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How to Apply for a Job at Dollar General

Requirements and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 in most locations (some states allow 16, subject to the specific posting and local law)
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
• Reliable availability, often including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand, lift, and stock merchandise (physical retail work)
• No prior experience required for entry-level Sales Associate roles

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the official careers site at careers.dollargeneral.com, or text DGJOBS to 25000 to get started.
2. Search open jobs by career area (Store, Distribution, Field Leadership, or Corporate) and your city or ZIP code; you can also enter "S" plus the 5-digit store number to see a specific store's openings.
3. Select a role and read the full job description, including the minimum age listed for that store.
4. Create a candidate profile/account (through the company's iCIMS system) and complete the online application; expect it to take about 30 to 60 minutes.
5. Complete the short online assessment, which most applicants finish in about 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Watch your email and phone for an interview invitation; entry-level interviews are usually a brief, in-person conversation with the store or district manager.
7. If you receive an offer, complete the background check and drug screening to finish onboarding.

Go to the official Dollar General careers site →

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to work at Dollar General?

In most locations you must be at least 18, partly because stores sell tobacco and other age-restricted items and because of liability insurance rules. Some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to be hired for entry-level roles, so check the minimum age listed on the specific job posting.

How long does the Dollar General hiring process take?

For entry-level store jobs it is often about one to two weeks from application to offer. After you apply and pass a short assessment, you typically meet a store or district manager for a brief interview, then complete a background check and drug screen.

Can you apply with no experience?

Yes. Entry-level roles such as Sales Associate are meant for people new to retail, and the interview usually focuses on your availability, reliability, and customer service attitude rather than past experience.

How do I apply for a job at Dollar General?

Apply online at careers.dollargeneral.com by searching for jobs near you, or text DGJOBS to 25000. You create a profile, complete the online application (about 30 to 60 minutes) and a short assessment, then wait to be contacted for an interview.

How much does Dollar General pay?

Pay varies by role and by your state's minimum wage. Indeed reports store roles averaging roughly $9.49/hr for Sales Associates and about $14.64/hr for Assistant Store Managers, while Store Managers average around $42,880 per year.

Are Dollar General employees eligible for benefits?

Dollar General's careers site states that employees are benefits eligible on day one, with options that can include multiple health plans, a 401(k), zero-cost tuition for full-time employees, paid time off, and parental leave. Specific eligibility can depend on your role and hours.

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