
How Long Does This Take: Criminal background checks can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the location and complexity of the applicant’s record.

4. Employment Verification

Walmart will verify the applicant’s previous employment history, including job titles, dates of employment, and the reason for leaving. This process helps confirm that the applicant has the work experience they claim.

What Walmart Verifies: The verification process typically includes checking job titles, responsibilities, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving. Walmart may also contact previous employers for additional references.
How Long Does This Take: Employment verification usually takes a few days but may be longer if previous employers have delayed responses.

5. Drug Testing

For certain positions, particularly those involving safety-sensitive tasks, Walmart requires drug testing. This step is designed to ensure that employees are not under the influence of drugs while performing their job duties. Walmart usually conducts urine-based drug tests at certified medical centers.

What Walmart Tests For: The drug testing typically checks for common substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP.
How Long Does This Take: The drug test results generally take a few days to process, though Walmart may proceed with hiring before receiving the results if the applicant’s criminal and employment history checks are satisfactory.

6. Credit Check (for Certain Roles)

For higher-level or managerial positions, Walmart may conduct a credit check to assess an applicant’s financial responsibility, especially for roles involving access to sensitive financial data or handling company funds. A credit check helps ensure that candidates have a strong history of managing their finances responsibly.

What Walmart Looks For: Walmart checks for serious issues in credit history, including bankruptcies, outstanding debts, or other signs of financial irresponsibility.
How Long Does This Take: Credit checks are typically completed within a few hours, although the applicant may need to provide more documentation if discrepancies are found.

7. Driving Record Check (for Driving Positions)

Applicants applying for positions that require driving, such as delivery drivers or truck drivers, will undergo a driving record check. Walmart will assess the applicant’s history of traffic violations and accidents to ensure they have a safe driving record.

What Walmart Looks For: Major traffic offenses, DUIs, or a history of accidents may lead to disqualification.
How Long Does This Take: A driving record check typically takes a few days to process.

8. Final Decision and Offer

After all the checks are completed, Walmart will review the results and make a final hiring decision. If the applicant passes the background check, they will receive a formal job offer. If there are issues with the background check (e.g., criminal convictions or discrepancies in employment history), Walmart may reconsider the offer.

It’s important to note that Walmart takes a holistic approach when evaluating an applicant’s background. A minor criminal infraction or employment gap may not automatically disqualify a candidate, especially if the candidate has a strong overall record. Walmart is committed to ensuring fair hiring practices.

Requirements for Conducting a Walmart Background Check

When applying for a job at Walmart, there are several requirements and documents that applicants need to prepare. These documents and pieces of information are needed to ensure that Walmart can accurately conduct the necessary background checks.

1. Personal Information

Applicants will need to provide basic personal information such as:

Full name
Social Security Number (for identity verification)
Date of birth
Current address

2. Previous Employment Details

To verify employment history, applicants should be prepared to provide:

Employer names
Job titles
Dates of employment
Reasons for leaving previous jobs
Contact details for former employers or supervisors (if necessary)

3. Consent Forms

Before Walmart can initiate the background check, applicants must sign written consent forms for each of the checks, including the criminal background check, drug test, and credit check (if applicable).

4. Proof of Identity

Walmart may ask for official identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID, to confirm the applicant’s identity.

Common Reasons for Disqualification

Walmart evaluates candidates based on a comprehensive review of their background. While minor offenses may not lead to automatic disqualification, here are some common reasons that may affect the outcome of a Walmart background check:

Criminal Convictions: Serious criminal convictions such as theft, assault, drug trafficking, or fraud can result in disqualification, particularly if they are recent.
Drug Test Failures: A failed drug test can prevent an applicant from being hired, especially for positions that require safety compliance.
Inaccurate Employment History: Providing false information about past employment or failing to accurately report gaps in employment can raise red flags.
Credit History Issues: For positions requiring financial responsibility, poor credit history may be a disqualifying factor.
Driving Record Issues: For roles that involve driving, traffic violations, accidents, or DUIs could disqualify applicants.

Our Services: Exact Background Checks

At Exact Background Checks, we specialize in providing accurate and efficient background screening services to employers, including Walmart background checks. We help businesses ensure that their hiring processes are thorough, compliant with regulations, and free from legal complications.

Our services include:

Criminal background checks
Employment and education verification
Drug testing coordination
Driving record checks
Credit reports for financial roles

By partnering with Exact Background Checks, companies can streamline their screening processes and make informed hiring decisions.

Walmart Background Check Requirements and Common Disqualification Factors

Check Type	Required for	Common Disqualifications
Criminal Background Check	All applicants	Felonies, theft, violent crimes, drug offenses
Employment Verification	All applicants	Inaccurate employment history, false job titles
Drug Testing	Safety-sensitive roles	Failed drug test
Credit Check	Management and financial roles	Bankruptcy, unpaid debts, poor credit score
Driving Record Check	Driving positions	DUIs, traffic violations, accidents

Legal Regulations Regarding Walmart Background Checks

When it comes to conducting background checks, Walmart must adhere to various legal regulations to ensure that applicants’ rights are protected. These regulations are designed to ensure fairness in the hiring process and prevent discrimination. Some of the key laws that influence Walmart’s background check process include:

1. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs the use of background check information in employment decisions. Under the FCRA, Walmart (and other employers) must:

Obtain written consent from applicants before conducting background checks.
Inform applicants if adverse actions (such as a job rejection) are based on the results of a background check.
Provide applicants with a copy of the background report and an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information.
Follow specific guidelines when using criminal history to ensure applicants are not unfairly disqualified.

2. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidelines to prevent discrimination in hiring practices. According to the EEOC:

Employers cannot reject applicants solely based on criminal history without considering the nature of the offense, the time passed since the offense, and its relevance to the job being applied for.
Walmart must ensure that their hiring practices do not disproportionately affect applicants of certain races, national origins, or other protected classes.

3. State-Specific Regulations

In addition to federal laws, Walmart must also comply with state-specific regulations regarding background checks. Some states have “ban the box” laws that prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. Others have regulations about how far back criminal background checks can go or what kinds of criminal records are permissible to consider. Walmart must adapt their background check process based on the state in which the applicant is located.

For example:

California has strict rules regarding the use of criminal history in employment decisions. Employers cannot deny employment solely based on a criminal conviction unless it is directly related to the job.
New York City has a law that limits employers from using arrest records that did not result in convictions in employment decisions.

4. Drug Testing Regulations

Drug testing, especially for employees in safety-sensitive roles, is also regulated by various laws:

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers cannot discriminate against applicants with disabilities who are in recovery from substance abuse, as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job and are not currently abusing drugs.
In certain states and municipalities, recreational marijuana use is legal, but employers may still enforce drug-free workplace policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Walmart Background Checks

Here are five frequently asked questions about Walmart’s background check process and employment screening:

How long does Walmart take to complete a background check?

The timeline for completing a Walmart background check can vary, but it typically takes 3 to 7 business days. This timeline can be affected by factors like the complexity of the applicant’s criminal history, verification of employment, or drug test results.

What does Walmart check for in a criminal background check?

Walmart conducts a thorough criminal background check, which includes reviewing an applicant’s national, state, and local criminal history. Walmart checks for felonies, serious misdemeanors, violent crimes, theft, fraud, and drug offenses. The company may disqualify applicants with certain criminal convictions, particularly those related to theft or violent crimes.

Can you fail a Walmart background check for a misdemeanor?

While Walmart does review misdemeanor convictions, applicants with misdemeanors may still be considered for employment, depending on the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and how relevant it is to the role. Minor infractions such as small fines or infractions may not disqualify an applicant. Walmart evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis.

Does Walmart perform credit checks on all applicants?

No, Walmart does not perform credit checks on all applicants. Credit checks are typically reserved for applicants applying for financial positions or higher-level management roles where handling company funds is a part of the job. If you’re applying for a retail or warehouse position, it’s unlikely that Walmart will perform a credit check.

Can you dispute a background check result with Walmart?

Yes, applicants can dispute the results of a background check. If there is inaccurate information on the report, Walmart must provide the applicant with a copy of the report and the opportunity to dispute any discrepancies. Walmart follows the guidelines set forth by the FCRA, which mandates that they give applicants the chance to correct any errors in their background information.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and the Importance of Proper Background Checks

In conclusion, Walmart’s background check process plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security, and integrity of its workforce. Understanding how the process works and what is required can help applicants prepare for the background check and address any potential issues that might arise.

Key takeaways from the article:

Walmart’s background check process includes several steps, such as criminal background checks, employment verification, drug testing, and sometimes credit checks or driving record checks, depending on the job.
Consent is crucial—Walmart cannot perform a background check without an applicant’s written consent, and applicants should be prepared to provide accurate and complete information.
Legal regulations govern the process to ensure fairness, including the FCRA, EEOC guidelines, and state-specific laws. Walmart must comply with these regulations to prevent discrimination and protect applicants’ rights.
Preparation is key: Applicants should be aware of common reasons for disqualification, such as criminal convictions or discrepancies in employment history, and take steps to ensure their records are accurate.

Proper background screening is not only important for maintaining security and safety at Walmart but also ensures a fair and compliant hiring process. Whether you’re applying for a warehouse role, a corporate position, or a seasonal job, understanding the background check process and being prepared can increase your chances of a successful hire.