Does Costco Drug Test on the first interview? Let’s find out!
As a customer, there’s a lot to love about Costco. Costco employees are pretty sweet on the big box retailer too, and for good reason—compared with other retailers, the pay, benefits, working conditions, and training are hard to beat.
Because Costco is such a great place to work, don’t ruin your chance to get hired because you didn’t prepare for the drug test.
Costco only hires applicants that pass a drug test. Drug testing has become, rightly or wrongly, standard practice among many employers. Companies cite productivity, health and safety, and insurance issues as the reasons they feel entitled to test candidates and employees for drug use.
While you may not be over the moon to find out that Costco carries out pre-employment drug testing, it’s important to understand that working in a Costco Wholesale store can be dangerous. By ensuring that they don’t hire problem drug users, Costco is actually keeping you safe.
Once you’re hired, you can also expect a drug test if you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and after a workplace accident.
Related Article: Does Costco Hire Convicted Felons?
What Type Of Drug Test Does Costco Use?
You’ll be asked to take a mouth swab drug test during the hiring process. But if the mouth swab is inconclusive, you could be asked to take a urine test.
You’ll also need to take a urine test if your state doesn’t allow oral fluid drug tests to be used for employment purposes, or if you’re applying for a driving job that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL). But the vast majority of Costco drug tests are mouth swabs.
A mouth swab test uses a swab to collect a sample of your saliva, then the saliva is checked on the spot for the presence of illegal substances.
Mouth swab drug tests are much easier to pass than urine drug tests because the substance detection window with a saliva sample is fairly short.
When companies use saliva-based drug tests, they’re really checking for problem drug use.
Because the substance detection window is so short, people who don’t have a drug dependency problem will have no problem abstaining for a few days so they can pass the test.
If an individual can’t abstain for a few days, then an employer assumes that the person probably has a drug problem, and would not want to hire someone with addiction issues.
Saliva tests also have a reputation for being intelligence tests first and drug tests second. Why is that?
Well, if a person knows that a drug test is a possibility but doesn’t stay away from drugs while they’re applying for a job, then it’s a display of their poor decision-making process and an indicator of a less-than-stellar intellect.
As a recreational drug user, you probably don’t want to work alongside people with drug problems, or with people who make poor decisions. In a fast-moving warehouse store environment, having coworkers like that would compromise your ability to get your work done in a safe and timely manner.
Does Costco Do Random Drug Testing?
No, there’s no random drug testing policy at Costco. Once you’ve passed your pre-employment drug screen, you won’t get tested again unless you’re suspected of being under the influence of drugs at work or if you have a workplace accident.
Reasonable Cause Drug Testing
If you’re at work and your manager suspects that you’re under the influence, you’ll be asked to take a drug test. Managers keep an especially close eye on forklift operators, so the slightest suspicion will result in a drug test.
Forklift operators have even been drug tested just because other employees made jokes about them being on drugs.
The usual reasons for a reasonable cause drug test include:
- Unsteady movements
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Smelling of drugs or alcohol
- Drowsiness or falling asleep
- Inability to follow instructions
- Aggressive or emotional outbursts
- Paranoia
- Excessive clumsiness
- Slurred speech
- Poor judgment
Some companies are known for their managers having a more relaxed attitude toward suspected intoxication. Costco is not one of those companies. You absolutely cannot show up for your shift with drugs in your system and hope to keep your job.
Post Accident Drug Testing
If you have an accident at work that causes injury to yourself or another person, or that damages merchandise or company equipment, you’ll have to take a drug test.
Employees report that incidents that result in damage below $100 don’t usually require a drug test unless the person involved shows signs of intoxication.
If an accident causes injury and you report your injury or require medical attention, then you’ll need to take a drug test.
A positive test result is grounds for dismissal and if you make a claim for workers’ comp, a positive test result could result in your claim being challenged and denied.
Which Drugs Does Costco Test For?
Costco uses an extended drug screening panel. You’ll be tested for the following substances:
- Opiates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines and methamphetamine
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Methadone
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
- Propoxyphene
If you use any prescription medications that could show up on the test, you’ll need to show a valid prescription for the drug or drugs you take, or your pill bottle or box with your name and dispensing date on the label.
Can You Use Medical Marijuana At Costco?
Costco has a drug-free workplace policy that prohibits the use of any illegal drugs including medical marijuana.
While many states have made medical marijuana legal, the drug is still illegal at the federal level and the FDA has not recognized any legitimate medical benefits of the drug.
Many employers, Costco included, use the federal classification, and prohibit medical marijuana.
Laws are in a state of flux over medical marijuana though and you should check if your state or city has passed legislation protecting the employment rights of medical marijuana users.
New York for example has legislation in place which prevents employers from testing for marijuana use, however, the law gives employers some wiggle room.
If state or federal laws require testing for a safety-sensitive position, then people can still be tested. And if employers are employing for positions that they deem safety-sensitive, then they can still test for marijuana.
Recent Entry: Does Ace Hardware Drug Test?
Does Costco Conduct Drug Test At The Interview?
You’ll usually be asked to take a drug test after your second or third interview, it depends on how many interviews your store is carrying out.
The drug test takes place at the end of the interview. You’ll be given the swab and told to keep it in your mouth for a few minutes. Then the swab is analyzed while you wait.
That’s the only pre-employment drug test you’ll need to take. You won’t have to take another test at your orientation.
Does Costco Drug Test Seasonal Employees?
Yes, they do. Every Costco employee has to pass the drug test there are no exceptions.
Costco hires seasonal workers throughout November, December, and January. This is a really busy period in retail and you’ll be thrown in at the deep end, but it’s a great way to get your foot in the door at Costco.
After your seasonal employment ends, you can apply for a full-time job and because you’ve already been trained by Costco, and hopefully have a good track record with them, you’ll have a very good chance of being hired.
Does Costco Drug Test In the UK?
So far we’ve focused on Costco in the United States, but Costco also has many stores in the UK.
Employment drug testing is rare in the UK, but Costco brought their American company policies with them when they set up operations in the United Kingdom. Because of this, you’ll have to pass a drug test as part of your pre-employment screening.
The screening process is carried out by a third-party provider and comprises a criminal background check, confirmation of your right to work in the UK, and a drug test.
Summing Up
Costco requires all applicants to pass a drug test. You’ll be given the drug test onsite after your second or third interview. The drug test is a mouth swab test that screens a saliva sample for the full range of commonly used illicit drugs.
Costco also uses reasonable cause drug testing and post-accident drug testing, however, there’s no random drug testing, and as long as you don’t give them a reason to carry out a drug test, you won’t have to take another drug test once you’re hired.
Previous Entry: Does Best Buy Drug Test?
FAQs
Does Costco drug test potential employees? ›
The laboratory shall first screen specimens. If the screen test is negative, the laboratory will report to Costco that the applicant or employee has passed the drug test. If the screen test is positive, the laboratory will analyze the applicant's or employee's specimen using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Do they drug test at Costco orientation? ›Does Costco drug test entry-level positions? Costco uses drug testing for hiring decisions and new employee orientations. A negative drug test is also necessary to determine if the candidate should be hired or not. Costco is dedicated to providing a sober and drug-free work environment for its employees and customers.
What is the hiring process for Costco? ›How long is Costco's hiring process? The Costco hiring process is between two to three weeks. The hiring process involves sending in an application with a great reference, at least one group interview and one in-person interview, an orientation week, and a drug test.
Does Delta 8 show up on drug tests? ›Delta-8 THC is a chemical found in cannabis with similar effects to traditional (delta-9) THC. Because delta-8 THC is similar to delta-9 THC, it can make you feel high and is likely to show up on a drug test.
How long is Costco probation? ›90 day probationary period where you can be fired for any reason (Saw the manager fire a new hire on the spot for texting).
What shows up on Costco background check? ›Costco doesn't just look at your criminal history during a background check. They'll verify other pertinent information, such as your Social Security number. This check is only to make sure you are who you claim you are — and that you're eligible to work. Costco also verifies your driving and motor vehicle records.
Does orientation mean you got the job at Costco? ›2 answers. If you are going in for orientation, it means you have successfully passed your interviews. Yes, you have the job. Yes, you might go in for 3 interviews prior to hire and then an orientation but rarely is anyone asked back for the second interview without the decision to hire already being made.
How long is a Costco orientation? ›Orientation is two days long, you watch videos in an office.
What are the perks of working at Costco? ›Costco offers health, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a 401(k) match. Costco pays 80% of the cost of insurance premiums for part-time employees and 90% for full-time employees. Many online reviewers compare the Costco employee benefits to Starbucks benefits.
How many interviews do you need to get hired at Costco? ›The Costco hiring process generally involves two rounds of interviews and a drug test which can all last about 2-3 weeks.
Does Costco do 2 interviews? ›
This process may involve speaking with an individual and answering some basic questions about your resume and interest in the position. In your second round interview, you may meet with your potential managers over a series of a few days, or possibly in one sitting.
How do I pass a Costco interview? ›The candidates should answer the Costco supervisor interview questions precisely, maintaining calm, composure, and a confident demeanor. Enthusiasm to work in a team environment should be exhibited in the interview as it is a much-needed quality to work in retail settings.
How long will delta-8 stay in your urine? ›Generally, Delta 8 can remain detectable in the urine or blood for as short as two days or as long as 30 days. Numerous factors can shorten or prolong the time it takes for your body to clear Delta 8 THC from your system completely.
How long will delta-9 stay in your urine? ›Occasional users may only have delta-9 detectable using a urine test for up to three days after consumption, while heavy or frequent users could have detectable levels of delta-9 in their system for 30 days or more.
Can you fail a drug test for Delta-10? ›Short answer: yes, they will. Delta-8 and Delta-10 are derived from hemp and they do contain THC, which will be flagged in most urine drug tests.
How many write ups before termination at Costco? ›Their policy is, if you get written up 3 times within 9 months for the same thing, you will get suspended. if you get written up 4 times within 9 months for different things, you will get suspended. They make it hard to get suspended. You have to be a joke to loose your job at Costco.
Does Costco have 90 day probation? ›The most stressful part of the job is the 90 day probation, but afterwards it isn't too bad. I work in the bakery, and the holidays were insane but the rest of the year is usually not too bad.
Can you apply to Costco if you were fired? ›Depending on the reason for being fired you can reapply a year after being fired.
What is Costco looking for in an employee? ›The company wants only high-quality products. It also expects high quality from its employees. Costco only hires people dedicated to providing quality customer service to members. Address the hiring manager: If you can find out who the hiring manager is, address them directly in your cover letter.
What is revealed during a background check for? ›The background check includes the following records searches: Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor (past 7 years, all counties, aliases, and maiden names revealed by a social security number trace), National Sex Offender, National Criminal Search, Education (highest degree), and Employment (past 7 years or previous two ...
What are Costco workers looking for when they check your receipt? ›
We do this to double-check that the items purchased have been correctly processed by our cashiers. It's our most effective method of maintaining accuracy in inventory control, and it's also a good way to ensure that our members have been charged properly for their purchases.
How fast can you move up in Costco? ›On an hour based ladder. Every 1000 hours or so is a raise that increases as you climb the ladder. Very often, usually between every 6 months you receive a $1.00 raise depending on how much hours you put into the company. How often do raises occur at Costco Wholesale?
What should I wear to Costco orientation? ›You don't need to dress to impress orientation at Costco means you're already hired. You can wear comfortable clothing. This isn't your first day at the job. Don't listen to these silly people to wear a dam suit or dress up, no one at Costco, even the managers don't wear this attire.
Is orientation your first day of work? ›Orientation starts on the first day of work and is more general in focus, welcoming new employees and introducing them to their new work environment. Onboarding is a much longer process, typically a few weeks or months, and is more job and department-specific.
What are typical Costco shifts? ›Costco employees typically work shifts ranging from five to eight hours per day. They also can work anywhere from early morning shifts to midday and evening shifts, depending on their availability and seniority in the company. Employees who have worked longer at Costco have the first choice for available shifts.
How many hours do you need to get a bonus at Costco? ›To qualify for the maximum base bonus, the employee must have been paid for at least 1,000 hours in the six-month period preceding April 1 and October 1. Bonuses are prorated for those paid less than 1,000 hours; the formula for the base bonus is thus: hours paid up to 1,000 ÷ 1,000 x maximum bonus amount. b.
How many hours a week do you get at Costco? ›Costco full-time employees
Full-time employees at Costco generally work traditional workweek schedules of 40 hours per week. The most common form of this would find a full-time employee of Costco working 8-hour shifts for five days each week.
Hourly pay at Costco Wholesale Company ranges from an average of $13.41 to $28.55 an hour. Costco Wholesale Company employees with the job title Warehouse Supervisor make the most with an average hourly rate of $23.93, while employees with the title Front End Clerk make the least with an average hourly rate of $14.83.
Do Costco employees get free stuff? ›Costco employees get free membership cards for themselves and their friends and family. “We get four free membership cards (including mine) with 2% cash back annually,” one long-time Costo cashier wrote on Quora. “[These] cards can be given to any family members or any friend of your choice.
Do all Costco employees get a bonus? ›Multiple Yearly Bonuses
Although this is a perk you only get after working for the company for a few years, it's a good one. According to Costco's website, "we provide twice-yearly Extra Checks (bonuses) for long-tenured hourly employees."
Who pays more Costco or Sam's? ›
The first, Sam's Club, pays employees an average of just over $11 per hour, and between 20-50 percent of its employees quit each year for various reasons. (I found conflicting data.) Costco, however, pays employees an average of $17 per hour and replaces between 6-20 percent of its employees each year.
How long does Costco take to hire after interview? ›The hiring process at Costco consists of several steps, consisting of an online application, phone screening, in-person interview, and pre-employment drug test. The average time it takes is one to six weeks, depending on the position you apply for. Some positions require applicants to pass an assessment.
What percentage of interviewees get hired? ›Currently, the average interview-to-offer rate is 47.5%—approximately 48 of every 100 candidates interviewed received an offer. For example, an organization meeting this benchmark interviewed 200 applicants and extended 95 unique offers; expressed as a formula, this is (95 /200) x 100 = 47.5%.
Does Costco do phone interviews? ›The Costco hiring process typically begins with a phone call to schedule a face-to-face job interview, which may include a question and answer session with one or more managers. Hiring personnel may dismiss candidates at any time during the interview process.
Do Costco employees get raises? ›Yes, Costco employees typically receive a raise each year. Most employees are offered a performance-based raise that takes into account the quality of their work, their job performance, and their overall contribution to the company.
Why do you want to work here at Costco? ›“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
What is a front end job at Costco? ›A typical day as an assistant revolves around Costco's members. You're often loading/unloading carts onto the belt for the cashier to ring. Pushing carts is something you do a lot as well. Another part of the job is putting away “go backs” or items that members didn't want/returns.
Why should we hire you example? ›For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed.
How long will 3 hits of delta-8 stay in your system? ›The half-life of Delta 8 THC has been reported as anywhere from 40 minutes to 7 hours. Delta 8 THC can linger in the body much longer than other metabolites and it is generally believed that Delta 8 remains detectable in the body for one to three days after consumption.
How do you flush CBD out of your system? ›Drinking more water will increase your urination levels, which will help CBD to be flushed from your body more rapidly. To pass a urine test, increase your water intake to between two and three liters of water a day before the test, and drink one to two liters a few hours before you take the test.
How long will 2 hits of delta-8 stay in your system? ›
In summary, delta 8 THC will remain in the system for about two days if you've only used it once or twice. If you take delta 8 often or in high doses, you may need to wait somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks to be cleared from the body completely.
How do you flush delta-8 from your system? ›Drinking plenty of water is the best way to flush delta 8 out of your system as quickly as possible. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush substances out of your body, including delta 8. Prioritize staying hydrated.
Which is stronger delta-8 or delta-9? ›Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is more potent than delta-8 and accounts for most of the THC that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, which makes it easy to extract, explaining why it's more commonly smoked. Delta-8-THC, however, is about half as potent.
Does delta-9 get you stoned? ›Delta 9 is a type of cannabis. It gets its name from the fact that it has 9 THC molecules. Unlike CBD, delta 9 THC is psychoactive, which means it can make you feel high.
Is delta-8 or delta-10 stronger? ›Delta 8 THC has been found to be more potent than Delta 10 THC because of the cannabinoid ratios. The potency of Delta 8 THC is based on the CBN content, which is another cannabinoid that provides psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC lasts longer than most other cannabinoids due to the CBN content.
How long does 1 hit of delta-10 stay in your system? ›Most users report that a vape product's delta-10 THC lingers in their body for 4-5 hours. However, peak effects occur within an hour of initial consumption.
Which delta does not show up on drug tests? ›Why will delta-8 make you test positive on a drug test? Drug tests don't test you for delta-9 THC specifically, they test for THC metabolites. Metabolites are created when your body breaks down any substance, and stick around in your body long after the substance itself is gone.
Does target drug test potential employees? ›The drug screen must be completed within 24 hours of accepting your job offer. Failure to complete a required drug screen in the allotted time may result in the withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment. Drug screens are managed by our vendor, Accurate Background.
Does Costco interview you? ›The recruitment process at Costco involves several stages, including the job application and the interview session that needs to be qualified to get employed by the company. The process can continue for two to three weeks from the job application to the final interview round.
Do they drug test you at Trader Joe's? ›No, there has never been drug tests.
Do Walmart employees get drug tested? ›
In addition, Walmart may require you to submit to drug testing, where permitted by law following certain on-the-job injuries or if there is reasonable basis to suspect you're under the influence of drugs.
Does Bath and Body Works drug test employees? ›No, basically no drug test at all. Bath and Body Works does not drug test. Does Bath & Body Works have a drug test policy? Not unless you are injured on the job and a report is filed and care is needed.
Does Old Navy drug test new employees? ›No, there is no drug test policy.
Do they drug test at Target orientation? ›Target does drug test future and current employees. Pre-employment and reasonable cause tests are the most common. Most Target stores will use a urine test and provide results within 24-72 hours. If you fail a pre-employment drug test, you can reapply in six months.
Which Costco positions pay the most? ›Hourly pay at Costco Wholesale Company ranges from an average of $13.41 to $28.55 an hour. Costco Wholesale Company employees with the job title Warehouse Supervisor make the most with an average hourly rate of $23.93, while employees with the title Front End Clerk make the least with an average hourly rate of $14.83.
Does Walgreens drug test you at the interview? ›Yes, Walgreens requires that the employees complete a drug test for employment as a part of the hiring condition. The drug test is usually conducted after the interview but before you start work at Walgreens. Walgreens requires you to submit to a drug test to complete the five-panel urine drug test.
Do you have to take a drug test for TJ Maxx? ›Yes. It's a drug free workplace.
Does Zaxby's corporate drug test? ›No they don't. hiring process is based off if they think you're a good fit, nothing really matters unless you're "cool" to the managers... While driving thru for a salad around 4 o'clock today i saw 2 young females waiting to be let in the back entrance. One young lady exhaled smoke and I didn't see a cigarette.
Does Dollar Tree drug test employees? ›No, Dollar Tree does not typically drug test. Most roles at Dollar Tree do not require a drug test for hiring; however, some management positions may require a drug test as a condition of employment. This would be a standard five-panel urine test at an approved third-party testing facility.
What shows up on an employee drug test? ›Typical drugs screened in a pre-employment urine drug test include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines, PCP, and opioids, with the option for employers to test for many additional substances.
Can you drink alcohol and work at Walmart? ›
No, Walmart does not drug test its employees.
Walmart has a drug and alcohol free workplace policy. The company is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and drug-free workplace.