Breaking into a company like Lululemon requires more than just submitting a strong resume. Known for its dynamic culture and emphasis on personal growth, Lululemon seeks passionate individuals who align with its values—regardless of whether their passions relate directly to fitness or wellness. Here’s an insider guide to help you stand out and secure a career at Lululemon.
1. Understand Lululemon’s Culture
Lululemon is all about community, connection, and personal development. Whether you’re passionate about running marathons, building businesses, or organizing creative events, the company values people who are intentional about their growth and invested in creating meaningful connections. They’re not necessarily looking for candidates who live the “Lululemon lifestyle,” but rather those who are enthusiastic and purpose-driven in their own unique ways.
A former Lululemon designer shared some valuable insight:
“The best tip is to leave the interviewer inspired. Show passion for your life, whether it’s creative pursuits, fashion, music, or otherwise, and be yourself. (Don’t pretend you do yoga.) Be fun, easy to talk to, relatable, and curious!”
2. The Hiring Process
The hiring process at Lululemon is thorough and multifaceted, designed to assess both skills and cultural fit.
• Multiple Interview Stages – Candidates can expect several rounds of interviews that can last 1-3 months, which often include group sessions and one-on-one interviews with managers.
• Behavioural-Based Questions – Many questions focus on real-life experiences and how you’ve navigated challenges. Be prepared to describe how you’ve contributed to a team, created positive customer experiences, or achieved personal goals.
The STAR-L Method
At Lululemon, the promotion process is notably rigorous, mirroring the comprehensive approach applied to external candidates. Internal applicants undergo an interview process that includes situational and behavioural questions, often evaluated using the STAR-L method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Learning).
This approach helps candidates structure their responses by outlining:
1. Situation – The context or background
2. Task – Your specific responsibility
3. Action – The steps you took
4. Result – The outcome you achieved
5. Learning – The lesson or growth from the experience
This method ensures a fair and unbiased assessment for all candidates, whether they are applying from within the company or externally.
3. Embrace Personal Growth and Goal Setting
Lululemon strongly encourages its employees to set and pursue personal and professional goals. This isn’t just a company perk—it’s woven into the fabric of their culture. Programs like Purpose & Practice and Mindfulon focus on helping employees live with intention and purpose.
When applying, share your personal goals and show how you’ve worked toward them. This demonstrates self-awareness, a key trait Lululemon values.
4. Networking Can Give You an Edge
Many Lululemon employees land opportunities through connections. Attend community events, follow Lululemon ambassadors on social media, and engage with their brand. If possible, connect with current employees on LinkedIn to learn about their experiences and gain valuable insights into the hiring process.
A simple message like this can go a long way:
“Hi Employee’s Name, it was great to meet you at (name of place or event). I’d love to learn more about your experience and any advice you have for someone looking to join the team.”
Building relationships can help you stand out before you even submit your application.
5. Showcase Leadership and Initiative
Lululemon values self-starters who take initiative. Highlight moments when you led a project, introduced a new idea, or contributed to a team’s success.
If you’ve:
• Organized a wellness event
• Created content around mindfulness, fitness, or personal growth
• Led a team, even in a small capacity
…these are great ways to showcase leadership.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Lululemon interviews are a two-way conversation. Show genuine interest by asking about the team dynamic, company culture, or even how they personally define success at Lululemon.
Some strong questions to ask:
• “What do you love most about working at Lululemon?”
• “What qualities make someone successful in this role?”
• “How does the company support employees in reaching their personal and professional goals?”
This demonstrates curiosity, engagement, and a strong cultural fit.
Tips to Stand Out
• Be Authentic – Whether your passion is fitness, photography, or community-building, lean into it. Lululemon values candidates with authentic stories and genuine enthusiasm for their pursuits.
• Showcase Your Community Contributions – Whether you’ve built a community through your passion or led a creative project, demonstrate how you’ve brought people together.
• Understand the Brand – Familiarize yourself with Lululemon’s products and initiatives. This will help you connect with interviewers on a deeper level.
The Bottom Line
Landing a role at Lululemon requires thoughtful preparation, a deep understanding of their culture, and a willingness to share your personal journey. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, staying true to your passions and focusing on personal growth will make you stand out as a candidate.
Need more career advice on breaking into top companies? Check out more posts on Style Nine to Five.