Kohl’s Holiday Hiring Application – How to Get a Seasonal Job
Apply for Kohl’s seasonal jobs at careers.kohls.com. Holiday roles include Seasonal Sales Associate and Fulfillment Associate, paying $15–$17/hr. Minimum age is 16. Kohl’s hires seasonal retail and fulfillment staff each fall — apply in September or October before positions fill for Black Friday.
How to Apply at Kohl’s Holiday Hiring
Kohl’s hires seasonal retail and fulfillment center staff every fall to handle the holiday shopping surge. All applications are submitted online through the Kohl’s careers portal.
- Go to careers.kohls.com Search for “seasonal” in your ZIP code. Choose between in-store retail roles or fulfillment center positions.
- Create a Kohl’s Careers Account Register with your email and complete your candidate profile.
- Submit Your Application Provide your availability, work experience, and contact information. Note that weekend and evening availability is strongly preferred.
- Online Assessment Kohl’s uses a short situational judgment assessment for most retail positions. It takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Interview (Phone or In-Person) Selected candidates receive a short interview. In-store roles are often interviewed on the spot during job fair events.
- Background Check Kohl’s runs a background check on all new hires before their start date.
- Complete Onboarding Paid training covers register operation, folding and merchandising standards, and customer service protocols. Typically 1–2 days.
Kohl’s Holiday Hiring Job Positions and Pay Rates
Kohl’s seasonal roles fall into two main tracks: in-store customer-facing retail work and fulfillment center operations (online order picking and packing). Both are available seasonally.
| Position | Pay Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Sales Associate | $15–$17/hr | Part-Time Seasonal |
| Seasonal Fulfillment Associate | $15–$17/hr | Part-Time Seasonal |
| Seasonal Cashier | $15–$16/hr | Part-Time Seasonal |
| Seasonal Merchandise Associate | $15–$17/hr | Part-Time Seasonal |
Kohl’s strongly prefers seasonal candidates with open weekend and evening availability. Fulfillment center roles are more physically demanding and may be located at a separate distribution facility from retail stores.
Kohl’s Holiday Hiring Application Requirements
Kohl’s seasonal requirements are low-barrier, making it accessible for first-time job seekers and those returning to the workforce.
- Minimum age: 16 (18 for some fulfillment center roles)
- Weekend and evening availability, especially Thanksgiving weekend and the weeks before and after
- Pass criminal background check
- Customer service orientation for in-store roles
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs for fulfillment roles
Kohl’s Holiday Hiring Interview Process
Kohl’s seasonal interviews are short and conversational, often conducted in-store. Kohl’s also holds hiring events where candidates can interview on the spot.
Expect a 15–30 minute interview focused on your availability, customer service experience, and enthusiasm for retail. Common questions include: “Tell me about a time you helped someone find what they needed” and “How do you handle a busy, high-pressure environment?”
Kohl’s hosts in-store hiring events where candidates can walk in, apply, and interview the same day. Check careers.kohls.com for events near you.
Kohl’s Holiday Hiring Employee Benefits
Kohl’s seasonal employees receive core benefits from their first day, with expanded benefits available upon converting to permanent status.
- Kohl’s Cash and Employee Discount: Seasonal employees receive a 15% employee discount on most merchandise, plus access to Kohl’s Cash promotions.
- Flexible Scheduling: Kohl’s works with student schedules outside of peak blackout periods.
- Path to Permanent: Kohl’s offers permanent positions to reliable seasonal workers after the holiday season.
- 401(k) with Match: Available to permanent employees who convert from seasonal status.
- Health Insurance: Available for permanent part-time and full-time employees working 20+ hours per week.
Kohl’s Holiday Hiring Career Development
Kohl’s is a strong seasonal-to-permanent pipeline with clear paths for advancement in retail management.
Many Kohl’s department managers and store leads began as seasonal associates. The company’s leadership development program promotes from within, and strong seasonal performance is often cited as the starting point for full-time retail careers at Kohl’s.
Kohl’s also offers a tuition reimbursement program and career planning tools for full-time associates who want to grow within the company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kohl’s Holiday Hiring
Here are the most common questions about working at Kohl’s Holiday Hiring.
When does Kohl’s hire for the holidays?
Kohl’s typically begins holiday hiring in September and October. High-demand stores near major shopping centers fill positions quickly, so applying early gives you the best shot at your preferred location and shift.
How much does Kohl’s pay seasonal workers?
Kohl’s seasonal associates typically earn $15–$17 per hour. Pay rates vary by location and market. Fulfillment center seasonal roles often pay on the same scale as in-store positions.
How old do you have to be to work at Kohl’s?
The minimum hiring age at Kohl’s is 16 for in-store retail and cashier roles. Some fulfillment center positions require applicants to be at least 18.
Does Kohl’s hire seasonal workers permanently?
Yes. Kohl’s regularly extends permanent employment offers to seasonal workers who demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and strong customer service skills during the holiday rush.
Does Kohl’s drug test seasonal workers?
Kohl’s does not typically conduct a pre-hire drug test for standard seasonal retail positions.
What should I wear to a Kohl’s interview?
Business casual is appropriate. Clean, neat, and professional attire — avoid overly casual clothing like athletic wear or ripped jeans. A polished appearance signals you take the opportunity seriously.
Does Kohl’s do background checks for seasonal workers?
Yes. Kohl’s runs a criminal background check on all new hires, including seasonal positions, before their first day of work.