Interview Prep

Preparing for your REI interview?

To prepare for a REI interview, research the company thoroughly, practice role specific questions using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. According to Orbyt's analysis, rei interviews typically involve 3 to 5 rounds. Use Orbyt's free AI interview prep tool to generate tailored questions for REI and your specific role in seconds.

REI is known for its outdoor passion interviews testing knowledge of outdoor gear, cooperative business model understanding, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

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The REI interview process

REI interviews include a phone screen and one to two rounds with store or department managers. Expect scenario based questions about customer gear consultations and outdoor expertise. Corporate roles at their Kent, WA headquarters include additional rounds. The co op's hiring process emphasizes values alignment and typically takes two to three weeks.

What REI looks for

REI values authentic outdoor enthusiasts who can share their passion to help customers find the right gear for their adventures. They seek candidates committed to environmental stewardship, cooperative values, and community engagement. Product expertise and genuine love of the outdoors matter more than traditional retail experience.

How to prepare

  1. Be prepared to discuss your personal outdoor activities and how they inform your product knowledge.
  2. Understand REI's cooperative business model and how it differs from traditional publicly traded retailers.
  3. Research REI's OptOutside campaign and environmental advocacy work.
  4. Know the difference between key outdoor gear categories and how to help customers make informed choices.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not having genuine outdoor experience or interests to discuss during the interview.
  • Treating REI like a regular retail job without understanding the cooperative mission and environmental values.

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REI interview questions

Very important. REI employees are expected to be credible outdoor advisors who can speak from personal experience. You do not need to be an elite mountaineer, but you should have genuine outdoor interests like hiking, camping, cycling, or climbing. Sharing specific outdoor stories and how they shaped your gear preferences demonstrates the authenticity REI values.

As a consumer cooperative, REI is owned by its members and operates for their benefit rather than shareholder profit. This shapes every business decision. In interviews, understanding that profits fund outdoor access programs, environmental stewardship, and member dividends rather than enriching investors shows you grasp why REI's mission is fundamentally different.

Research REI thoroughly, practice common interview questions for your role, prepare 3 to 5 stories using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Using a tool like Orbyt can generate tailored questions specific to REI and your role.

Salaries at REI vary widely depending on the role, level, and location. Most positions offer competitive compensation packages that include base salary, bonuses, and equity. Research specific role compensation on Orbyt's salary explorer for detailed data.

Most REI roles involve 3 to 5 interview rounds. This usually includes a recruiter call, a phone or video technical screen, and 2 to 3 on site or virtual loop interviews with the hiring team.

Many REI roles include a technical component, though the format varies. Engineering roles may involve coding challenges or system design, while other positions focus on case studies, portfolio reviews, or domain knowledge assessments relevant to the team.

The REI interview process typically includes an initial recruiter screen, followed by one or more technical or behavioral rounds, and a final on site or virtual loop. Each stage evaluates different skills depending on the role you applied for.

Strong REI candidates demonstrate both technical competence and alignment with company values. Prepare concrete examples of past impact, show curiosity about the team's challenges, and ask thoughtful questions that reveal your understanding of the role and company direction.

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