FAQ's

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about applying for a job at REI:

Q: What happens if I have mailed, emailed or faxed in a resume?

A: To be considered an applicant at REI, you must apply directly to an open position and meet the minimum qualifications for that position. For most positions, this means you must submit your resume directly to the posting on www.rei.com/jobs to be considered.

Q: If I have applied for a job opening using your online application, should I also send my resume to you via mail or fax?

A: No. It's not necessary to send a hard copy resume. Applying online is the best way to be considered for REI job openings.

Q: If I've applied for a job opening, how long will it be before I know if I've been selected for an interview?

A: You will receive an email confirming that you have successfully submitted your resume. If you are among the most qualified candidates and are selected for an interview, we will contact you generally within four weeks. We only contact those candidates selected for an interview. You will also receive an email advising you if we’ve moved forward with candidates that are a closer match to our requirements.

Q: Do I need to apply separately for each position I'm interested in?

A: Once you create your profile you can use it to apply for any posted position. We encourage you to apply online for each position you are interested in. Our recruiters work on multiple positions and we want to be sure you're considered for any position in which you're interested and qualified. You are welcome to update your profile at any time.

Q: I'm interested in learning how I can fit into your organization. Can I make an appointment for an informational interview

A: With current workloads we are unable to accommodate informational interviews but we encourage you to review our website where we provide information to help you learn more about our company and our culture.

Q: Do you ever have entry-level professional positions?

A: We have very few entry-level positions available to outside candidates at our headquarters. Because REI has a strong commitment to fill positions from within, these positions are generally filled internally by store, Contact Center and Distribution Center employees. We encourage candidates looking for either short-term or long-term career opportunities to apply for positions at these locations.

Q: Do you have internship opportunities?

A: We occasionally have internships available at Headquarters and in our retail stores. When they're available, we post the opportunities on our website or at specific colleges and universities.

Q: Do you have to be an expert outdoorsperson to apply for a job at REI?

A: No, it is not necessary to be an "outdoor guru" for many positions. It is important for merchandising positions and for positions where product knowledge is important, such as customer contact positions at our retail stores and for some Contact Center positions. We offer product training in all of our retail stores and in our Contact Center.

Q: Do you offer relocation services to candidates?

A: Yes, relocation assistance is provided for eligible positions in all our Divisions. Benefits vary based on position level. If you have a question about a specific position, your recruiter can provide more information during your interview process.

Q: I lost/forgot my user ID and/or password – What should I do?

A: At the log in screen select the forgot password link and follow the prompts to retrieve your user ID or reset your password.

Q: How do I sign up and/or stop receiving emails (Job Agents)?

A: To sign up for a Job Agent, log in to your profile and select the myJobAgent link, complete your locations, preferred job category and area of interest and submit your job agent in order to be notified about other jobs that meet your interests. You may submit up to 3 job agents. To stop receiving job agent notifications navigate to myJobAgent from your profile and delete the job agent you wish to cancel.

Q: How do I know that you have received my application?

A: You will receive an email advising you that you have successfully submitted your online application. If you’ve applied for a specific position, your application will be reviewed by the assigned recruiter.

Q: Why are your Distribution Center, Retail, and Contact Center positions usually part-time?

A: Distribution Center, Retail, and Contact Center employees often begin as part-time or seasonal workers. Our part-time schedules allow you to attend school, care for your family, or supplement your income. Retail volumes continually fluctuate and part-time schedules allow us to balance our business needs.

Q: When are your Distribution Center, Retail, and Contact Center positions available?

A: These positions are available during REI’s peak business cycles: February - March & July - November.

Q: Do you ever offer full-time work for hourly positions?

A: Selection for these positions is based on work experience and performance. Internal candidates are often given preference.

Q: When I apply to a job, sometimes it says "now accepting applications" and other times it can say "Now Hiring". What's the difference?

A: When we are actively hiring for a job at one of our locations, you'll see "Now Hiring" on REI.com/Jobs. But when we are not actively hiring, you can still submit an application for future consideration. When we do start actively hiring for that type of job, you'll already be in the queue and your application will be immediately available for review.

Q: I keep applying, why am I not contacted?

A: We receive a high volume of applications for all positions and unfortunately, our small recruiting staff is not able to contact everyone. It is a very competitive process and we are only able to contact those that are amongst the most qualified for the position. If you are interested in REI but do not have qualifications that closely align with the job qualifications please consider getting your foot in the door by starting out in our Retail stores, Contact Center, or Distribution Center.

Q: I'm not entry level, why am I not contacted for a professional level job?

A: It is a very competitive process where we often promote from within and we are only able to contact those who are among the most qualified for a position. If you are interested in REI but do not have qualifications that closely align with the job qualifications please consider getting your foot in the door by starting out in our retail stores, Contact Center, or Distribution Center.

Q: Do I need a cover letter?

A: While we do not require a cover letter, we strongly recommend that you include one with your application.

Q: Do you have any tips on interviewing at REI?

A: Yes! The following information should help you prepare for your interview.

Do research. Learn about the position and about REI before the interview. Read the job posting and other information about the company available on our website and in other media. Visit our stores. Talk to friends and acquaintances-you may find someone who knows something about REI.
Know yourself. Evaluate your skills and interests and know your career goals. Be prepared to discuss your strengths as well as your areas for improvement. Also, be prepared to discuss your salary requirements in your initial interview.
Be specific. During the interview, use specific examples from previous experience that demonstrates you have the required skills for the job.
Convey enthusiasm. We want to hire someone who wants to do the job. Communicate your interest and excitement about the job and the company.
Dress appropriately. We are a business casual environment. So, no need for a suit and/or tie, unless you're most comfortable in such attire.

Questions to ask yourself if you haven’t heard from us: