- “Essential” businesses like grocery stores and delivery services are hiring for thousands of open positions to accommodate overwhelming demand during the coronavirus outbreak.
- The openings come as mass layoffs continue around the country in response to store closures, leaving many workers without income and health insurance.
- According to the Economic Policy Institute, an estimated three million jobs will be eliminated in the coming months due to the coronavirus.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
As retailers around the nation shut their doors in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, “essential” businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies are seeking support to accommodate overwhelming demand.
Companies including Kroger, Dollar General, and Amazon have listed thousands of job openings for sales associates, distribution workers, and delivery drivers, among others. The jobs – many of which are available immediately and require no background experience – are meant to alleviate overrun stores and warehouses dealing with an influx of orders from panicked Americans stocking up on items like canned goods and toilet paper.
The open positions also come as many workers find themselves suddenly without jobs, in some cases without pay and benefits, as a spate of stores close indefinitely. According to the Economic Policy Institute, an estimated three million jobs will be eliminated by this summer alone as a result of the economic impact of the coronavirus. Other figures from IHS Markit show that the US unemployment rate is on track to nearly double from 3.5% in February to 6% by mid-2021.
As the country braces itself for a possible recession, the economic turbulence is also exposing a lack of social safety net for many workers who can’t afford to be out of work. On social media, a rash of recently laid-off employees have voiced their concerns, leading to a growing number of posts on job openings.
While policy changes to support these workers may be far off, in the short term, see below for a list of companies seeking immediate employment.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods announced on March 31 that it is hiring 5,000 employees across 500 stores in the US and Canada "with minimum starting $15/hr and enhanced pay opportunities," according to the company website.
"We believe our role serving customers and the community during this time is a critical one," the company wrote. "We care about our Team Members, customers, and products, and we're evaluating the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in real-time. We will continue to update this page on the actions we're taking and how you can find employment at Whole Foods Market during this time."
Interested candidates can apply here.
American Bakers Association
The American Bakers Association is currently hiring more than 3,300 permanent and temporary employees to produce and distribute baked goods, according to the company website.
"The wholesale baking industry can provide relief for those individuals who now are missing a paycheck, we are proud to offer a safe work environment in an industry that is supporting American families during these uncertain times," Robb MacKie, CEO of the American Bakers Association president said in a statement.
Interested candidates can learn more here.
Kroger
On April 1, Kroger announced it hired more than 32,700 new associates in the past two weeks to help with the increase of demand for groceries during the coronavirus outbreak. According to a press release, this includes positions across its brand portfolio in the "hardest-hit sectors like restaurants, hotels and food service distributors."
"During this time of uncertainty, Kroger is committed to remaining a constant. We have a responsibility to our associates, customers and communities, and we will continue to be here …for any need," Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president and chief people officer, said in a statement to the press.
The supermarket chain is also in the process of testing out a new pickup-only model at one of its stores to help prevent the spread of infection.
The company is still hiring for positions at stores around the country. Interested candidates can apply here.
Instacart
Instacart announced on March 23 that it would hire 300,000 full-service shoppers in the next three months to manage increased demand. According to Instacart, in the past week alone the company's order volume increased by 150% in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the US.
The company said hiring will be prioritized in states currently experiencing the highest demand, including California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Georgia, and Ohio.
Interested candidates can apply here.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo announced in a press release on March 20 that it plans to hire 6,000 "new, full-time, full-benefit frontline employees across the U.S. in the coming months."
"With COVID-19 reshaping the way we run our business and live our lives, it's important that we acknowledge the people keeping us steady during turbulent times, notably the heroic work of the millions of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals around the world," PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said in a statement.
Interested candidates can apply here.
Papa John's
Papa John's announced on March 23 that it would hire 20,000 new team members "immediately," according to a press release shared on its website.
"For anyone looking for immediate ways to earn an income, we're making it quick and simple to apply, interview and be hired at Papa John's," Papa John's chief people and diversity officer Marvin Boakye said a statement. "We are in the unique position - as a restaurant that specializes in delivery and carryout - to help our communities through this crisis."
Interested candidates can apply here.
CVS
CVS plans to immediately hire 50,000 "full-time, part-time, full-time, part-time and temporary roles across the country," according to a March 23 press release.
"Our colleagues have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing essential goods and services at a time when they're needed most," CVS Health CEO Larry J. Merlo said in a statement. "As they continue to be there for the individuals and families we serve, we're taking extra steps to provide some peace of mind and help them navigate these uncertain times."
Interested candidates can apply here.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven announced in a March 20 press release that it would add 20,000 jobs to meet increased demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"7‑Eleven is a neighborhood store and it's our priority to serve the communities in which we operate during this unprecedented crisis," 7‑Eleven CEO Joe DePinto said in a statement. "This will provide job opportunities and ensure 7‑Eleven stores remain clean and in-stock with the goods our customers need during this critical time."
Interested candidates can apply here.
Walmart
Walmart announced on March 19 that it planned to hire 150,000 hourly associates to meet increased demand during the coronavirus outbreak. These positions - which include roles at stores, clubs, distribution facilities, and fulfillment centers - "will be temporary at first, but many will convert to permanent roles over time," according to the company.
"We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time we're currently seeing strong demand in our stores," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement. "We're looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community."
Interested candidates can apply here.
Walgreens
Walgreens is hiring for 9,500 positions in its US stores to accommodate "significant demands on stores and pharmacies during this time," according to a March 19 message on its website. Walgreens is especially looking for customer service associates, pharmacy technicians, and shift leads.
"As Walgreens continues to assess its needs related to the coronavirus situation, it will look to begin filling additional temporary customer service associate positions starting next week to help bolster in-store staffing," the company wrote. "Some of these temporary positions might potentially lead to full-time job placement."
Interested candidates can apply here.
Domino's
In a press release on March 19, Domino's announced that it would be hiring for several immediate positions including "delivery experts, pizza makers, customer service representatives, managers and assistant managers."
"While many local, state, and federal rules are closing dine-in restaurants, the opportunity to keep feeding our neighbors through delivery and carryout means that a small sense of normalcy is still available to everyone," Domino's CEO Richard Allison said in a statement.
He continued: "Our corporate and franchise stores want to make sure they're not only feeding people, but also providing opportunity to those looking for work at this time, especially those in the heavily-impacted restaurant industry."
Interested candidates can apply here.
Dollar General
Dollar General is hiring for a "number of full and part-time positions" in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a post on its website.
"For any individual whose job has been temporarily impacted by the effect of COVID-19, we currently have a number of full and part time positions available across our stores, distribution centers and private fleet network," the post reads.
Interested candidates can apply here.
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree announced on March 20 that it would hire 25,000 employees at its Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores and distribution centers around the country. According to a press release, open roles include full- and part-time positions, in addition to "flexible part-time shifts for cashiers and stockers."
"Whether you are home unexpectedly or are just starting your career, we have a broad range of positions to fit your needs and availability," Betty Click, Dollar Tree's chief human resources officer, said in a statement.
Interested candidates can apply here for Dollar Tree jobs and here for Family Dollar positions.
Amazon
Amazon is currently hiring for 100,000 warehouse and delivery positions to accommodate the uptick in e-commerce orders during the coronavirus outbreak. According to the website, applicants can start within seven days and do not need previous experience.
Interested candidates can apply here.
Aldi
Aldi is currently hiring in "all stores and warehouses," according to its website. Interested candidates can apply here.
Costco
On Twitter, images of notes from Costco management have started circulating asking for recommendations for job candidates to help manage spikes in sales and foot traffic. On its website, Costco says it is currently hiring for a wide variety of jobs across the US.
Interested candidates can apply here.
Albertsons
Albertsons, the grocery store and parent company of Safeway and several other retailers, is currently hiring for more than 1,600 positions across its brands.
Interested candidates can apply here.
H-E-B
The Texas grocery chain H-E-B is hiring for several immediate positions, according to the company's website.
"During these trying times, H-E-B is here for Texas," Winell Herron, vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs, told Texas NBC affiliate KXAN. "Now, more than ever, H-E-B is keeping with our spirit of giving and helping here philosophies to do everything we can to support our fellow Texans."
Interested candidates can apply here.