The Complete Guide to REI Interview Questions in 2023

Looking to land your dream job at REI? With over 168 stores across the United States REI is one of the most popular outdoor gear retailers. Getting hired at REI can be competitive but going in prepared with knowledge of common REI interview questions will give you a leg up.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect during the REI interview process, share sample REI interview questions (with example answers!), and provide tips for making a great impression. Let’s get started!

Overview of the REI Interview Process

The REI interview process typically follows these steps:

1. Initial online application
2. Phone screening
3. In-person interview
4. Second interview (for some roles)

Here’s a bit more detail about what each step entails

Online Application – This is where you’ll provide information about your background, skills, and interests. REI uses this to evaluate your fit for open roles.

Phone Screening – If your application looks promising, you’ll complete a short 15-30 minute phone interview. This is focused on learning more about your experience and seeing if it aligns with REI’s needs.

In-Person Interview – Candidates who make it past the phone screen are invited for an in-store interview. This usually lasts 60-90 minutes and includes both behavioral and situational interview questions.

Second Interview – For some positions like store management roles, qualified applicants may be asked back for a second round of interviews. This gives the hiring team a chance to evaluate candidates further.

Now let’s look at some sample REI interview questions you’re likely to be asked!

REI Behavioral Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Behavioral interview questions focus on how you’ve handled situations in the past to gauge your fit for the job. Some examples of behavioral questions REI commonly asks include:

Q: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.

A: “Recently, a customer came into the store right before closing. She was going on a camping trip the next morning but had left packing to the last minute. Together, we ran through everything she would need for the trip and I helped her quickly grab supplies. Even though the store was closing in 10 minutes, I stayed late with her to make sure she left prepared for her trip. Going above and beyond for customers – whether it’s spending extra time helping them find the right gear or making sure their needs are met – is really important to me.”

Q: Describe a time you faced a conflict with a co-worker. How did you handle it?

A: “I once worked on a team project with a colleague who had a very different work style than me. I tend to be very organized and like to plan out tasks in advance, while he preferred a more spontaneous approach. This led to some conflicts when it came to how we approached finishing the project. When he missed a deadline, I had to repress the urge to criticize his work style. Instead, I set up a one-on-one meeting where we discussed our differing approaches. I avoided placing blame and focused on finding solutions. For example, we agreed I would provide organized checklists of tasks that still allowed him flexibility. Finding common ground helped us communicate better and work together more effectively.”

Q: Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly. How did you do it?

A: “When I started my current job, I was trained on using a new point-of-sale system that our stores had just switched to. While I had used a different POS system in the past, this new one had a big learning curve. To quickly get up to speed, I asked our store manager if I could spend a couple hours practicing with the new system before my first official shift. I also made an effort to learn from my co-workers who were already familiar with the system. Whenever I had a question or needed help completing a transaction, I asked for their guidance. This allowed me to pick up the new skills I needed very quickly.”

REI Situational Interview Questions

Situational questions present you with a hypothetical scenario and ask how you would respond. They reveal your judgment, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills. Some situational questions to prepare for include:

Q: A customer purchased a tent from our store a month ago and just returned with it today stating it’s defective and leaking. Upon examining it, it looks like the tent has been used extensively and is dirty. The customer insists it was like this when purchased and is demanding a full refund. How would you handle this situation?

A: “In this situation, I would calmly listen to the customer and show empathy for their frustration. I would explain that I want to work with them to find the fairest solution, however our return policy only allows returns of gently used merchandise within 1 year of purchase. I would gently inquire about how they have been using the tent and whether they recall noticing the issue right away. If they insist the defect was there upon purchase, I would ask a manager to come over so we can thoroughly examine the tent together. If the manager agrees the excessive wear indicates long use, I would politely explain that we will not be able to offer a full refund. However, we will happily repair the defect or find another solution like offering store credit. The key is finding a compromise that follows company policy while still ensuring the customer feels heard and valued.”

Q: You notice a co-worker has been struggling with their work quality lately and it’s impacting your team’s performance. Their bad attitude has also been rubbing off on other staff members. How would you approach this employee to discuss these issues?

A: “My first step would be requesting a private meeting with the co-worker to have an open discussion about my observations. I would frame the conversation in a caring, constructive manner – focusing less on criticism and more on finding solutions together. For example, I may say, “I’ve noticed you seem a bit more stressed at work lately and it looks like it’s impacting your work. I want to help. What can we do to get things back on track?” During the discussion, I would listen closely to any concerns or issues they bring up. If they mention struggling with personal problems, I’d express my sympathy and suggest possible resources like our employee assistance program. I would end the conversation by expressing my belief in their abilities to succeed and my commitment to helping them through this rough patch. Following up regularly with them also demonstrates my ongoing support.”

REI “Tell Me About Yourself” Tips

The broad “tell me about yourself” prompt comes up in almost every interview. REI interviewers use it as an icebreaker to learn about your personality, background, and interests beyond your resume. When answering:

• Focus on highlights and achievements from your background that make you a great fit for the role.

• Share 1-2 specific examples that showcase relevant skills, like providing great customer service or leading outdoor excursions.

• Open up on a personal level by discussing your passion for the outdoors, favorite gear, or how REI’s mission resonates with you.

• Keep it succinct and leave room for the interviewer to ask follow-up questions. Aim for 2-3 mins max.

Here’s an example:

“As a Colorado native, I’ve grown up with a passion for the outdoors and have 10+ years experience working in the industry. I started off leading kayaking tours for a summer adventure company back in college. I loved sharing my knowledge of the sport and building connections with customers during those trips. More recently, I worked at Mountain Equipment Co-op where I specialized in footwear and climbing gear. I pride myself on really listening to customer needs to offer personalized recommendations. REI’s dedication to getting more people outside strongly aligns with my own values. In my free time, you can usually find me hiking local trails or planning my next camping trip. I’d be excited to bring my outdoor industry experience to the REI team.”

5 Tips for Acing Your REI Interview

Here are a few final tips for making a stellar impression during your REI interview:

1. Research the company – Have a good understanding of REI’s history, mission, and values. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the brand is key.

2. Prepare examples ahead of time – Jot down stories that highlight times you demonstrated relevant skills. Practice delivering them concisely and confidently.

3. Ask thoughtful questions – Inquire about leadership philosophies, new initiatives, or biggest challenges. This shows your engagement.

4. Express enthusiasm for the brand – Share what excites you about working for REI specifically and convey a passion for the outdoors.

5. Follow up – After the interview, send a brief thank you note reiterating your interest in the position.