REI Sales Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 186 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at REI.
REI
Sales Associate
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Group Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Group
So I applied, did a video, then a phone interview. If I was lucky, I had to go through a really long, big group interview in the shoe department. We sat for ages on uncomfortable wooden benches. It felt like a popularity contest, and they only hire seasonal workers as cashiers. I never heard back about whether I was hired, so I called the store directly to ask if I should show up for training the next day. They acted like I was the one who didn't know what was going on and said I should have gotten an email saying I wasn't hired. I didn't get one, not even in spam. I know how email works. After two weeks of dealing with REI corporate, they admitted they messed up and never notified me. Now, when I shop there, the manager won't even look at me.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Beyond REI, how does respect apply to the world outside?
REI
Sales Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
The interview process was quick and painless. It included a phone call with the store manager and regional director. They quickly established a connection between my experience and the position, and I got an offer in under 72 hours over the phone. Beyond the standard initial interview questions, most of the conversation focused on understanding my "experience" with outdoor activities or the outdoor equipment relevant to the job. I was able to mention my Eagle Scout background, growing up in the mountains, and my current running activities. This helped them decide which departments I'd be best suited for. The staff was cheerful and friendly, and I used my previous sales experience to connect the dots. The interview was just one round before the offer was made.
Confirmed questions0 questions
No confirmed questions were included in this interview report.
REI
Sales Associate
Entry Easy Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Group
Interview formats
Behavioral Group
I wasn't told anything about the interview beforehand - like if there would be other people or what kind of questions they'd ask. So, I was surprised when I logged in and saw another applicant there. The person from REI running the interview started off saying she's not really an outdoorsy type and seemed totally uninterested, acting like a robot. I've got over 10 years of sales and customer experience and was just looking for some part-time work because the last time I went to my local REI, my ski waxing took forever. The staff there said they really needed more help, but I never heard back. Honestly, it's probably for the best because REI has become so corporate, like a big chain store that doesn't care about its employees. I won't be going back there after this.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you share an instance when you had to break bad news to a coworker?
REI Sales Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from REI interview reports.
“Could you describe how you would weigh a baby elephant without a scale large enough for the task?”
Read reports →“Suppose you crash-landed in a plane and could only grab a few items, what would you choose to take with you?”
Read reports →“As a group, imagine you crash-landed in a remote area during an REI adventure. You have a list of items and can only keep 5 as you head to the nearest town. Which 5 do you choose?”
Read reports →“What would you do if a customer wanted to return an item but it was past the return policy date and they were angry?”
Read reports →“Can you explain what REI's mission statement, "At REI, we inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship," means to you?”
Read report →“Could you pick an item and try to sell it to another person in the group?”
Read report →“What would you do if you were busy helping customers on the sales floor and noticed another customer needed assistance?”
Read report →“In a situation where your colleague calls out sick during peak hours and your area is overwhelmed with customers, what would you do?”
Read report →“Can you share an instance where you experienced exceptional customer service and explain what made it stand out to you?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 186 REI interview reports.