Costco Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

If you are looking for Costco Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

We can all agree interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with a small amount of preparation, you can ace the Costco job interview.

Here we will discuss Costco Interview Questions and Answers.

Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

Costco Interview Questions and Answers

1. Why do you want to work for Costco?

You need to “wow” the interviewer with your response. Here are some great answers:

Mention that you want to grow your career in retail and, with Costco being one of the largest retailers in the world, that you feel you could learn a lot at Costco.
Say that you love the products and the customer service you get at Costco and because of this, you would be happy to work for them.

2. What hours can you work?

The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
Let the interviewer know if you can work on weekends and holidays.

3. Why should Costco hire you?

Have a second read of the job description and find the skills and experience required for the position.
Next, match the skills required for the job to your skill set.
Finally, reassure the interviewer you have the right skills.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you don’t know what to say have a look at other Costco Jobs and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years (this way you will sound committed and not sound like a job hopper).

Facts about Costco for interview

5. What can you tell us about Costco?

Costco is one of the largest retailers in the world.
Costco also offers insurance, Costco Travel (travel agency), and a photo center.
They started in Kirkland Washington in 1983.
In 1993, they merged with Price Club.
They have an online site for shopping with product reviews for their customers.
They also exist in the UK, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Australia, and Mexico.
Their signature brand is known as Kirkland.
Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock-keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets.
They have three types of memberships: Executive, Business (for businesses), and Gold Star (personal use). Executive Members earn a 2% yearly reward on most purchases.
They treat their employees better than their competitors, with a fairer wage than a minimum wage, and because of this, they retain their employees longer.

Costco Mission Statement

To continually provide our members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Strengths and Weaknesses Questions

6. What is your greatest weakness?

It would help if you did not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness. For example, do not say “I am a perfectionist” or “I work too hard and neglect my friends and family”. State a fault required for the role but not a dealbreaker if you don’t have it.
When you state your weakness, make sure you say what you are doing to overcome that weakness. For example, I have a fear of public speaking and enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.

7. What is your greatest strength?

The best way to respond to this question is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. With this in mind, review the job description and reassure the interviewer that you have the experience and skills to do the job.

When employees are happy, they are your very best ambassadors.

James Sinegal

Co-founder and former CEO , Costco Wholesale

Customer Service Interview Questions

8. How would you define excellent customer service?

The staff is friendly and always willing to help the customer find what he or she needs.
Customers are not waiting in line for long periods at checkout.
The store display is well-kept and presented with adequate inventory.

9. Can you tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

Customers love it when you go above and beyond for them, which will, in turn, generate more business. Try to think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. For example, when I was a server at a restaurant, we did not have a specific dessert in the restaurant. Luckily, the restaurant next door had it and I got it for the customer.
Here’s another example: I worked at a fast-food chain in my last job. There was a senior citizen at the restaurant and he had finished his meal. The rain started, and he started to worry because he didn’t have an umbrella. Luckily, I had an umbrella, so I walked him to his car, sheltering him from the rain.

10. How would you deal with an upset customer?

State you would find out what is wrong with the customer.

If they could not find an item, I would personally find the item for them and not simply point out where the item is located.
If they were upset because they were waiting in line too long I would tell them we are sorry for the delay.
Finally, say If they were upset with the product I would explain the Return Policy at Costco.

Previous Work Experience Questions

11. What previous work experience do you have?

Be sure to discuss any customer service experience you have.
State any retail experience you have.
If this is your first job, say that you have been focusing on school and now you are anxious to prove yourself in the workforce.

12. What do you like most about your current or last job?

Unfortunately, this could be a trick question where they ask about things you didn’t like in your previous job.
The best answer is to say that you enjoyed everything about your last job; however, you feel that you have learned all you could in that role and are now looking for new challenges.

13. Why did you leave your last job?

Interviewers ask this question for the following reasons.

Did you leave for a good reason?
Did you leave voluntarily?
Did you leave on good terms?
What are your work values?

Here is a sample response

“I enjoyed my last job at Company XYZ, however, I felt growth was minimal and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.

14. How was your attendance in your last job?

Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

Behavioral Interview Questions

15. Can you tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

Customers love it when you go above and beyond for them, which will, in turn, generate more business. Try to think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. For example, when I was a server at a restaurant, we did not have a specific dessert in the restaurant. Luckily, the restaurant next door had it and I got it for the customer.
Here’s another example: I worked at a fast-food chain in my last job. There was a senior citizen at the restaurant and he had finished his meal. The rain started, and he started to worry because he didn’t have an umbrella. Luckily, I had an umbrella, so I walked him to his car, sheltering him from the rain.

16. Could you tell me about a time your punctuality or attendance impacted your work?

Everyone misses work from time to time, but you should make sure you have a good reason. Also, explain what you did to reduce the impact of your absence.
For example, I worked at a popular fast-food chain and I was unable to attend my shift due to an illness. I called several team members, and I was able to find someone to cover my shift.

17. Can you tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker or manager and what was the outcome?

It is only natural to have conflict at work. What is important is how you and your colleague come up with a positive outcome. When you state a conflict make sure you follow up with a positive outcome.

Additional Interview Questions

18. What motivates you?

Employers ask this question because they want to see your resiliency, and determination in how you’ll handle challenges and setbacks.

Do Say!

Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
Mentoring and coaching others
Learning new things.
Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new.
Working well as part of a team.
Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge.

Don’t Say!

Money is your motivator. The only exception is if you are in sales
Employee Discounts.

Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview

19. Questions to ask at a Costco interview?

Tip! Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview. Asking questions is important because it builds rapport between you and the interviewer.

What do you like best about working here?
How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
What about this position is the most important?
How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A COSTCO INTERVIEW?

Research the company and identify your reasons for wanting to work there. What makes Costco stand out from other retailers?
Prepare for common interview questions and practice how to answer them with concrete examples from your past achievements.
Reflect on your career aspirations and how they match the retail industry. Costco will favor candidates who have a clear vision and a passion for retail. For example, you may want to pursue a retail management role.
Note, if you want to work at Costco to pay for your education, that is fine. However, make sure you demonstrate that you are committed to working there for more than a few months.
Plan your route and travel time in advance. Use online tools to find the best way to get there and allow for some extra time in case of delays. Being punctual is essential for a good impression.

Costco Interview Dress Code

Choose a business casual outfit for an entry-level position interview. Opt for pants or skirts instead of shorts or jeans.
Wear formal or business casual attire for a management position interview. Blazers and dark trousers are a good option, as well as wrap dresses for women. Steer clear of sportswear clothes.

Costco Interview Tips

Arrive 10 minutes early
Turn off your smartphone.
Learn as much as you can about the company.
Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous.
Don’t speak too slowly as you will sound boring.
Make eye contact during the entire interview.

Costco Hiring Process

After applying online, you will be called for a one-on-one interview. Study the questions above and you should do fine.

How long does a Costco Interview Last?

The duration of a Costco interview can vary widely based on factors like the job position, the number of interview rounds, and the complexity of the process. On average, interviews can last from 30 minutes to an hour or more. The process typically includes an initial screening, one or more rounds of interviews with various team members, and possibly a final interview with higher-level managers.

Costco Interview Questions