Costco Wholesale Interview Questions & Reviews in Seattle, WA Area
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Updated Jan 9, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
Ratings are reflective of location and job title.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 12 ratings 
“Average” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 12 ratings
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See who your friends know who've worked at Costco Wholesale and could give you an inside look.
See who your friends know who've worked at Costco Wholesale and could help you prep for an interview.
| 1–10 of 12 Costco Wholesale Interviews | Sort by |
Warehouse at Costco Wholesale
Posted Jan 9, 2012
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Mar 2010 in Issaquah, WA (took a day)
The hireing process was fairly standard. I failed because I was working extremely hard at the job that I had at the time. So at my first interview (which was in person), these two managers play good cop bad cop. I didn't really pick up on it at the time. But having prepared for what I thought would be a very professional interview, i was very put off when one of the managers intensionally insinuated that I might enjoy slacking off at work RIGHT AFTER I just got done saying that I really enjoy fast pased hard, chalenging work. I reassured him in a professional way that i DID enjoy working hard, to which he only rephrased his original jab. I became very candid and told him that that was not what i had just said, and that i very much enjoyed my work. needless to say it was a short interview. expect to be messed with a little. i now do much work with costco, and they are all awesome people. i'm sure other reviews can offer more insight into what you should do.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
IT Specialist at Costco Wholesale
Posted Dec 1, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Mar 2009 in Issaquah, WA (took 4 weeks)
They are typically slow with hiring people. Initially a phone interview, typical interview questions (personality and background). Then a few group/panel interviews. This was over the course of 2-3 weeks. Then was offered the job after about a months time from first interview.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
I did not negotiate, simply accepted what was offered.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
More Costco Wholesale IT Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Inventory Control Specialist at Costco Wholesale
Posted Jul 18, 2011
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Apr 2010 in Seattle, WA (took 5 days)
Interview process began pretty standard for Costco -- apply, then receive a voicemail or an email with an interview invitation. The first in-person interview was with the three assistant buyers I would be reporting to directly and indirectly. They asked a lot of questions that are on the standard interview form for Costco and some that weren't. Things like: why are you looking to leave you current job? Describe a time when you were given constructive coaching - why and how did you feel? Describe a time when you had to work on a group project and one of your team mates wasn't pulling their weight - how did you respond? What makes you stand out as the right person for this job compared to all the other candidates? What are your long term career plans and how would this job fit into them? The interview was a little intense and I definitely got the impression that they were trying to throw me off base for the interview (see if I would loosen up too much) -- three of the four interviewers were very funny, joked around a lot -- I was later told that one of the reasons I was selected for the 2nd interview was that I did not succumb to the tactics and maintained my professionalism throughout the interview. At the end of the first interview I was given a timed math test (story problems and basic merchandizing equations,) as well as an MS Word test (write a letter.)
The 2nd and 3rd interviews were more intense and lasted longer (hour+) they included several managers as well as several directors of the division. These interviews were aimed more at how well do you do under pressure. The questions were the same but came much more quickly and the managers wanted much more detail drilled down on each.
It's an interview both ways - after meeting more of the group - I did not feel that it was a good fit for me personally and did not continue the interview process beyond the 3rd. They hired a new grad instead. I am looking for a group that enjoys what they do and works well as a team without all the games.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I got the interview through an Employee Referral and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Skills Test.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Supervisor at Costco Wholesale
Posted Jun 12, 2011
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed May 2011 in Seattle, WA (took 2 weeks)
Sometimes, interviewing over the phone doesn't show your true abilities. The best way to interview is in person and to have glowing reviews from your former employer because they WILL call and they WILL ask a lot of questions. I actually didn't have to do much during the interview process because my former manager said nothing but good things about me, but had no way of keeping me because they couldn't afford another supervisor.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Skills Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
QA Automation Manager at Costco Wholesale
Posted Feb 9, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jun 2010 in Issaquah, WA (took a day)
Costco always does group/panel interviews for most positions. It was a similar one for me with 3 people in the panel. They asked very very generic questions from a questionnaire that they have (like describe a challenging situation at your previous job, describe your most important achievement, etc.). There weren't any technical questions asked but I guess they let candidates speak about their technical abilities and assess them. It was very hard to understand the feedback or opinion they have on you and the process will take a long time (to schedule an interview, go through processes,etc). Be prepared with a clear list (bullet points) of all your strengths and achievements and do the best you can. It really depends on the panel and if at least 2-3 from the panel have a favorable opinion you would get an offer. But to end it, Costco is a great company to work for and has a very good work culture. They are one of washington's top rated employers for employee satisfaction.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Stocker at Costco Wholesale
Posted Feb 9, 2011
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2010 in Seattle, WA (took 2 days)
I applied online but had a sibling who works for costco talk to the hiring manager, and she called me within minutes of hearing I applied. Costco is definitely the place where you need to either A. have an inside connection or B. Call or visit the store to talk directly to the manger in order to score an interview. I went in for my interview and they give everyone three different interviews but they decided to do a 2 in 1. Basic questions of why pick Costco and the standard scenario questions were asked. They also ask to see if you're able to accept some of the hard physical labor involved with being employed there. PS. They are big on customer service, even when the customer is dead wrong. My third interview was good, they asked the same questions essentially, it literally took 5 minutes.
Afterwards, i did a drug test with a cotton swab in the mouth. Then was told to report to work the next week. Simple as that :)
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
More Costco Wholesale Stocker Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Cashier Assistant (Front End Assistant) at Costco Wholesale
Posted Aug 3, 2010
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jun 2010 in Kent, WA (took 3 days)
It seems you have to know somebody to get hired here. Interview was very vague.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
More Costco Wholesale Cashier Assistant (Front End Assistant) Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Food Court at Costco Wholesale
Posted Jun 29, 2010
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Nov 2009 in Seattle, WA (took a day)
Sent resume online to Costco to get get a job in the warehouse. They ask about my skills and weaknesses for the application.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I got the interview through a College or University and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Presentation.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Assistant Buyer at Costco Wholesale
Posted Oct 20, 2009 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Sep 2008 in Issaquah, WA (took 5 days)
Tenure within the company is critical. They are looking for initiative, previous leadership and teamwork experience. You must be able to provide examples that prove that you have the ability to teach.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Seasonal at Costco Wholesale
Posted Oct 8, 2009
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2009 in Seattle, WA (took a day)
I submitted an online application and the next day someone called me and set up an interview. During the interview, the floor manager and HR(?) asked me some general question most of which are about previous employment, such as "tell me about a time when......" During this interview, they take turns. it was about 30 mins. A couple days later, I got a typical rejection letter.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
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