How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Staples?

Generally speaking, when it comes to getting an entry-level job at Staples as a sales associate, print & marketing associate, or a technology sales associate, you must be at least 18 years old.

Staples also prefers that you have some previous retail, customer service, or cash handling experience. When you work at Staples, you are expected to embrace the company values: Own it, Say It Like It Is, Be Caring, Keep It simple, and Work Together every shift.

Teen Jobs at Staples and Age Requirements

Sales Associate  (Hourly)

As a sales associate at Staples, you are responsible for delivering excellent customer service, responding to customer requests and concerns, accurately processing transactions and returns, and keeping the store neat and clean.

You will perform front end responsibilities such as cashier, returns, and online pickup, and you must also follow company policies and procedures.

You must be at least 18 years old to work as a Sales Associate at Staples.

Print & Marketing Associate  (Hourly)

Print & Marketing Associates at Staples are responsible for cultivating relationships with small business customers and providing their copy and print solutions. You will manage and complete multiple projects at once, and you must provide quality finished products and establish the opportunity to build future business with customers.

You need to develop extensive product knowledge, and be able to recognize opportunities to demonstrate samples for customers.

To work as a print & marketing associate at Staples, you must be at least 18 years old.

Technology Sales Associate  (Hourly)

Technology Sales Associates at Staples work in the Mobile and Technology department, and they are responsible for offering customers solutions for their mobile and technology needs. You will need to hit sales goals and grow the business with your knowledge of product assortments, carrier plans, and offerings.

To work as a technology sales associate at Staples, you must be at least 18 years old.

Can a 15 Year Old Work at Staples?

Because the minimum age to work at Staples is 18, 15-year-olds can’t work here. But we do have a page on our website specifically for 15-year-olds that you can view instead.

Can a 16 Year Old Work at Staples?

The minimum age to work at Staples is 18, so 16-year-olds can’t work there. We have a page on our website specifically for 16-year-olds that you can view for more options.

How Much Does Staples Pay Part-Time Workers?

The hourly earnings for employees at Staples vary because of state and city minimum wage laws. But, we can give you a general idea of what the hourly pay is for each position.

Sales Associate (Hourly)

As a sales associate at Staples, you will be making somewhere between minimum wage and $13 per hour. If you are coming in at entry-level without any prior experience, then you will most likely start out around $8 an hour.

The average hourly rate for a Staples sales associate is $9.

Print & Marketing Associate (Hourly)

The rate of pay for print & marketing associates is between minimum wage and $13 an hour. This is an entry-level position, and you will most likely start out near minimum wage. But, if you have some previous work experience, you can negotiate a higher hourly rate.

The average hourly rate for a Staples print & marketing associate is $9.

Technology Sales Associate (Hourly)

The rate of pay for technology sales associates is between minimum wage and $13 an hour. You will most likely start on the lower end of the range, but if you have experience, your starting wage could be higher than minimum wage.

The average hourly rate for a Staples technology sales associate is $10.

How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at Staples?

Staples is an entry-level friendly company, so you can apply without any prior experience and get hired. However, if you have some work experience, it could get you a higher hourly pay rate and move you faster into supervisory and management positions.

What Should You Wear to a Job Interview at Staples?

Staples is one of the most popular office supply stores on the planet, so when you show up for your interview, you will want to look nice and be dressed in business casual attire.  Consider something like a buttoned-down shirt with nice slacks and dress shoes. You do not want to show up too casual in a t-shirt and jeans.

Staples Interview Questions

At a Staples interview, you will talk with at least one manager.  Here are some questions that they have been known to ask.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Why are they asking?  

If they ask you this question, they are trying to find out if you have any career and education goals. They are also trying to find out if you’re looking at a job at Staples as being something temporary while you are in school, or if you have plans to work with the company as a career.

What’s the ideal answer?

Know your goals and be ready to share them. Maybe you plan to have a college degree in five years, or maybe you see yourself working your way up in the company and working at the corporate office. Whatever your education and career goals are, let them know. There is no wrong answer to this question.

What would you do if you caught an employee stealing?

Why are they asking?  

If an interviewer asks you this question, be careful because it’s a trick question. People tend to answer by going on and on about taking charge of the situation by either confronting the employee or calling the police. But, that isn’t what the interviewer wants to hear.

What’s the ideal answer?

The best thing to say is that you would bring it to your supervisor’s attention or call an HR hotline to report it. Companies want a situation like this one to go through the proper channels. They also want to make sure that you would handle this by following company policy instead of taking the matter into your own hands.

Why do you want to work at Staples?

Why are they asking?  

If a manager asks you this question, they are trying to get you to sell yourself, but they are also trying to find out how much you know about the company. Part of your job at Staples will be giving amazing customer service, and that requires strong verbal communication skills.

When they ask you this question, they are wanting to find out how well you can communicate, while being positive and professional, and they want to know if you can sell yourself. If you can do that, you can sell their products.

What’s the ideal answer?

Know your strengths. If you get asked this question, tell them how you will benefit their business. They want to hear that you have above average verbal communication skills, have a friendly and upbeat demeanor, and can help customers with their orders quickly and accurately. Also, share any knowledge you have about printing & marketing solutions for small business.

Tell them that you are a reliable worker who will show up to work on time for every scheduled shift. And, if you want a career in the industry, definitely let them know.

Benefits of Working at Staples

Everyone who works at Staples gets a discount on products. Most of the benefits are limited to full-time workers only.

Benefits include:

• Paid time off and paid sick days
• Performance Bonuses
• Vacation
• 401K with company match, Pension Plan, and Stock Options
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

What it’s Like to Work at Staples

How to Apply at Staples