Dollar tree is a massive chain of discounted retail stores in the USA and it has over 5,000 stores spread in over 48 states and 5 of the Canadian provinces. This retailer is a leader in the industry and is known for offering a pleasant work environment.
If you’re considering one of the many Dollar Tree careers, know that it employs over 50,000 workers and has 10 distribution centers. The annual revenue of the company is over 5 billion dollars and it operates on an income of more than 500 million dollars.
People who work at this retailer find the work environment to be positive, uplifting and they get great support from their team members. The company is looking for responsible people who have integrity, are courteous, and carry themselves in a respectable manner.
Dollar Tree Employment is Fast-Paced
The working environment is very fast-paced and busy. Many cashiers and stockers talk about how they believe they perform the job of 3 to 4 people during any given shift.
While many employees say they are appreciated by the company as well as their management, some workers say management does not appreciate their efforts. When they say this, they are referring to upper management as well as their immediate supervisors.
A big complaint by Dollar Tree workers is that they are not given enough hours to become full-time staff members. This appears to differ according to the location of the store. However, this is backed by the fact that Dollar Tree currently employs a little more than 136,000 part-time workers compared to only 57,000 full-time employees.
A typical day at the store will include dealing with nice and rude customers during your shift. Cashiers need to multitask in a big way. As reported by many workers, one minute you will be at the cash register, and the next you will be stocking shelves and bouncing back-and-forth.
A Variety of Jobs Available
You may not know this, but Dollar Tree has a variety of jobs available across many fields. When you talk about the store jobs, you’ll find jobs in customer service and in-store management.
The customer service jobs available include sales associates and cashiers. This company is constantly on the lookout for people who are dedicated to providing great customer service and filling in those much-needed positions that are so crucial to the success of the company.
The following are Dollar Tree careers in management that you’ll find at the store:
- Assistant store manager
- Merchandise manager
- Store manager
These jobs usually require plenty of experience in retail sales as well as experience in a leadership role.
Store careers are not the only jobs available at this retail chain. With its distribution centers as well as its corporate offices, there are many positions that include warehouse workers, distribution center associates, corporate professionals, and quite a few skilled maintenance roles.
Salaried workers interested in corporate careers are going to find jobs available in human resources, IT, accounting, and development, to name a few.
The following are store positions that people commonly apply for:
Dollar Tree cashier
In this position, you’re going to have to be able to communicate well and assist customers at the checkout while being very accurate and detail-oriented. It’s possible that you may show up to work one day and you need to help out with the inventory instead of working as the cashier.
It all depends on what your manager asks of you for that particular day. Your days are usually very busy and you are expected to be able to move quickly on your feet so you can stock shelves, maintain proper shelf displays, and work the cashier register at the same time.
Dollar Tree sales floor associate
Here, you’ll be in charge of overall maintenance of the cleanliness of the store. You’ll be assigned a variety of general duties such as stocking merchandise, helping customers find what they’re looking for, merchandise display, and much more.
Assistant Manager jobs
Even though you would be considered an assistant manager, you will assume the responsibility of being the acting store manager when your supervisor is unavailable. When your manager is available, you will help him or her out and guide your employees, oversee all store operations, and assist customers.
This position is the steppingstone to a store management position. Therefore, it’s important to try to gain as much experience as possible and help yourself move up the ladder to a more successful management position.
Merchandise Manager
You’ll be in charge of making sure the prices are accurate, keeping track of all the inventory, and entering data on the computer on a daily basis. On occasion, you may be asked to assume the role of a store manager if and when all the other managers are not available.
Dollar Tree Store Manager
In this role, you have to exhibit the utmost professionalism while handling every aspect of the store including customer complaints, keeping track of employees’ work hours, and scheduling employee shifts. You will also have a direct pipeline to the district manager and you’ll have to provide accurate information regarding the store’s profitability and profit plans.
District Manager
In this well-paid position, you will oversee all the stores that are located in your assigned district. This position requires you to keep open lines of communication with all store managers so that you can get accurate feedback and provide them with guidance so you can ensure hire profitability for each store.
Dollar Tree Distribution Center Jobs
There are many Dollar Tree careers available scattered across 10 different distribution centers.
Here are some examples of jobs that are usually available:
- General warehouse associate
- Shipping loader
- Forklift and receiving checker
- Forklift operator
- Repack order filler
- Bulk order filler
- Distribution center associate
- Maintenance parts clerk
- Warehouse order filler
- Area supervisor
- Human resources manager
- Department manager
- General manager
How to Apply at Dollar Tree
You can easily apply by going to the online career center. Once there, you can search for many opportunities in your area and start the application process.
When you arrive at the main page to search for jobs, you will see three separate links that will take you to the following pages:
- Search and apply for store careers
- Apply for Logistic carriers
- Corporate careers
Once you click on one of these links, you’ll read be redirected to a page where you can begin looking at the available jobs in your area.
As an example, if you click the “store careers” link, you’ll be taken to a page that tells you to search and apply for either store associate positions or retail management jobs.
If you click the search and apply button for store opportunities you’ll be immediately redirected to a list of jobs available in your area if your mobile device or computer has the location services feature turned on. If your device or computer can’t locate where you are, you can enter your ZIP Code or your city and state.
When you click on your desired position, it will redirect you once again to a page that will explain what the position you were applying for is all about. It will give you a general summary, the duties and responsibilities, and the requirements.
Once you find your desired position, click the “apply” button.
This will take you to a page where you can register online so that you can continue the application process.
You are also allowed to upload your resume during the online application process. You will be informed via email once Dollar Tree receives your application in its system.
Dollar Tree interview process
If you are looking for an entry-level job, your interview process will differ slightly from somebody looking for a salaried position.
After you submit your application, it will usually take from one day to two weeks before you get a callback to set up an interview.
For hourly workers, you will probably sit face-to-face with a hiring manager. You’ll be asked a series of very basic questions designed to see if you are a person who can provide great customer service, work diligently, and get along well with coworkers.
For salaried jobs, you can expect either two to three separate interviews, including one with a panel of two or more people conducting the interview.
Usually, an entry-level worker will only have one interview before they are either hired or not.
Dress Appropriately for the Interview
While you are interviewing for the position, make sure you have dressed appropriately. For hourly positions, business casual wear is perfect. For salaried positions, professional business attire is a must.
One of the most important questions asked during the interview process is your availability to work certain days as well as shift hours. It’s crucial that you indicate that you are ready to work on any day and at any time. This will separate you from many other applicants who are not able to work certain hours.
Here are some of the other questions that may be asked:
- Do you have any career goals, and if so, what are they?
- Would you have a problem staying at work if your replacement arrives late?
- What are some of the things you do to ensure good customer service?
- Do you have any prior retail experience?
- Do you get along well with your coworkers?
- How long do you want to work at Dollar Tree?
- Why are you choosing to try to get hired at this company?
Job Benefits
In order to qualify for full benefits, you’re going to have to be employed full-time for at least six months.
Sometimes, depending on your area, this is not an easy task. Managers in this company are said to not give some store workers enough hours for them to qualify as full-time until they prove themselves worthy.
You will qualify as a full-time worker if you are working at least 30 hours a week for 6 consecutive months.
The benefits will include:
- Medical, prescription plans, dental, and vision
- Paid time off
- An employee assistance program
- Travel assist program
- Wellness program
- 401k (4% match by Dollar Tree)
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Employee stock plan
- Healthcare and dependent care reimbursement in spending accounts
- and more…
Does Dollar Tree conduct a background check?
If you are applying for a salaried position, they will conduct a full background check on you. It becomes important to be very honest during your application process, including whether you have a criminal history and the reasons you left your previous employer.
Does Dollar tree hire felons?
Dollar tree generally does hire felons. Reportedly, according to reviews on Indeed.com, quite a few workers in management have a felony past. Most of them say that it’s important to be transparent, honest, and upfront during the application process so you can get hired.
What is the minimum age to work at Dollar Tree?
The minimum age to be employed at dollar tree is 16 years old. However, since this is a very high-stress and fast-paced job, it’s important to weigh your options before trying to get hired while attending high school.
Generally, a teenager it’s not in the best position to work extremely hard and be expected to perform very well in their studies while attending school.
Final Thoughts
The biggest takeaway from applying to this retail store chain is the feedback from many of its store employees who say it’s really hard to get hired full-time unless you are in management.
This shouldn’t scare you away from applying at a Dollar Tree store if you follow these points:
- Join the company while maintaining a positive attitude
- Establish a respectful and friendly relationship with your manager
- Come to work every day looking motivated
- Be dependable and show up to work on time on all your scheduled days
- Work very hard to make your store a success
- Ask your managers for feedback regarding your performance
- Constantly look for better ways to improve your job performance
- Show your management staff that you take your job seriously
- Provide exceptional customer service
If you work hard and are a valuable asset to your store, you will stand a much greater chance to become a full-time worker. Don’t be afraid to network with your management staff.
There is a difference between brown-nosing and showing a sincere interest in your job. Be that person your managers can count on and you will go a long way!
