Walmart simulates interviews with AI; trains workers as technicians
Walmart is using artificial intelligence to help applicants prepare for job interviews and paying for associates to move into technician roles.
The discount giant’s new AI Interview Coach tool simulates a realistic Walmart interview by walking candidates through up to 10 questions, scoring each response on a scale of one to 10 and delivering instant pointers on structure, clarity and confidence.
Walmart is currently piloting the tool with associates; if it performs as expected, the retailer will offer it to every applicant, both internal and external. The retailer also recently unveiled a skills translator tool that lets veterans upload their resumes, which are then translated into professional skills that align with its needs.
In addition, a new interactive job simulations solution gives veterans the ability to virtually try out their skills in real-life scenarios and see what it’s like working in a corporate environment.
[READ MORE: New Walmart digital tools help veterans apply]
Expanding associate to technician program
Walmart is also expanding its associate to technician (A2T) program, which pays for associates to move into technician jobs with the company, from Dallas/Fort Worth to Vincennes, Ind., and Jacksonville, Fla, with a goal of putting 4,000 associates through the program by 2030.
The retailer just had 108 associates completed a six-month pilot program in Dallas–Fort Worth. The initiative combines 70% hands-on training with 30% classroom learning, covering topics such as OSHA safety, electrical fundamentals, HVAC, refrigeration, and troubleshooting.
Every graduate secured a technician role, putting them on a path to earn an average of $32/hour (a range of $19 to $45/hour). No degree is required.
Walmart offers employee education and training
Walmart is also making efforts to build the skills of its workforce by removing college degree requirements where possible, investing $1 billion by 2026 in skills-based training and education and creating career pathways to jobs with greater responsibility and higher pay.
Launched in 2018 in partnership with education benefits management company Guild and steadily expanded in the years since, an initiative called Live Better U is designed to provide the 1.5 million Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S. free access to educational and career-building resources, such as 100% payment of college tuition and books starting on the first day of full-time or part-time employment.
Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
