Top 10 REI Interview Questions (And How to Answer Them Like a Pro)

So you’ve landed an interview at REI, and you’re equal parts excited and nervous. Smart move applying there! REI isn’t just another retail gig. It’s a cooperative built on a love for the outdoors, sustainability, and treating employees like actual human beings (wild concept, right?).

Here’s the thing: REI interviews are different. Sure, they’ll ask standard retail questions, but they’re really digging for something deeper. They want to know if you genuinely care about getting people outside, if you can talk gear without sounding like you’re reading a spec sheet, and if you’ll thrive in their unique co-op culture.

The good news? Most candidates bomb these interviews by treating them like any other retail position. They show up with generic answers, zero knowledge about REI’s mission, and no personal outdoor stories to share. You’re not going to make that mistake.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top 10 interview questions REI hiring managers actually ask (pulled straight from Glassdoor reviews and insider intel). You’ll get natural-sounding sample answers that don’t sound robotic, learn when to use the SOAR Method for behavioral questions, and discover five insider tips that’ll help you stand out.

By the time you finish reading this, you’ll walk into that interview feeling confident, prepared, and ready to show REI exactly why you belong on their team.

Let’s get into it.

Top 10 REI Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

1. “Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at REI.”

This is your opening pitch. They want to see if you understand REI’s mission, have genuine enthusiasm for the outdoors, and can connect your background to the role.

When answering tell me about yourself, keep your response focused and relevant.

Sample Answer:

“I’ve been an outdoor enthusiast for about six years now, ever since I took my first solo camping trip in Joshua Tree. That experience completely changed how I saw nature and myself. Since then, I’ve been hiking, camping, and backpacking whenever I can.”

“What draws me to REI specifically is your cooperative model and genuine commitment to sustainability. I’ve been a member for three years, and I love that you’re not just selling gear but actually working to protect the places we all love. Plus, every time I visit my local store, the staff clearly knows their stuff and actually cares about helping people find the right equipment. That’s the kind of environment I want to be part of. I’d love to help others discover their own outdoor adventures while working for a company that truly lives its values.”

Why This Works: You’re sharing an authentic personal story that demonstrates real passion. You’re also showing you understand what makes REI different from other retailers.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a resource with proven answers to the top questions interviewers are asking right now. Check out our interview answers cheat sheet:

2. “Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer. How did you handle it?”

Customer service is huge at REI. They want to see your conflict resolution skills, patience, and ability to turn negative situations into positive experiences. This is a perfect opportunity to use the SOAR Method.

Sample Answer:

“At my previous retail job, a customer came in absolutely furious because a tent they’d purchased had a broken pole after their first camping trip.”

“The item was past our standard 30-day return window, and they didn’t have their receipt. They were pretty worked up and starting to raise their voice in front of other customers.”

“I stayed calm and empathetic. First, I acknowledged their frustration and said something like, ‘That must have been really disappointing on your camping trip. Let me see what I can do for you.’ I pulled up their purchase history in our system using their phone number, confirmed the purchase, and then explained our options. Even though it was technically past policy, I checked with my manager and we agreed to exchange it for a new tent because they were clearly a loyal customer who’d had a legitimately bad experience.”

“The customer completely changed their attitude. They thanked me multiple times, apologized for getting heated, and actually came back the next week to buy additional camping gear. They even left a positive review mentioning me by name. It reinforced for me that when you treat people with respect and actually try to solve their problem, they remember it.”

Interview Guys Tip: When discussing difficult customer situations, always emphasize what you learned from the experience. REI wants employees who grow from challenges, not just survive them.

3. “What do you know about REI’s return policy, and how do you feel about standing behind products the way we do?”

This tests your research and whether you align with REI’s customer-first approach. Understanding REI’s approach to the interview process includes knowing their core business philosophies.

Sample Answer:

“From what I understand, REI has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will take back products if customers aren’t happy, which is pretty rare in retail these days. I think it’s brilliant, honestly.”

“Sure, some people might take advantage of it, but the trust you build with customers outweighs that. When people know you’ll stand behind what you sell, they’re way more likely to come back and become lifelong customers. It also shows that REI is genuinely confident in the quality of the products you carry.”

“I love that approach because it aligns with how I think about customer service. Your job isn’t just to make a sale. It’s to make sure people have the right gear for their adventures. If something doesn’t work out, helping them find what does is just good business.”

Why This Works: You’re demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and understand the business logic behind REI’s policies.

4. “Tell me about a time you had to work as part of a team to accomplish a goal.”

REI’s co-op model is built on collaboration. They need people who can work well with others, communicate effectively, and contribute to team success. This question calls for the SOAR Method.

Sample Answer:

“Last summer, our store was preparing for a huge annual sale, and we had about 48 hours to completely reorganize the floor layout and restock everything.”

“We were already short-staffed because two people called out sick, and the new layout was pretty complicated. Everyone was stressed and we were definitely behind schedule.”

“I volunteered to coordinate the back-of-house team while another coworker managed the floor team. We created a simple checklist system so everyone knew exactly what needed to happen and when. I also suggested we tackle the most time-consuming sections first thing in the morning when we had the most energy. Throughout the process, I made sure to check in with everyone, help out wherever there were bottlenecks, and keep the mood light by bringing in coffee and playing some music.”

“We finished the entire reorganization with about four hours to spare, and the sale ended up being our highest-grossing weekend of the year. More importantly, the team bonded through that experience. My manager actually pulled me aside afterward and said she was impressed with how I’d stepped up to keep everyone motivated and on track.”

Interview Guys Tip: REI loves team players who can balance getting work done with keeping morale high. Show both sides in your answer.

5. “How would you recommend products to a customer who’s new to outdoor activities?”

This reveals your customer service philosophy, product knowledge, and ability to educate without overwhelming beginners. Many of these customer service principles apply across industries.

Sample Answer:

“First, I’d ask a lot of questions to understand what they’re actually trying to do. Are they planning a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip? What’s their fitness level? What’s their budget? You can’t recommend the right gear without understanding their specific needs.”

“Then I’d focus on the essentials and not overwhelm them with every fancy feature. For a beginner hiker, for example, I’d prioritize comfortable, broken-in shoes, a good daypack, water bottles, and maybe some basic layers. I’d explain why each item matters in simple terms. Like, ‘These boots have good ankle support, which helps prevent injuries on uneven trails.'”

“I’d also share my own experiences when relevant. Something like, ‘When I started hiking, I made the mistake of wearing cotton in the rain and learned the hard way why moisture-wicking fabrics matter.’ People remember stories way better than technical specs.”

“Finally, I’d make sure they feel comfortable coming back with questions. I’d say something like, ‘Take this on your first hike, see how it feels, and if something’s not working, come find me and we’ll figure it out.’ Building that relationship is more valuable than making one sale.”

Why This Works: You’re demonstrating patience, genuine helpfulness, and a customer-centric approach that prioritizes long-term relationships over quick transactions.

6. “Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work.”

Retail is constantly evolving, especially at REI with new products, policies, and initiatives. They need people who can roll with changes without complaint. Use the SOAR Method here.

Sample Answer:

“About a year ago, my previous company implemented a completely new point-of-sale system right before the holiday rush.”

“The system was way more complicated than the old one, training was minimal (basically just a two-hour session), and we were expected to be fully functional within days. A lot of my coworkers were really frustrated and resistant to learning it.”

“I decided to view it as a learning opportunity instead of a hassle. During slow periods, I practiced transactions on the system, watched tutorial videos during my breaks, and took notes on shortcuts. When I figured something out, I’d share it with teammates. I also created a simple one-page cheat sheet with the most common issues and posted it near the register.”

“Within a week, I was actually faster on the new system than I’d been on the old one. My manager noticed and asked me to help train other employees who were struggling. It became this running joke where people would come to me instead of asking management. That experience taught me that how you respond to change matters way more than the change itself.”

Interview Guys Tip: REI is always evolving. Show that you’re someone who embraces change rather than resists it, and you’ll immediately stand out.

7. “Why do you think you’d be a good fit for REI’s culture?”

They want to see if you’ve researched their values (authenticity, respect, integrity, balance, stewardship) and can connect them to your own personality and experiences. Learning about what working at REI is really like can help you answer this question authentically.

Sample Answer:

“From everything I’ve read and experienced as a customer, REI’s culture is built on genuine passion for the outdoors and treating people well. That resonates with me on both levels.”

“On the outdoor side, I’m not just someone who likes nature. I actively plan my life around getting outside. I volunteer with a local trail maintenance group twice a month, I’m constantly researching new hiking spots, and I genuinely light up when I talk about gear with friends. That enthusiasm is real, and I think it would come through when I’m helping customers.”

“On the people side, I really value the cooperative model and how REI treats employees. The fact that you offer benefits to part-time employees, paid Yay Days to get outside, and actually invest in sustainability initiatives shows me that this isn’t just marketing talk. It’s how you actually operate. I want to work somewhere that my values and my job align, and REI is one of the few places where that’s actually possible in retail.”

Why This Works: You’re showing specific knowledge about REI’s values and connecting them authentically to your own life and priorities.

8. “Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.”

REI prides itself on exceptional service. They want people who will do more than the minimum to create memorable experiences. This is another perfect SOAR Method opportunity.

Sample Answer:

“A customer came in looking for a gift for her husband who was planning to hike part of the Appalachian Trail.”

“She knew nothing about hiking gear, had a limited budget, and the trip was less than a week away. She was pretty overwhelmed and almost gave up on finding something meaningful.”

“Instead of just pointing her to some generic items, I spent about 30 minutes really getting to know what her husband needed. I found out he already had the big-ticket items but could use some quality-of-life upgrades. I helped her pick out a compact camp chair, some high-quality trail snacks, a first-aid kit upgrade, and a waterproof journal for him to document his trip. I even threw in some trail recommendations based on his experience level and wrote them down for her. Then I gift-wrapped everything at no charge and included a handwritten note saying ‘Happy trails.'”

“She was almost in tears thanking me. Two weeks later, she came back with a photo of her husband on the trail using the chair and brought me a thank-you card. She also ended up becoming a regular customer who specifically asked for me when she came in. That taught me that taking a little extra time to truly understand what someone needs can turn a transaction into a relationship.”

Why This Works: You’re demonstrating genuine care, creativity, and the kind of memorable service that turns customers into lifelong members.

9. “What’s your favorite outdoor activity, and what gear do you use?”

They want authentic outdoor enthusiasm and product knowledge. This also reveals if you’re genuinely passionate or just saying what you think they want to hear. When preparing for retail interview questions, having genuine stories makes all the difference.

Sample Answer:

“I’m really into backpacking, especially multi-day trips in the Sierras. There’s something about carrying everything you need on your back and just disconnecting from everything that I find really centering.”

“Gear-wise, I use an Osprey Atmos 65 pack because the ventilation is incredible and it fits my torso length perfectly. For my tent, I’ve got a Big Agnes Copper Spur that I absolutely love. It’s lightweight but still spacious enough that I don’t feel claustrophobic. I’m also kind of obsessed with my MSR PocketRocket stove because it’s so compact and reliable.”

“Right now I’m researching ultralight quilts because I want to cut some weight from my setup for a John Muir Trail attempt next summer. I’ve been nerding out on temperature ratings, fill power, and all that stuff. It’s honestly become a bit of an obsession.”

Why This Works: Specific product names and models show real knowledge. Your enthusiasm comes through naturally, and mentioning future outdoor goals demonstrates ongoing commitment.

10. “Do you have any questions for us?”

This is your chance to show genuine interest, learn about the role, and demonstrate you’ve done your homework. Never say “no” when asked if you have questions to ask in your interview.

Strong Questions to Ask:

• “What does a typical day look like for someone in this role during your busiest season versus your slower periods?”
• “How does REI approach ongoing training and product knowledge development for employees?”
• “What do you think makes someone really successful in this position beyond the basic job requirements?”
• “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and the management style?”
• “What outdoor activities do team members typically enjoy, and is there a culture of employees doing stuff together outside of work?”
• “How does REI support employees who want to grow within the company?”

Why These Work: They show you’re thinking long-term, care about team dynamics, want to contribute to success, and are genuinely curious about REI’s culture.

Top 5 Insider Interview Tips for REI

Actually Visit a Store Before Your Interview (Seriously)

Don’t skip this step. Go to your local REI, observe how employees interact with customers, notice the store layout, and pay attention to what products they’re featuring. Chat with employees if you can. Ask them what they love about working there.

Why it matters: You’ll pick up on REI’s culture firsthand and can reference specific observations in your interview. When you say, “I noticed your employees take time to really educate customers rather than just pushing products,” hiring managers will know you’ve done your homework.

Prepare Real Outdoor Stories (Not Generic Retail Examples)

REI wants outdoor enthusiasts, not just retail workers. Have 2-3 genuine outdoor adventure stories ready that show your passion for nature. These can be simple: your first camping trip, learning to rock climb, getting lost on a trail and finding your way back.

Glassdoor insight: Multiple candidates mentioned being asked about their outdoor experiences and hobbies. Those who had authentic stories to share consistently got offers. Those who tried to fake it or only gave retail examples didn’t make it past first interviews.

Research REI’s Co-op Model and Be Ready to Discuss It

Understand that REI is a cooperative, not a traditional corporation. Know what that means: member-owned, profit-sharing, values-driven decisions, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Read about REI’s stewardship initiatives and sustainability efforts before your interview.

Why it matters: REI’s identity as a co-op isn’t just a fun fact. It fundamentally shapes how they operate and what they expect from employees. Showing you understand and appreciate this model demonstrates cultural alignment.

Don’t Overdress (But Don’t Underdress Either)

REI’s culture is casual and outdoors-focused. Showing up in a full suit will make you look out of touch. But showing up in ratty gym clothes will look disrespectful.

The sweet spot: Clean, well-fitting casual clothes or outdoor casual. Think nice jeans or khakis with a button-down shirt or a quality outdoor brand polo. Bonus points if you’re wearing REI Co-op brand or other outdoor brands they carry (but don’t overdo it).

Prepare for Video Interview Quirks

Many REI interviews start with recorded video screenings through platforms like iCIMS. You’ll record yourself answering questions on a timer with limited retakes.

Glassdoor reality check: Multiple candidates mentioned finding this format challenging and uncomfortable. The key is practicing beforehand. Record yourself on your phone answering common questions, watch the playback, and get comfortable seeing yourself on camera. Keep answers concise (60-90 seconds max), smile, and make eye contact with the camera. Treat it like you’re having a conversation with a friend, not delivering a presentation.

Interview Guys Tip: If you struggle with video anxiety, that’s completely normal. Practice until the discomfort fades. The more you rehearse on camera, the more natural you’ll appear when it counts.

What Makes REI Different (And Why It Matters)

REI isn’t your typical retail employer. Understanding what makes them unique will help you tailor your interview approach.

The co-op model: REI is owned by its members, not shareholders. This means decisions prioritize member and employee satisfaction over maximum profit. As an employee, you’re part of a community, not just a workforce.

Industry-leading benefits: Even part-time employees get healthcare after averaging 20 hours a week. You’ll get two paid “Yay Days” per year to go outside and play. Free gear rentals. Profit-sharing bonuses. Paid sabbaticals after 15 years. This isn’t normal in retail, and REI knows it.

Genuine commitment to sustainability: REI diverts over 90% of waste from landfills, has product sustainability standards for every brand they carry, and actively lobbies for public lands protection. They close on Black Friday so employees can go outside. These aren’t PR stunts; they’re core values.

Why this matters for your interview: When you understand what makes REI special, you can speak their language. Don’t just say “I want to work in retail.” Say “I want to work for a company where my values align with the business model” or “I’m excited about a workplace that genuinely invests in employees and the planet.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating it like any retail interview: If your answers could work for Target or Walmart, you’re doing it wrong. REI wants outdoor passion, not just retail experience.
• Faking outdoor enthusiasm: They can tell. If you’ve never been camping, don’t pretend you’re an avid backpacker. Instead, talk about your genuine interest in getting started and learning.
• Not researching the company: Walking in without knowing REI is a cooperative, what they stand for, or their major initiatives is a red flag.
• Giving robotic, overly rehearsed answers: REI’s culture is authentic and down-to-earth. Speak naturally and conversationally, like you’re talking to a friend.
• Focusing only on what REI can do for you: Yes, they have great benefits. But your interview should focus on what you can contribute, not just what you’ll get.

Putting It All Together

Landing a job at REI isn’t just about having retail experience. It’s about showing genuine passion for the outdoors, understanding their unique cooperative culture, and demonstrating that you’ll thrive in their values-driven environment.

The candidates who succeed aren’t necessarily the ones with the most experience. They’re the ones who authentically connect their outdoor enthusiasm with REI’s mission, prepare thoughtful SOAR Method stories for behavioral interview questions, and show they’ve done their homework on what makes the co-op special.

Take the time to visit a store, practice your answers out loud, and prepare questions that show genuine curiosity about the role and team. When you’re ready to apply, check out REI’s careers page to find positions that match your interests and experience level.

Walk in knowing that REI wants to hire you just as much as you want to work there. They just need to see that you’re the right fit.

Now get out there and nail that interview. You’ve got this.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a resource with proven answers to the top questions interviewers are asking right now. Check out our interview answers cheat sheet:

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