Costco is an American multinational corporation operating membership-only big-box retail stores. It’s also the fifth-largest retailer in the world. So, it makes sense that Costco needs a lot of help running its operations.
However, if you’re interested in joining the Costco team, you may wonder what Costco’s hiring process is so you know what to expect, and how to improve your chances of getting hired!
What Is Costco’s Hiring Process In [currentyear]?
Costco’s hiring process starts with an online application and personality questionnaire in [currentyear]. Successful candidates move on to the next step, the interview process. Costco may interview prospective candidates two or three times before inviting them to complete pre-employment screening. This screening usually involves a drug test and a background check. Afterward, applicants receive information about orientation and training.
There’s a lot more to know about applying to Costco, so if you’re ready, then read our article for more useful facts and tips!
What Are the Steps in the Costco Hiring Process?
Costo’s hiring process consists of several steps, including:
- Applying online
- Getting a call to schedule an interview
- Completing the interview process (2-3 interviews)
- Post-interview drug test and background check
- Orientation and starting work
When applying online, you’ll answer questions about your past work experience and complete a personality questionnaire about how you would handle various workplace situations.
If your application creates interest, you’ll receive a call to schedule an interview.
This initial interview will likely be with the hiring manager and will be the longest of any subsequent interviews you might be asked to complete.
Once you get through the interview stage, you’ll be asked to complete a drug screening and a background check.
Provided you pass this section, you’ll receive information about orientation, training, and your work schedule.
How Long Does the Hiring Process Take for Costco?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the length of Costco’s hiring process varies based on the location, the role, and the time of year.
Some Costco employees report getting hired within one week, while others report a three-month-long process.
That being said, between three weeks to a month seems to be about the average.
Is It Easy to Get Hired at Costco?
How easy it is to get hired at Costco depends on factors like the role you’re applying for, your past experience, and the hiring manager you encounter.
Because of all of these factors, it’s not possible to give a hard and fast answer to this question. Still, many Costco employees note that getting a job isn’t too difficult.
As long as you complete the application truthfully, show motivation during the interview, and pass the pre-employment screenings, you have a good chance of securing a position.
What Questions Are Asked at the Costco Interview?
While each interview and hiring manager is different, there are several common interview questions you’re likely to encounter when applying for a job at Costco.
For example, you may be asked questions like…
- What can you tell me about Costco?
- Why do you want to work at Costco?
- What hours can you work?
- What is your greatest strength/weakness?
- How would you deal with a difficult customer?
- Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
Be aware that this list is not exhaustive. We recommend checking out this article for even more questions to help you prepare.
How Do I Improve My Chances of Getting Hired at Costco?
First and foremost, make sure you complete the online application as thoroughly and honestly as possible. Lying about your experience is a surefire way not to get hired at Costco.
Once you’ve filled out the application, you may want to take your cover letter or resume to the hiring manager at the location where you applied.
There you can introduce yourself, restate your interest in the position, and ask any other questions you may have.
While this step is not required (and may not always be possible), it can’t hurt to try. In fact, one hiring manager noted that he’d interview candidates on the spot if they came in to see him.
During the interview, mention that you’ll work extremely hard and be very flexible about scheduling. Both will show the manager that you’ll be a good addition to the team.
These tips are all actionable steps you can take to improve your chances of getting hired at Costco. However, one thing that you don’t really have control over is luck.
Whether or not your application gets considered has a lot to do with when you submit it, how busy Costco is at the time, and a load of other factors.
While you can’t control a lot of these factors, we do have some tips.
One, keep an eye on job postings and try to submit your application as soon as possible. This may help your application get seen first.
Similarly, if you’re applying for seasonal work, make sure to get your application in before early November so you end up at the top of the pile.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Costco hires part-time, Costco’s dress code, and does Costco drug test.
Conclusion
Costco has a lot of open positions at any given time, so there’s a good chance you can find a role that suits your interests and experience with relative ease.
When applying, make sure to prepare for your interview, show enthusiasm, and be flexible with your availability. If you do all that, there’s a good chance you’ll be offered the job.
