How to Get a Job at AutoZone
Made up of more than 5,000 store locations, AutoZone operates the second largest automotive retailer in America. AutoZone provides a comprehensive range of car parts and accessories at affordable prices. Assisting everyday customers, the company employs more than 70,000 customer service representatives and other workers. Job hopefuls must submit all hiring forms and pass pre-employment assessments.
What AutoZone Looks for in Applicants
The company requests that applicants provide information regarding employment history and contact information, though some parts of the process may ask about educational qualifications, job skills, mechanical aptitude, and personal morality. Individuals with satisfactory qualities and qualifications will then be contacted to schedule a job interview with the desired AutoZone store.
Attitude, Dress, and Location
Even though AutoZone may be primarily a retail environment, the job interview still requires a decent amount of professionalism and a positive attitude. The event usually takes place at an AutoZone location, usually with the store manager and, in some cases, a district manager. While no typical dress code exists for the interview, applicants should still dress appropriately, usually in office attire.
Interview Questions
AutoZone interview questions usually gravitate toward expertise around cars, including repair procedures and part selection. Additional questions cover proper customer service skills and interaction with coworkers. Well-researched applicants may answer each question with confidence and knowledge.
Further Considerations
Additionally, candidates should use minimal research and attention during the interview to prepare a few questions to ask the interview conductor about AutoZone, including such topics as company culture, work environment, benefits, and career growth. After each interview, applicants should thank the manager for the opportunity to work and stay in touch to track hiring status.
AutoZone Employee Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
AutoZone Employee: My job title was a parts sales representative and cashier with AutoZone. Basically, that meant I would sell products, I would stock and face the store, which was making sure everything was organized in the store, unload trucks, and I would help customers with small tasks like batteries and windshield wipers.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
AutoZone Employee: The work environment was really friendly. It was very open. I could talk to my bosses about anything. It’s pretty easy going. They teach you how to do it, and it’s really learning by doing.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
AutoZone Employee: Typical day… usually, I would open or close. If I opened, I’d wait there, I’d walk inside, I would immediately check my register, I had to make sure that everything was counted right. I would make sure that the fridge was stocked, because customers like to get things. Then, once people were in, it’s pretty slow in the morning, so it’s more people coming in to buy things, like guys that are tinkering with their cars. But the middle of the day, it’s pretty hectic, so it’s everybody is behind the counter, and I’m looking up things on the computer, then I’m running to the back to go grab them. There’s usually a lot of batteries that people want to bring in to be checked or a lot of electrical questions. Then, by the end of the day, it’s pretty calm. Usually, two or three people would come in right when we’re closing, and that’s about it. You’re just stocking the store again.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
AutoZone Employee: The application was really simple. You filled it out on the computer. It was a little awkward, though, because you walked behind the counter, so people think you’re working there, when you’re just filling out the application. But, it was really straightforward questions. The questions were really easy. Same things you would put on a resume, and the interview was really comfortable. It’s just a one-on-one interview in a backroom. Just asking basic questions – why I want the job, what do I know about cars, and my experience.
Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
AutoZone Employee: I think the first thing my boss noticed was that I was very energetic, and I could explain things really well. He had to stop me a couple of times because my explanations were really detailed, and he’s like, “You’re very detail-oriented. I like that.”
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
AutoZone Employee: Anybody looking to work at AutoZone, I would say needs to 1.) know a little about cars, and 2.) pay attention to detail. Not that you won’t learn about the cars, but it does help if you know about basic models, if you know basic engine types, because a lot of the time customers come in and they don’t know. You might say, “I have an ’08 Charger,” and you have to think, “Ok, what’s the engine size,” because that matters. Is it a 2.6 as opposed to a 3.5? And that’s a big deal. So, that helps, and just being detailed, because if you don’t count your register right, it’s a very big deal.
britspeed says:
If you know a lot about the inner workings of cars then there is no better place to work. If you worked in shop or have done lots of home car repair then make sure you work that into your conversation. That is my best interview tip for autozone!
natalie williams says:
yes, i have done alot of home car repairs. when someone ask about a car problem i can tell them what the problem is or where to start the process of elimanation. very tool smart. parts smart,and computer savy
pat powell says:
i’ve worked in a shop and repair all my own cars and trucks.very tool smart and can be good at diagnosing car and truck repairs.
Jake says:
When you go to an interview for Autozone always have a positive attitude!
antonio white says:
What is the starting pay, or entry level pay rate?
Phil says:
I have been applying there for years… I come from a very decorated and checkered automotive back ground of over 25 years…
They have never even called me back…
SUCKS… I thought that they would be a great company to have an ending career with.
Alex D says:
Autozone interviews are very basic and to the point. They just want to get a feel of who you are and what your personality is like. In the interview we ask a little about yourself and get a grip of your knowledge and experience with cars. You will get asked questions on why you want the job and why you chose Autozone. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is think of the answers to the questions above, and come up with a positive way to respond to why you want to work for AZ. Your interviewing manager wont beat you up too much. Just keep your cool and give off a positive vibe. Remember that managers at AZ can’t focus enough on how their stores look, so if you want brownie points, tell them the store looks great and well stocked. That will put the manager in a good mood too. I was too in that interview chair, but I’m glad I stuck too it. AZ is a great company as long as you make yourself a good employee and get a good customer relation. Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile help someone in need. 🙂
diego says:
Can you still get a job if you don’t know too much about autos?
dave says:
depending on what the particular need at the time, often good customer service skills and an ability to learn can get you hired even though you may be lacking in automotive knowledge. for example, a candidate may not be very auto savy, but has experience in customer service or retail. many traits carry over that would be an asset to autozone. ie. do you know how to do plan o grams, have you ever done inventory, stocking, customer service, in many cases a particular manager may be over staffed with auto savy people but may be looking for a candidate that is strong in other areas.