REI Sales Specialist Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 137 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at REI.
REI
Sales Specialist
Entry Difficult Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
So applying to REI was a bit tough. Right after I applied, I had to do this video interview on HireVue, which is like this app that asks everyone the same questions. It's not personalized. You record yourself answering, and it's a bit nerve-wracking 'cause the questions can be long, and you can rewatch your answers. I kept messing up and wanting to re-record it a bunch of times. Also, gotta make sure you're in a spot with good internet so the video uploads.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you explain what excellent customer service means to you? Also, share an instance where you received or observed great customer service and what happened because of it.
- Describe a situation where you were given a new and unfamiliar task. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
REI
Sales Specialist
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I put in my application through the REI website. After that, I did an online video test with HireVue, which wasn't too bad. You get asked questions and record your answers on your phone or computer, and you can redo your answer a couple of times if you don't like it. I think there were fewer than 5 questions, and they were the usual behavioral types. You know, like 'Tell me about a time when you were faced with...' or 'What does good customer service mean to you?' You can find lists of these questions online and practice them, it'll help with any interview. After that, I had a video call with the store's hiring manager. The key thing here is if you know REI, genuinely love the outdoors, and want to help others with that passion, you've got a good shot. If not, don't pretend, the manager will probably see through it. This matters way more than knowing all the products.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What advice would you give a customer interested in backpacking who has no prior hiking experience?
REI
Sales Specialist
Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I applied online through REI's portal (found via LinkedIn). After applying, I was emailed a link to record a HireVue "interview" with three verbal questions, one written answer, and a couple multiple choice questions. A couple days later, I was sent an email with a link to a calendar to select a date/time for a video interview (Microsoft Teams) with the hiring manager at the store I applied to. The interview was smooth, straight-forward, and pleasant. The interviewer was professional, personable, and informative.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you share an instance where you had to mentor or correct a colleague and describe the outcome?
- Could you tell me about a situation where you had to communicate clearly with a peer, subordinate, or superior and what the results were?
REI Sales Specialist Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from REI interview reports.
“For a customer who is afraid and anxious about their first camping trip, what advice would you give as an outdoor retailer?”
Read reports →“If we had $10,000 for travel, where would you suggest we go? Sell me on your idea!”
Read reports →“Of the core values (Authenticity, Quality, Service, Respect, Integrity, and Balance), which do you think is the most important?”
Read reports →“What would you do if an impatient customer tried to interrupt you while you were already helping another customer?”
Read reports →“As a salesperson helping a customer, how would you manage a pushy customer who keeps interrupting while another customer is waiting for help?”
Read report →“Would you volunteer to cover a frontline cashier position if your shift was almost over but they still needed help?”
Read report →“Could you sell me this item given a scenario where I am a customer looking at it?”
Read report →“Could you tell me what your favorite outdoor activity is and the reasons for that preference?”
Read report →“How would you handle a situation where a customer is interrupted while you are explaining something to them?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 137 REI interview reports.