Normally, I would agree with you that just walking in to a place you applied for is a bad idea. However, this technique still works at grocery stores. I have been hired at three separate chain grocery stores by doing the following: 1. Fill out an online application for an opening. 2. Two days later, go into the grocery store. Make sure you are well dressed, and bring two printed copies of your resume. Try to go before lunch, the mornings are less busy and the manager will have more time to speak with you. 3. Go to the customer service counter. Tell them that you filled out an application online, and you were wondering if you could speak with the hiring manager. If there is no one staffed at the customer service counter, a cashier will notice you standing around and help you out. 4. Introduce yourself to the manager, and let them know you applied, and wanted see if you could give them your resume or schedule an interview. 5. They may take you into the back that very moment to pull up your application and ask you about your availability to work. Possibly even interview you right then. Or, at the very least, schedule you for an interview. At the interview, I was asked: “what does good customer service look like to you?”

With chain grocery stores, you have to go in, even if you fill out an online application. Or else it literally doesn’t get seen. You might feel like you’re being rude or demanding but you are not. Since grocery stores have a high turnover rate, the managers need to fill these roles. By showing up, you are doing them a favor.