I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Costco Wholesale (San Jose, CA) in Mar 2016
Interview
I random applied online March 5th to the 6 stores in or around San Jose just to have my application in their system. I got a call at 3:42pm on March 19 and did a phone interview where she asked if i was still interested in cashier assistant and that the pay would be $13. She gave me instructions to go wait at the these benches by the registers. I had my in person interview a couple days later with 2 front end managers. The were extremely nice and had worked at Costco for 16 and 12 years. The actual interview was extremely easy and casual. They liked all my answers and gave me tips how to succeed at Costco and that I had lots of opportunity for growth. They told me they would call me regardless in a couple days to let me know. The manager called me back later that day and said my interview was very good and to just be more specific when talking to the store manager. I went in the next day for my final interview and the store manager was also extremely nice. He only asked me "tell me about yourself and what customer service means to me" and then he just went over my pay, job description, and what to expect. He also said March was on of the best times to apply to Costco because there isn't very much competition compared to seasonal (Which 30-40 people are competing for 2 perm positions). I took my drug test right then and signed some paper work. They said they would be calling me for an orientation in a week or 2.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They asked me 8 questions..
1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Why do you want to work for Costco?
3. What do you know about Costco?
4. How did you prepare for this interview?
5. Name a time a customer was upset and how did you react?
6. How do you react to a coworker not pulling their weight?
7. What feedback (constructive criticism) have you received from your boss?
8. When have you had to work with a sense of urgency?
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Costco Wholesale in May 2026
Interview
Three rounds of interviews. If you're lucky, you'll do two rounds because two managers in the room are two interviews. Then the final interview is with the warehouse manager. Be on time; I cannot stress that enough, as Costco is a very time-sensitive type of position. You only have a three-minute grace period to clock in at your normal hours. Emphasize that you are very prompt and are ready to work through the probation period.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why did you choose Costco?
Tell me about a time about working with a difficult coworker
What was a urgent problem you had to face and what was the result?
3 different interviews with different managers process took a while but actual interviews were quick and easy. Did have to call and follow up a lot in order to keep the process moving.
Pretty standard process, arrive at store location and interview with hiring manager. Manager was prompt and knowledgeable, thanked me for being on time. Asked good questions and gave me room to answer sufficiently.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you rlassess your ability to deal with sudden changes in workflow necessity?