What Walmart’s hiring chief looks for in a candidate

Morris seeks candidates who demonstrate a tangible track record of resilience. She views the ability to overcome adversity as a non-negotiable trait, particularly for those in leadership positions. Ideally, she prefers applicants with frontline experience, believing that time spent in hourly, customer-facing roles provides the essential empathy required to lead effectively. Her own early career, which began at a dry cleaner and a drugstore, informs this perspective on the value of service.

To gauge these qualities, Morris relies on a signature question: "If I were to ask people who have worked for you before, what would they tell me?" This inquiry forces candidates to move past rehearsed talking points and reveal their commitment to servant leadership. Ultimately, she prioritizes professional history over Ivy League credentials, searching for individuals who are driven by a personal passion to make a measurable difference in the lives of others.