How to Get a Job at Costco
Why people want to work at Costco
Costco is consistently ranked as one of the better large employers in retail because:
Hourly wages are well above typical retail, with recent agreements pushing minimums around $20/hour in the U.S. and average wages above $31/hour for many roles.
In Canada, average hourly pay is around C$19–20, with higher rates for senior roles.
Pay grows automatically with accumulated hours and seniority, and long-tenured hourly workers get additional compensation twice a year.
Many locations are unionized, and there’s a reputation for strong benefits and long-term career paths.
Because of this, competition is real. You need more than just a quick online application.
Step 1: Know what jobs Costco actually hires for
Most people start in entry-level, hourly roles at the warehouse level, such as:
Front-end cashier / assistant
Stocker / merchandiser
Food court worker
Member services / front desk
Bakery, deli, produce, tire shop, or gas station attendant
There are also:
Office and admin roles
Pharmacy, optical, and hearing aid center positions (often require licenses)
Distribution center and corporate jobs
Costco tends to promote from within, so even if you start stocking shelves, you can move into supervisor, department lead, or office roles over time.
Before you apply, decide:
Which departments you’d be okay working in
Whether you can handle physical work (lifting, standing, walking all day)
When you’re available (nights, early mornings, weekends, holidays are a big plus)
Step 2: Meet the basic requirements and timing
Minimum expectations vary by country and warehouse, but generally you’ll need:
To meet the minimum age requirement (often 18 for many roles)
Legal eligibility to work in the country
Ability to handle physical tasks and being on your feet for long stretches
Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Timing matters:
Many employees say the easiest way in is seasonal hiring (especially around the holidays).
Some recommend starting to apply in early fall and reapplying regularly in the run-up to busy seasons.
Costco’s own application advice notes that online applications expire after about 90 days, so you’ll likely need to renew your application periodically.
Step 3: Apply online the right way
Costco wants you to start online:
Go to their careers portal.
Create an account and fill in your profile.
Choose your preferred warehouse(s) and role(s).
Submit your application.
Their official guidance includes three key tips:
Apply online first.
Introduce yourself to a manager in person after you’ve applied.
Apply often, because applications expire.
In other words, “submit and vanish” is weak. “Submit, then show up and politely introduce yourself” is stronger.
Step 4: Make a Costco-friendly resume
Costco warehouses are all about:
Customer service
Reliability and punctuality
Teamwork
Work ethic in a fast-paced environment
Your resume doesn’t have to be fancy. It does need to make those points obvious. Focus on:
Any prior retail, restaurant, warehouse, or customer-facing roles
Examples of showing up on time, staying late, handling rushes
Experience with cash handling, stocking, cleaning, or food safety
Mentioning that you’re comfortable with physical work and lifting
If you don’t have work history, emphasize:
Volunteer work
School or sports teams (teamwork, reliability)
Any responsibilities that show you can be trusted
Step 5: Expect an assessment or screening test
For many roles, especially in busy markets, Costco uses online screening tests and assessments:
These often include situational judgment tests (how you’d respond to real workplace scenarios).
Some roles may also involve basic numerical or reasoning tests.
The goal is to see if you:
Use good judgment with customers
Handle stress without getting rude
Work well in a team and follow procedures
Best approach:
Answer honestly, but lean toward customer-focused, safety-conscious, team-oriented responses.
Avoid answers that look like you’re cutting corners or ignoring policies, even if they might “save time.”
Step 6: Prepare for Costco-style interviews
The interview process can vary by location, but common patterns include:
Phone screening first
Then one or more in-person interviews with supervisors or managers
Some candidates report two or three interviews total, especially for more desirable roles
Common questions (based on recent candidates):
“What do you know about Costco?”
“Tell us about yourself.”
“Why do you want to work here?”
“Describe a time you handled a difficult customer.”
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Tips:
Learn a few key facts about Costco: member-only warehouse club, focus on quality and low markups, strong pay and benefits, emphasis on efficiency and customer service.
Talk about wanting stable, long-term work, not “just something until I find something better.”
Emphasize teamwork, reliability, and willingness to learn any department.
One Glassdoor anecdote warns that talking too enthusiastically about direct competitors (like Sam’s Club) during the interview can hurt you, especially if you frame them as “better.”
Step 7: Use referrals and in-person contact to stand out
Interviews don’t just come from online applications. Employee reports show people get interviews through:
Employee referrals
Walking in and asking to speak to a manager
Online job boards and Costco’s own site
To boost your chances:
If you know someone who works there, ask if they can refer you. Referrals are a common path inside.
After applying online, visit the warehouse, politely ask for a manager, and briefly introduce yourself:
Mention that you applied online
Hand them a printed resume
Express interest in any entry-level role and flexible hours
Dress neatly and act like someone they would trust to deal with customers.
Several employees mention it can be a waiting game, with some people waiting months between applying and hearing back, especially in popular locations.
Step 8: Show you’re a long-term fit
Costco invests in people who stick around, and their pay structure rewards tenure and accumulated hours.
You’ll stand out if you:
Say you’re looking for long-term work and potential advancement
Are open to starting part-time or seasonal and working up
Mention willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Show interest in learning different departments (front end, stocking, food court, etc.)
If you’re a student, be aware of programs like the College Student Retention Program, which lets you work during breaks and keep your hire date and accumulated hours, making you more attractive as a long-term hire.
Step 9: Follow up (without being annoying)
After you’ve:
Submitted your online application
Completed any assessments
Introduced yourself in person
…you can follow up politely:
Wait a week or two, then call or visit and ask if they’re currently interviewing for the role you applied for.
Re-apply online when your application window expires (around every 90 days), especially before peak hiring seasons.
Persistence matters, but keep it professional:
No daily calls
No demanding to know why you weren’t hired
Just consistent, polite reminders that you’re still interested and available
Step 10: Be ready to work hard if you get the offer
If you do get hired, expect:
A fast-paced environment with lots of walking, lifting, and moving
Busy rushes (openings, weekends, holidays)
Clear expectations around attendance, punctuality, and customer service
The upside is that, compared to many retail chains, pay rises quickly with hours, and top-of-scale clerks and assistants now approach $30–32/hour in some U.S. agreements.
Show up consistently, do your job well, and you can build a solid, long-term Costco career from a simple entry-level start.
Quick recap: how to get a job at Costco
Understand the roles and be honest about what you can do.
Apply online, knowing applications expire every 90 days.
Introduce yourself in person to a manager.
Prepare for assessments that test judgment and reliability.
Practice interview answers focused on customer service, teamwork, and long-term interest.
Leverage referrals if you know someone inside.
Be patient but persistent—seasonal periods and reapplications are key.
Do those consistently, and you give yourself a very real shot at landing one of the most sought-after retail jobs out there.
