How to Get a Job at Costco
2 to 3 week process
Mega department store Costco uses a variety of interview tactics to screen entry-level applicants and aspiring professional workers. The interview process generally takes about two or three weeks to complete from the initial submission of the required forms to the final interview session. Along the way, candidates sit through multiple job interviews featuring various formats, such as one-to-one, group, panel, and phone.
How the Process Works
In person interview
The Costco hiring process typically begins with a phone call to schedule a face-to-face job interview, which may include a question and answer session with one or more managers. Hiring personnel may dismiss candidates at any time during the interview process.
Second round interview
Successful applicants typically make it through at least one round of interviews and into the second phase of hiring. Job seekers may meet with the same managers in consecutive interviews, even on different days, and especially if third and fourth interviews prove necessary.
Group interviews
Costco job interviews generally take place with a mix of supervisors and managers. Any interview past the first or second phase almost exclusively features a 1:1 format. Group interviews and panel interviews most commonly occur in the early stages of the hiring process. The department store chain may also utilize human resources representatives to screen job hopefuls. Interviews take place on site at the desired store location. In some instances, a brief tour may occur; however, the retail chain generally limits exposing applicants to the actual culture of the job until formal hiring and training begins.
What Questions do They Ask?
Decisions to hire generally depend on responses given to Costco interview questions. Hiring managers often vary interview questions and tailor subject matters to the specific jobs for hire. Common questions encountered by entry-level Costco applicants for positions like sales representative and cashier assistant include:
- What is the best way to handle an angry customer?
- Do you excel as part of a team or working individually?
- How did you prepare for the interview process?
Does Costco Check My Background/Drug Test?
Immediately following the final interview, Costco may require some applicants to submit to background checks and drug testing. Policies on background checks and drug testing may vary by location.
How to Dress for Costco Interviews
What should you wear?Though not implicit, applicants should look presentable when attending Costco interviews. Workers applying for managerial positions should exclusively wear suits and ties or professional dresses to each interview. Entry-level associates should also consider wearing formal clothing, although business-professional or business-casual attire also serves as acceptable dress for interviews.
How to Act During Costco Interviews
Enthusiasm to work as part of a team in retail settings show a strong fit for the position desired. Using past experiences to relate to Costco job responsibilities benefits applicants and demonstrates an actual desire to fit the position. Applicants should always display a positive outlook and remain confident to increase chances of gaining hire.
Insider Tips
Listen to video interviews with former employees.
Costco Greeter Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Costco Greeter: Okay my job title was basically like a Greeter, greeting people as they came into Costco, and also as they were leaving, if they had big ticket items, I was to check and make sure that they were on the receipt, and keeping my work area clean were basically my duties.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Costco Greeter: Work environment, it can be hectic but it was great. I liked the people that I worked with and actually I’m down for a re-hire, so I liked it. The people that I worked with, the environment was nice. I liked it.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Costco Greeter: The application wasn’t that hard. I know I took like a survey test and they really big on honesty, knowing that they can trust you with thievery and what not because you have more access to a lot of stuff that a lot of people don’t have. Once I got past that process, I had two interviews and once I got a okay from the first interview I was turned on to the shift supervisor, and once I did with the shift supervisor, it was great. Just gave me a date, gave me a drug test and that was it.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Costco Greeter: A lot of them was repetitive, they making sure that you mean what you say. I don’t remember exactly what was said, but I knew that the honesty thing was very important.
Interviewer: What should an applicant wear to the interview?
Costco Greeter: I went business casual, no tennis shoes, something a dark shoe with a nice rubber sole, khakis and business type shirt like a polo type shirt, that’s what I wore.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
Costco Greeter: Once I got through the interview process, they offered me the job and they gave me a urine thing to take. So they offered me the job right then, they didn’t even call me. Right after my second interview they gave me the drug test paper and told me where to go, and that was it.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Costco Greeter: Looking to work there is a great environment, long as you punctual and you trustworthy you shouldn’t have any problem. Just going and being more of a people person because you’re going to interact with a lot of people, and don’t bring your home problems to work, so you shouldn’t have any problems.
Costco Deli Associate Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Costco Employee: I worked in the deli. I usually was the closer, so I would come in and just kind of clean up, make sure everything was put away and sanitized. I was also the chicken skewerer for the rotisserie chicken machine, so I probably skewered 150, 200 chickens a day. That was usually what I was doing.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Costco Employee: Clean. Super clean. Everyone followed all the rules and what not. I had to wear a beard net and hairnet all the time and a big, white lab coat. Very clean.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Costco Employee: There was good pay to start off, so that’s definitely a positive.
Interviewer: Did you earn any benefits or other job perks?
Costco Employee: Yeah, they had, like I said, good pay. They had insurance after six months. I got a membership there, which was cool. I ended up buying a lot of stuff in bulk.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Costco Employee: The application was online. You go on their website, and there was a list of jobs in your area. They matched up a store with where you’re at. Different entry-level positions. And then the interview – they called me in probably two or three weeks after I submitted it. There was a first interview, and he just asked me some questions about my previous job history. And then for the second interview I came in, more in-depth… they gave me a drug test and hired me.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Costco Employee: I remember him asking me about my previous job history, like I said, if I was a hard worker. He asked me, Why should I hire you? So it was important to be able to sell yourself.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Costco Employee: Definitely, go for it, because it’s a cool job. Just try to sell yourself to the guy interviewing you.
Gigi says:
PLease anyone?? I really would like to work here I have heard nothing but good things about the company.
Julieann says:
Please, tell me what are the most common questions to prepare for in an interview with Costo.
ALL feedback would be very appreciated.
Thank you. I am very greatful for anyone experienced that has recent updated interviewing questions. Thank you for your valued time.
Sincerely,
Julieann
Gertrude Magill says:
What was the most challenging problem you’ve faced and how did you handle it?
Describe a time you had a disagreement with a supervisor and how you handled it.
Describe a time you worked on a team and how it turned out.
Describe a time when you had to make a compromise with a supervisor to achieve a goal
what do you see yourself doing five years from now?
what makes you interested in a job at costco?
Describe a situation where you displayed great customer service
Tell us how you would handle a customer who insisted you ruined something and demanded to speak to a manager.
How do you define excellent customer service?
Tell me about a difficult customer and how you handled the situation.
What is your greatest weakness and how do you work through it?
tania says:
i had a brother that worked in this company and they said how good benefits they had to offer.
Gabby says:
im having the hardest time finding the application for costco- can anyone help me?!?
JoJoT says:
I went for an interview & was disappointed in the way u are treated..I was in a suit and heels. Everyone else was in jeans. (i felt like the odd man out).I was rushed into a room with 2 women. they sat & I stood until I asked where do they want me. b4 i put my bag down one woman started asking me a question while the other just stared at me. all of 5minutes and it was over. They don’t introduce themselves. nothing. a very cold interview…Sad, because I understand they are very nice to work for…
Billie Haqqani says:
Hello, I resently filled out an application for bakery department. I am wondering if you had a chance to review my application. I can also work in customer service department, photo department, pharmacy technician, cashier, or at the door. I have experience in as a pharmacy technician, because I took a pharmacy technician class in Valley College of Medical Career in 2009. After two weeks I drop the class for financial reason, but I learned allot in that two weeks. I still have all of my notes and the measurements for the medicine that needs to be mixed however the doctor writes the Rx.
I would really appreciate your respond sooner. Thank for your cooperation.
chrismene estel says:
I need a position in the bakery or produce because I need to work. Costco has good benefits and seems like a good place to work.
nancy hawk says:
i know im a little bit old to find a job at costco, but im interested to work here because they have a good benefits and to work here you can learn a lot
Robert says:
i was fired at my last job will they take my application and consider it or should i just move on. I like costco and always wanted to work there but will they hire some one who fired/terminated from there recent job?
Norma says:
I recently applied at Costco, hope they give me a chance. My boyfriend worked there for ten years, and he still keeps in touch with at least one of his former coworkers, who is still happily employed with Costco.
Margie says:
Its very frustrating when all you want to do is apply for a job and you cant get any further unless you say yes to having someone call you for further education. Many companies are doing this and its frustrating. I do love Costco though.
AntoineDowns says:
What about second interviews ? How long is the wait before the hiring process?
edwin.. says:
Well im 18, recently turned 18, and finished High School. I’m not planning to go to a 4 year university because i applied to 4 and was denied by all 4. i really dont know why if i had 3.0 and above GPA, that got my hopes down and i quit stressing myself for school. so i decided to go straight to work. PS. ive never worked in my life. i have no experience but am willing to learn tho, and build skills. So i want to apply to Costco in Pacoima, CA. “IF” i get called for an interview, and then they start asking questions and is hard to answer it, do u say “i dont know” or what is the proper way to say it?…
How much do u get payed as a full time cashier?
like i just want to work and stuff. need money for myself and help my dad out.
im that type of person will stay committed to my work and impress my boss if i get hired at Costco, and dont complicate things for me. hope the costco boss is chill and hoping he or she wont ask me a trick question
Mona says:
This is gonna be my 2nd interview for a job. The first interview, I had was so crazy cause I was so nervous and actually pass with flying colors. I started that job Saturday night but my interview was on Thursday. Let’s go people, whatever you been through you can always make that first impression by sitting still, shake the persons hand firmly and smile at all times. I got called in for an interview last night but will be interview today. Wish me luck cause I know I can get this job from all my experiences, skills & special talents.
Josephine Martorano says:
The Manager who interviewed me was polite & relaxed. Her questions were specific & to the point which created a comfortable atmosphere. She seemed pleased with my past experience & suggested that I’d be best suited for the bakery dept. I was happy with that since I bake a lot at home. Unfortunately we were rushed during the process because the store was extremely busy & the manager was needed on the floor. I felt confident upon the conclusion of the interview.