Getting a job at the popular athletic apparel company Lululemon can seem daunting. With its devoted customer base and laidback workplace culture, many people aspire to work there. However, competition for jobs is fierce. The key is understanding Lululemon’s hiring process and setting yourself apart as an outstanding candidate.
In short, yes it can be quite challenging to get hired at Lululemon. Open positions receive hundreds of applicants eager to represent the brand. Candidates truly need to showcase their customer service skills, retail experience, and passion for the company’s mission. By thoroughly preparing for the multiple interview stages, highlighting relevant qualifications, and demonstrating their “Lululemonness,” prospective employees can stand out.
In this article, I will explain Lululemon’s distinctive hiring process and provide actionable tips to help land your dream job. Read on to learn insider secrets for getting noticed and proving you have what it takes to join this exciting company. With dedication and savvy planning, you can beat the odds.
Hiring Process of Lululemon’s
Lululemon prides itself on having an exceptionally thorough hiring process to find candidates that fit its culture. Getting a job offer requires clearing several hurdles along the way:
Step 1: Initial Online Application
- Opportunities posted on the company’s careers page or platforms like LinkedIn
- Requires crafting a compelling cover letter addressing Lululemon’s core values
- The resume should highlight customer service experience
- The personality questionnaire aims to identify a cultural match
Step 2: Group Interview
- Informal meet-and-greet in a retail store with manager and employees
- Discussion focuses on personal passions and alignment with company’s vision
- Tests candidate’s authenticity and ability to collaborate
Step 3: One-on-one interview with Store/Corporate Manager
- In-depth behavior-based interview questions on past experience
- Role-playing customer scenarios evaluates problem-solving abilities
- Questions about favorite Lululemon products assess product knowledge
Step 4: Reference Checks and Background Screening
- Speak to provided references on punctuality, reliability, and honesty
- Verify past employment and education history
- Check for criminal offenses
Step 5: Final Hiring Decision
- Select the best candidates that shone throughout the hiring process
- Consider availability, open positions, and overall cultural match
- Only 2-3% of applicants receive job offers
Tips for Getting Hired at Lululemon
Landing a job at Lululemon amid stiff competition is undeniably hard. But implementing these tips will help you craft a standout application and ace the interview:
1. Highlight Passion for the Brand
- Research the company history and community programs
- Know the names of popular styles and fabrics
- Speak authentically about how you embody company values
2. Prepare Retail Experience Stories
- Have intros that grab attention when speaking
- Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result)
- Quantify accomplishments like sales growth
3. Exude Positivity and Self-Awareness
- Display emotional intelligence and an optimistic mindset
- Be humble – talk about areas needing growth
- Ask thoughtful questions about company culture
4. Articulate Alignment with Core Values
- What makes you a great team player? How do you “Do the right thing”?
- Go beyond repeating the mission statement verbatim
- Share anecdotes that exhibit living the values
5. Have Retail Availability
- Most store positions require maximum flexibility
- Emphasize open schedule for days, nights, weekends
- Consider starting part-time to build trust and skills
Behind the Scenes: Lululemon’s Unique Hiring
Lululemon’s distinctive experiential hiring approach aims to uncover stellar candidates aligned with company culture. What makes their process so unique?
It Highly Values Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence – or EQ – refers to one’s ability to understand and manage emotions. Lululemon finds that candidates with higher EQ tend to thrive in their workplace culture. They excel at relationship-building, self-regulation, and empathy.
The group interview brilliantly tests a candidate’s EQ. In a circle of employees and candidates, the discussion focuses on vulnerability, passion, and dealing with conflict. Someone with high EQ will converse authentically, pick up on social cues, and collaborate effectively.
It Looks for True Brand Ambassadors
Rather than just skilled salespeople, Lululemon wants employees that organically endorse their brand. They seek candidates who live an active, mindfulness-centered lifestyle. Yoga participation is encouraged.
In interviews, managers probe a candidate’s genuine connection to the product and vision. They don’t want rehearsed pitches – they want authentic brand loyalists. Being an ambassador also means recognizing when customers need referrals to specialty stores.
It Requires Agility and Adaptability
The retail landscape evolves rapidly. Companies must be nimble to succeed. For this reason, Lululemon wants flexible team players comfortable with uncertainty and change.
The secret behind the famous red bags handed to candidates? It’s a test! Interviewers observe how people handle being surprised. Do they become frazzled? Curious? The agile candidates that embrace unexpected change are noted.
Questions They Might Ask in the Interview
Here are some questions you might expect to be asked:
General Questions:
1. Why do you want to work here?
2. What makes you the best candidate for this role?
3. What do your long-term or short-term goals look like?
4. Tell me more about your work experience
For Managerial roles:
- How do you incorporate Lululemon’s values into your everyday life?
For Sales Representative/Sales Associate Jobs:
- How would you handle an unhappy customer?
- Tell me about the best customer service you provided.
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with a coworker. What about a manager?
- Tell me about a time you saw a team member behaving in a way that was hurting the team morale or cohesiveness. How did you respond?
While Lululemon’s team-centric and value-driven culture attracts passionate candidates, landing a job requires clearing significant hurdles. Preparation and self-awareness are key. With concerted effort, you can show managers you have that special Lululemon magic they seek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do You Need To Work At Lululemon?
Lululemon places high importance on cultural fit over formal qualifications. However, all employees should have strong communication abilities, retail experience, and superb customer service skills. Some role-specific requirements may include a group fitness certification or special product knowledge.
Does Lululemon Promote From Within?
Yes! Lululemon strongly believes in investing in employee growth and promoting from within. Many store managers and corporate directors began their careers in entry-level sales or seasonal roles. By embracing self-development, demonstrating strong performance, and exemplifying company values, internal candidates build a strong case for promotion.
How Long Is The Lululemon Hiring Process?
It typically takes 1-2 months from initial application to final hiring decision. The early stages like resume screenings and group interviews progress quickly. More time-intensive parts are the in-depth personality assessments, reference checks, and coordinating with multiple department leaders to evaluate candidates. The lengthy process aims to carefully vet candidates for optimal culture fit.
Does Lululemon Drug Test New Hires?
It depends on the role. For corporate office positions, candidates will undergo multiple rounds of interviews before any drug screening. Retail store employees are more likely to receive drug tests pre-hire to comply with safety regulations for operating machinery. For all roles, employees are subject to reasonable suspicion testing.
What Should You Wear To A Lululemon Interview?
Aim to dress one notch above the day-to-day dress code of employees. Most candidates wear nice casual attire like polished dark jeans, a blouse/button-down, and smart sneakers or sandals. Showcasing Lululemon or other athletic gear helps signal your brand passion. Above all, wear something you feel confident and authentic in.
Conclusion
Getting hired by the coveted athletic company Lululemon is very challenging. However, implementing insider tips for navigating their distinctive hiring process can set you miles ahead of other applicants. Showcase your embodiment of Lululemon’s core values through chalk talks and scenario interviews. Highlight your genuine passion for their brand vision and community ethos. With preparation, perseverance, and a dash of namaste, you can manifest your dream job at Lululemon. What has your experience been applying to or interviewing with Lululemon? Share your story or outstanding questions in the comments below!