REI Interview Questions & Reviews
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Updated Feb 2, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 36 ratings 
“Easy” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 36 ratings
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| 1–10 of 36 REI Interviews | Sort by |
Retail Sales at REI
Posted Feb 2, 2012
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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 Sep 2011 in Denver, CO (took 4+ weeks)
I turned in a barebones application that didn't list any of my work or educational experience that didn't connect to retail (which means I didn't list most of my work and educational experience). What I did include was a kickin' cover letter that talked about my lifelong relationship with the outdoors and travel, and how REI has been with me every step of the way.
From there, they called and asked me to interview. Before the interview I was asked to complete some online surveys and personality assessment tools.
The interview itself was group based with two interviews and about 20 of us in each interview. We were asked to give a brief bio as one stage, and then had two small group activities along with a role play following each. The whole experience was very much in tune with who REI is and it's a fantastic way to find those who will fit well in the REI culture.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview, a Personality Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Print Buyer at REI
Posted Jan 27, 2012
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in Kent, WA (took 2 months)
They offered the position, I accepted, I quit my existing job, and the day before I was to begin, they withdrew the offer!!! It seems that legally they have no liabilities, since all this happened through a staffing agency.
I was interviewed originally in October 2011 and the job was offered to another candidate. In January I was called by the staffing agency and informed that the hiring manager has asked for me and requests a final phone interview to make an offer for a 4 month long contract. I spoke with the hiring manager and told her that I was on a long term contract with another company, however I would resign and join REI because it was my #1 target employer to work for. My references were checked, REI made the offer and I was supposed to begin on Monday. I resigned from my other position, which BTW did pay more. On Friday prior to start of my contract, at 3: REI contacted the staffing agency claiming that an internal person has put a stop on my hiring and that they are withdrawing the offer.
So, here I am, NO JOB!! Thank you REI for being such a good employer!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Easy
Other Details
I got the interview through a Staffing Agency and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Cashier at REI
Posted Jan 19, 2012
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Nov 2011 in Seattle, WA (took 3 weeks)
I was one of 150 applicants for 15 cashier positions that opened up for holiday sales. I made the first cut to the second round of roughly 50 candidates. The job posting appeared on Craig's List. The instructions were confusing and it was difficult to find the right steps to take to fulfill all the application requirements.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Presentation and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Sales Specialist at REI
Posted Dec 17, 2011
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5.0
Very Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Apr 2011 (took a day)
Group interview process was intense. Needed to focus on what the interviewers were actually trying to evaluate, not the task presented to the group. Job coaching proved invaluable in gaining confidence and anticapating queries that the interviewer threw out to you.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
More REI Sales Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Corporate Role at REI
Posted Dec 13, 2011 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Feb 2011 (took 4 weeks)
The HR person phoned and asked me a series of questions and then decided to set up a follow-up interview with the hiring manager for the next week. The next week roled around and the same HR person phoned me and began interviewing me as if we had never spoken. I graciously reminded her that I was expecting the hiring manager. Once the hiring manager talked to me, we had a great conversation. The hiring manager was very forthcoming with information about the specific role and seemed pleased with my background. The next step was a "project" that I needed to complete as a part of additional screening. I completed the project and returned in advance of the due date and waited...and waited...and waited. I didn't hear back one way or the other. I reached out to HR and my call was not returned. Once I contacted HR and copied the hiring manager, I finally got a phone call saying they hired a different individual. Since I was one of the final candidates, I decided to reach out to the hiring manager for specific feedback and to identify areas where I could improve (for future interviews or projects). I was puzzled that the hiring manager wasn't even courteous enough to respond after two attempts. Even a brief sentence in an email would be better than nothing. As much as I appreciate the fine products at REI, I am really disapointed in the interview process. Not getting the position is one thing (and okay), but if REI is going to take a person's time and interview and ask for a week's worth of work, the least they can do is follow-up professionally and in a timely manner. It really reflects badly on the company as a whole and certainly does not follow their mission statement.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a Presentation, an IQ/Intelligence Test and a Skills Test.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Sales Specialist at REI
Posted Nov 10, 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 Sep 2011 (took 2 weeks)
It was a 2 part process starting with a phone interview. During the phone interview they a brief history of the company and a short job description. Then I was asked some basic questions as to availability. Why do I want to work for REI. What departments I would like to work for.
The group interview was extremely easy. There were about 15 people in the group with me. The key here is to be able to stand out from everyone else. There were no standard interview questions. We started with a brief introduction (Name, where you're from and favorite region to be in). Then they discussed the REI mission statement and we needed to talk about how that made us feel. Finally we split up into groups and sold a product to our partners. During this time, the managers went around taking notes.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
There was nothing to negotiate.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
More REI Sales Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Comminity Relations Supervisor at REI
Posted Nov 4, 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 Oct 2011 (took 4 weeks)
Two phone interviews since it was an "internals only" posting.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Customer Service Specialist at REI
Posted Oct 17, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 in Happy Valley, OR (took 2 days)
I applied online and then I got a phone call from the manager where he asked me about my availability, my interests, my work experience, etc. Then we scheduled a group interview for a few weeks out. My interview was today. There were 7 of us and around 8 REI employees as well. We started off by telling the group about our passions and why we chose REI. Then we did an icebreaker where we talked about our most memorable outdoor experience. Then we split into two groups. My group was myself, 2 other applicants, and 2 associates. The questions were pretty easy. They asked us what we would do to ensure good customer service if we were hired on. They asked us what customer service meant to us, and if we could think of a specific time that we encountered good/bad customer service. They did pull out a bag of products for us to"sell" to our partner. That was the scary part for me but it actually went really smoothly. They don't expect you to know everything about product. I chose a fleece vest, there were also some wool socks, a backpack, a water bottle, and a few other things in there. Overall, it was a really fun experience. I was nervous but everyone was laid back and really friendly. It was more of a discussion than an interview. If you're scared, don't be!
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
More REI Customer Service Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Sales Specialist at REI
Posted Oct 13, 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 Aug 2009 (took 1 week)
REI hires usually through job fares which attract people who are strongly involved in the outdoors and come from a background of passion for what REI does. I did some research on the company as well as prepared a resume outlining my sales and customer service experience. The interview was very important to show enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge of outstanding customer service. Group interview was to see how candidates manage in a large group, individual interview to learn more about REI as well as share strengths and challenges.
I have never met so many capable and passionate people who love what they do.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
REI new hires start at a certain hourly wage which is higher than minimum wage.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
More REI Sales Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Sales Specialist at REI
Posted Oct 5, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Sep 2011 (took 1+ week)
Two interviews. First one was a large screening type process; a huge room full of applicants and we did very brief 1:1's. I got a call back and when in for a 4:11 group interview. Still waiting for a call back
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Skills Test.
More REI Sales Specialist Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
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