
COS Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 145 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
17 roles · 145 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at COS.
Sales Advisor
We had a group interview with about 10 people. First, we all introduced ourselves one by one. Then, we did a group challenge where we had to decide on store duty priorities and then present our group's decision after discussing it. After that, there was an individual presentation about clothes matches. We had to pick clothes at the shop for about 10-15 minutes and then explain our choices based on a given scenario background story.
- Why did you choose this particular outfit combination?
Visual Merchandiser
Applied online and HR contacted me two weeks later about a group interview, giving me a date to pick. Only one date was available, and when I asked about other options, they said the date had changed. I interviewed with the visual manager and store manager along with 2-3 other people. It was more task-based than question-based. First, we had to go around the store and identify three successful and three unsuccessful visual changes. Then, we had to merchandise a store area using the company booklet. Finally, we were given a random customer profile and asked to style it, explaining our choices. They said they would let me know the results, but I'm still waiting. Overall, it felt a bit disorganized with many tasks for a visual role, though the visual manager gave great constructive feedback.
- Are you available to work shifts from Monday to Friday starting at 6/7 am until 4 pm, with some closing shifts and weekend shifts included?
Supervisor
The process involved three 'calls' before I heard nothing back for three months, even though they said I'd get a reply within a week. It started with a headhunter from fishRecruit reaching out. After a 15-minute screen call, a 45-minute phone call with the store manager was scheduled (two weeks later). Then, there was an in-person interview at the store, about 30 minutes long. It was pretty standard, just regular questions about past experience that HR needed. It's common to get rejected, but not getting a reply and having appointments constantly pushed back is a bit unprofessional.
- Can you explain your interest in COS?
- In what ways do you bring sustainability practices into your day-to-day life?
- Describe the most challenging situation you've faced in your current role.
Project Coordinator
I applied for the Project Coordinator role at COS London back in Sept 2021, and the whole process wrapped up in about two weeks. First off, there was an Excel test, which I passed. After that, I got to interview with the hiring manager and a team member. It felt pretty relaxed, more like a casual chat to get to know each other, and they chatted about the role a bit more. Even though it went well and they were super nice, they mentioned they had tons of applicants and ended up going with someone else. Overall, it was a good experience, and they kept me in the loop the whole time.
- Could you share some details about your background and previous experiences?
- What motivated you to apply to COS?
- What aspects of this particular role appeal to you?
COS Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from COS interview reports.
“Why is the security label attached from the back and not the front?”
Read reports →“Who would be your two dinner guests if you could choose anyone?”
Read reports →“Describe how you would style a gentleman attending a daytime cocktail event who prefers avoiding dark colors.”
Read reports →“What would you do if a customer wanted an item that was out of stock but visible on a mannequin?”
Read reports →“Describe an outfit you would wear to a football game and explain why you'd choose it.”
Read report →“Could you give me three words that capture the essence of the Cos style?”
Read report →“People fall into three groups: leaders, followers, and supporters. Which group do you identify with?”
Read report →“Could you tell me what your impression of the COS brand is?”
Read report →“Can you identify a competitor that excels in email marketing or paid advertising?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 145 COS interview reports.