How to apply for a job at Costco

Costco is known for its great hourly wages, solid benefits packages, and generous employee perks. To get a coveted job at Costco, it starts with an online application but requires follow-up and persistence — plus an inside referral can help. Here’s an overview of the online application and some practical tips on how to get a job at Costco.

Why you should consider applying to Costco

Costco is a great company for anyone looking to work full-time or part-time hours while receiving employee benefits. Whether you’re a college student, the family breadwinner, or looking to gain warehouse experience, Costco is an excellent place to work.

Costco also prefers to promote employees within the company — many people start as cashiers, for instance, and move through the ranks. So if you’d like to find a job that offers opportunities for growth, consider applying to Costco.

A step-by-step guide to applying for a Costco job

Are you eager to submit your job application and start your career at Costco? Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Visit the Costco job page

Visit the Costco website and scroll to the bottom of the page. In the “About Us” section, click on “Jobs.”

From there, you can see the following five Costco job departments:

• Warehouses, Depots and Other Businesses

• Regional and Home Office Jobs

• Information Technology

• Accounting

• Licensed Professions (Optometrists, Hearing Aid Specialists, and Pharmacists)

Once you’ve decided which department you’d like to apply for, you can explore the open positions in your area.

Step 2: Determine your desired position or location

When you’re ready to start an application, click “Apply Now!” near the end of the page. This link will bring you to an external page where you can begin the application process.

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You’ll have the option to apply to locations nearby or for a specific position. Additionally, you can view new and upcoming Costco locations in need of employees.

Step 3: Complete your Costco application

At a minimum, you must be 18 years or older and have a Social Security number to submit a Costco application. You must also create a username and password.

Next, you must add your contact information, agree to the pre-hire terms and conditions, and enter your availability and work preferences. For example, are you looking for 40 hours with weekends off?

While attaching a resume is optional, it’s best to include it on your application. If the hiring manager has any questions about your experience, they can refer to your resume to aid in their decision-making process.

Regardless of whether you submit your resume, the Costco application will ask for your education information and work history. You’ll also need to submit documents to verify your identity and ability to work legally.

Costco screens all applicants for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit — a program that provides companies extra benefits for hiring individuals from specific groups, like ex-felons or veterans.

Lastly, you’ll need to verify that you’re willing to take a drug test and submit to a background check before Costco hires you.

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Popular jobs at Costco

Here are potential jobs that are available at warehouse store locations:

• Cashier Assistant - Packs items into boxes, retrieves carts from outside, and stocks merchandise. In rare cases, they might perform aisle clean-up or run to get a different product for a customer.

• Cashier - Performs check-out, collects payments, and occasionally cleans the aisles. Is expected to provide excellent service for Costco members.

• Stocker - Stocks and organizes merchandise, clears and cleans aisles, and assists members (customers).

• Food Service Assistant - Prepares and sells food and drinks to customers, pulls and stocks supplies and ingredients, cleans the kitchen and eating area, and provides prompt and courteous member service.

• Bakery Wrapper - Weighs baked goods, adds labels, and maintains the bakery display.

• Service Deli Assistant - Assembles entrees, salads, party trays, and other prepared deli meats. This position is also responsible for creating take-and-bake pizzas.

• Membership Assistant - Instructs members and potential members about membership, warehouse supplies, and credit programs, offers members information on item availability, and assists with membership applications and card replacements.

While warehouse positions are the most commonly available jobs at Costco, they’re not the only ones.

Those who live near Issaquah, Washington, for example, can work at the Costco home office in IT or accounting.

In addition, Costco has multiple customer service lines that hire call center employees. If you’re interested in interacting with people but working in an office setting instead of a warehouse, consider becoming a call center representative.

Tips for improving your chances of getting a job at Costco

Costco is known for good pay, treating its employees well, and maintaining long-term staff members. That’s why job openings may seem to be less frequent and more competitive because, given the great benefits, full-time employees prefer to stay within the company.

New applicants will need to work hard to be considered for hire to receive exciting opportunities in this fast-paced team environment.

Here are three tips for making it to the top of the application pile:

1. Use your connections

Do you know any current or former Costco employees? If yes, then consider asking them to be a reference for your job application!

Since Costco prefers to promote within the company before hiring new people, an employee reference will set you apart from other applicants. Think about it this way: if the hiring manager knows your connection is a reliable, good worker, they’ll value their opinion, and you’ll have a higher chance of being hired.

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And remember: while your reference will help you get your foot in the door, you’ll still need to impress during the interview process.

2. Visit the store manager in person

A great way to make a great first impression at your desired Costco location is to introduce yourself to the store manager.

During your next trip to your store of choice, find out when the manager works and the best time to make an introduction. This can be as simple as saying, “Hi, I’m [name], and I recently applied for [desired position] at this location. I’ve shopped here for years, and I’m eager for the opportunity to work for this great company.”

Make sure to provide the date you filled out the job application online. If you make a good impression on the store manager, they’ll need that information to find your application in the pool of potential new hires.

Don’t try to call the store to check on your application status. Employees who answer the phone do not oversee applications and won’t be able to provide any information on yours.

Asking to speak to the store manager over the phone won’t help your application, either, as these individuals are typically very busy and likely won’t be available for a phone call. So your best bet is to make a quick, in-person introduction expressing your interest.

3. If possible, apply for multiple positions at once

While the Costco website will show all the positions that your desired location hires for, these jobs might not be open at the time of your application. That’s why applying for multiple positions and locations is beneficial.

Just keep in mind that since Costco only keeps applications for 90 days, you’ll want to avoid applying for departments that aren’t hiring. Otherwise, your application could sit in limbo until time runs out.

Take a look at additional tips and tricks for your Costco application and how to succeed during the interview.

Land a job at Costco today

If you’re hoping to secure a Costco job, find out what positions are available near you and visit the company’s website to apply. You can apply to multiple locations and positions at one time to improve your chances of becoming a Costco employee.

With Jobcase, applicants can find any type of job at any location. Sign up today to receive email notifications for new, immediately available jobs! Our Getting Hired Resource Center also offers a number of helpful tips and tricks for your job search.