Crate and Barrel Customer Support Representative Interview Questions
& Process

The positions start at a very low $14/hr and you're expected to have and pay for your own high-speed internet to work remotely. The work hours are from 7:45 am to as late as 11 pm, with required weekends. You'll need to do one late shift and one early shift each week. The questions were pretty basic, like finding a product's SKU number, what I'm currently doing in my role, a time I disagreed with an employer's decision, and how I've handled an angry customer before. I'm used to managing large teams, but I went along with these questions that didn't really showcase my skills, just to satisfy the recruiter who looked like they just woke up. I applied for Customer Service Associate without realizing it was an entry-level position. I had two interviews. I told the first interviewer I was interested in a Supervisory position but would start at the bottom because I love Crate & Barrel as a customer and providing great service. I didn't get the entry-level customer service role, likely because I mentioned wanting a management or supervisory role and my volunteer work, which got a hesitant reaction. The hiring recruiter never contacted me about the supervisory position I also applied for and even started by asking if I wanted to end the interview immediately. She also couldn't find my application and doubted I submitted it, even though I could see it. It was a complete waste of my time and PTO day. They seem to be just filling holiday positions. I was left with a terrible impression, not impressed by Crate & Barrel at all. The recruiters looked unkempt and unimpressive, which changed my entire view of the company. It felt degrading to think they prefer disorganized, 'bed head' looking people over professionals. The recruiters seemed depressed, unengaging, and just wanted to finish the interviews. Nothing about Crate & Barrel makes me want to work there.

A recruiter emailed me to set up an interview, which was pleasant. Then I interviewed with a CSA manager who was also wonderful to talk to. They asked about my background and customer service/call center experience. Even though I haven't worked from home before, I have similarities to my previous call center roles in terms of protocols and policies. It all went smoothly, and they gave me information on benefits and what to expect working from home in their call center.

It was pretty straightforward with common questions. I first spoke with the on-floor sales manager, and shortly after, the office manager interviewed me. She hired me on the spot and introduced me to the store manager. The next day, I came back to finish some paperwork, which took about an hour, and then I was asked to come in over the weekend. During the weekend, I completed online training, and at the end of it, I was given my work schedule.