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How to Get Hired at Dollarama (Interview Questions & Tips 2026)

A complete guide to the Dollarama hiring process in 2026. Learn why you must use the AppyHere app, the exact interview questions managers ask, and how to pass the "theft scenario" test.
Dollarama storefront entrance in Canada with green logo and shopping carts, representing entry-level retail jobs.

Dollarama is often the first stop for Canadian job seekers needing immediate work. With over 1,500 locations stretching from Victoria, BC to St. John's, NL, it is one of the country's most accessible employers.

However, the days of walking into a store with a printed resume and shaking the manager's hand are largely over. In 2026, getting hired at Dollarama requires navigating a digital gatekeeper called AppyHere.

If you are a student, newcomer, or job seeker looking for entry-level work, this guide will break down exactly how to bypass the automated filters, answer the "trap" interview questions, and secure a spot on the schedule.

Looking for more than just Dollarama? Check out our Ultimate Canadian Job Directory for a map of high-hiring employers in your city.

The "New" Hiring Process: AppyHere vs. Paper Resumes

If you read advice from 2022, you might think you should visit the store in person. Do not rely on this method.

While a small-town store manager in rural Saskatchewan might still accept a paper resume, the vast majority of Dollarama locations have moved to a centralized digital system. Store Managers are often instructed to direct all walk-in candidates to a QR code posted at the cash register.

The Gatekeeper: AppyHere

Dollarama uses a third-party mobile recruiting platform called AppyHere for most Store Associate and Team Leader positions.

  • How it works: You download the app, create a profile, and answer screening questions about your availability.
  • The Algorithm: The app automatically filters candidates. If your availability doesn't match the store's needs (e.g., you can't work weekends), your profile may never even reach the hiring manager.
  • The "Trick": When setting up your profile, availability is more important than experience. A candidate with zero experience who can work Saturdays and Sundays will almost always rank higher than an experienced worker who can only work Monday to Friday mornings.
Consensus Verdict: Users on r/Dollarama and Canadian job forums consistently report that applying through the official career site or AppyHere is the only way to get an interview in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Job Requirements & Reality Check

Before you apply, you need to know if you fit the profile. Dollarama is an excellent "first job," but it is physically demanding.

1. Age Requirements

Dollarama is one of the most youth-friendly employers in Canada.

  • Minimum Age: In most provinces (Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba), you can be hired as young as 15 years old.
  • Exceptions: Some locations that sell lottery tickets may prefer staff who are 18+, but this is rare for general floor staff.

2. The "Physical" Factor

Unlike a cashier job at a grocery store where you might stand in one spot, Dollarama associates are constantly moving. You will be expected to:

  • Unload boxes from the delivery truck (often 30–50 lbs).
  • Restock shelves at a rapid pace.
  • Recover (clean) the store aisles during closing shifts.

3. Experience Needed?

Zero. This is a true entry-level role. If you have never worked a day in your life, you are still a prime candidate. If you are struggling to write a resume for this, check out our No Experience Resume Template to get started.

The 5 "Make or Break" Interview Questions

If the algorithm likes your availability, you will get a call or an in-app notification for a short interview. This usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Managers use these questions to filter out "high-risk" employees. Here is exactly what they ask and how to answer.

1. "Tell me about yourself."

  • The Trap: Do not give your life story. They want to know if you are reliable and local.
  • The Winning Answer: "I’m a high school student living just 10 minutes away. I’ve been shopping at this Dollarama for years, and I’m looking for a steady part-time job where I can learn customer service skills and support the team. I’m energetic and ready to work."

2. "What is your availability?"

  • The Trap: Being too picky.
  • The Winning Answer: "I am very flexible. I can work evenings after school and I am fully available on weekends—both Saturday and Sunday. I’m also happy to cover shifts if someone calls in sick."

3. "How would you handle a rude customer?"

  • The Trap: Getting defensive or arguing back.
  • The Winning Answer: "I would stay calm and not take it personally. I would listen to what they need and try to solve the problem. If they started yelling or being abusive, I would politely excuse myself and get a manager to handle it. I know that representing the brand professionally is the priority."

4. "Why do you want to work here?"

  • The Winning Answer: "I like to stay active. I know this job involves stocking shelves and moving around, and I prefer that over sitting at a desk. I want a fast-paced environment where the shift goes by quickly."

5. The "Theft Scenario" (Critical)

This is the question that fails most candidates.

  • The Question: "What would you do if you saw someone stealing an item?"
  • The WRONG Answer: "I would chase them and take the item back!" (This makes you a liability).
  • The RIGHT Answer: "I would follow the store's 'Observe and Report' policy. I would offer them customer service to let them know I see them, but I would never confront them or put my safety at risk. I would immediately inform my manager or security."

Salary, Hours, and "The Green Smock"

What can you actually expect once you get the job?

Pay Rates (2026 Estimates)

Dollarama typically pays the provincial minimum wage. Unlike Costco or specialized warehouses, they rarely offer premiums for entry-level staff.

  • Ontario: ~$17.20/hr
  • BC: ~$17.40/hr
  • Alberta: ~$15.00/hr
  • Nova Scotia: ~$15.50/hr

Hours: The "January Slump"

  • The Good: During "Peak Season" (Halloween, Christmas, Easter), you can easily get 20–30 hours a week.
  • The Bad: In January and February, retail sales drop. Many part-time staff report their hours being cut to 4–8 hours a week during these months. Be prepared for this fluctuation.

The Uniform

You don't need to buy a suit.

  • Provided: A green Dollarama apron or smock.
  • You Bring: A plain white or black t-shirt (or polo), black pants (no sweatpants), and comfortable closed-toe running shoes.
    • Pro Tip: Invest in good insoles. You will be standing on concrete floors for 4 to 8 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dollarama do a background check?

Yes, for keyholder and management positions, a criminal background check is standard. For part-time store associates (especially minors), background checks are less common but can still occur depending on the district policy.

How long does it take to hear back from AppyHere?

It varies instantly. Because AppyHere uses an algorithm, if your availability matches a store's current vacancy, you could get an interview request within 24 hours. If you do not hear back within 7 days, it is safe to assume the store is not currently hiring for your availability.

Is it better to apply to Dollarama or Walmart?

It depends on your goals. Dollarama is generally lower stress and easier to get into for a first job. Walmart (see our Walmart Assessment Guide) often offers more stable hours and better benefits for long-term employees, but the hiring process is longer and more complex.

Summary: Your Checklist to Get Hired

  1. Download AppyHere: Do not waste time printing 20 resumes.
  2. Open Your Weekends: This is the single biggest factor in getting hired.
  3. Prepare for the Theft Question: Remember: Observe and Report, never confront.
  4. Dress Neatly: Dark jeans or black pants and a clean shirt for the interview.
  5. Be Ready to Move: Emphasize that you are physically fit and ready to stock shelves.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte