I applied in-person. The process took 5 days. I interviewed at REI (Encinitas, CA) in Mar 2009
Interview
Attended a job fair for when the store was very new. Informal interview process, was given a random item from the floor and asked to sell it to the interviewers (one manager, one full-time employee), I got a pair of socks. Asked basic questions about where my passions in the outdoors lie. Few days later, got a call saying I was hired.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
There really wasn't anything that was too unexpected, other than having to sell a random item then and there. They want to make sure your values match those of the company, so learn what REI is all about, and be prepared with what you like to do outdoors.
I applied online. I interviewed at REI in Apr 2026
Interview
Online interview. After viewing question, you get 30 seconds to think and then must record an answer. You get 2-3 min per answer. If not satisfied with your first recorded answer, you have two more chances to re-record, and can then choose which of the three recordings you wish to submit. Five questions total. After this video interview, you may be offered a virtual or in-person interview with real people.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a time you made adjustments to your department/store/shop to increase customer satisfaction, how you recognized the opportunity, created your plan, and measured its success.
I applied online. I interviewed at REI (Maple Grove, MN) in Sep 2025
Interview
I was asked to record a couple videos where I talked about myself, my strengths and good customer service. Afterwards I got invited to an online interview with 4 other people and 2 interviewers. They mostly asked “tell us about a time” questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult conversation at work.
I applied online. I interviewed at REI (Phoenix, AZ)
Interview
After applying online, I got a notice of pre-recorded interview after a week. I had 5 days to complete the pre-recorded interview. I had to answer 5 different questions. I was able to record 3 times for each question.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Q. Please tell us about yourself and why do you want to work at REI.
