I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Kmart (Hayward, CA) in Nov 2013
Interview
Since I was applying for my first job there, the first question was:
What do you think it takes to work for retail? Answer: The customer is the priority and you always have to accommodate them no matter what objective your manager gives you.
then:
Have you ever filled in for anyone? Yes (then I explained a time when I did)
When are you available?
Do you have any type of experience in volunteer work? Yes (then I took my time explaining what volunteer work I did so that it seemed like a lot when it was only like 3 things and I explained my responsibilities)
Have you ever have to deal with another worker's misbehavior?
Do you have any goals?
Do you mind getting feedback from people about how you work?
Then they offered me the job. the interview was like 30 min long. I had to do a drug test and get my work permit. After the drug test I got like 3 emails explaining the next step and I had to fill out electronic forms. then I was done. All of this took about a week and a half, then I went to orientation (3 hours of watching videos about policies) and they also give you your first week's schedule there too. You get paid for orientation also. They paid me $8/hour and they gave me 4 hours worth of pay when it only took 3.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Have you ever have to deal with another worker's behavior?
relatively straightforward. asked about how much you can lift, do you have specifically scheduling needs. what's your weekend availability. did not wear a suit. asked about age and any drug testing.
It was behavioral questions. The questions were geared at figuring out whether you are a team player or not. The manager was nice and human resources is also nice.