Does Kohl's Drug Test?
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Kohl's does not drug test employees during the hiring process. Most store positions do not require pre-employment drug screening.
Kohl's does not drug test employees during the hiring process for most positions. Kohl's is a department store chain with over 1,100 locations across the United States and is entirely corporate-owned — no franchise locations. The company does not include pre-employment drug testing for sales associates, cashiers, stockroom workers, or other store-level positions. Kohl's has a straightforward hiring process focused on availability, customer service skills, and reliability. The company is one of the more accessible large retailers for job seekers.
Drug Testing by Position
| Position | Tested? | Test Type | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate | No | N/A | Post-accident only (rare) |
| Cashier / Customer Service | No | N/A | Post-accident only (rare) |
| Stockroom / Freight Associate | No | N/A | Post-accident only (rare) |
| Beauty Advisor (Sephora at Kohl's) | No | N/A | Post-accident only (rare) |
| Department Supervisor | Rarely | Urine (if tested) | Post-accident, reasonable suspicion |
| Store Manager | Varies | Urine (if tested) | Pre-employment (some locations), post-accident |
Kohl's Hiring Process
Kohl's hiring process is streamlined and efficient. Apply online through the Kohl's career portal, complete a brief phone or in-person interview, and begin onboarding. Drug testing is not part of this process. Kohl's is one of the largest department store chains in the country and is consistently hiring, especially during the holiday season and back-to-school periods. The company values flexibility, customer focus, and a willingness to learn the Kohl's system.
Marijuana and Workplace Policy
Kohl's does not screen for marijuana during the hiring process. As a corporate-owned chain, this policy is consistent across all locations. All employees are expected to be sober while working — retail requires attention to customers, accurate cash handling, and loss prevention awareness. Kohl's follows the national retail trend of not testing employees for drug use prior to hiring.
Tips for Applicants
Kohl's offers competitive retail employment with employee discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for advancement. The partnership with Sephora (Sephora at Kohl's) has created additional beauty advisor positions. Kohl's also operates Amazon return desks in many locations. Apply online and be prepared to discuss your availability — Kohl's values people who can work evenings and weekends. Seasonal hiring is an excellent entry point for permanent employment.
Recent Policy Changes
- 2020-2023: Reduced or eliminated drug testing during the pandemic and ongoing labor shortages to remain competitive in the retail hiring market
- 2024-2026: Continues the industry-wide trend of not drug testing most retail store employees for pre-employment
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Kohl's drug test employees?
- No. Kohl's does not drug test employees during the hiring process for most store positions.
- Does Kohl's drug test for marijuana?
- Kohl's does not drug test during hiring, so marijuana is not screened.
- Does Kohl's do random drug tests?
- No. Kohl's does not conduct random drug testing for retail employees.
- Does Kohl's do background checks?
- Yes. Kohl's runs a background check as part of the standard hiring process. The check is generally not overly restrictive.
- Does Kohl's hire felons?
- Kohl's evaluates backgrounds on a case-by-case basis. Many people with criminal records have been hired at Kohl's, particularly for store-level positions.
- Does Kohl's give employee discounts?
- Yes. Kohl's employees receive a 15% associate discount on merchandise, plus additional discount events throughout the year.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Kohl's Careers — Apply for jobs
Official Kohl's career portal for store and corporate positions
- SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service: 1-800-662-4357
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