I applied in-person. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Build-A-Bear (Modesto, CA)
Interview
This hiring process was pretty easy. I applied online and got a call back about a week later to come in for a group interview .
The group interview can range from2-7 candidates , but for the one I was in it was just me and another girl. I arrived early and had to fill out a paper application. In the group interview the managers asked questions such as why we would be a great asset to the company that we couldn't find in another candidate and what we knew about Build a Bear. Then the managers had two scenarios that we had to act out . The first was a group activity where we had to agree on accessories that would go with the bear. So for my group scenario where I had to work with the other girl we decided the Bear we got was male and we gave him a skater boy look. The managers use this activity to see how well you can work as a team. For the individual scenario we were asked to design a Bear for a guy asking his girlfriend to the prom. I picked out a Bear with a sparkly prom dress, shoes and a red rose. After that the managers asked a few more questions and then asked we had any questions about the company or the position.
If you pass the group interview the managers invite you back for a one on one. This interview goes more into detail about your work experience , education background and availability.Then after the one on one the mangers give you a questionnaire that you need to fill out online. After that the managers told me that they will review the group interview , one on one and the results , then a few days later I got a call saying they would like to offer the position and I accepted
Interview questions [3]
Question 1
What kind of Bear would you build for a guy that is asking his girlfriend to the prom?
What makes you an asset to this company that we wouldn't be able to find in another candidate ?
What do you know about Build a Bear?
Why do you want to work for this company ?
Basic questions, asked about sewing, experience with kids, knowledge on the company, days I’m free ect ect ect ect. Had a brilliant interview and got the job, would work there again if I didn’t move
Group interview and then 1:1 - was simple enough and felt very relaxed. Nice team and then found out about 1 week later. Was a Christmas temp job so was quite a lot of people there and wanting to apply
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Build-A-Bear (Toledo, OH) in Feb 2025
Interview
The interview takes 3 rounds: a phone interview, an in person interview where you fill out a survey then complete an interview, and a follow through interview. I was hired on the spot at my follow through, but process could be different.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you handle a mistake that you had to report to your manager?
Bear Builder applicants have rated the interview process at Build-A-Bear with 2.2 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 78% positive. To compare, the company-average is 67.1% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Bear Builder roles take an average of 13 days to get hired, when considering 95 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Build-A-Bear overall takes an average of 15 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Build-A-Bear as a Bear Builder according to 95 Glassdoor interviews include:
Group panel interview: 26%
One on one interview: 21%
Personality test: 13%
Background check: 10%
IQ intelligence test: 8%
Presentation: 7%
Phone interview: 5%
Skills test: 5%
Drug test: 4%
Other: 1%
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