Car dealerships can be highly profitable places to work, offering salaries as well as commission-based pay. However, in order to land a job at one of these lucrative companies, you’ve first got to be able to ace the job interview!
The job interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and convince the dealership that you are the right fit for them. Speaking from my own experience, let me assure you – preparation is key, and it begins with understanding what to expect in a car dealership job interview.
This guide goes over some of the different types of questions you can expect to encounter in a car dealership interview. Plus, I’ll go over ways you can answer car dealership questions so that you land your dream job.
Type of Questions You Can Expect at a Car Dealership Interview
Stepping into a car dealership for a job interview might feel intimidating at first but remember, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. One of the first steps to preparing for any interview is understanding the types of questions you can expect.
Now, when it comes to a car dealership interview specifically, the questions are often categorized into three types:
- General
- Experience-based
- Scenario-based
Let’s delve deeper into each of these types of questions.
General Questions
General questions are commonly seen in almost every interview. These are meant to gather basic information about you.
A few examples of these types of questions include, “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why did you apply to our dealership?”
These questions let the interviewer get a sense of who you are and set the stage for the rest of the interview.
Experience-Based Questions
Experience-based questions aim to explore your past experience in a similar role or any other job that has helped you build skills that will apply to a position as a car salesperson.
You might be asked, “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer and how you resolved the issue,” or “Can you share your most successful sales experience?”
With your answers, interviewers will have a better understanding of what kind of background you have and how you might perform if you land the role.
Scenario-Based Questions
These questions project hypothetical situations that may occur while working at a car dealership and assess your problem-solving and on-your-feet thinking abilities. An example could be, “What would you do if a customer wants a car that’s out of stock?” or “How would you convince a customer to purchase additional features?”
Examples of Interview Questions at a Car Dealership Job Interview
Now that you know what the different types of interview questions you could be asked are, let’s start to look at some examples. This will help you know how to respond when you’re asked these questions in the real deal. I’ve also thrown in example answers for each question.
Remember, when you answer these questions, tie your answers to the requirements of the role, but also bear in mind to stay authentic and true to your experiences and aspirations. Practicing these answers and personalizing them to your history will help you to confidently present your qualifications, skills, and ambitions to the interviewer
“Tell me about yourself.”
Example answer: I am a highly motivated individual with a demonstrated history of success in customer-facing roles. Known for my communication and negotiation abilities, I have always thrived in environments that call for excellent relationship management skills. Over the years, I’ve developed a true passion for sales, particularly in the automotive industry.
“Why are you interested in this job?”
Example answer: Working as a car salesperson has always been my interest due to my passion for automobiles and sales. Being able to combine my interest in cars with the thrill of sales and forging relationships with customers would be an ideal professional fit for me.
“What are your strengths?”
Example answer: Through my past roles, I’ve developed strong sales and negotiation skills, along with excellent customer service abilities. I genuinely enjoy building relationships with my clients and helping them find the perfect car, which is why I believe I’ve been successful in my past roles.
“What interests you about car sales?”
Example answer: I’ve always been passionate about cars, and this passion, coupled with my interest in sales, makes car selling an attractive profession for me. I enjoy the thrill of securing a deal and the satisfaction that comes from helping customers find a car that suits their needs.
“What strategies do you employ to close a deal?”
Example answer: My approach focuses on building trust with clients and really understanding their needs and preferences. I make sure to highlight the features of the car that align directly with their expressed needs. I believe that creating a genuine relationship with clients can make all the difference in closing a deal.
“How do you handle a customer who isn’t satisfied?”
Example answer: I understand the importance of customer satisfaction in this industry, and I take any signs of dissatisfaction very seriously. My strategy is to listen actively to the customer’s concerns, empathize with their situation, and then find and propose a suitable solution. Sometimes, it may also mean involving a manager to ensure the situation is handled to the customer’s satisfaction.
“Tell me about a time you exceeded a sales goal.”
Example answer: At my previous dealership, I was given a target of selling 15 cars a month. Using strategic sales techniques and leveraging my focus on customer satisfaction, I consistently sold 20-22 cars per month. This achievement was one of my career highlights.
“How would you handle a customer who changes their mind after agreeing to buy a car?”
Example answer: I understand that purchasing a car is a significant decision, and it’s not uncommon for customers to have second thoughts. I would approach this situation by showing empathy and understanding. I would listen to their concerns, present alternative options if available, and ensure that they feel respected throughout the process. The ultimate goal is to make sure the customer is happy with their decision.
“Can you describe a time when you dealt with a disagreement or conflict in a work context and how you resolved it?”
Example answer: In my previous sales role, a colleague and I had conflicting ideas about the best strategy to increase sales. We both presented our ideas to our manager, but we couldn’t come to a conclusion. Rather than let it escalate, I suggested using both strategies in alternating months to compare their effectiveness. This resolution was accepted, and it led to both a spike in sales and better team cohesion.
“How do you keep up with vehicles’ features, specs, and trends?”
Example answer: Being well-versed with each vehicle’s features and the emerging trends in the industry is critical for this role. I stay updated by reading industry magazines, auto sections in newspapers, and online publications. I also attend webinars and auto shows whenever I can.
“What would you do if you failed to meet your monthly sales target?”
Example answer: Sales can be unpredictable, and it’s normal to have off months. If I didn’t meet my target, I would analyze the factors that contributed to this. I would identify areas for improvement, adjust my strategies, seek advice from more experienced colleagues, and remain optimistic to stay motivated for the coming months.
Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer at a Car Dealership Job Interview
As you prepare for an interview, always bear in mind that it’s not only the interviewer who gets to ask the questions. It’s in your best interests to ask some thought-provoking, insightful questions that will help you gauge whether the dealership is a good fit for you.
Asking questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company and that you’ve done your homework.
Remember, it’s not about how many questions you ask, but rather, asking the right questions that provide valuable insight into the dealership and your potential role within it. It’s important to stay engaged and respond genuinely to the interviewer’s answers; after all, this is as much an opportunity for you to interview the dealership as it is for them to interview you.
Here are a couple of potential questions you could ask your interviewer, as well as what each question will tell you about the company.
“How would you describe the work culture here at the dealership?”
This question allows you to understand the work environment you could potentially be entering. It also offers the interviewer a chance to share their experiences and insights, building a more personal connection during the interview.
“What are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?”
This question provides you with a better understanding of what the dealership is seeking in an employee. It also gives you the opportunity to reflect on how your skills and qualities align with what they’re looking for.
“Can you share more about the team I’d be working with?”
By asking this, you can understand the dynamics of the team you might be a part of. This gives you insight into what the culture is like at the company and whether or not you’ll enjoy working there.
“What are some big challenges facing the dealership, and how is the company addressing them?”
This question helps paint a picture of the current state of the dealership and its future. You could also include how your experience or skills could help the dealership overcome these challenges.
“How do you see this position evolving in the next few years?”
This question helps you gauge if there is room for growth and what potential career paths could look like.
Pro Tips for Answering a Car Dealership Job Interview Question
Now that you know what kinds of questions to expect at a car dealership interview, it’s time for us to talk about how to answer them.
When it comes to effectively answering a car dealership job interview question, there are certain strategies and techniques that can help you to showcase your skills, experience, and fit for the job in the best way possible.
Here are a few of those strategies that can help you ace your interview.
Use the STAR Method
First and foremost, I recommend using the STAR Method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach helps you to structure your answers in a way that clearly demonstrates your capabilities and achievements.
For instance, if asked, “Tell me about a time when you overcame a challenging situation in a previous sales role,” here is how you could apply STAR:
Situation: “At my previous job, there was a month when the dealership was significantly behind on sales due to a major competitor offering heavy discounts.”
Task: “As a member of the sales team, my task was not just to meet my personal sales quota but also to help the dealership recover from the slump.”
Action: “I conducted a brainstorming session with my team. We came up with a new sales strategy that focused on emphasizing our exceptional customer service and after-sales support instead of competing solely on price.”
Result: “Within one month of implementing our strategy, I exceeded my sales target by 15%, and our team was able to drive the dealership sales up by 25%.”
Answer Concisely and Accurately
Your answers should deliver key points without being overly lengthy. For example, if they ask why you want to work at their dealership, instead of elaborating about your personal life, focus on professional goals like, “I’ve always admired your dealership for its commitment to both quality and customer service. I believe that with my passion for cars and people-oriented sales approach, I could make a valuable contribution here.”
Ensure that You’re Answering the Question Actually Asked
Don’t veer off-topic or use the question as a stepping stone to talk about something else you think is important. Stay on track, listen carefully, and provide a relevant response. Genuine and attentive communication is always appreciated in a professional setting!
Seal the Deal on a Job at a Car Dealership
The journey to your career in a car dealership may seem challenging, but remember, confidence is key. The more confident you are, the more composed and articulate you will come across during the interview. How to build this confidence, you might ask? The answer is preparation. Understand that each question posed by the interviewer is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the job.
This pathway to your career may seem like a long drive, but let me assure you, with thorough preparation and a positive attitude, you’re already on the fast track to securing that car dealership job.
If you’re serious about landing a job at a car dealership, seize the opportunity for personalized preparation for your upcoming interview by getting in touch with our career coaches. Together, we can assess your skills, align them with your career goals, and craft strong, convincing responses to those interview questions.