REI Sales Manager Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 6 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at REI.
REI
Sales Manager
Mid Average Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I had an initial recruiter call to set things up. Then, I did a phone screen with about 8 questions. They asked about coaching, leadership, personal/hobby stuff, and what I liked about the outdoors and why REI. They really wanted to understand me as a person and my leadership skills. It felt thorough for a sales manager role, but I guess they need leaders for their stores.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you share an example of when you coached someone to improve their performance?
- What are your colleagues' perceptions of you as a leader?
REI
Sales Manager
Manager Average Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
I had a phone interview and thought it went well, but the recruiter didn't like what I said. I talked about all my work experience and accomplishments, but that wasn't what they were looking for. REI wants someone who's into the outdoor lifestyle. It's cool to have a connection to what you're selling, but you can learn to sell stuff with training. I thought I was interviewing for a job, not an outdoor adventure.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What do you enjoy doing for fun?
- What outdoor activities do you do?
REI
Sales Manager
Manager Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Phone screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Behavioral
REI usually does phone screens and phone interviews, with very few in-person ones. They do this to reduce bias. You'll be interviewed by your potential manager and another manager from a different store or a district manager, which also helps prevent bias. The whole thing usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you share an instance where you mentored or supported a colleague through a challenging period? What was the result, and what would you do differently in retrospect?
REI Sales Manager Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from REI interview reports.
“Can you explain the distinction between a manager and a leader?”
Read reports →“What outdoor activities do you do?”
Read reports →“What do you enjoy doing for fun?”
Read reports →“What are your colleagues' perceptions of you as a leader?”
Read reports →“What about working for REI makes you enthusiastic?”
Read report →“Can you share an example of when you coached someone to improve their performance?”
Read report →“Tell me about a time you had to coach a difficult team member.”
Read report →“Can you share an instance where you mentored or supported a colleague through a challenging period? What was the result, and what would you do differently in retrospect?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 6 REI interview reports.