Job Interview Experience
Here is what to expect at an interview for Costco.
Hiring Process
Big-box store chain Costco conducts a wide range of job interviews for potential employees. For the initial interview, candidates go through a one-on-one session, typically with a store manager. Sometimes, multiple managers may participate in the event, usually for specific department positions.
What Will You Discuss?
The Costco interview requires candidates to answer dozens of work-related and personal questions. Applicants should expect to talk about previous employment, job skills, availability, and interests outside of work.
Ask Questions
Candidates should also prepare several meaningful questions to ask Costco hiring representatives during the interview process. Questions should mostly pertain to the work environment, job requirements, availability, and anything else relevant to the position.
Second Interview Expectations
Depending on the job, applicants may undergo multiple interviews with Costco hiring managers. While not uncommon, most entry-level Costco applicants do not go through a second job interview.
However, certain applicants may need to participate, especially for advanced and professional employment with the department store chain. Potential workers may meet with a district or regional manager during the second round of the hiring process. The interview may feature many of the same questions as the first job interview.
More About Your Experience
Additional questions may cover more of the information on the initial application form submitted to Costco. Potential workers may also need to discuss their professional resume or CV, including previous employers, work experience, and education.
Invitations to second interviews typically remain reserved for strong candidates, and applicants should use the opportunity to demonstrate their skills as potential Costco workers.
Costco Employee Interviews
Costco Cashier Interview
Video Transcript
Interviewer:
Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Costco Cashier:
I was a cashier, and my duties were taking care of handling cash on a daily basis, running the members through the cash register as fast as possible, and making sure they have the optimal customer service.
Interviewer:
How would you describe the application and interview process?
Costco Cashier:
Application is pretty straightforward. They asked regular normal questions that they normally do at any job interview. The interview was, it was quick, it was about 15 minutes, very detailed. They asked a lot of questions regarding your past: if you have a lot of experience, if you’re able to carry a certain amount of weight, according to the job, and the managers are nice there, so yeah.
Interviewer:
What set you apart from other candidates?
Costco Cashier:
I’m just very natural when it comes to interviews, and I give them my all and very straightforward with them.
Interviewer:
What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Costco Cashier:
I think it’s a good place to work at for anyone. I always refer people to that job. It’s one of the best jobs that I’ve had so far. And yeah, just go there and be natural. They have great benefits, and they’re very accommodating to students. Very accommodating. That’s almost the best part of the job.
Costco Sales Associate Interview
Video Transcript
Interviewer:
Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Costco Sales Associate:
I was a sales associate. What I did in the three months that I worked there was mostly, “Here’s a package. We just got the shipment. Help us with stocking this. Help us with organizing aisle, whatever.” And stuff like that. Just regular jobs that they would ask throughout the day. If they needed anything, I would be asked to do it. Stuff like that.
Interviewer:
How would you describe the application and interview process?
Costco Sales Associate:
That was a pain actually because I had to go through two people. The first person that I applied with, he generally did not look happy at my application. And so I could have swore he threw it away. And I went another day because I was persistent. I really wanted that job. And I talked with another manager and he was really welcoming. And so I was able to talk with him, look over the application and he genuinely seemed interested. And then after about two weeks I got a call back.
Interviewer:
What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Costco Sales Associate:
He asked what have I done aside from academics? And at the time, I was running the martial arts club at York. So I told him about the experiences that I had with that and dealing with people.
Interviewer:
What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Costco Sales Associate:
Well, for anyone really who’s looking for a job, just try and do things out of your comfort zone. A lot of people are very afraid of doing things like extracurriculars. And I would say do those extra curriculars because they give you an advantage over other people who want the job and stuff like that.
Interviewer:
Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Costco Store Associate:
Costco, I was just an associate. I was in charge of, I guess, sometimes restocking, but not really the bigger items. It’s usually the smaller items. Right. And I’m also just helping customers out if they needed help with anything, questions or anything. And that was pretty much it.
Interviewer:
How would you describe the application and interview process?
Costco Store Associate:
I actually did a group interview while I was there. And it was all right I guess. They asks once again what would you do questions, and we had to go around the circle and answer. And also, “What qualities you possess, and what makes you, I guess, the better candidate for the job as opposed to all the other people sitting with you?” It was really competitive, I guess.
Interviewer:
What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Costco Store Associate:
I actually loved Costco. I wish I could … I started school, so I actually had to stop doing it, but I worked there for a year and I would say, go for it for anybody who wanted it since everyone there was pretty happy. Everyone enjoyed it pretty much.
Video Transcript
Possible Interview Questions and Answers
Q: How did you hear about the job?
A: I shop at Costco on a regular basis and saw a sign saying you were hiring.
Q: What motivates you?
A: The idea of having a solid career and financial stability in the future.
Q: What are you looking for in a career, and how does Costco fit into your plan?
A: Costco would provide consistent paychecks and possibilities for raises and promotions that might lead to greater, personal financial freedom and independence.
Interviewer:
Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Costco Merchandiser:
Well, my job title, I was merchandising. I doing merchandising and what we did was basically we worked after the store closing. And we basically restocked all the less products and all the products that needed to be restocked and make sure everything was fronted if we didn’t have the product in stock.
Interviewer:
How would you describe the application and interview process?
Costco Merchandiser:
I get interviewed three times, at first. Because I got the job through the school on a sports athlete teams. I had to get interviewed by the actual interviewer, by the boss you can say. And after that interview, I had to get interviewed by the head manager before actually going through the hiring process.
Interviewer:
What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Costco Merchandiser:
Always keep a good relationship with everybody at that job, because so far in this world, it’s like it’s not what you have anymore, it’s who you know. So keeping a good relationship with all of them, they’ll see the better person in. You could recommend you to better places and things like that.
Interview Tips
How to Dress
While an applicant’s personality and expertise may come out during the interview process, the first impression will depend on how presentable the candidate looks. Choosing the right clothing for a Costco interview may separate competing job seekers and help with the hiring decision. Regardless of the position, applicants must come into job interviews looking clean and professional.
What to Wear
Interviewees should base their outfit on a corporate or office environment and select apparel, like business slacks, ironed button-down shirts, formal footwear, and other professional clothing. Some advanced positions with Costco may call for candidates to wear a business suit, including a blazer jacket and tie.
Male applicants should maintain clean-shaven faces; any present facial hair should remain neatly trimmed.
