What Age Does TJ Maxx Hire? A Complete Guide for Teen Job Seekers - History Tools (2024)

For any teenager interested in entering the workforce, landing that crucial first job can open up a world of new responsibilities, life skills and financial independence. Retail giants like TJ Maxx offer approachable entry-level positions ideal for young people with little or no prior professional experience. However, applicants still need to meet basic age requirements before getting hired.

If you find yourself wondering “what age does TJ Maxx hire?” read on for a deep dive into everything today’s teenagers need to start working for this popular nationwide chain.

TJ Maxx Minimum Age Requirements

The minimum age to begin working at TJ Maxx is 16 years old. This applies to entry-level store associate roles like cashier, merchandising associate and stocking shelves. 16 and 17-year old employees must comply with strict hourly limitations based on state and federal child labor laws.

For assistant manager and other lower-level supervisory roles, the minimum hiring age is 18 years old. Applicants for managerial positions should have at least three years of prior retail experience, demonstration leadership qualities and availability for full-time hours.

Keep in mind that individual store managers have reasonable discretion when extending conditional job offers. Ambitious and mature 15-year olds may still get interviewed and hired on rare occasions, especially if an older sibling or other family member can vouch for them.

Jobs for Teenagers at TJ Maxx

While subject to state and federal hourly restrictions, 16 and 17-year old employees can hold various TJ Maxx store associate positions.

Common entry-level roles ideal for teens include:

• Merchandising Associate – Restocks shelves, organizes inventory, processes new shipments, supports visual merchandising displays
• Cashier – Scans items, processes payments, provides receipt, engages with customers at checkout
• Stock Associate – Unloads trucks, unpacks boxes, places merchandise onto salesfloor
• Fitting Room Attendant – Manages garment count, returns, hangers and tidiness of fitting area

These jobs perfectly suit young people seeking to gain basic job skills in inventory, organization, POS transactions, loss prevention and customer interactions. Associates get exposure to retail fundamentals useful for advancing to supervisor down the road.

Outside of Black Friday sales events, TJ Maxx locations tend to be much calmer and slower-paced than “big box” counterparts. This makes their stores an easier training ground for first-time hires learning the ropes.

Hours and Schedules for Teen Staff

Hourly restrictions vary based on local jurisdiction, but generally cap working teens to:

• Maximum 4-hour shifts when school is in session
• No availability past 9:00pm on school nights
• Flexible weekday schedules when school’s out

Managers work directly with students and parents to accommodate exam days, extracurriculars, vacations and other obligations. Associates undergoing academic struggles may voluntarily reduce hours to focus more on schoolwork.

Weekends, summers and other extended breaks tend to offer more leeway for hours. But again, daily and weekly caps based on age still apply no matter the season.

Applying for a Teen Associate Job

The best way for teenagers to get hired by TJ Maxx is to directly inquire within local store locations found in most malls and shopping centers. Ask to speak with a hiring manager about availability for entry-level store associates.

Another approach is accessing the company’s online career portal to search for nearby openings. Results will specify minimum age requirements, which get updated periodically. Qualified teen applicants can submit interest via upload resume or quick pre-application profile creation.

When it comes time for interviews, dress business casual rather than overly formal. Research common retail-related questions and practice articulating strengths as they pertain to customer service, merchandising, inventory, flexibility, taking direction, etc.

Benefits of Working at TJ Maxx as a Teen

Beyond earning that first paycheck, teens reap wonderful benefits from working part-time retail jobs like those found at TJ Maxx:

• Employee Discount – All associates receive 10% off regular-priced purchases from TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods locations
• Industry Exposure – Gain familiarity with fashion, home furnishings, inventory systems, merchandising strategy, loss prevention
• Scheduling Flexibility – Hours pre-approved for school obligations, exams, extracurriculars
• New Arrivals Access – Associates often get first pick of incoming stock from deliveries before hitting the salesfloor

Teen employees learn so much about retail operations while earning income for gas, clothing, entertainment and saving up for college or first car. They also build skills around customer interactions essential for success in whatever career path pursued down the road.

For any teenager starting the journey into adulthood, securing that initial part-time job holds tremendous short and long-term value. Retailers like TJ Maxx offer approachable hiring practices focused on entry-level, allowing teens to convert minimum age requirements into maximum professional growth.