Top 40 Costco Interview Questions and Answers

40 Possible Interview Questions and Answers for Job at Costco

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

It has been 6 years since I started working in the retail field. I had always wanted to work for a big chain like Costco, which is why I jumped at the opportunity when it surfaced.

2. What duties have you performed in your role?

I have worked in two different capacities – cashiering, and sales. Both have been very rewarding experiences. My duties included greeting customers, showing them their shelves or aisles of interest, and helping them choose the right products. I was also responsible for stocking shelves, and handling inventory. Part of my job was handling cash and credit card payment management as well.

3. What skills do you bring to us?

I am a highly-skilled individual, who has had solid experience in retail. Specifically, my customer service abilities are excellent, and I can handle complaints with great ease. I can also manage cash and credit card payments, ensuring that cash drawers are properly balanced. Furthermore, I am well-versed in handling vendor relations, and can also assist with visual merchandising efforts.

4. What do you like most about this work?

There is never a dull moment when you are working in retail, which is what keeps me on my toes. I love the constant hub-hub of this work.

5. What do you dislike about this work?

I feel that sometimes the hub-hub that I referred to earlier does not let one rest. That is the only downside, as I see it.

6. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

I believe in doing my work and letting others do theirs. So, conflict is almost non-existent in my life.

7. What is the most challenging part of working in retail?

The most challenging part of working in retail in my opinion is handling visual merchandising tasks.

8. Tell me of a time when you did something and came out shining.

I once handled the store’s visual merchandising work all by myself, despite not being formally trained in it.

9. Describe your perfect work environment.

To be honest, it is very easy to shun an environment as imperfect when people do not work towards a single goal. I feel that a perfect work environment is one where people do not pull each other’s legs and work towards team building.

10. Have you ever worked in a perfect environment?

As a matter of fact, I have worked in a near-perfect environment, and I am proud to say that I was instrumental in making it that way.

11. Why do you want to work for Costco specifically?

I have been working in a different city, and since I moved, I cannot think of a better place to work than an environment that I know of, and respect.

12. How did you find out about this opportunity?

When I was moving, my supervisor informed me that I could potentially work here as there were several vacant positions.

13. What motivates you?

I am highly motivated by teamwork. When I see people helping each other, it gives me a great push to do more.

14. What demotivates you?

I feel demotivated when I see that coworkers have personal agendas. That doesn’t sit well with me.

15. How do you handle demanding customers?

I have one policy when it comes to irate customers – always listen first. When I know exactly what the root problem is, it is easy for me to resolve it for them.

16. Do you get angry?

At the workplace, no. I always manage to keep my temper in check.

17. What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment was when I added a staggering 35% to the overall sales of my last workplace.

18. How do you keep your personal and professional lives separate?

I do not bring my work home. Similarly, I do not bring problems at home to work. This keeps things in a perfect balance.

19. What is your greatest strength?

My intellectual curiosity is my greatest strength. I go out of my way to learn new things.

20. What is your greatest weakness?

I use to be a great procrastinator, a weakness that I have overcome with my dedication to work.

21. How do you handle work stress?

I always take things one day at a time. This makes it easy for me to handle my stress, without it affecting my work.

22. Have you ever worked in a trainer capacity?

Yes, I was responsible for providing training to newly hired cashiers and sales associates in my previous workplace.

23. What is your management style?

I believe that my management style is mostly participatory. I mentor and lead people, instead of just being a boss.

24. Tell me about a mistake that you made.

The biggest mistake that I have made is to place the wrong labels. Nothing more serious than that has ever happened.

25. What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about providing excellent customer service, aiming to ensure customer retention.

26. What are you most proud of?

I am proud of having contributed to the overall success of my previous workplace.

27. Why did you choose to work in retail?

I find the work exciting. And I also feel that I have the capacity to excel in it.

28. What would surprise people about your daily work?

Even though I have always been given an outline of my job description, I always go well beyond it to make things work.

29. What do you do in your spare time?

I am studying for a degree in business, so most of my free time goes there.

30. If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

If I could go back in time, I would still do all that I have done. I have no regrets.

31. What would you want to change in your previous workplace?

Nothing at all. It is as perfect as a workplace can be.

32. How do you think this job will change over the years?

The way I see it, the technology boom is sure to replace people with machines, even in retail. Self-service cash counters are already a thing.

33. How would your previous supervisor describe you?

I am sure that she will tell you that I am an extremely hardworking individual, who has great communication and interpersonal skills.

34. Are you a team player or a solo worker?

I am a team player, even though I can work solo just as well.

35. How quickly do you adapt to new technology?

I am very good at learning new things, especially where technology is concerned.

36. Can you recount a time when a customer was angry with you? What did you do?

I was once servicing an aisle when a customer bumped into me because he was busy looking at things, and not where he was going. He fell down and started yelling that he will sue the company, as I had deliberately made him fall. It was a huge outcry, and then the manager suggested that we watch the CCTV footage. In it, it was obvious that the fault was that of the customer. I was asked if I wanted to press charges, but I let it go.

37. Tell me of a time when you performed well under pressure.

We were all given targets to sell as much as we could during a holiday sale. We had 5 days to empty the shelves so that the store could close down for Christmas. I worked double shifts to meet my targets, and eventually, stood at the top of the associate board, as someone who made the most sales. It was harrowing, but quite an intense experience.

38. If we decide to bring you onboard, when can you join us?

Since I have recently moved to the city, I need at least a week to settle down. After that, I can join you at any time you would like.

39. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Once I complete my degree, I hope to gain some experience working in an executive position, within the retail arena. I see myself working towards making policies and procedures for retail environments.

40. Do you have any questions for me?

What do you think is the most important thing that I should accomplish within 90 days at this work?