Home Depot and AARP Launch National Hiring Partnership

Source: AARP.org | March 11, 2004

Home Depot and AARP Launch National Hiring Partnership

The AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) has formed a National Hiring Partnership with Home Depot. The purpose of the partnership is to encourage the hiring of qualified, skilled, mature workers for Home Depot's 1,500 stores throughout the country. SCSEP's role is to assist qualified SCSEP enrollees in applying for jobs at Home Depot.

In addition, the National Hiring Partnership is being promoted to all AARP members, so that anyone interested, whether eligible for SCSEP or not, may easily apply to Home Depot. Please note: Applying for a job at Home Depot does not guarantee employment. All hiring decisions remain with Home Depot.

Home Depot has created a special Web site which includes information about the hiring partnership as well as an online job application form. In keeping with its "Passion Never Retires" theme, Home Depot has also developed a new marketing campaign featuring mature workers. At the local level, Home Depot has facilitated contact between store personnel and SCSEP Project Directors, encouraging its hiring managers to learn about SCSEP services.

How Does the Partnership Help SCSEP Participants?

SCSEP enrollees receive a full assessment of their skills, experience and interests to determine if they have the qualifications needed to work at Home Depot. SCSEP staff give enrollees an overview of the Home Depot online application process and hiring procedures, as well as working conditions and benefits.

Find out if there is an SCSEP site near you. You must be age 55 or over and meet federal income guidelines. The project staff will give you specific information about eligibility and enrollment.

If AARP has no SCSEP site in your area, check with your local Department of Labor One-Stop Career Center to locate an SCSEP project sponsored by another organization. While such projects are not part of the National Hiring Partnership, they provide many services to help with your employment needs.

What If I Am Not Eligible for SCSEP?

Any individual may apply directly on Home Depot's Web site. You do not have to be eligible for SCSEP or enrolled in an AARP-sponsored SCSEP project.

What Is Home Depot's Hiring Process?

• Home Depot accepts online employment applications only. Do not mail the application or try to contact a store by phone. The application may be completed at a Home Depot store kiosk or from another location. It includes a job history plus an aptitude test, and takes 45-60 minutes to complete.
• After completing the application, the applicant either receives a message that he or she is now accepted into the qualified pool of applicants, or is asked to try again in 60 days. Home Depot then selects applicants to be interviewed.
• Home Depot requires background checks and drug tests. They do not hire ex-offenders.
• Prime hiring season for Home Depot is spring. In some stores, there may not be job openings at other times of year.
• Home Depot offers a full range of benefits for both full and part time positions.

The National Hiring Partnership is not a promise by Home Depot to hire applicants referred by SCSEP or AARP. Applicants should not expect preferential treatment for older workers, SCSEP enrollees, or AARP members. Home Depot is seeking all qualified applicants.