I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Fastenal (Pocatello, ID) in Jun 2012
Interview
3 interviews process was long and very professional. The setting was in an office asking questions on past job history and what you expect from them. Interview was almost scripted
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Fastenal (Tulsa, OK) in Nov 2013
Interview
Step 1- met with district manager for 30 minutes
Step 2 - met manager
Step 3- did "ride around" (I was unsure if this was the opportunity for me. You may not have to do this part of the process)
After I completed the relatively easy interview process they offered me the job on the spot and gave me a day to think about it. You will be interviewing with a district manager who is over numerous stores and possibly interview with the General Manager of the store you plan to work out of. This will give you a good feel of who you will be working for and what kind of personality the manager has.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1) tell us about your background
2) why Fastenal?
3) why are you leaving your current position?
4) Sell me on why you would be a good candidate for this position
... Pretty "standard" interview questions and mostly straight to the point. Nothing like "if you had to be a color in the rainbow, which would you choose and why?"