Costco is one of the largest retailers in the US. It offers a variety of products from computers, furniture, clothing, automotive parts, etc.  Even though Costco workers don’t get a shopping discount, they get a paid vacation of about 2-5 weeks per year exclusive of sick days. The workers get hourly pay ranging from $11.57 to $26.21, depending on their seniority. Customer Service Representatives makes the least $12.50 while supervisors make the most $25.08 hourly.

Costco shift is 4-5 hours and the worker is supposed to work for five days.  The shifts are longer in comparison to the 8-hour shifts which are less. The good thing with Costco is that they employ retirees. This enables them to supplement their retirement income through a job; 

Costco is a good place with its benefits and perks such as

• Life Insurance
• Dental Insurance 
• Health Insurance
• Paid time off
• Thanksgiving turkey
• PTO policy
• Disability
• College student retention program (students can retain their jobs when they go to college)

Getting a job at Costco is competitive but it’s not that hard even though it’s a crowded retail store. For you to work there, you have to be at least 18 years old, pass the drug test and have certifications for some jobs like driving. Drug tests are performed during the interview process. If tested positive, the applicant has to wait for a year before reapplying.

How to get Hired: Matching Your Experience to Open Positions

Costco offers a variety of jobs in 4 major areas. When applying, know what best matches your experience and your interests. By matching up your previous experience and educational background to the role that most suits your resume you save both yourself and Costco HR time. Think carefully about how your previous professional experiences can be transferred into open positions at Costco. 

Corporate work

Corporate positions involve professional roles such as Legal Finance, HR positions, Accounting, Marketing, Communications, Construction among others.

If you are planning to apply to this type of role you may be interested in some of the following resume writing guides:

• Guide to Human Resources resume writing
• Guide to Business Intelligence resume writing
• Guide to Office Manager resume writing
• Guide to writing a certified Accountant resume
• Guide to writing a Operations Manager/Team Lead resume
• Guide to writing a Cashier/Register resume
• Guide to writing a Sales Associate resume

Corporate positions require experience and educational background. You may send your credentials to show your eligibility.

Warehouse work

Most entry-level people start with warehouse jobs before advancing to more paying roles. Application for warehouse positions is available in both English and Spanish.

• Guide to writing a Heavy Equipment Operator resume

Questions asked are standard from work history, availability and education. Warehouse works involve fleet driver, gas station, food court, cashiers and so on.

Licensed programs

This includes positions such as optometrists, pharmacists, audiologists among other professional services. Costco’s pharmacy department is one of it’s most lucrative business units and therefore positions here are in high demand. 

• Guide to Pharmacist resume writing

Costco provides an online career portal when there are opportunities for these roles.

Distribution work

Distribution positions are for people able to work with tight deadlines and teamwork. The positions are available at Costco’s distribution centers. The work involves package deliveries, handling and organizing storage flows.

Get the Ball Rolling Immediately: How to Apply Online

After knowing your area of interest, fill out the application form online. But you must sign up with them so that the application process can go through. Questions normally asked during this stage are about your motivation, strengths, why you want to work with Costco, etc. Some questions asked could be hypothetical or situational, so look up questions that are likely to be asked. 

Does this mean you don’t need a resume? No. The process is done online but you’ll still be able to upload a resume and having one on hand is a good idea anyways for future interviews. If you don’t know how to write a resume that’s no problem as Copy My Resume has free downloadable templates you can use, just fill in your own information and you’re good to go!

After you’ve answered all the questions, your online application process is complete and then wait for further instructions.

On-site interviews

If the application is a success, Costco will give you a phone call to schedule an in-person interview. Here, you get to answer questions about yourself and why you’re interested in working there. Be prepared for it and take your time when answering questions.  Since this is the time when Costco decides who will be hired, show them why you qualify for the role.

Some potential questions asked include

• How did you prepare for the interview process?
• How can handle an angry customer in the best way?
• Are you a teamwork or a self-manage person?

While going for the interview, you should wear formal clothing, business casual or business professional. The key thing is being presentable. Also, be confident and enthusiastic throughout the interview process. Use your skills and experiences to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the job. This gives you higher chances of being hired.

Don’t forget to send a professionally formatted Thank You letter after your very first interview to show your gratitude, professionalism and enthusiasm for the position. Don’t worry, this isn’t “sucking up”, it’s separating yourself from the competition!

Second round interview 

Costco takes its candidates through several interviews (2-4). Applicants who passed the on-site interview are called upon to the second phase of hiring. They meet with the same hiring managers.

During this interview phase, make sure you emphasize on work code of ethics like loyalty, taking care of members, respect your suppliers, obey the law and so on.

Group/Panel interview

This one takes place with a group of supervisors and hiring managers. The interview takes place on-site at the store location. Even though a brief tour around the store may occur, they try to limit much exposure until actual hiring is done.

Tips to ace a group interview;

1. Be a good listener. Listen more and talk less. Not unless it’s your turn, don’t be quick to answer other candidate’s questions. Instead, listen keenly to their answers so that you can come up with better responses than them.
2. Be friendly and true to yourself. You may feel like you have a strong argument over the other candidates, don’t hesitate to give your opinions but don’t go overboard.
3. Be the first to answer. If the question is not directed to anyone, be the first to share your thoughts and opinions it makes you stand out from the rest.
4. Be confident throughout. Use the appropriate body language and be audible enough. If not, it may sound like you’re unsure about your answers, This may give another candidate a chance to interrupt you. Wear a smile, relax and be confident when sharing your thoughts.

Common questions asked during group interviews

1. How can your skills and experience help our company’s mission?
2. What motivates you?
3. How would co-workers describe you?
4. Why did you apply for this job?
5. What are your career goals and how do they fit in this company?
6. What would if you caught a co-worker stealing?

In all likelihood, getting to work at Costco is a good start for entry-level and professionals alike. It has a variety of jobs that can fit anyone.