Q & A’s
Questions? Naturally. Answers? We’ve got them!
Q. What will I like most about working at Goodwill?
A. Fulfillment! Employees find that working at Goodwill is more than just a job – it’s also about giving back to the community. Goodwill employees help support our mission of providing opportunities to people with barriers to enhance their lives. You’re taking home a paycheck, and giving back in ways that can change people’s lives. It truly feels good to work at Goodwill.
Q. That does sound good – how competitive is Goodwill for a typical full-time employee?
A. Competitive benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, can participate in our 401k retirement plan, are bonus eligible, short term disability, life insurance, vacation pay, holiday pay, a cultural observance day, and tuition reimbursement.
Q. Are benefits available to part-time employees?
A. Goodwill part-time team members may be eligible to earn vacation and participate in our 401k retirement plan after meeting certain requirements. Part-time team members are bonus eligible, receive certain paid holidays, have an annual cultural observance day, and can qualify for tuition reimbursement.
Q. How old must I be to work at Goodwill?
A. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Q. What availability do I need to work in a retail store?
A. Goodwill offers flexible work schedules to accommodate the needs of its employees. Some work may be required on weekends and nights depending on the position.
Q. Do I need experience to work in a retail store?
A. No, Goodwill offers a variety of opportunities to its employees and experience is not required in all positions.
Q. Are there drug screen or background check requirements?
A: A successful pre-employment drug screen for safety sensitive positions is required. This includes most management and administrative positions and some warehouse positions.
At Goodwill, we understand that there is more to a person’s story than what a background check tells us. Individuals with certain convictions may be asked to complete Goodwill’s risk assessment process. The risk assessment is an interactive dialogue between the candidate and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist that allows us to learn more about the candidate’s unique background to ensure the best fit with their role and our workplace.
Q. What if I need help with my application?
A: Goodwill is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Goodwill will ensure that individuals with a barrier are provided a reasonable accommodation, if requested. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email DEI@goodwillni.org or call 815-987-6207.
Q. Our environment has never been more important. So how green is Goodwill?
A. Goodwill is inherently a ‘green’ organization, since we literally recycle and re-purpose millions of pounds of donated goods a year – everything from lightly used clothing to computers, housewares to handbags, books to boots and toys for tots. These items become the ‘recycled’ merchandise we sell at our stores. We strive to be green throughout our organization and reuse and reduce waste through a variety of recycling streams in our quest toward zero % waste.
Q. I feel good about Goodwill careers. How do I take the next step?
A. Great! Our open positions are posted on-line, and applications are submitted via our website. To view open positions and submit your application, click here: www.goodwillni.org/opportunities.