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Does TJ Maxx Drug Test?

Now that drug testing has become so commonplace among employers, your decision to apply for a job at TJ Maxx could rest on their drug testing policy. So, does TJ Maxx drug test applicants and employees?

Let’s find out.

If you can handle working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, then you’ll fit right in at TJ Maxx. The off-price retailer has more than 1000 stores across the United States selling fashion, beauty, homewares, toys, and jewelry. The company also operates multiple distribution centers that work around the clock to keep stock flowing.

Does TJ Maxx Drug Test Applicants For Store Positions in 2025?

Does TJ Maxx Drug Test Applicants

We’ve got good news for you! TJ Maxx does not require a pre-employment drug test for store-based positions. You won’t have to stress over being asked to take a drug test at your interview or orientation, so you can go ahead and apply for a job with confidence. TJ Maxx doesn’t require drug tests for promotions either.

There’s also no drug testing requirement for management positions or keyholder roles.

Even so, be sensible when you go for your interview. Don’t show up looking like you’ve recently taken drugs, and don’t ask if you can smoke marijuana on your lunch break!

Although you won’t need to pass a pre-employment drug test to work at a TJ Maxx store, you could be asked to take a drug test if you appear to be under the influence of drugs at work, or if you’re involved in a workplace accident.

Does TJ Maxx Conduct Drug Test Applicants For Distribution Center Positions?

Distribution centers are dangerous places and drug testing is common in this type of workplace. To work at a TJ Maxx distribution center, you’ll have to pass a drug test, so factor in your detox period before you apply for a job.

You won’t face a drug test when you attend your interview, drug testing takes place at orientation.

If you’re offered a job, you’ll be notified of your orientation date, then when you arrive for your orientation session, you’ll be required to take a drug test. If you fail the drug test, you’ll be asked to leave orientation and your job offer will be withdrawn.

As well as pre-employment drug testing, you could be asked to take a drug test if you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, or if you’ve been involved in a workplace accident and management have reason to believe that drug use may have been a causal factor.

What Kind Of Drug Test Do TJ Maxx Distribution Centers Use?

What Kind Of Drug Test Do TJ Maxx Distribution Centers Use?

Employees indicate that TJ Maxx currently uses an oral drug test. Oral drug tests use a mouth swab to collect a saliva sample, and then the sample is tested for a range of illegal drugs.

The detection window on a saliva test is relatively short compared to a urine test, but even so, you’ll need to be certain that you’re drug-free before you attend orientation. The surest way to be certain is to take a DIY drug test at home.

Reputable DIY drug testing kits will give you a reliable result and once you get a negative result, you’ll know that you have nothing to worry about at your orientation drug test.

Pick up a drug testing kit at any pharmacy or at your local Walmart and Target stores, but avoid the cheap tests at dollar stores because those tests won’t always give you an accurate result.

What Drugs Does TJ Maxx Test For?

The drug test at TJ Maxx screens for the most common illegal drugs. You should expect a test for:

  • Opiates
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamine and methamphetamine
  • Marijuana (in some states)
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Ecstasy

In saliva, drug metabolites can usually be detected for up to 48 hours after last use.

See Also: Does Publix drug test

Does TJ Maxx Carry Out Random Drug Testing?

Once you’re hired, you won’t have to worry about facing a random drug test. TJ Maxx doesn’t carry out random drug tests on any staff members, so your recreational activities won’t put your job at risk as long as you don’t go to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The TJ Maxx Code of Conduct, which all employees have to read and sign during orientation, states that the company does not tolerate substance abuse in the workplace because substance abuse is often against the law and it poses a risk to workplace safety.

You must not:

  • Work under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Arrive at work under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Come onto company property under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Drive any company vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol

As you can see, the TJ Maxx substance abuse policy also prohibits alcohol, even though alcohol is a legal substance.

The prohibition of substance use on company property extends to your breaks. You can’t use drugs or alcohol in the break room, or outside around the loading dock or parking lot for example.

If you violate the substance abuse policy, you can expect to be sent home and you’ll face disciplinary action.

While random drug tests are not carried out at TJ Maxx, you could face a reasonable suspicion drug test to a post-accident drug test.

Reasonable Suspicion Drug Test

What could trigger a reasonable suspicion drug test at TJ Maxx?

  • Bloodshot eyes or abnormal pupils
  • Unusual odor on your clothes, breath, or hair
  • Falling asleep or lethargy
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady movements or clumsy behavior
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Paranoia
  • Failure to understand basic instructions

Post-Accident Drug Test

If an accident occurs and your manager has reason to suspect that drug use may have contributed to the accident, you will be expected to take a drug test.

If the drug test is positive and it can be shown that impairment due to drug use was a factor in the accident, you may be denied any workers comp benefits you should be entitled to.

Besides The Drug Test Are There Any Other Pre-Employment Checks At TJ Maxx?

Pre-Employment Checks At TJ Maxx?

While TJ Maxx doesn’t require a pre-employment drug test for the majority of their employees, all candidates will need to pass a background check.

You can’t start work until your background check clears and checks can take up to 10 days.

The background check will confirm your identity and your right to work in the United States. TJ Maxx will also run criminal records search to find out if you’ve been in trouble with the law. Depending on your role, they may also check your education and past employment record.

What To Expect During The TJ Maxx Hiring Process

To work in a TJ Maxx store you need to be at least 16 years old. To work in a TJ Maxx distribution center, you need to be at least 18 years old.

Once you’ve completed your application, expect a call or an email inviting you to an interview within a couple of days.

The initial interview may be a quick phone call covering some basic questions about your experience, knowledge of TJ Maxx, career goals, approach to teamwork, and availability.

Alternatively, you could be asked to attend a group interview. If you get called for a group interview, make sure that you stand out by being alert and engaged throughout the process.

Be friendly and confident, smile a lot, and make eye contact when you answer questions. A group interview is not the place to be a wallflower.

If your interview is a success, you may need to attend a second interview which will go over the role and your responsibilities in more detail.

You’ll also be quizzed to see how you would handle some customer service issues (unless you’re at the distribution center). If they like you at this stage, they’ll check your references before making a final decision.

Candidates making it through the interview stage, then have to pass a background check. Once that comes back clear, you’ll be all set for your orientation.

If you run into any problems entering your details for the background check, don’t panic, sometimes the system doesn’t work properly. Call the store and ask to speak to the hiring manager so they can tell you what to do.

At orientation, you’ll watch some training videos, go through company policy and procedures, and sign your employment and payment forms. Distribution center staff will also need to take a drug test.

Summing Up

Most jobs at TJ Maxx don’t require a pre-employment drug test. The only positions that you’ll have to take a drug test for during the hiring process are distribution center roles.

Once you’re hired, you won’t be asked to take random drug tests, but company policy prohibits staff from being under the influence while working, using a company vehicle, or on company property.

All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug tests and post-accident drug tests.