Lowe’s store managers spend months preparing for spring hire, working overtime to ensure their store is fully equipped to serve customers during home improvement’s busiest season. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and career journeys, they’re a wealth of knowledge for potential applicants year-round. Here, three Lowe’s store managers reflect on their careers and share their best tips for seasonal associates.
Buffie Johnson, Oxford, Ala.
Buffie Johnson started her Lowe’s career in 1992 as a temporary cashier during college, where she was studying to become a defense attorney. Fast forward to today, and Buffie has been with the company for nearly 30 years. Before becoming a store manager in 2002, Buffie held roles as a department supervisor and assistant store manager over every department in the store — truly an expert in all things Lowe’s Life.
For Buffie, seasonal associate success begins with having a clear picture on both sides of the interview table. "When a candidate comes in, it benefits us both if they're upfront about their availability. Especially for someone in school, be really realistic. The wider your availability is, the more hours you can get.”
Even if you can’t commit to the maximum hours, reliability is key to establishing yourself as a good candidate for a permanent role. Buffie estimates that around 45 percent of her seasonal associates go on to become permanent (and that number holds fairly steady across Lowe’s). With this in mind, Buffie encourages candidates to really think ahead with their scheduling. And with interview talking points, focus on customer service in particular.
Buffie offers a few questions to help you expand upon your customer service mindset. “How will you be truly customer-focused? How do you recognize the needs of those around you, and when have you gone out of your way to help someone with a task?"
From the other side of the interview table, Buffie offers the same kind of clarity about working at Lowe’s as a seasonal associate. "Lowe's is a different creature than any other retailer,” she says. “You may be assigned to a department, but at any given time, you might be assigned to another department. We do a lot of cross-training. I want you to know how much multitasking you are going to do!"
Especially for spring hires, who are likely to work at some point in the Garden Center, Buffie stresses the physical nature of the job. “It might be hot, and you might get dirty… but we're going to make sure you stay comfortable and hydrated all day long, with misters, plenty of water and breaks.”
As a final note, Buffie wants every potential applicant to know that their safety is our number one priority, and that Lowe’s provides every associate with daily masks and gloves. No one is expected to buy their own safety gear, and stores follow rigorous cleaning and health protocols.
Cody McGee, Wheeling, W.Va.
Cody McGee joined Lowe’s in 2013 as a seasonal Garden Center associate, planning to work for just the summer between semesters at college. He liked it so much that he stayed on, and eight years later, Cody is a few months into his tenure as a store manager in Wheeling, W.Va.
Aside from open availability, especially on weekends (something every store manager appreciates in seasonal associates), Cody looks for energetic, personable candidates who will do well in a customer service environment.
“The main goal is to bring on seasonal associates with good attitudes who will be reliable team members and contribute to a positive atmosphere and culture in our store," Cody says.
Cody has a few great tips for interview prep.
“Make sure you're very detailed in your responses – hit every aspect of a question in your answer," Cody says. "And don't get caught up with the most recent things in your head. Put some thought into it to find the most relevant answer. It doesn't have to be a work story, either. It can be about you as an athlete, or in school, or in youth group — any situation where you've really made an impact on something. Dig in a little deeper!"
With his own career as an example, the number one thing Cody emphasizes with potential associates is the career development available for you at Lowe’s.
"I started with the company eight years ago as seasonal associate," he says. "I know a lot of people throughout this company who have done the same thing. We take pride in that. You can make a career out of it and raise a family with Lowe's."
Cody notes that the home improvement industry has grown, not just in size, but in stability as well – creating new opportunities at companies like Lowe's.
"I always like to share that we're a company that really prioritizes development and promoting from within," he says. "This doesn't have to be a seasonal job. This can be your home and your career."
Gary McCoy, Charlotte, NC
McCoy joined Lowe’s seven years ago as a weekday part-time associate and worked his way up to his current position as store manager in Charlotte, N.C. McCoy sees seasonal hiring as an excellent opportunity to round out his team for the long term and introduce potential associates to life at Lowe’s.
When asked what he looks for in spring hires, his answer is simple.
"A great attitude," McCoy says. "If you come in and smile and you have a hunger for knowledge and a sense of what great customer service is, we can teach you any other skills you need."
McCoy stresses that if you're able and willing to work full-time, passion is your best ally.
"We can flex hours to the maximum to find and adjust fit," McCoy says. "If an employee is doing their job to the maximum and showing great enthusiasm, we'll give them the maximum number of hours."
Regardless of which position a spring applicant is interested in, McCoy emphasizes that every role at Lowe's comes down to delivering excellent customer service.
"Ultimately, we bring people on as a red (or camo) vest, rather than being tied to a specific department."
McCoy has one message for anyone considering applying for a spring position at Lowe’s.
"I always tell people, 'You can do anything you want with this company, and your trajectory is truly your own,'" McCoy says. "It depends on how hard you work and what you want to learn, but everyone has potential here."
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If you're ready to see where a seasonal role at Lowe’s could take your career, start your search today. Discover opportunities near you, and make Lowe’s your home for spring and beyond.