20 Arc’teryx Interview Questions and Answers

Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor clothing and sporting goods company founded in 1989. The company produces clothing and equipment for climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.

If you’re applying for a job at Arc’teryx, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Arc’teryx interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Arc’teryx Interview Process

The interview process at Arc’teryx can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two interviews – one phone screen and one in-person interview. For some positions, there may also be a take-home assignment. The interview difficulty can vary depending on the role you are interviewing for. Overall, the interview process is relatively smooth, although some candidates have reported being ghosted after sending follow-up emails.

1. When was the last time you went hiking?

Hiking is a popular activity in the Pacific Northwest, and many people who work at Arc’teryx enjoy getting outside for some fresh air. This question helps employers learn more about your outdoor experience and whether you’re familiar with the company’s products. If you’ve never been hiking before, consider going on a short hike to get an idea of what it’s like.

Example: “I love hiking, but I haven’t done much since moving here. The last time I went hiking was when I visited my sister in Seattle. We hiked Mount Rainier together, which was amazing. It was so beautiful up there, and we got to see all sorts of wildlife. I would love to do that again someday.”

2. What is your experience with Arc’teryx products?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with Arc’teryx products and how you use them. If you have used Arc’teryx products in the past, describe what they are and how you used them. If you haven’t had any experience using their products, it’s okay to say so and explain why you’re interested in working for this company.

Example: “I’ve never owned an Arc’teryx product before, but I am very familiar with their brand. My brother has been a fan of Arc’teryx for years, and he always talks about his favorite pieces. He recently bought a new jacket from the Norvan series, and I was impressed by its quality.”

3. Do you have any experience working in a retail environment?

Arc’teryx is a retail company, so it’s likely that you’ll be working with customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable doing so and have experience interacting with people in general. If you don’t have any retail experience, think about other customer service jobs you’ve had. Try to find one that has similar duties as the job you’re applying for.

Example: “I worked at my local coffee shop throughout high school and college. I was a barista there, which means I made drinks and served them to customers. It taught me how to interact with different types of people and gave me some basic customer service skills. However, I’m excited to learn more advanced techniques.”

4. How would you handle an upset customer?

Arc’teryx is known for its excellent customer service, so employers may ask this question to make sure you understand the company’s commitment to customers. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills and empathy to help an upset customer feel better about their experience with Arc’teryx.

Example: “I once worked at a clothing store where we had a lot of upset customers. I learned that it was important to listen to what they were saying and try to empathize with them. If someone is upset, it usually means they are having a bad day or have been waiting too long for something. By listening to them and trying to relate to their situation, I can often calm them down and get them on the right track.”

5. Are you comfortable using technology to track inventory and sales?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience using inventory management software. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or training you’ve had with this type of technology and how it helped you in previous roles.

Example: “I am very comfortable using technology to track inventory and sales, as I’ve been doing so for several years now. In my last role, we used a program called Salesforce that allowed us to keep track of our inventory, sales and customer data all in one place. This made it easy to see what products were selling well and which ones needed more attention. It also helped me learn more about different types of customers and their needs.”

6. Why do you want to work at Arc’teryx?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about Arc’teryx that interests you or what drew you to apply for the position.

Example: “I want to work at Arc’teryx because I am passionate about outdoor sports and love the idea of creating high-quality products that people can use in nature. I also really admire your commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. I think those values align with my own.”

7. Tell me about a time that you were able to successfully upsell a product or service.

Upselling is a sales technique that involves offering customers additional products or services to increase their overall purchase. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience selling more expensive items and how you would approach the situation. In your answer, explain what product or service you sold and why it was successful.

Example: “In my previous role as a retail associate at an outdoor equipment store, I had a customer who came in looking for a new backpack. They were interested in one of our most affordable backpacks but wanted to know if there were any discounts available. I told them about our student discount program and showed them some of our higher-end backpacks that they could use the discount on. The customer ended up purchasing the backpack with the discount.”

8. Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects at once, how did you prioritize them?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous work experience to show that you are organized, efficient and able to meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as a graphic designer, I was responsible for creating marketing materials, social media content and website designs. I used project management software to keep track of all of these projects at once. This helped me stay on top of due dates and ensure that each project met its requirements. It also allowed me to delegate some smaller tasks to other team members so I could focus on larger projects.”

9. Provide an example of a time where you worked on a team project and there was conflict, what did you do?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in any job, and working with a team can be especially beneficial when you’re applying for a position at Arc’teryx. Employers ask this question to make sure that you know how to work well with others and resolve conflict. In your answer, try to explain what steps you took to solve the problem and highlight your communication skills.

Example: “In my last job as a sales associate, I had a coworker who was very competitive. This person would often brag about their sales numbers and compare them to mine. It got to the point where it started to affect our relationship. One day, I decided to talk to them about it. I told them that I didn’t want us to be enemies but that I wanted to focus on helping customers instead of competing with each other. They apologized and we were able to move forward.”

10. What are your thoughts on the current state of the outdoor industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your knowledge of the industry and how you feel about it. This is an opportunity for you to show that you are passionate about the outdoor industry and understand its current trends. You can use this question as a way to share your opinions on what’s happening in the industry, but make sure to keep your answer positive.

Example: “I think the current state of the outdoor industry is exciting. There are so many new brands and products coming out every day, which makes it fun to be part of this industry. I also love seeing all of the different types of people who are getting into hiking and backpacking. It’s great to see more diversity in our community.”

11. Have you ever been to Whistler before?

This question is a great way to see if you have any experience with the company and its products. If you haven’t been to Whistler, it’s okay to say so. You can talk about another mountain town or ski resort that you’ve visited in the past.

Example: “I actually haven’t had the opportunity to visit Whistler yet. I grew up skiing at a smaller resort in Colorado, but I’m excited to try out some of the more challenging runs here. I love being able to push myself and learn new things while on the slopes.”

12. What are some things you like to do outside?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your personality and interests. They want to know if you’ll fit in with their company culture, so they might ask questions like this one to see what hobbies or activities you enjoy. In your answer, try to mention something that shows a unique quality about yourself.

Example: “I love hiking and camping. I’ve been going on backpacking trips for the last five years, and it’s become my favorite hobby. It’s nice to get away from technology and spend time in nature. I also really enjoy rock climbing. My friends and I go to the local gym every week to climb. We’re all getting pretty good at it.”

13. Can you tell us about a time you made a mistake?

Employers ask this question to see how you respond to mistakes. They want to know that you can learn from your errors and grow as a person. When answering, it’s important to be honest about the mistake and explain what you learned from it.

Example: “When I first started working in retail, I was so excited to help customers find exactly what they were looking for. One day, a customer came into the store asking for a specific item. I told them we didn’t have any more of those items in stock but offered them an alternative. The customer became upset with me and left the store without making a purchase. After that experience, I realized that sometimes there is nothing I can do to make a situation better. Now, when someone asks for something specific, I let them know that if we don’t have it, there isn’t anything else I can offer.”

14. What do you think it means to be a Product Guide?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s culture and values. It also gives you an opportunity to show how you can be a valuable employee by using your skills, experience and education to help others.

Example: “I think it means being someone who has a passion for the outdoors and wants to share that with others. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, so I know what gear works best in different conditions. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my outdoor experiences, which is why I decided to pursue a career in this field. I would love to use my expertise to help other people find the right products for their needs.”

15. As a Customer Service Representative, how would you respond to a customer who asked for a discount?

Customer service representatives often have to deal with customers who are upset or dissatisfied. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle these situations in a professional manner. In your answer, explain that you would try to find a compromise that makes the customer happy while also maintaining company policy.

Example: “I understand that sometimes people want discounts because they feel like they deserve them. However, I would tell them that we cannot give out discounts unless it’s on sale items. If they still insisted, I would offer them an alternative solution such as a gift card so they could use our products at a later date.”

16. We’re looking for someone who can help us grow our social media presence. What would you recommend we do to increase engagement?

Social media is an important part of many businesses, and Arc’teryx wants to make sure you know how to use social media effectively. This question allows you to show your knowledge about the company’s current social media presence and demonstrate that you can help grow it.

Example: “I think one way you could increase engagement on social media is by using more visuals. People are drawn to images, so I would recommend posting more photos and videos to Instagram and Facebook. Another thing you could do is create a blog or newsletter where you share tips for outdoor enthusiasts. You could also start a podcast where you interview other experts in the field.”

17. How much do you know about technical fabrics?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s products. If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position, it’s likely that you won’t have much experience with technical fabrics. However, if you are applying for a more senior role, you may be expected to know about the different types of materials used in Arc’teryx clothing. In either case, make sure to do some research on the company’s website or speak with someone who works there to learn more about their fabric offerings.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different kinds of technical fabrics during my time as a seamstress. I find that each material has its own unique properties and benefits. For example, nylon is lightweight but durable, while polyester is water-resistant and quick-drying. Wool is warm but can be heavy, so it’s best for cold weather activities like skiing.”

18. If hired as a Project Manager, what tools would you use to keep yourself organized?

Project managers need to be organized and able to keep track of multiple projects at once. This question helps the interviewer determine how you would manage your time as a project manager for their company. Use examples from past experience where you used tools or software to help you stay on top of deadlines, organize client information and more.

Example: “I have found that using an online calendar is one of the best ways to stay organized. I can add important dates, such as due dates for projects, meetings with clients and other important events. I also use my email inbox as a way to keep track of emails between me and my team members. I find this method helpful because it allows me to quickly search through all of my communication history with each person.”

19. What do you think makes a good leader?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you would apply them to a new role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss what qualities you think make a good leader and how those relate to your own strengths.

Example: “I believe that a good leader should have strong communication skills, as well as the ability to motivate others. I am always looking for ways to improve my communication with team members and encourage others to do their best work. In my last position, I was promoted to lead a group of interns on a project, which helped me develop my leadership skills even more.”

20. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to sell something?

This question is a great way to test your sales skills. It can also help you determine if the company you’re interviewing with has specific selling techniques they use. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what you think is most important and how you would apply that in your role at Arc’teryx.

Example: “I believe the most important thing when trying to sell something is to make sure you understand exactly who you are talking to. You need to know their needs and wants so you can tailor your pitch to them specifically. I’ve found that by doing this, I’m able to get more people interested in my products.”