One of America’s top neighborhood convenience stores, Dollar General, aimed with a simple mission of serving others, has been in existence since 1939. From a single store to a company with more than 17,000 hassle-free stores in 46 states, Dollar General prides itself in delivering affordable, high-quality products from some of America’s most trusted brands such as; Coca-Cola, Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Mars, Unilever, Nestlé, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, PepsiCo, and Hanes. Some of these products include food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares, seasonal items, paper products, etc. Achieving this feat would have been impossible if not for its team of exceptional characters and resources. They provide employees with room for growth and equip them with new skills to thrive in each of their respective disciplines at Dollar General. This shows they care about their users and their workers enough to invest in them, and one such is the drug testing policy. So, let’s discuss ‘Does Dollar General Drug Test?’
Is Drug Testing Part of Dollar General’s Hiring Process?
Like most companies out there, Dollar General has put in place a step-by-step online hiring process to follow, which is efficient and effective, and unique to the company. Some of the steps in the hiring process include; identifying a need within the company, devising and publishing a recruitment plan, advertising the job position, reviewing applications, screening applicants through interviews or tests, background and reference check, and hiring. Drug testing can be one of the pre-employment or post-employment tests one has to go through.
These tests are used to screen applicants or employees for drug abuse to determine if they fit the company. One of the misconceptions about drug tests is that it breeds a lack of trust, which is untrue. There are several reasons why a company would place a drug abuse policy to screen employees. Still, one of the common reasons is that it ensures a safe environment for the employer, the employees, and even the consumers. Dollar General is one of those companies that are big on creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workspace, as clearly stated in its code of business conduct and ethics.
Does Dollar General Conduct Drug Test for its Employees?
Dollar General has a clear position on the use of drugs and alcohol while working, which will not be tolerated; however, they do not conduct drug tests on their employees. Although, it is stipulated that drug tests be a part of Dollar General’s application process for senior roles, such as keyholders or managerial positions in the company. Entry-level jobs are free of this stipulation.
What Does a Dollar General Hiring Process Involve?
To get job employment at Dollar General is possible, amongst other things, through successful completion of the online application process, drug testing (if applicable), and a background check. Below are some step-by-step details on the hiring process;
- Internet Access: It is important to note that the application process is done online through Express Hiring on their portal. Without internet access, one cannot apply. The website is secure, and the process is fast as it will take about 30 minutes to fill in the required information on the online application form.
- Application: Here, details of potential hires will be collected, and such information includes; personal information, name, age, contact information, resumé, cover letter, work experience, skills, social security number, etc. This information would help the employers for better assessment for the right fit to the company. When all details have been input in, the application process is complete.
- Screening: At this level, applications will be reviewed and sorted to pick out the ones with more potential to advance further tests and interviews. The kinds of tests to be taken would depend on the position applied for. These tests are to determine if the applicant’s goal aligns with that of the company. Part of the test includes a drug test, which is only applicable for senior positions at Dollar general. Interviews are also a part of the screening process. The hiring manager does this to verify the information collated through the application and test results. Candidates may be asked series of questions to have an understanding of values.
- Hiring: Once it has been concluded that the applicant has successfully passed the tests and interviews, they will be contacted by the hiring manager to schedule when to begin at the establishment. It is important to note that candidates are expected to bring documents to prove identity and employment eligibility even after meeting all pre-employment requirements. Some of these documents include; driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card, U.S. military card, and original copy of the birth certificate. It is only upon the presentation of any of these documents that the hiring process is completed.
How do I do a drug test?
Again, managerial-level applicants are the only ones to undergo a drug test as part of the hiring process at Dollar General. The applicants will be sent a hiring packet after the application and screening process. This packet will contain information that will ensure candidates for pre-employment drug tests and background check verification.
A urine sample is an acceptable method at Dollar General for drug testing. You only need to submit a piece at a generally accepted medical clinic for testing as the candidate. To do that, you will be required to present government-issued identification. The result can take up to 24 hours or more to be processed. The drug test may include; marijuana, cocaine, tramadol, codeine, or even alcohol.
Conclusion
One of Dollar General’s four key business operative priorities includes investing in their employees and providing them with a safe and healthy developmental environment. Drug testing is a part of the exercise done in other to achieve their goals. Another mission is to ensure endless opportunities for advancement by offering its employees award-winning training and development programs, which reflects in internal solid promotions and growth rates.
FAQs
- Can existing employees be drug tested?
No, Dollar General does not usually demand drug tests on existing employees, except in exceptional cases.
- Will I be accepted even when I fail the test?
Failing a drug test at Dollar General means you have been unable to the hiring process and cannot, therefore, be considered a potential hire for the company. In addition, once you fail to meet the requirements for the drug test, you may become ineligible to reapply for an entire year. You can, however, be allowed to move to the next step in the employment process after you have passed the test.
- Does Dollar general carry out random tests?
According to their code of business conduct and ethics, Dollar general has a drug and alcohol policy that reserves them the right to drug test their employees; however, it is rare that they randomly order for tests.
- If I have a drink the night before, will I fail my drug test?
When ingested into the system a day before, alcohol or drugs can take more than 24 hours to leave the system and cause you to fail the drug test. However, taking lots of water and frequently urinating before the drug test may help clear it out. It is better to be safe than sorry and not take any alcohol two or three days before a drug test.
