Business

2023 Guide: Navigating Walmart’s Background Check Process

Understanding the dynamics of background checks is a key aspect for any job applicant, and when it comes to a global retail giant like Walmart, having an insight into their hiring practices can be a discernible advantage.

This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge, delving into the world of background checks, exploring their importance and significance in the hiring process while laying bare what potential employers usually look for and the red flags they consider as employment obstacles.

It simultaneously provides an overview of Walmart’s employment policies, its stance on hiring individuals with criminal histories, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the crucial steps of the Walmart background check process for 2023.

Table of Contents

Understanding Background Checks

Background checks are a vital part of the hiring process for many companies, including retail giant Walmart. Generally, these checks aim to verify the credibility of potential employees. They involve a thorough review of a candidate’s past, including but not limited to their criminal record, employment history, education, and personal references.

The motive behind conducting these checks is to ascertain the candidate’s integrity, intent, and ability to perform the role they’re applying for.

Background checks serve multiple purposes.

With the increasing prevalence of crimes, frauds, and deceptive activities, companies have to ensure their prospective employees are reliable and trust-worthy. Background checks are designed to prevent companies from making bad hires that could negatively impact their workforce, customers, and overall reputation.

They also encourage a safe and secure working environment, protecting employees from potential harm.

Understanding Walmart’s Background Check Procedure

When performing background checks, Walmart chiefly seeks to uncover any criminal history that would signal potential risk. Any convictions or charges associated with violent crimes, theft or fraud, or sex offenses can seriously jeopardize a candidate’s chances of getting hired. But it’s not just about the crime; Walmart also takes into consideration the severity of the offense, the time duration since the conviction occurred, and the relevance of the crime to the duties presented by the job.

In addition to a criminal background check, Walmart also scrutinizes a candidate’s employment history. Things like frequent job changes, abrupt terminations, or falling out with former employers can raise red flags. The company may also examine the individual’s education records to validate their qualifications. It’s crucial to note that a minor offense or discrepancy in the background check may not automatically eliminate a candidate’s chance of securing a job. Walmart’s decision to hire depends on multiple factors such as the position in question and the overall results of the background check.

So, how does one prepare for a Walmart background check in 2023? It starts with undertaking a self-audit. Be aware that Walmart’s goal is to recruit a reliable workforce and mitigate risk. A clean record, validated employment and education history, coupled with full disclosure to the hiring team can improve a candidate’s chances of clearing the background check.

Illustration of a magnifying glass in front of a fingerprint, representing background checks.

Walmart’s Employment Policies

A Look into Walmart’s Employment Policies:

As a global retail behemoth, Walmart has a comprehensive range of employment policies in place. These rules delve into various aspects of the recruitment process, including the due diligence of background checks. With a resolute focus on the safety and security of its employees and customers, Walmart imposes stringent regulations concerning its background checks.

In 2023, Walmart’s pledge to carry out standard background checks for all prospective hires remains steadfast. This thorough screening allows Walmart to ensure a secure working environment and employ those who can carry out their assigned roles with utmost responsibility.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Walmart is an equal opportunity employer, meaning they don’t discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability in any phase of the employment process. This principle applies to every aspect of employment, right from the hiring process to development and advancement opportunities. Walmart has also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in order to allow them to perform essential job functions.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Alongside its Equal Opportunity Employment practices, Walmart has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company values differences and supports a workforce that is reflective of the diverse customers and communities it serves. This broad outlook carries over into their background check process too.

Walmart and Criminal Histories

Walmart believes in giving individuals with criminal histories a fair chance at employment. Depending on the nature and severity of the crime, as well as how much time has passed since the offense and what role you are seeking, Walmart may still consider you for employment. It’s important to note, however, that violent offenses and serious felonies may disqualify a candidate immediately.

Conducting fair and inclusive background checks is therefore important to Walmart because they believe that everyone deserves a chance. For 2023, Walmart plans to continue to uphold these policies.

Will You Clear Walmart’s Background Check in 2023?

Assessing whether an individual will clear a background check at Walmart is far from straightforward. Walmart’s approach to hiring revolves around a considerate balance between maintaining corporate integrity and safety with a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and second-chance employment.

If you’ve had run-ins with the law, your eligibility for employment at Walmart may be under question. Factors such as the severity of the past offenses, the effort made towards rehabilitation, the time elapsed since the offense, and the job role you’re applying for are all considered in Walmart’s hiring decision.

Remember, honesty is paramount when it comes to background checks. Any discrepancies or misleading information can lead to the end of your application process or even result in the termination of your employment if discovered later.

A diverse group of people working together in a Walmart store.

Photo by wildlittlethingsphoto on Unsplash

The Walmart Background Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Process Behind Walmart’s Background Checks

In order to comprehend Walmart’s background check policy, it’s crucial for prospective employees to familiarize themselves with it. Walmart employs this activity to validate the applicant’s character, criminal history, and other relevant factors impacting their ability to execute their responsibilities safely and effectively.

Upon an applicant’s receipt of a conditional job offer from Walmart, the methodical screening procedure begins. This background check is conventionally executed by a third-party, accredited agency. Employment history is the initial aspect under review. Walmart ensures all the provided information aligning with job positions held, durations of employment, and reasons for exiting prior positions are accurate.

Criminal Record Screening

The most significant part of the background check for many applicants is the criminal record screening. Walmart checks for any serious crimes committed within the past seven years. However, the company does not strictly disqualify candidates with a criminal record. Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the crime, how long ago it was committed and whether it’s relevant to the job role being applied for.

Credit Check

Though less common, Walmart may also conduct a credit check for positions that involve financial responsibility. This is not a blanket policy and will only be conducted for jobs where it is deemed necessary and legally permitted.

Drug Test and Further Checks

Typically, a drug test will also be taken after the interview process for certain positions. Walmart might also perform further checks depending on the role you’re applying to. For example, if the position involves driving, Walmart will run a motor vehicle records check.

How Long Does the Process Take

The duration of the Walmart background check process can vary, but on average, it takes around one to two weeks for the check to be completed. However, timescales can change as some checks might take longer depending on the applicants’ history or the type of job applied for.

Dealing With Negative Elements in Your Past

Even if there are unsettling discoveries in your background check, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. Walmart takes into account the type and severity of the issues before making a recruitment decision. Transparency is important in such situations. If any criminal convictions are inquired about during the application procedure, it’s crucial to be forthright about them. Self-disclosure of these aspects is always more appreciated than them being unearthed during a background check.

A representative image of a person going through a background check process.

Tips to Pass Walmart’s Background Check

Demystifying Walmart’s Background Check Protocol

Walmart, possessing the title of the world’s largest private retailer, emphasizes thorough background checks on all potential hires. This comprehensive review includes vetting of personal credentials, any criminal records, and previous substantial legal complications, if present. Given Walmart’s rigorous standards for its workforce, comprehending the nuances of this background check process is absolutely vital for success.

Preparing for the Check

It is recommended that potential Walmart applicants familiarize themselves with their own personal records before the background check. This should include knowledge of their credit history, employment history, and any criminal records. By knowing and understanding your own background, you’ll be better prepared to address any potential issues proactively. It also gives you the opportunity to correct any inaccuracies that might exist in your records.

Addressing Red Flags

Walmart’s background checks may encompass a range of potential issues, such as criminal records, inconsistent employment history, or misleading information on your resume. Proactively addressing these red flags, and being honest about them if they do come up, is key to passing the background check.

If you have a criminal record, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but the nature of the crime and how long ago it occurred may play a part. Walmart typically looks back seven years into your criminal history, although this can vary by state. If you’ve been charged with a violent or theft-related crime, it may impact your chances, especially for positions that handle money or interact closely with customers.

For inconsistent employment history, consider providing reasons for any gaps in your resume. This could be further education, caretaking responsibilities, or health matters. Providing a reason can help show you’re reliable and should not be disqualified based on your past.

Staying Honest

Honesty is the best policy during the background check process. If there are issues in your past that may look unfavorable, it’s better to address these issues upfront rather than having them discovered during the check. Discrepancies between what you disclose and what shows up in your background check can be seen as deceitful and could jeopardize your chances of employment.

Ensuring Accuracy of Information

Preparing documentation to prove your skills, qualifications, and experience can help bolster your case. Ensure that all details in your resume match the documented information. Any inaccuracies could send a red flag during the background check.

Preparing References

Another aspect that could help increase your chances of passing the Walmart background check is to have relevant and reliable references. Be sure to inform your references in advance so they know to expect a call or email. Your references can attest to your character, work ethic, skills, and reliability.

Final Thoughts

While Walmart’s background check can be comprehensive, you can improve your chances of passing by understanding what the check entails, preparing your own background information, addressing potential red flags clearly and honestly, and ensuring the accuracy of all information provided. Walmart, like many employers, values honesty and integrity, so being upfront about your history is crucial during this process. Remember, everyone has a past, and it’s how you’ve learned and grown from it that truly matters.

Illustration of a person going through a background check at Walmart

Photo by querysprout on Unsplash

Having apprehended Walmart’s hiring dynamics and unpacked the steps involved in their background check process, it’s clear that gaining employment is not an insurmountable feat, albeit requiring thoughtful preparation. With an understanding of their core values, a proactive approach to address potential hiccups in your history, and by presenting yourself professionally, you’ll be well-positioned to pass Walmart’s background check. Our comprehensive guide should serve as a useful ally in your quest to secure a position at Walmart, shedding light on the pathway towards success. Though each journey may differ slightly, with perseverance, honesty, and the right set of information at hand, every potential applicant stands a fair chance of success.

Intellectual Insider

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Business

Driving A 28-Year-Old Beater Made Me Love My Car Again

While visiting my parents in Honolulu this past winter, I ended up driving my dad’s 28-year-old beater for eight days. He bought that Toyota Avalon new in 1997—back when I was a college sophomore and he was stationed in Guangzhou, China for the U.S. Foreign Service.

I’ve known this car nearly as long as he has, and for more than half my life, I’ve driven it during my visits home. Sure, it drives like a boat and shakes when I hit the brakes on the highway, but it reliably gets my family around the island.

Table of Contents

Not Getting a New Car After 10 Years After All

I once planned for summer 2025 to be the year I’d finally upgrade my ride. I always believed the ideal time to replace your car is when it hits about 10 years old—long enough for safety and technology improvements to kick in, which is crucial when you’re transporting your family.

Yet, after spending time behind the wheel of my dad’s old Toyota in Hawaii, I returned to my own car in San Francisco feeling like I was driving a brand-new luxury automobile!

My current car—a 2015 Range Rover Sport HSE that I bought in December 2016, just before my son was born—feels amazing by comparison. It handles smoothly, the steering is tight, and there’s no annoying shake when I brake.

The Range has Bluetooth for tunes, a backup camera that beeps when something gets too close, and even twice the horsepower of my previous ride. The paint is still shiny, and the tires boast about 80% tread remaining. There’s even leather seats, which are starting to smell amazing again.

If my dad’s car could last 27 years, I’m confident my Range will easily last at least another five years, for 15 years total.

Driving A 28-Year-Old Beater Made Me Love My Car Again — My dad’s 28-year old car looks pretty good parked out front a nice $4 million stealth home in Kahala, Oahu

New Cars Are Just Way Too Expensive

I’ve looked at several new luxury vehicles comparable to my Range Rover, and every one of them costs between $115,000 and $170,000. Maybe I’m a bit nostalgic, but today’s new luxury car prices seem utterly absurd. Even though I’ve been diligently saving and investing in a new car fund for nine years, the thought of shelling out six figures after taxes for a new vehicle feels completely off.

So, the logical alternative is to stick with what I have. I’ve also considered more budget-friendly options, like the fully loaded Honda Civic for about $28,000, but it’s too small for our family road trips and lacks features like four-wheel drive—meaning I’d have to tack on chains in snowy conditions on our way to Lake Tahoe. No thank you.

The next option I looked at was the new Honda CR-V, which runs about $42,000 fully loaded (roughly $46,500 after tax). While that might be acceptable for someone without a car, I already have a perfectly fine family car.

Recently Spent a Bundle on Car Maintenance

Over the past two years, I’ve invested roughly $5,400 in maintaining my Range Rover, which has around 61,000 miles on it. Here’s a quick rundown:

New battery: $500 (2024)
Two new 22-inch tires: $825 (2024)
Water pump: $1,250 (2024)
Vacuum pump and PCV valve: $1,050 (2024)
Oil change service: ($199, January 2025)
Brakes and rotors ($1,600, Jan 2025)
Heater manifold: $1,025 (potential cost maybe in April 2025, but the coolant isn’t leaking anymore)

Fortunately, my mechanic is just a one-mile walk from my house, so dropping off the car for maintenance is never a hassle. After $5,400 in repairs and upkeep so far, the idea of selling my car to buy a brand-new one just doesn’t make sense.

If I were to get rid of my car, I should have done it before reaching 50,000 miles and before these expenses began to pile up. Now that I’ve had these repairs done, I expect my Range to be in great shape for another 5-10 years or 60,000 miles.

The Joy of Driving a Well-Worn Car

After nine years of driving my 10-year-old car, I’ve grown accustomed to its quirks—much like my father’s steadfast 1997 Toyota Avalon. Every time I head to the supermarket, I feel no stress about door dings. In fact, when a new ding appears, I just see it as another character mark on a car that’s been a reliable part of my life.

I also love that as the car ages, it draws less attention. I bought my Range because I loved its look and performance—ever since I was a middle-school kid in Malaysia, I’ve been a fan of Range Rovers. And attracting attention isn’t my goal, which is why I appreciate the tinted windows.

Finally, if my old car can last another seven years, it’ll be perfect for teaching my son how to drive. Hopefully, he won’t crash it—but if he does, its larger size should provide some extra protection. Plus, by then, it won’t be much of a financial loss either. Hmm, now that we’re talking safety, maybe I will buy a safer car at that time.

Landscaping with Range Rover — The Range at the landscaping company to haul rocks and dirt

Final Reflection: Keep Your Old Car For Longer

Driving my dad’s old beater for one last hurrah made me realize that sometimes the best decision is to stick with what works. Instead of spending a ridiculous sum on a brand-new car that may not drive any better, I’ll save and invest my money. My RR Sport has served me well and still has plenty of life left in it, and that reliability is worth more than chasing the latest model.

In a world where new cars are prohibitively expensive and constant upgrades may be more about status than functionality, holding on to a well-maintained vehicle is a smart, financially savvy move. Let a car’s depreciation work for you by getting your House-To-Car Ratio as high as possible, if you want to achieve financial independence sooner.

Although I will say, car shopping is one of the most fun things I’ve enjoyed as a kid and adult. That could be a fun father son, father daughter bonding experience in the future. However, I’m hoping by the time my kids are able to drive, they won’t due to safer, self-driving cars.

If you want to become a millionaire, grab a copy of my new book, Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures. I’ve distilled everything I’ve learned over the past 30 years of working and writing about finance to help you build more wealth than 90% of the population. The more money you have, the more freedom you’ll have to live life on your terms. You can purchase a copy on Amazon or wherever you buy books.

Listen and subscribe to The Financial Samurai podcast on Apple or Spotify. I interview experts in their respective fields and discuss some of the most interesting topics on this site. Your shares, ratings, and reviews are appreciated.

To expedite your journey to financial freedom, join over 60,000 others and subscribe to the free Financial Samurai newsletter. Financial Samurai is among the largest independently-owned personal finance websites, established in 2009. Everything is written based on firsthand experience and expertise.

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Business

AI Won’t Replace You — But an AI-Equipped Professional Will

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Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I’ve spent the past year and a half living side by side with AI — building custom “agents” that handle everything from research to sales to financial modeling. As someone who’s always been a master generalist, I’ve found that partnering with AI completely rewrote the rules of what I can achieve in a day. I used to juggle countless tasks that felt like slogging through quicksand. Now, I hand off many of them to a digital “chief of staff” that never sleeps, never complains and never tires of iterating.

This isn’t a story of doom, and it’s not about machines taking over. It’s a story of leverage — of using AI as a force multiplier to gain time and clarity. I often hear questions like, “Isn’t AI going to replace us?” My answer is always: “AI won’t replace you, but someone who is AI-powered will run circles around you.” Here’s why.

Table of Contents

The unfair advantage of time

Years ago, I spent entire days buried in administrative work or competitor analysis, feeling trapped in an endless loop of reading, highlighting and summarizing. Those who’ve slogged through a major research project know that fatigue — coffee’s going cold, your eyes start to blur, and that mountain of data looms larger than ever.

Fast forward to today, as an AI-powered leader, I know exactly where to go for information and what prompts will obtain it. Be it specialized deep-research platforms or large language models, I’m able to generate an organized brief in under an hour compared to the full day I was used to. That time “refund” gives me the freedom to focus on more strategic decisions rather than tactical ones. I can innovate, I can iterate, and I can breathe. This trifecta — time, innovation and iteration — is what turns ordinary professionals into unstoppable ones.

Beyond a single platform

As I’ve perfected my AI suite, the biggest mistake I’m seeing among executives experimenting with AI is relying on just one generative AI tool. Maybe they opened a basic account with a popular large language model and gave it some elementary queries. In my experience, that’s like saying you’ve tasted global cuisine because you tried one new restaurant. I maintain more than 30 specialized AI “agents” that I’ve built to tackle broader, multi-step use cases that require continuous decision-making and adaptation, such as:

Research agent for competitor deep dives
Sales agent for drafting outreach scripts
Finance agent for analyzing budget scenarios
Creative agent for everything from brand strategy to image generation

Relying on a generative AI within a single service narrows your potential. Different tools excel at different tasks. The key is assembling a suite — like a team of specialists — rather than expecting one platform to handle every challenge, question by question.

The first step: Self-audit your biggest time sinks

So, you may ask — where do I begin? The first rule of thumb is don’t complicate it. Start by listing your tasks that consume the most hours or mental energy. Maybe it’s drafting proposals, maybe it’s analyzing spreadsheets. Then, pose a simple question to your AI platform of choice: “How can you help me do this faster?”

That’s how I built my first agent. I realized I was spending too many hours in repetitive research loops. I started asking, “Can you compile a summary of Topic X with citations, then condense it to a single-page brief?” The first attempts weren’t perfect, so I refined the prompts. Over time, I wound up with a powerful “assistant” that gave me back entire afternoons. It’s like that Limitless moment — once you realize what’s possible, it’s hard to go back.

It’s also a bit like hitting the gym — you test a routine, see results, then adjust. Commit to minor daily experiments and watch how quickly your workflows transform.

Strength in numbers: AI-empowered teams

There’s an even greater revelation when entire teams use AI in tandem. Imagine a group of 100 people, each with a personal AI “chief of staff” tailored to their role — sales, marketing, finance, you name it. They aren’t just substituting old tasks with digital help; they’re collaborating with each other and AI, sharing best practices and refining each other’s agents. That synergy can produce results faster than any single human-led approach could ever hope to match.

I’ve seen organizations pivot more rapidly than anyone thought possible — sales scripts become sharper, customer insights clearer and marketing strategies more dynamic. People talk about synergy in corporate settings all the time, but synergy across AI-driven teams feels like a superpower. Everyone is building on each other’s progress at rapid rates, and no one is weighed down by menial tasks.

Human intuition isn’t going anywhere

Some professionals remain skeptical, saying, “AI can’t match human intuition.” I don’t disagree. AI can supply data and suggest strategies, but it doesn’t replace gut feeling — especially in tough situations. What it does do is offer a fresh perspective that challenges our assumptions.

I think of AI as the secret board member who’s always available to brainstorm. When I’m mapping out a new strategy, I’ll ask my AI agent to list potential pitfalls. Then, I weigh those risks against my experience and values. This collaboration strengthens my instincts rather than eclipsing them. I’m still the one calling the shots, but I do so with a broader range of input and more certainty.

Glimpsing the next five years

Fast forward five years, and we’ll be comparing AI “agents” the way kids once compared trading cards. Everyone will have them — it’ll just be a question of who fine-tuned theirs best. Some executives will have advanced, personal AI agents that schedule meetings, compile real-time data and orchestrate complex workflows at the drop of a hat. Those who never adopted this mindset might still accomplish great things, but they’ll face a steeper climb against AI-savvy peers.

My biggest prediction is a better quality of life for those who embrace these tools, finding efficiencies that lead to more intentional or purposeful use of their time. Imagine offloading tedious tasks that drain your creativity. Imagine having more hours to devote to the strategic elements of any work. It’s not an arms race against machines — it’s a partnership where we hold the reins.

Your move

So, where do we go from here? If you’re inspired to take these reins to realize your potential, I recommend a simple call to action: Commit to a short experiment this week. Pick one task that weighs on you and test a tool that specializes in that task — ask it questions, refine your prompts, and see if it frees up an hour or two. If it does, repeat the process with a second task, and so on, until these outcomes become “stackable.”

Before you know it, you may have a portfolio of agents working overtime on your behalf. You’ll find yourself arriving at the finish line while others are still gearing up.

That’s why I’m certain that AI won’t replace you; it will advance you. An AI-powered professional — someone who orchestrates multiple digital partners from the palm of their hand — will operate on an entirely different playing field. Embrace this synergy of creativity and efficiency, and watch your day-to-day decision-making evolve with newfound speed and clarity.

It’s crazy to think this is still just the beginning.

Intellectual Insider

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Business

Upgrade Your Travel Tech for Less: iPad 9 + Beats Flex for Just $239.99

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Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

For professionals who are on the move, staying connected, productive, and entertained shouldn’t break the bank. Whether you’re catching up on work, streaming your favorite shows, or tuning into a podcast during a flight, you need tech to keep up with your busy lifestyle. That’s where this refurbished Apple iPad 9th Gen (2021) + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones bundle can help.

For a limited time, you can grab this travel-ready, grade-A refurbished duo for just $239.99 (reg. $499) with free shipping.

Power through your day

Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, the iPad 9 delivers the speed and power you need for multitasking, whether you’re responding to emails, editing documents, or unwinding with a Netflix binge. The 10.2-inch Retina display provides crisp visuals, making it perfect for video calls, creative projects, and presentations. With 64GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for apps, files, and downloads—so you can work (or relax) without interruptions.

No travel setup is complete without great audio, and the Beats Flex Wireless Headphones deliver just that. Designed for comfort, durability, and convenience, these lightweight earbuds offer up to 12 hours of playtime—enough for a cross-country flight or a full workday of virtual meetings.

Thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, you’ll get a stable Bluetooth connection with fewer dropouts. The magnetic earbuds snap together when not in use, pausing your music automatically to save battery. With on-device controls, you can adjust volume, take calls, and activate Siri without reaching for your device.

All the extras you need are included

This bundle doesn’t stop at just an iPad and Beats headphones. You also get essential accessories such as a case, screen protector, and stylus—so you’re ready to go right out of the box.

This refurbished bundle, which was inspected and cleaned to be in excellent working order, is grade A, meaning it is in near-mint condition.

Don’t miss this Apple iPad 9th Gen + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones bundle while it’s still available for just $239.99 (reg. $499) with free shipping.

Apple iPad 9th Gen (2021) 64GB (Wi-Fi Only) Silver + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones Refurbished Bundle – $239.99

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.