Ace Hardware Job Application Online
Ace Hardware Corporation is a chain of retail hardware stores that has called themselves “The Helpful Place.” They strive to integrate themselves into the community by catering the style, size and offerings of the store to each neighborhood they serve. Products include paint, lawn, garden, tools, and local wares. An Ace Hardware application link is located at the bottom.
Truly considered neighborhood installments, the company’s stores are wholly owned and operated by local entrepreneurs who pride themselves on being part of the community. In addition, The Ace Foundation has raised more than $64 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 1991. Keep reading for information on how to apply for Ace Hardware online using their free application.
Ace Hardware was founded in 1924 by a small group of Chicago hardware store owners. By 1949 there were 133 ace stores in seven states. In 1969 the first international store is opened in Guam and five years later, in 1974, Ace Hardware headquarters are moved to Oak Brook, Illinois. Today, Ace continues to receive the J.D. Power award for “highest in customer satisfaction with home improvement retail stores.”
Ace Hardware Corporation is privately owned. The company currently has more than 4,700 stores around the world, most of which are completely owned and independently operated by the local ace entrepreneur. The company’s bottom line regularly exceeds $100 million. Ace Hardware careers offer ample opportunity for individual success alongside the company’s own overall growth.
Ace Hardware Careers
It is because of their big business, small community company structure that Ace Hardware jobs offer the employees big business experience every day. Retail positions can be found at any of their stores and include Retail Manager, Sales Associate and more. Corporate positions include eCommerce Operations Specialist and Integrated Marketing Manager. Each job description can be reviewed at the Ace Hardware jobs online section of their website application form.
How old do you have to be to work at Ace Hardware?
The minimum age for employment at a retail location is 16 years of age, although some locations and corporate may require applicants to be 18 years old. Check all requirements for Ace Hardware jobs by using the download application form online.
The company offers a strong benefits package that provides a comprehensive healthcare package, a 401k savings and retirement plan option, tuition assistance, job and skills training, paid vacation and holidays, and generous merchandise discounts, among others. In addition, they offer all employees the opportunity to play a role in company and personal success.
The hours of operation for the Oak Brook, IL headquarters are unclear but are likely Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and closed Saturday and Sunday. Retail locations vary widely. Because of the emphasis on community and neighborhood integration, some stores may close earlier than their industry counterparts so it is advised that you check your local store for their exact hours of operation.
Ace Hardware Job Descriptions
Retail Manager – The Retail Manager is one of the jobs that can be found at a local store. This role will likely receive compensation between $10.00 and $13.75 per hour. The role is responsible for daily retail operations and merchandising, as well as overseeing tasks and responsibilities of the store team. An Associate’s degree or equivalent; or five years related experience is required.
Sales Associate – The role of the Sales Associate is to assist customers, stock, control inventory, act as cashier, place orders, general housekeeping and provide friendly service in any task required. The ability to multitask is an absolute must. Related retail experience is preferred but not required and compensation is expected to be between $8.50 and $9.80 per hour.
Cashier – The Cashier responsibilities include operating cash registers accurately and efficiently in addition to providing friendly service with a smile. Must have great customer service skills and be willing to work flexible hours between days, nights and weekends. Related retail experience is preferred but not required. Applicants can expect between $8.00 and $9.50 per hour.
eCommerce Operations Specialist – One of the positions found at corporate, this role is responsible for the online order management and fulfillment applications, working seamlessly between other departments, and developing and maintaining an online audit process. A Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field is required along with two to three years of experience and some prior IT or project management. Compensation should be around $55,000 annually.
Integrated Marketing Manager – Another corporate-level position, this role is responsible for marketing and promotional initiatives and strategy development with a focus on building the brand and attracting new customers. The ideal applicant will have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in advertising or a related field. An MBA is a plus. Applicant can expect to bring in a healthy salary between $72,000 and $79,000 annually.
Business Development Manager – This role will be responsible for working seamlessly between departments as he/she looks for ways to improve the overall retail store model. And will work to evaluate new solutions for viability and success levels. Applicants must have at least eight years of experience in business management, three years in project leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree. An MBA is a plus. Expected compensation is around $111,000 annually.
Ace Hardware Interview Questions
Once you apply online with a strong resume or Ace Hardware application using the online application system, start preparing for your interview using the following questions.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Here the interviewer is trying to gauge what type of future you see for yourself. However, they are looking for someone with longevity with the company. Your answer should include a reasonable yet ambitious career goal within the Ace Hardware careers framework. For example, a Sales Associate may make their goal to be a Key Lead within five years.
What are your greatest strengths? While something like “good communication” is an asset and something the interviewer is looking for, it isn’t anything unique. Tell them something they won’t hear from other applicants, such as the ability to set goals, make a plan to reach those goals, and then work really hard to meet and exceed them. And then give an example of when you did just that.
What are your greatest weaknesses? This question gives the interviewer a chance to see if you are able to honestly assess yourself. “I don’t have any weaknesses,” is not honest or realistic. We all have weaknesses, so share one that is honest, such as you are afraid of failure or public speaking, and talk about how you are working to improve on your weakness.
How are you at handling stressful and fast-paced situations? While it may sound like the interviewer wants a one-word answer, they don’t. Instead of just saying “good,” provide a specific example, project, or event that was multifaceted, stressful and required you to think on your feet. And then share how successfully you handled it and what you learned from it.
What is your management style? Being a good manager requires the ability to balance personal work relationships and the overall goals and expectations of each team member. The right answer here will demonstrate your ability to find balance. For example, to strive to achieve company goals by cultivating mutual respect with each team member, while maintaining consistency and integrity in daily operations.
Advice For Application Process
A career with Ace Hardware is attainable. For more information on how to apply for jobs at Ace Hardware, go their website to view all job opportunities they are hiring for and the printable application for Ace Hardware . Or use the download application form or the direct application link. Read each job carefully before applying. When you are ready, submit your resume or complete the printable application form.
Now get ready for your interview. First, make sure you are able to recite your work history and brush up on your interview skills with the questions above. Second, make sure you are well-groomed and schedule a haircut if necessary. Finally, you should be prepared to dress comfortably but in appropriate business attire.
When the day of your interview comes, arrive ten to fifteen minutes early and turn off or silence your phone and other electronics. You will want to show the interviewer that you are serious about the interview and that you appreciate their time by being early and distraction free. Shake hands. Make eye contact. And be confident.
When it’s time to answer questions, trust yourself and be yourself. It’s OK to take a few seconds to ponder the question, if you need to, before beginning to answer so that you can answer concisely and confidently. And when the interview is over, consider sending the interviewer a “thank you” immediately following to thank them for their time and consideration.
Application Link
http://www.acehardware.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=34453506