Hiring Process

Whole Foods Market is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prides itself on its diverse, multi-cultural team member base.

Applying

Whole Foods Market locations accept applications through one or more of these methods:

• in-store computer kiosks
• this web site
• a separate selected career or applicant web site
• in person at a job fair or hiring event

Individual postings viewed on this site will inform you how and where to apply.

If you are interested in applying at a store that is not yet open, please note that those jobs will be posted closer to those stores' opening dates. Please refer to Jobs Fairs & Events for hiring opportunities.

Once you apply, your application will be assessed to see if you meet the basic requirements for the job. Given the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond personally to all applicants.

Many interviews at Whole Foods Market are performed by a team or panel. Read on for more about our unique interviewing and hiring process.

Interviewing and Hiring

Each Whole Foods Market location has a human resources department that aids in hiring and recruiting. Because hiring is handled at the store/facility level, you should apply at each individual location and/or for each individual position that interests you.

If your application passes an initial review and an opening still exists, you may be contacted and asked to come in to the store or facility to complete a more detailed application or go through an initial screening process.

Applicants are generally screened by store/facility leadership or by a human resources person through a preliminary interview. You will be screened for job match, customer service orientation, skills and qualifications. After this initial screening, your application may be referred to the appropriate department leadership, who may decide to grant you a full interview.

Formal interviews may be one-on-one or group (see below). Generally, for any leadership position applicants are interviewed by a panel of peers and other leadership.

Team member participation in group interviews is one way we put our culture of empowerment into action. The team interview process is an effective way to make hiring decisions because the diversity of participants brings all of the different aspects of the roles and responsibilities of the position to the table. In addition, the process educates both the interviewers and the candidates by giving insight into all the expectations and challenges of the job.

Job offers are job contingent on a background check, the clearance of your I-9 paperwork, and Social Security number verification.

Please note: Because our company culture promotes hiring from within, many positions are filled by existing team members and therefore external candidates may not always be considered for every job.

Orientation Period and Team Vote

The process of selecting a new Whole Foods Market team member doesn't end with the hiring process! During your orientation period (typically 30-90 days) you will attend orientation and training classes, and you and your team leader will discuss your progress.

If your team leader then recommends that you be considered for team membership, your fellow team members will vote on whether to add you to their team. The team vote process empowers team members to share in the building of a quality team and strengthens communication. The criteria used to vote a new member onto a team are positive job performance, adherence to policies and procedures, excellent customer service skills, and teamwork.