Landing a job takes perseverance, diligence, and careful planning. A critical component on the road to landing your dream job in the auto career industry is the interview process. Nailing the interview doesn’t happen easily – and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It involves thoughtful preparation.
Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to guide and help as you get ready for the important interview process.
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
It’s easy to say, “Come prepared.” But what does that really mean? It means investing time to get a good understanding of the company. Start by visiting the company’s website. Read recent press releases, promotions and current offers. If the company has a social media presence (and you are personally engaged on those networks), start following the company. It will give you a good flavor for the company’s personality.
If possible, talk to current employees who hold the position you are interviewing for. For example, if you are interviewing for a customer service role, stop in a retail location and talk to a person who has this job. Find out more about what they do on a daily basis so you are equipped with a good understanding of what the role entails.
Finally, research your interviewer(s). Check if the person has a LinkedIn presence, and review their history and role with the company. Having a working knowledge of your interviewer is impressive in an interview setting.
2. A Willingness to Learn
Being willing to learn is a huge plus, as is acknowledging what you don’t know. For example, while automotive experience is a plus for many of our positions, it isn’t mandatory. Hearing from candidates who are willing to learn something new sets them apart from other candidates. Providing examples of how you stepped out of your comfort zone and learned a new skill in your work experience will “put your money where your mouth is.” These examples could also illustrate that you are eager to learn and grow in your career.
3. Future-casting
Candidates who ask about next steps within the company also stand out. Ask questions about career paths and progression within the company. Think of the position as a stepping-stone to the next one. What do you have to master within the job you are interviewing for to progress to the next level? Candidates should talk about their interests of upward mobility and goals, not just making the job a “stepping stone.”
4. An Understanding of Customer Service
As a service provider, many of our positions are client-facing. We are impressed when candidates take a moment to understand our commitment to world-class customer service, which they can understand by visiting our website or going to one of our stores. They should be focused on not just making a sale today, but making a sale tomorrow.
Come prepared with an understanding of how customer service plays a part in the role you are interviewing for. It’s also OK to ask questions in the interview setting to better understand the company’s philosophy on service. For example, ask about how much training is provided to employees in a customer service role. What does it entail? What are the expectations?
Candidates should discuss how they are qualified to be the best at their position and establish a regular customer base.
5. Dress for Success
Let’s face it: today’s world is casual. That can be OK – after you land the job and determine what your colleagues wear. Any potential candidate should be able to be a professional representation of the company. Dress for success.
6. Prepare for Personality Questions
Because we often hire for customer-facing roles, many of our questions are designed to establish a candidate’s communication style: their friendliness and whether or not they are down to earth. It’s important to be able to relate to customers, so let your personality shine through during the interview process.
Also, remember the rules of interviewing: arrive early, listen, demonstrate that you’re motivated and ask thoughtful questions. Bring your resume and have references handy. Don’t forget to visualize being in the role, and be honest with yourself. Can you see yourself there? Does the position sound like it will be a good fit for you? If you answer yes to these questions, hopefully these tips are valuable in helping you land that dream job. Good luck!
