I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at The Container Store (Indianapolis, IN) in Jan 2013
Interview
I applied and within a few weeks received an email inviting me to a group interview. This was followed up with a call inviting me to an individual interview about a week later.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
During the group interview, I was asked to discuss an organizing challenge that I face in my own life and then choose a product from the store that I thought would help me solve this problem. I was also asked to choose one word that I felt best described The Container Store and discuss my choice. The group interview was very low-key and informal.
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at The Container Store
Interview
My best advice to you is if you are serious about wanting to work there try to gain report with an employee. They get a bonus for recruiting you and you have a much better shot at an interview if they refer you. They have referral cards, but make sure you've spent a little time with them and they know who you are.
The first round is a group interview. Follow instructions, be on time, come prepared all of the usual things. They do have monthly group interviews even when they aren't actually hiring, but they will still say... we are always hiring great people. That's not really true but they will keep your app if you stand out.
The first interview is honestly more PR than anything. They show you a video of how great they are and tell you about all the reasons why you will love working there so by the end you are willing to jump through flaming hoops to work there.
If they are hiring and your schedule works out (you can work weekends and unload their trucks) they may call you back for another one on one where they can get to know you a little more.
I applied online. I interviewed at The Container Store (Brentwood, MO) in Sep 2013
Interview
They start with a group interview where they try to learn about the prospective employees and see how they interact with others. If you make it through the group interview they invite you back for a one on one.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The questions are not difficult, just be upbeat and willing to speak up.