Applying for a Job at an In-store Kiosk

In the past, if you were looking to work at a specific company, you’d visit the employer and request a job application. A team member would hand you a paper application, and you’d either sit and fill it out on-site, or take it home and return it the next day. In-store kiosks, where you sit down and fill out an application on a company computer station, have largely replaced paper applications and can be a viable way to apply for a job—particularly if you lack regular computer access at home.
Just as when applying for a job on an online or paper application, it’s important to gather all essential information prior to applying. Make sure you have all of your essential contact information, employment history, education details and personal references with you when you come to the kiosk, written down on paper, as you won’t have the same luxury of looking up these details once you’re there.
Next, make sure you budget enough time to complete the application, at least 30-45 minutes. Most kiosks will not allow you to save your information and return another time, so if you can’t complete it in one sitting, your details will not be saved or shared with your employer.
You’ll also want to make sure you know what type of kiosk the employer uses. Some employers use a traditional computer with a chair in front of it, while others have migrated to using touch-screen systems that look like ATMs. Make sure you’re comfortable inputting information using the selected methods and that any physical challenges you have (such as not being able to stand for a long time) don’t prohibit you from successfully completing the application.
Finally, understand that a kiosk application may go above and beyond the questions asked on a regular application. The system may ask you to take a short skills assessment or abilities test as part of your application.
If you have any questions about what applying for a position via a kiosk entails, feel free to call the employer in advance and ask to talk with someone in hiring or human resources. They will be able to answer any questions you have about what you can expect during the process.