Costco Jobs & Careers – Application, How to Apply, Requirements & Interview Tips
Last Updated: May 19th, 2020 by
If you enjoy working in a retail setting and meeting new customers who rely on you to point them in the right direction, fill out and submit your Costco job application today.
Costco opened its first store in 1976. By 1993, the company has a total of 206 locations that were bringing in a total combine annual income of 16 billion dollars.
Costco is committed to providing quality products to their customers and they carry around 4,000 different products, which is much less than other supermarkets. By offering such a low number of products, they can ensure the best quality to their customers.
Costco was considered one of the third largest retailers in 2014 throughout the US. As of 2015, Costco has 674 stores throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and others.
The company hires many interested applicants to work within and run different departments throughout the store. Interested applicants may find themselves working in a specific department or managing other employees.
If you have a desire to provide superior customer service to customers, a job at Costco may be the right move for you.
How to Apply for Employment at Costco
To apply for a position at Costco, the most commonly used method is by filling out and submitting an online job application.
Application Information
- Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age required to work at Costco is 18 years old.
- Hours of Operation: Costco is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am until 8:30 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm, and on Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.
- Methods to Apply: Interested applicants can apply to Costco by submitting an online application.
Searching for an Open Position
To search for an open position at Costco, you will need to visit Costco’s career central page. From here, you need to enter in your location by choosing your zip code or city and state.
You can also search all jobs by clicking the “All Available Jobs” button at the top of the screen.
After entering in your search criteria, you will be able to view all available positions at the specific location you searched for.
Applying for a Job
To apply for a position, you can click on the job title. You will be directed to the job page, which explains more about the job, the requirements, and similar.
You can apply to the position by clicking the apply button, which will take you to a page to create an account.
The first step of the application is to fill out any disclosures that are applicable to the position you are applying to.
The next section asks for your personal information including your consent to submit to a background and credit check.
The next step asks you basic pre-employment questions including whether or not you will submit to a criminal background check, employer reference check, and whether or not you can legally work in this country.
You will now be asked for your availability. You will need to answer as to whether you will work overtime, at night, on holidays, and on the weekend.
The last couple of sections ask for your work history, details about specific skills, your educational background, and references.
Once you have entered in all of this information, you can move on to sign and submit your application.
Application Tips
If you are filling out your application, you may come across some questions you do not know how to answer. Below, we will go over some tips to help you get through the process.
Background and Credit Check
Many of the positions at the company require you to undergo a background and credit check, especially if you will be handling money. If you are against submitting to the checks, you may limit yourself to the positions you can work in.
Signing Applicable Disclosures
Depending on the state and position you are applying for, you may need to sign some disclosures. It is important that you carefully read over these disclosures and understand them before you sign them.
It also helps to print out the disclosures to have them on hand just in case.
Don’t Forget Your References
You do not want to forget to include references on your application. The application does ask for a total of three. You should always use professional references first and then use educational references and personal references.
Since personal references are not preferred, you should avoid using family members that are directly related to you as in your mom, dad, sister, brother, or the like.
Should You Follow Up?
You can follow up by logging back into the account that you originally created when you applied. Once in your account, you will be able to view what jobs you applied for and the status of them.
You can also call the hiring manager at the location you applied to. You should give the hiring manager a couple of days to review your information before calling.
When it is time to call, you should ask to speak directly with the hiring manager. If he or she is unavailable, ask when a better time to call back would be.
Positions and Salary Information
Costco is a giant retailer that has become the third largest retailer in the US in 2014. The company operates 674 stores throughout a total of eight countries.
The management teams at Costco treat employees like family and the work environment is not only upbeat, but inviting and warming as well.
Interested applicants can find themselves working in a variety of positions from a cashier to a general manager.
- Baker – The Baker is responsible for baking all cakes and treats within the company. As a Baker, you can expect to make between $12 and $17 per hour.
- Cake Decorator – The Cake Decorator is responsible for decorating and icing all cakes that customers order, as well as cakes for the store’s shelves. As a Cake Decorator, you can expect to make between $11 and $16 per hour.
- Cashier – The Cashier is responsible for completing monetary transactions with customers. As a Cashier, you can expect to make between $10 and $16 per hour.
- Cashier Assistant – The Cashier Assistant is responsible for helping customers load groceries into their carts. As a Cashier Assistant, you can expect to make between $9 and $13 per hour.
- Customer Service Representative – The Customer Service Representative is responsible for handling all customer complaints and compliments. He or she will also answer calls. As a Customer Service Representative, you can expect to make between $13 and $17 per hour.
- Meat Cutter – The Meat Cutter is responsible for cutting all meat and packaging it according to health and safety standards. As a Meat Cutter, you can expect to make between $19 and $24 per hour.
- Membership Assistant – The Membership Assistant helps customers sign up for memberships and upgrade their current ones. As a Membership Assistant, you can expect to make between $10 and $15 per hour.
- Produce Stocker – The Produce Stocker is responsible for keeping produce shelves stocked and ensuring the freshness of the product. As a Produce Stocker, you can expect to make between $10 and $13 per hour.
- Pharmacy Technician – The Pharmacy Technician is responsible for assisting the Pharmacist and completing customer prescription orders. As a Pharmacy Technician, you can expect to make between $15 and $20 per hour.
- Pharmacist – The Pharmacist is responsible for filling customers’ prescriptions and advising them about any risks associated with taking the medication. As a Pharmacist, you can expect to make between $62 and $65 per hour.
- Photo Lab Assistant – The Photo Lab Assistant is responsible for assisting all customers when it comes to their film and camera questions. As a Photo Lab Assistant, you can expect to make between $15 and $20 per hour.
- Deli Assistant – The Deli Assistant is responsible for cutting deli meat according to customer request. He or she will also create entrees, salads, and other foods for sale. As a Deli Assistant, you can expect to make between $12 and $15 per hour.
- Stocker – The Stocker is responsible for keeping the shelves stocked with product at all times. In addition, he or she will maintain the appearance of the shelves. As a Stocker, you can expect to make between $12 and $15 per hour.
- Department Manager – The Department Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities in his or her assigned department. As a Department Manager, you can expect to make between $60,000 and $72,000 per year.
- Front End Manager – The Front Ed Manager is responsible for overseeing all Cashiers and Cashier Assistants. As a Front End Manager, you can expect to make between $69,000 and $75,000 per year.
- Assistant Manager – The Assistant Manager is responsible for overseeing operations in the store and ensuring all customers are happy. As an Assistant Manager, you can expect to make between $69,000 and $75,000 per year.
- General Manager – The General Manager is responsible for overseeing all operations within the store. He or she also handles payroll, scheduling, and more. As a General Manager, you can expect to make between $80,000 and $100,000 per year.
Best Entry-Level Positions
Costco offers a large number of entry-level positions to interested applicants. These positions are important and each employee will interact one-on-one with customers.
Costco does like to hire within the company, which means each of these positions can lead to a full-time management role.
Baker
The Baker is responsible for baking all cakes, bakery products, and sweet treats for the company. He or she will follow all recipes that are set forth by Costco.
The Baker will also bake cakes and treats according to custom orders from customers.
Cake Decorator
The Cake Decorator is responsible for cutting, filling, and frosting all of the cakes. He or she will decorate both cakes to be sold in the store and custom cakes ordered by customers.
The Cake Decorator will also decorate cakes according to custom designs, which includes writing messages and more. He or she should know how to use frosting bags and tips.
Cashier
The Cashier is responsible for processing all customer transactions in the store. He or she will also help direct customers to the right sections of the store.
In addition, you will keep your area clean and maintain cleanliness of the conveyor belt, so that customers are happy to place their items on it.
Cashier Assistant
The Cashier Assistant will help Cashiers place orders into boxes and place them into the cart. The Cashier Assistant will grab additional carts for customers as needed.
In this role, you will also clean up the cashier area, confirm prices on products that are in question, and restock as necessary.
Customer Service Representative
The Customer Service Representative is responsible for providing superior customer service to all customers. He or she will help customers find the products they need while helping customers return items they do not want.
The Customer Service Representative will also answer phone calls that come into the store throughout the day.
Meat Cutter
The Meat Cutter is responsible for cutting and trimming all raw meat that comes into the store. In this role, you will cut meat with a saw, grinder, or other similar tools and package the meat according to all health and safety standards.
Once the meat is packaged, you will place the meat into the meat cooler and offer it for sale to customers.
Membership Assistant
The Membership Assistant is responsible for signing up new members, upgrading current members, and processing cancelations when requested. In this position, you will take potential members on a tour of the facility and let customers know why they should sign up.
You will also be in charge of credit applications for credit cards, issue temporary cards, and similar.
Produce Stocker
The Produce Stocker is responsible for ensuring that the produce section in the store is always stocked with the freshest produce.
He or she will report any problems with the produce that is received in the store and manage subpar produce effectively.
Pharmacy Technician
The Pharmacy Technician is responsible for helping customers fill their prescriptions. He or she will advise customers about the medication, when to take it, and similar.
The Pharmacy Technician works under the direction of the Pharmacist and will maintain and process all new and incoming prescriptions.
Photo Lab Assistant
The Photo Lab Assistant will take all film that customers bring in and process it. He or she will cut photos and then place them in a protective package until the customer picks it up.
In this role, you will also assist other members of the team, check out customers, and answer all questions related to photos and film.
Deli Assistant
The Deli Assistant is responsible for preparing, slicing, and packaging all deli meats within the store. He or she will take customer orders and slice meat.
In addition, the Deli Assistant will assemble pizzas, party trays, salads, entrees, dips, and more.
Stocker
The Stocker is responsible for keeping the shelves stocked and making sure that all merchandise is presentable within the store. He or she will take items from the back stock room and put them on the shelves when needed.
In addition, he or she will clean all of the aisles and assist other team members when help is needed.
Costco Careers in Management
Costco hires employees to work in a variety of management positions. Costco likes to hire employees from within, which means that all of the entry-level positions allow you to move up into a leadership role.
Costco offers many benefits to their employees including stability, growth throughout the company, insurance, and more.
Pharmacist
The Pharmacist is responsible for filling all prescriptions that come into the store. He or she will advise customers of any risks associated with the prescription they are receiving.
The Pharmacist will handle all medication and dispense it correctly according to all laws and regulations.
Department Manager
The Department Manager is responsible for managing his or her assigned department and ensuring that all customer orders are fulfilled correctly.
He or she will also oversee all transactions and interactions within their department. The Department Manager will also set goals for his or her department as well.
Front End Manager
The Front End Manager is responsible for overseeing the Cashiers and Cashier Assistants. He or she will lend a helping hand when needed.
In this role, you will also set goals for the department and provide superior customer service at all.
Assistant Manager
The Assistant Manager is responsible for overseeing operations throughout the store and assisting the General Manager. He or she will help customers and answer all incoming inquiries from them.
The Assistant Manager will also show customers around the store to help them locate products when needed.
General Manager
The General Manager is responsible for overseeing all operations in the store. He or she will recruit, hire, and train new employees. The General Manager is also in charge of payroll, employee complaints, and scheduling.
Interview Questions and Tips
When you go in to Costco for an interview, it is helpful to be prepared. Below, we will review some questions that you may be asked.
How Would You Help an Upset Customer?
You may be asked how you would provide quality customer service to a customer who is upset. When you do answer this question, keep the customer in mind and never say that you would just ignore the customer.
Can You Work with a Team?
Many of the departments operate as teams throughout Costco, so it is important that you are able to work as a team.
You may be asked if you are opposed to this during your interview.
What Do You Consider Amazing Customer Service?
You may be asked what amazing customer service is to you. It is important that you think about the type of service that you would want to receive yourself and then answer the question with that in mind.
Helpful Research for Your Costco Interview
Costco is a warehouse club that requires a membership to shop there. Costco offers low prices and items in bulk to help their members receive the best product at an affordable price.
The first Costco was opened in 1976 and operated under the name of Price Club. In 1993, the company had a total of 206 locations and was generating roughly 16 billion dollars in sales.
As of today, Costco has grown substantially and has 674 stores throughout the US and world.
What Employees Say About Working Here
Employees who work at Costco have positive things to say about the company. Many of them are happy with the competitive wages they receive, which appear to be higher than comparable positions.
Other employees enjoy the work environment and say the management team is helpful and understanding. Many of the employees also say that there is room for advancement.
