Sales Associate applicants have rated the interview process at Fastenal with 2.1 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 70% positive. To compare, the company-average is 66% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Sales Associate roles take an average of 13 days to get hired, when considering 78 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Fastenal overall takes an average of 12 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Fastenal as a Sales Associate according to 78 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 26%
Drug test: 18%
Skills test: 18%
Phone interview: 18%
IQ intelligence test: 5%
Presentation: 4%
Personality test: 4%
Background check: 4%
Other: 2%
Group panel interview: 2%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Fastenal (Arkansas, KY) in Nov 2012
Interview
Learned of the job from a Fastenal employee. Applied online and recieved a phone call from the area's DM about a week to 10 days later to set up a face-to-face interview. Interview was straight forward and very laid back (I'm guessing it probably depends on the DM's personality). Basically he walked me through the Fastenal wesite's career section and then asked a few basic questions. Very easy interview. About a week after that I was offered the position with the contingency of completeing there on the job training process.
My advice would be to dress nice, smile, know a little about the company/product, and be professional. It's an easy interview/job so if you do those things, you should get an offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Whats your knowledge of fasteners? Why Fastenal?
2. Are you comfortable making cold-calls?
3. Do you have any questions?
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Fastenal (Evans, GA) in Mar 2026
Interview
Three tier interview system, went smooth very nice and insightful went for full time role and got offered part time role. They do say most part time roles will turn full time after a few months but still debating on working there due to the low pay they offer which is a very big con for someone trying to find work out of college.
I applied online. I interviewed at Fastenal (St. John's, NL) in Jan 2026
Interview
I applied online, then received an invitation for a phone interview. A few days later, I got a call from the branch office to schedule an in-person interview. I didn’t receive an offer because I don’t have a full driver’s license.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What do you know about Fastenal? How did you apply to this position? What kind of experience do you have for this role? Do you have a driver’s licence?
The process was quick and easy if you show want to be good. They look for key characteristics. But also things change very quick here. So be prepared for things to take a turn for the worse sometimes.