Costco Interview Questions and Study Guide

How do you deal with an angry customer?
De-escalation of the problem; respond rationally rather than emotionally, follow company policy remember there is rules that cannot be overlooked find alternatives for both parties, empathize with the member because the customer is always right, and positively represent the brand when coming to terms with a solution

Why do you want to leave your current job?
The honest answer is I feel I need a new and fresh challenge, they have treated me very when I was there. I have learned a tremendous amount and developed both personally and professionally. However I want to leave in order to progress further professionally and take up a new challenge taking on more responsibility with a forward thinking company like Costco.

What are your key strengths ?
One particular strength is my ability to be trusted to fully complete any task that is given to me. I am someone who can be relied upon to go away and finish a task quickly, efficiently and to the required standard.
Another key strength is the level of customer service I provide. I understand how important customer service delivery is, and I always value customers and make them feel special when dealing with them on behalf of the company I am working for.
Finally, one of my strengths is my ability to continually develop in my role. I will always look to improve and take onboard feedback from superiors and department managers.

What can you tell me about Costco ?
Costco is a American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership only warehouse clubs all around the world dedicated to bringing the members the best possible quality in brand-name merchandise. Costco provides a wide selection of products , plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make all designed to make any member come back for more. The company keeps costs down and passes the savings onto their members. You'll appreciate the value of the products you find at Costco. Jim Siegeals working class values are one key in the corporates success because they are engraved in Costco's corporate culture. Charlie Munger, part of the board of directors, stated 'Costco has done more for society than the Rockefeller foundation.'

Why do you want to work for our company ?
' Firstly, the way in which you manage and run Costco is positive. There are lots of great values about your organization for instance Jim Siegeal wears a nametag and that means the company is on a first name basis, and this demonstrate you are a great company to work for who cares about its customers.
Secondly, the company is innovative and forward-thinking, selling through memberships, making sure the customers know they are treated well, Costco is a family based business and this tends to show a lot when walking into the establishment and the members feel that they can enjoy to shop here every time they come. With that being said that is why there is a few employee turnovers and makes Costco a smart competitor.
Finally, I want to stay in a role for a long time and gain stability. You are clearly a leader in the industry and that fills me with confidence that I will be able to thrive in this role and be able to professionally and personally develop as the years progress.

What qualities do you have relevant to this role ?
I am a highly effective team worker who has extensive experience working with others. I am also a great communicator who can communicate effectively with customers, clients and external stakeholders. I am organized; I am able to plan and prioritize my workload to ensure tasks are completed successfully and I will always act as a positive role model for your company.
Finally I work very well under pressure and can be relied upon to fully complete and finish tasks to the required standard. If you hire me, I feel confident you will be satisfied with my contribution to your team.

We are interviewing many people for this job. Why should we choose you ?
There are three main reasons why I believe you will be extremely happy if you hire me. First and foremost, I have studied the job description in detail and checked to see I have all of the qualities, skills and experience to perform this role to a high standard.
Secondly, I believe I will fit in with your team quickly so I can then make a fast and positive contribution to the organization.
Finally, I am a very quick learner and I promise you I will learn my role quickly so I can then make an impact in the fastest time possible.'

What motivates you ?
Job satisfaction is one of the main motivators for me. If I am happy in my job, and I am performing well and contributing positively within my team, this makes me feel valued and appreciated.
I am not the type of person who just to sit back in a job and go with the flow. I want to make a difference and go home at night knowing I am progressing both personally and professionally. Because we spend so much of our time at work, it's important that I do a good job and progress with my employer as the organization develops and grows.

What's your biggest weakness ?
I believe my biggest weakness is being detail oriented. At times in the past, I had taken some time to get some things completed. This approach to working has sometimes irritated my work colleagues, because it is overall our goal to get tables ready for new customers and because it took some time they had to wait to be seated, but I am learning to work more inline with my teammates and achieve tasks and projects effectively and with Costco also being huge on time I also want to continue to better myself, as time progress being a seasonal employee.

What are your career plans for the next 5 to 10 years ?
I would still like to be working for you. I am genuinely someone who enjoys stability and job satisfaction, and if I am successful today, I will work hard to learn the role quickly and commit myself to your organization for the long term.

How do you handle pressure at work ?
I handle pressure by ensuring my workload is already planned out the week before. This helps me to get into the mindset for completing my tasks efficiently.
I also keep a checklist with me of work that needs to be done, and I tick off each task as and when it is completed. This means I never forget to carry out an important task or project, and this also helps me handle pressure.
Having said that, I do actually view pressure as an exciting part of my job as it allows me to put my skills and experience to the test and see how good I am at my job.

Tell me about a time that you worked in a team ?

More interview questions:

What hours can you work ?
I can be very flexible in terms what hours can i work, I am available weekends, late shifts, holidays, although I do have school three days out of the entire week I will make it work that both my job and school are consist priorities in my life. I do want to work towards a position where it can ultimately become long term career.

Questions
1. In your opinion what do you consider the best aspect about working here ?
2.How would you characterize a highly effective Costco employee?
3.What are some hesitancies you can address about hiring me?

Who are the key figures of Costco
Craig Jelinek (CEO) - James Sinegal (Co-Founder) - Jeffery Brotman (Co-Founder and Chairman)

Who are the fonders?
James Sinegal and Jeffery Brotman

What is Costco?
We are a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

The Costco mission statement
To continually provide members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. In order to achieve our mission we will conduct our business with the following Code of Ethics in mind.

Code of Ethics
Obey the law - Take care of our members - Take care of our employees - Respect our suppliers - Reward our shareholders

Where is the headquarters?
Issaquah, Washington

What and when was the first company location?
The companies first location opened under the Price Club name in 1976 and was in a converted airplane hanger in San Diego, CA

Where was Costco first located?
Seattle, 1983

What is Costco's operating philosophy?
Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members.

What are the three types of Costco Memberships
Executive ($110) - Business ($55) - Gold Star ($55)

Executive Membership
Executive members receive a 2% annual reward on most Costco purchases, and receive additional benefits on our membership services.

Business Membership
Are available to licensed businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, farmers, and ranchers. Free household card with the ability to add additional cards for $55 each.

Gold Star Membership
Gold Star Membership is available for individuals who do not qualify for a Business Membership. The Gold Star Membership is $55.00 per year, and includes one household card per primary membership.

Kirkland Signature Gasoline
Offers members a great value on high quality gasoline.

Kirkland Signature: Gasoline contains five times the EPA detergent requirement in both regular unleaded and premium grades. Kirkland Signatur Gasoline helps remove any existing deposits and keeps your engine clean.

Costco Hearing Aid Center
Costco Hearing Aid Centers offer the latest in premium hearing aid technology and open-fit design, at the value everyone expects from Costco.
Premium technology, free hearing test, free product demonstrations, free follow-up appointments, free cleanings and check-ups, free loss and damage coverage, 10 free hearing aid batteries per hearing aid purchase.

Costco Optical
Costco Optical prides itself on having one of the most knowledgeable staff in the industry. Our staff consists of trained professionals that are highly respected in the optical industry.

Costco Home Services
Auto Program, Bottled Water, Mortgage, Identity Portection

Costco Business Services
Payment Processing, Business Phone Services, Payroll Services, QuickBook Online, Business and Personal Checks

Costco Insurance Services
Auto and Home, Health Insurance Marketplace, Group Vision Insurance, Group Dental, Life Insurance

What is your definition of communication?
To me communication includes compassionate conversations, attentive listening, and awareness of nonverbal cues.

3 strengths
1. I work well and have a lot of experience in team setting. 2. I can quickly identify and address problems. 3. My customer focused communication and service. While working at chick-fil-a I learned that service guest is not just about your helpful action, service is about connecting with the customer, listening them, and helping them.

3 weeknesses
1. I can over analyze situations. 2. When I get excited I will speak fast. I have learned that it is a sign that I am passionate about something.

What are you looking for in a career at Costco?
A place to grow both personally and professionally, a positive team focused environment, stability/consistency, and a workplace that values it members and employees!

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer
When working at chick-fil-a there were multiple times where a mother would come in, her hands full with bags, kids, and babies, and when I brought their food out to them I would make sure to gather the utensils, napkins, and condiments along the way. I recognized that it would take me just a few extra seconds to stop by the condiment stand and gather the thing. Small gestures of kindness go a long way.

What did you do to prepare for the interview?
I researched the company, leaning about its history, services, and mission; did some online research on the interview process Costco employees have experienced; and reviewed potential questions.

Give an example of a time you worked on team in order to meet a goal? How did you accomplish it?
Working with inside out. We had to create a kids entertainment program. We identified our goals, nominated a team leader, divided the work, worked individually and together to complete the work in order to reach the ultimate goal of presenting the program in front of the kids.

Why Costco?
1. The culture. James Sinegal said 'culture isn't the most important thing, it is the only thing.' Costco has a fa-nominal culture that focuses on the care of customers and employees. I want to be part of such an incredible culture. 2. The location. I live nearby and having my job close to where I live and in the direction of my school is ideal for me. 3. I love the products! I specifically love the Cake and incredible amount of organic food options available the the Kirkland Signature brand.

What is customer service to you?
Helping other through actions and kind communication. In customer service you must have an 'others' focus meaning that you will need to put other before yourself.

Costco Auto
The Costco Auto Program selects dealerships who meet strict requirements for ensuring member value, a streamlined buying experience and superior member satisfaction. Pricing and service are continuously monitored by conducting mystery shops of our own dealers, shopping the competition and surveying members to ensure our dealers remain competitive in their local markets.

Costco Travel
Everyday member savings on top quality, brand-name vacations. Vacation packages, cruises, hotels, rental cars, theme parks.

What other countries is Costco in?
Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Mexico. 9 Countries Total - Maybe Iceland as well.

Some more Costco interview questions

Tell me about a situation where you handled a difficult customer, and explain how you resolved it.
ive delt with difficult people in school and in public before and the best way i handle those situations is to always be respectful no matter what, i also always keep very calm because i do not want to make the situation even more difficult. i then let them speak about what is wrong and i listen so that i can see why they are upset and then usually ill say i what i think about the situation and we will come to an agreement.

Have you ever served multiple customers at the same time? how did you prioritize your attention?
i think the best way to handle a situation like that would be to answer their questions in order of who came first. because i believe that is the fairest way to do so and if two three ppl have the same question i can help them at the same time

Tell me about a time when you wish you had handled a situation differently with a customer
there has been times in public where people have been very rude to me and the way i would handle it back then was to snap back but as i grew older the best way to respond in situations like that is to stay calm and to stay respectful

Have you ever had to work in a fast-paced, hectic environment? tell me about it
yes, many times in school when a project is due soon, it would get hectic and so the best way to handle situations like that is to stay calm take deep breaths and know what you have to get done and get it done well

Think of a job or project that required a high level of accuracy. what did you do to ensure accuracy?
being an english major my job is to always triple check everything, making sure i go over things and having my peers check my work is a good way to ensure accuracy and not rushing because you can miss easy mistakes

Describe a recent task or event that required a sense or urgency. how did you remain calm and focused?
in high school i was in the yearbook class and every month we had a deadline to meet and a week before the deadline everyone would started getting hectic, the best way i kept calm was to always prioritize my work so i would avoid getting distracted by others, i would use my time wisely

Describe a recent professional goal or quota and the steps you took to meet the goal or quota
well last semester and this semester ive been trying really hard to get good grades so the way do that is i set small goals to get to the big goal and those small goals would be to not procrastinate, make time to study, and do my homework. it makes it less scary and easier to get to the big goal

Give me an example of how you have demonstrated safe work practices
always be aware of your surroundings, always be aware of exits, following all rules and procedures because they are there for a reason and you have to keep an eye on others to make sure they are safe as well, like if someone were to be climbing something to make sure i say something so that thwy do not end up getting hurt

Tell me about a time you were successful due to your ability to communicate
last semester in college i took a group communications class which helped me communicate better when youre in a team so i would say because i learned and got better at communication, my team and i got an A on a project

Have you ever had an important point to make to a co-worker or boss? how did you communicate it?
i dont have job experience but if i were to makw my point across to someone, i would make my point clear for them so that they can understand and i would also ask for them to say what they think so we could both come to a conclusion

When faced with a difficult decision, who do you go to for guidance, can you give an example?
i would go to a supervisor because they'll show me how to do it and ill leaen from the experience

Give me an example of a misunderstanding you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it
the way i would go about the situation is to always get their viewpoint on the situation because i want to get a clear response so that things dont get mixed up, communication is important

Give me an example of when you worked on a team to accomplish a goal
in school many times we would get put into groups (teams) and the way we would get to our goal is to stay open and honest about what we are doing, give our all and always work with a positive attitude

Have you ever worked with an unproductive teammate what did u do
yes all of the time, the best way to react in a situation like that is to always stay respectful, neever put them down because it only makes the situation harder and i would talk to them and get my point across that they must also work hard so that we could all reach the goal which was to get a good grade

Have you ever had to divide tasks when working on a group project how did u do it
yes i have always been open and honest about putting people into positions in projects so ill ask them their strengths and put them into a position similar to it, i would also make sure its always fair

Tell me about a time you were recognized or rewarded for being a valuable team member
in classes ive always been a team leader, so the teachers would recognize that and say nice things to me and i belived that it wasnt just me doing all of the work so i would always say good job to my other teammates because they worked hard too

Tell me about a time you completed a major project
my final for a class required us to work in a team and last minute one of the students dropped the class so i had to be the one to do their part so i decided to see what had to done and get it done correctly

Tell me about a time you volunteered for a learning opportunity
i volunteered at an adult home and i wanted to learn how it would be like to work, it was a good learning experience because it taught me a little about working with others

What did you do to prepare for this interview?
i researched about costco and learned that they are the #3 retail company in the world and they made around $138 billion in sales i believe 2018 i also saw that a lot of employees say they they are treated very well at costco

Describe a situation where you worked without supervision
well since i dont have job experience i cant really say how i worked but if i were to be put in that situation i would just do what i normally do. all of the work i have to get done and still follow all rules

Tell me about a time your manager gave you feedback or coaching
when ive gotten feedback or coaching ive always taken it as a positive, i take constructive criticism very well because i knwo its for my own benefits and others

Describe a time you exceeded the expectaions of your position
in school i always do a little more then what im asked because i feel as tho it makes my work look better and so that i can show them that im serious about what im doing

Describe a time when you were entrusted with company property or confidential info
i havent had an opportunity like that come up but if i did i can be trusted

Describe a time where you took responsibility for a mistake you made
ive forgetting important things to school sometimes and the best way i would take responsibility for that is to learn feom it and apologize to those it affected

Do you have experience working a varying schedule that changed on short notice? how did you respond
i havent gotten that opportunity yet but if that were to come up i would be willing to do it if i do not have school or some sort of appointment to go to

Have you ever experienced changing priorities or interruptions to your schedule or job duties? How did you respond?
i would respond in a positive manner if im at school i wouldnt be able to make it but if i didnt i would definitely go into work

Give me an example of how you asked a cowrker for help
when i ask people for help ill be very open and honest about what i need help with and ill listen to what they have to say

Describe a situation where you did more than one task at work
when i was in high school i always had to be doing more than one thing in my yearbook classes because i had to talk to every sports team,vmember and coaches