How to Be a Grocery Bagger

Grocery baggers are typically hired with little or no experience.

Grocery store baggers package customer purchases at the checkout counter and handle other tasks in the store, such as loading a customer's car, retrieving carts from the parking lot and restocking goods on the shelves. It is generally considered an entry-level position. Grocery stores continue to rank high among the leading sources of employment in the United States, where they provided 2.5 million jobs in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Instructions

1. Fill out an application for employment, either by visiting the grocery store directly or applying via its website. Major chain stores typically accept online applications.

2. Bring a copy of your resume, a list of your references and a picture ID and social security card when visiting a store in person. Dress professionally and be neat, courteous and outgoing.

3. Complete any automated tests the store asks you to take. These may include simple math, reading or writing aptitude tests. Such tests are often given in kiosks in the larger chain stores. Practice ahead of time by visiting the kiosk to see what the tests are like. You may have to use a different name or bypass the submission process to sample the tests.

4. Research the job requirements and the grocery chain before you have a face-to-face interview, then sell yourself and your skills when given the chance. Show that you have good hand-eye coordination and that you're in good physical shape.

5. Be prepared to receive on-the-job training to learn store aisle contents, product descriptions and placement, and store layout. Learn the best way to package groceries for even weight distribution without damaging the items.

References

• U.S Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics: Grocery Stores
• Monster: How to Apply for a Job at an In-Store Kiosk