Best Buy is an ideal company for any teen, 16 years old or older, to find work. If you believe you would enjoy selling or installing electronics, then you need to review the job listings for the store online. The topics this article covers include the following:
- An Introduction to Best Buy
- Job and Training Opportunities at Best Buy
- Common Entry-level Jobs
- Jobs with A Minimum Hiring Requirement of 16 Years Old
- Jobs with A Minimum Hiring Requirement 18 Years Old
- Tips for Applying for Work at Best Buy
- Employment Benefits
- Best Buy Recycling
An Introduction to Best Buy
Best Buy is one of the largest retail operators of specialty consumer electronics in the US. The retailer is, perhaps, best known, for its varied selection of cellular phones. The retailer operates standalone mobile booths in shopping malls that highlight a small selection of the products they showcase in their larger retail stores. Currently, about 125,000 employees work for this highly-regarded electronics retailer.
Job and Training Opportunities at Best Buy
Teens, who are 16 years old or older, can apply to the retailer, Best Buy, for employment. Therefore, teen job candidates can apply for the following positions at the major electronics store:
- Asset protection specialist
- Car installer
- Cashier
- Computer technician
- Customer service representative
- Musical instruments specialist
- Sales associate
- Warehouse worker
How to Apply
Job seekers who are seeking entry-level type employment may find their niche at Best Buy. Applications are available online, and training is given when an employee is hired.
Basic Qualifications for Older Teen Job Candidates
If you have previous experience in retail, customer service, and sales, it can serve you well if you are applying to Best Buy. However, this kind of experience is not a necessity. The retail chain hires older teen applicants who have a high school diploma and a knowledge of the current trends in electronics and technology.
Jobs that Require More Education or Experience
Store-level jobs vary in the company. Again, all candidates must be 16 years old and willing and ready to learn on the job. Other positions may require more of a background. For example, certain management jobs and tech repair positions require further education and prior work experience.
Common Entry-level Jobs
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and can quickly learn new skills and multi-task, then the characteristics will be valued at Best Buy. Common entry level jobs include the following:
Sales Associates/Cashiers
This entry-level position requires the ability to answer questions, provide product information, and take payments. Associates/cashiers need to be team players and enjoy multi-tasking assignments. Starting wages begin, on average, at about $10.50 per hour.
Customer Service Specialists
Customer service associates collect recycled electronics, complete returns and exchanges, and answer customer inquiries. Both full-time and part-time shifts are available. Workers make about $10.00 per hour. You should like working with the public, and in a fast-paced environment, to apply for this entry-level assignment.
Inventory Specialists
Inventory associates at Best Buy stock merchandise, load and unload products, and ship and receive merchandise. You must be able to repeatedly lift items and be adept at manual labor. Salaries start, on average, at around $10.50 per hour.
Jobs with A Minimum Hiring Requirement of 16 Years Old
Asset Protection Specialist
Asset protection specialists must actively monitor security and safety operations in the store. They are expected to use asset protection methods to control the loss of sales merchandise. In order to apply for the job, you need to be at last 16 years old and have at least three months’ experience in customer service or the asset protection field.
Cashier
Besides being personable, you need to provide fast service if you are a cashier at Best Buy. You also must be able to process various transactions on a cash register with quickness and proficiency. These tasks will involve sales transactions, financing, returns and exchanges, and service requests. Job candidates must be at least 16 years old to apply as a cashier at a Best Buy store.
Computer Technician
Computer technicians must be able to operate, or have experience with, various computer operating systems. These systems include all the versions of Apple MacOS and Windows. You must also be able to troubleshoot Internet and OS connection problems and diagnose software and hardware issues.
Computer technicians must be able to efficiently and quickly install software without difficulty. They are also expected to install or assemble hardware products or devices. These items may include video, sound cards, cameras, and printers. Job candidates are required to be at least 16 years old in order to apply for this technical position.
Musical Instruments Specialist
You are required to have at least 3 months’ sales experience and a minimum of a year’s hands-on musical playing experience or knowledge to apply as a musical instruments specialist at Best Buy. Applicants must be familiar with at least one musical classification – such as keyboards, guitar, drums, pro-audio, DJ, or recordings. Applicants are required to be at least 16 years of age.
Sales Associate
The number one responsibility of a Best Buy sales associate is to get to know a customer so they can offer an individualized and unique shopping experience. Sales associates must have at last six months’ retail experience and be at least 16 years old.
Jobs with A Minimum Hiring Requirement 18 Years Old
Car Installer
A car installer must install stereo components as well as satellite radios, GPS devices, cellular phones, and mobile videos. Installers are expected to provide excellent customer service and technical assistance. In order to apply for this job, you need to have a valid driver’s license, at least six months’ experience in the specialty electronics industry, and be at least 18 years of age.
Customer Service Representative
You need to possess excellent communications skills if you wish to work as a customer service representative or CSR at Best Buy. The job requires that you speak with customers by phone about delivery scheduling inquires and other customer concerns.
You also need to be detail-oriented as you are expected to research customer orders, and communicate with external parties to seek resolutions to customer-based issues or complaints. CSR candidates should be 18 years of age when applying to the job.
Warehouse Worker
To work in the warehouse, you need to be at least 18 years of age and be able to handle heavy lifting tasks on a frequent basis. Therefore, candidates must be able to carry items that weigh up to 50 pounds, or co-lift merchandise that is as much as 100 pounds. It is also necessary to be able to pull or push loads of up to 200 pounds.
Tips for Applying for Work at Best Buy
Job seekers may explore current job openings on the Best Buy website. Applications are also available in BestBuy stores. The company routinely holds recruiting events as well. Before you interview, it is advised that you update yourself on the current trends and products in the fields of entertainment and electronics.
Applicants must first pass a personality assessment before they are considered for employment. After taking the assessment and passing it, job candidates can log in to their online profiles and check on the statuses of their applications.
Employment Benefits
Employees at Best Buy receive in-store and store discounts, paid training, and flexible working hours. Team members in the company are eligible for pay raises, paid time-off, promotions, and paid vacations. Employees also have access to life insurance, health coverage, and 401(k) retirement plans.
Best Buy Recycling
Best Buy operates a recycling program the collects old or broken computers and electronics. The company recycles the items in order to reduce electronic waste. Billions of pounds of electronics have been recycled so far.
So, do you feel you have the skills and aptitude to apply for work at Best Buy? Which job do you like the best? Do you feel you can easily adapt to the fast-paced atmosphere? Think about your own skills and abilities. If you enjoy communicating with the public and have a strong interest in electronic products, then working at Best Buy might be ideal for you.