Do you love being surrounded by beautiful, creative, and artsy goods? Then, let your imagination run wild as you ponder the possibility of a career with the number one arts and crafts store in the United States. Michaels Arts and Crafts has over 1200 stores across the United States and Canada.
If you’re ready to turn your enthusiasm for creativity into a paycheck, then Michaels may be the perfect place to start painting your professional masterpiece.
In this comprehensive article, you will find a detailed roadmap to address all your inquiries regarding securing employment at Michaels. Additionally, you’ll discover valuable insights on maneuvering through the recruitment procedures, including interview strategies, available job prospects, compensation particulars, and the advantages of being part of the Michaels team. Let’s embark on your path toward a rewarding career at Michaels without delay!
Job Requirements at Michaels
Michaels hires employees passionate about helping customers bring their creative visions to life.
Minimum Age Requirement
- 16 for entry-level positions like Sales Associate or Cashier
- 18 for managerial roles
Experience
- Entry-level positions do not require experience
- Management positions require retail management experience – however, they do provide an excellent training program if your experience is lacking
Availability
- Michaels is open every day, including weekends and holidays. Will this work with your schedule?
Personal Qualities
- Team-oriented
- Customer-focused
- Adaptable
- Strong communication skills
- An energetic demeanor
Role-Specific Skills
(Varys based on the role) Examples:
- Framing Specialist – Experience in custom framing, knowledge of artwork preservation, and ability to advise customers on custom framing selection
- Operations Manager – Experience with operational process, budget management, staff leadership, loss prevention, and stockroom organization
Job Opportunities at Michaels
Sales Associate
Customer service is a key component of this position. Sales associates also maintain an attractive store appearance, stock shelves, and provide a great shopping experience to customers.
Class Instructor
Are you artistically gifted? Instruct classes and workshops to help others unleash their creativity.
Management Roles
Whether you are an experienced leader or aspiring to become one, management positions are available, including Department Supervisor, Assistant Manager, and Store Manager. Share your strategic and administrative expertise by securing a lead position.
Roles Beyond Store Level
Michaels extends employment opportunities across distribution, corporate positions, and its subsidiary, Artistree, specializing in tailor-made framing solutions for retail establishments. Within these diverse roles, Michaels fosters extensive avenues for personal and professional advancement, rendering it an exceptional destination to secure a job and nurture a thriving career.
The Application Process at Michaels
- Visit Michael’s career page – Review Michael’s career page on their website. They have job openings at retail stores across the country and Canada, their Support Center in Texas, and distribution centers across the US. Positions range from entry-level to executive level.
- Examining the job description – Take the time to understand what the position asks for. Only apply to jobs that both interest you and that you are qualified for.
- Create an account / Fill out the application – Once you have settled on a position listed, log into or create an account. You will be prompted to answer some questions on the application form. More specifically, personal information, educational background, and work experience.
Upload your resume. Ensure that it is updated, error-free, and directly addresses the top skills listed in the job description.
- Waiting time following application – Exercise patience while the hiring team evaluates your application. They will contact you and typically set up a phone interview if interested.
The Hiring Criteria at Michaels
- Genuine Passion for Arts and Crafts – Give examples of your enthusiasm for arts and crafts. Share your creative mindset.
- Customer Service Skills – Michaels is a retail environment. Engaging customers, from beginners to experienced artisans, must be handled with superior professionalism.
- Team Players – Fostering harmonious relationships with co-workers is essential. Describe when you showed team spirit from a previous position, sporting event, or volunteer activity.
- Growing and learning continuously – Stand out as a candidate by consistently committing to learning new products and expanding your knowledge.
- Flexible Schedule – Because Michaels is open daily, being flexible and adaptable to the job’s demands can be a great asset.
The Hiring Process at Michaels
- Review Process
After submitting your application, give the hiring team time to evaluate your credentials. This may take a week or two.
- Interview Process
The number and type of interviews you could face often depend on the position you’ve applied for. You will likely have one in-person interview with the store manager or department head for entry-level roles.
For managerial or corporate roles, you may have several rounds of interviews. These include interviews with potential colleagues or direct reports, situational or behavioral interviews, and presentations or case studies.
- Background Checks
After a successful interview, you will have a background check done. If all goes well, you will be offered the position.
If you are serious about getting hired, every interaction, online or in person, begins when you submit your application. Conducting yourself professionally, responding quickly, and showing enthusiasm throughout the hiring process are important.
Common Interview Questions at Michaels
“What is your favorite art form or craft?”
This is your time to shine! Tell them about your favorite craft passionately. Ensure they know this is your bailiwick and you can’t wait to start.
“Can you share an example of how you went above and beyond for a customer?”
Being a customer-facing business, Micheals wants to know and hear about your customer service skills. Bring them your best examples.
“Can you describe a scenario at your previous job where you used creative problem-solving?”
Present an example from your previous work, school work, or community event where you excelled in solving an issue with your creative talents.
“Tell us about a time you worked on a team. What was your role, and how did you contribute?”
Teamwork is so important in this company, so share a time when you contributed to a team’s success. This could be in a work environment, sporting event, or even a volunteer setting.
Tips to Secure a Job at Michaels
Do Your Research
Research the company, its mission, products, and the specific store, demonstrating genuine interest in the job during the interview.
Highlight Your Arts and Crafts Experience
Certainly, bring any remotely related arts and crafts experience to the forefront. You want an edge over the competition, and experience speaks volumes.
Be Honest About Your Availability
Present your availability clearly and honestly. If you have any conflicts, now is the time to speak up.
Show Enthusiasm
In retail, positivity and amiability are valuable traits. Michael’s is no exception.
Average Salary for Michaels Employees
Entry-Level Compensation
Entry-level store associates or cashiers can expect to earn around the federal minimum wage or slightly more based on the location and their previous work experience. A pay increase can happen as you gain more experience within the company and through performance appraisals.
The average salary for these roles ranges from $13 to $15 per hour.
Management Position Compensation
A store assistant manager typically earns between $45k annually. The average salary of a store manager usually ranges between $65,000k annually.
NOTE: These statistics represent averages, and real salaries may differ. Moreover, Michaels frequently provides extensive benefits packages, which can substantially enhance the overall compensation.
The Benefits of Working at Michaels
Comprehensive Healthcare Package
Full-time employees:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision.
- 401k retirement plan
- Life Insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
Parental Leave
- Maternity leave
- Paid Time Off
- Vacation pay
- Holiday pay
Employee Discount
Employee discount to indulge your creativity.
Opportunities for Learning and Growth
As part of their commitment to professional development and training, Michael’s regularly hosts training courses, workshops, and seminars for their staff.
Being Part of a Creative, Vibrant Community
Among the work culture’s characteristics are innovation, diversity, and inclusion.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that achievement favors those who are ready and seize opportunities as they arise. If your goal is to secure a position at Michaels, arm yourself with these valuable insights and approach the opportunity with self-assurance.
Michael’s jobs, as affirmed by numerous employees within the company, encompass more than mere financial compensation. They revolve around becoming an integral part of a committed team, fostering skill development, and, occasionally, rekindling your passion for arts and crafts.
Next Steps
Michaels is the perfect place to develop your strengths and abilities.
As you embark on this exciting career journey at Michaels, our team of career coaches will assist you with personalized advice on improving your skills, preparing for interviews, and standing out as an ideal candidate. Let’s get started on this exciting career journey and help you excel in your dream job at Michaels!
