REI Job Application
New here! Looking for advice on getting hired at my local REI (as a prospective college student)
Hello everyone! I’m looking for some advice from current or former REI employees. I’ve been unemployed for a bit and am really eager to get back to work—ideally at REI.
I’m an avid outdoorsman (cycling, former cross-country runner, and camping), so I have a lot of passion and general product knowledge for the environment. I applied online in the past with my resume and was told someone would follow up, but I never heard back. I shop at my local store occasionally and have gotten to know a few of the employees over time.
I’m starting college in a few days to study HVAC, which may end up taking a couple of years. I have a few questions for anyone who has worked there:
- Does REI hire college students for multi-year, part-time roles?
- Is it better to apply strictly online, or should I walk into the store with a hard copy of my resume?
- What is the best way to approach managers or position myself to stand out?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It’s a tough job market right now, but I’d love the opportunity to share my passion for the outdoors and help out customers. Thanks in advance!