We believe in recognizing great performance. Tell me about what motivates you to excel and how you like to receive recognition for your efforts.

"I am an over-achiever and find that the best way to be recognized for a job well done is through words of kindness and affirmation. I appreciate when my supervisor or management notices my effort and takes the time to say something positive about it."

Your interviewer is curious about what motivates you to put your all in and keeps you looking forward to coming back to work. For some, it's the culture and work environment. For others, it's what that company stands to offer their career, driven by their ambitions and opportunities for growth from within. CarMax has defined their culture as being focused on nurturing a positive work environment and a strong team. As they state on their website, "Our values guide everything we do. We invest in our associates and provide opportunities to grow."

"As a sales professional, I am driven by contests with a financial incentive. Sales contests, for example, are a great way to motivate me. And I find myself working toward those goals to earn extra income for myself and my family."

This position requires a flexible schedule, as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

"I take an evening college course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I would not be available those days after 5 PM. Other than that, I am willing to work any shift I am assigned."

The role of a retail associate at CarMax may require the flexibility to work a wide range of hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split shifts. Prepare for your interview and thoroughly read through the job description. If your interviewer throws this question your way, and the schedule expectations for the position are unclear, only then seek clarification. As CarMax advertises on their careers website, "In addition to competitive compensation, we have hours that fit your life. A schedule you can rely on." Go in with realistic expectations and assure the interviewer that you are flexible. If there is anything in your schedule that may hinder your availability, be sure to address it upfront.

"I understand that this role will include working evenings, weekends, and holidays. I am available to work anytime and happy to work overtime."

This position requires you to wear a uniform to work. Share with me any concerns you might have regarding this policy.

"I have worn a uniform for work at restaurant XYZ and when I was a retail manager for company ABC. I believe that a uniform can provide consistency and improve the perception a customer might have. I have seen the uniforms worn by the retail employees at CarMax and they are always neat and clean and demonstrate a very professional experience. Not to mention, there are many options, so it seems it would feel less like a normal uniform so I could let my personal style shine."

Those who wear the CarMax uniform are their brand ambassadors. The uniform makes them easily identifiable by their customers, so they know who to turn to when expressing their needs. Prepare for this question by researching their uniform options. Check out their merchandise store, where you can shop for unique uniform items from jackets to shirts to hats to facemasks. As they state, "Something for everyone, let your personal style shine!" Share your experiences with wearing a work uniform while recognizing their value in the workplace.

"I think that uniforms are a great way to provide a feeling of unity in the workplace, and it makes getting ready for work that much easier! I have worn uniforms in my previous job, and I would have no issue wearing one here."

We believe in innovation in the buying experience. Share with me how you would feel about going to someone's home to present or deliver a vehicle.

"If I had a customer who preferred not to come to the dealership location, I would offer to bring the vehicle to them, so they could see it, drive it, and decide if it was right for them. I like having diversions from time to time and would do whatever I could to help my customers in their purchases."

One of CarMax's core values states, "Go for greatness. We are industry disruptors, then & now! We relentlessly improve and innovate! We Drive What's Possible!" CarMax has stayed competitive during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering curbside purchase and delivery. But this service existed before the pandemic, reducing the inconvenience of traveling to a dealership and then getting home. Therefore, this position may require you to drive to someone's home and present their vehicle to them. Reassure the interviewer you'd take every opportunity to go the distance and make every guest comfortable.

"I have always believed in going above and beyond my customer's expectations. I would have no issue driving a car to their home or place of business so that they could look the car over and test drive it. Often, clients don't have the time to visit several dealerships, and with more and more customers shopping online, I see this service as a natural extension of that."

Tell me about a time you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.

"When managing our weekend shift last year, I noticed a pretty solid opportunity for us to save on overtime hours. I created a presentation and gave it to my manager, who took it to upper management. The changes were implemented, and I was proud of my suggestion."

While CarMax advertises that they pride themselves on finding innovative ways to meet their customers' needs, they recognize the way they get there is through their employee culture. CarMax advertises that they are committed to valuing every employee's contributions, "Our commitment: We support a culture of integrity, where every associate is welcomed, supported, and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds."

When offering suggestions on making changes to an organization, it is crucial to have a full view of the big picture before volunteering any suggestions. So make sure whatever example you offer your interviewer showcases the careful thought and research you put into your idea, and highlight the value of your contributions. Choose an example that benefitted the company, your teams, or the big picture and not your own professional career.

"When I began my most recent job at a family-run shop, the owners operated based on trust and didn't have a loss prevention plan. I suggested we install cameras inside the store to deter anyone from stealing. So far, we have seen a 56% decline in the overall loss."

What is your dream car?

"If I were to answer honestly, it would be Tim Burton's Bat Mobile from the Michael Keaton Batman Movies. I have always loved the Corvette Stingray from the 1970s, and I remember that they took that car and tricked it out to make it into the Bat Mobile. So that's the car I would want, but only if it had an operating jet in the back. How about you?"

This question is a fun ice breaker, designed to get you out of interview mode and test how your personality fits into their culture. Have fun with this, and let your personality shine through. This is an opportunity to make yourself a more memorable candidate.

How do you balance your personal life with your work life?

"I go running and jogging a lot. It centers on me and helps me create a bridge between my work life and personal life. I've run in the CarMax Richmond Half Marathon twice now. Of all the marathons I've run, I have to say that I love the historic Richmond course, the locations it takes you along, and course support."

CarMax emphasizes contributing to their employees' Work/Life balance. "Here, work/life balance is more than a saying. It's our goal to help you create the life you want to live with the opportunities you deserve. It's more than a job; it's a plan to make your best life happen." Not only are they interested in how you manage your time and keep your personal life or issues from bleeding into your work life, but they are also interested in how you keep yourself from bringing out and maintaining a certain level of job satisfaction. In other words, if they are going to invest in your work/life balance, they want assurances you will make contributions to this same effort.

In sales, first impressions count. Tell me about what you might do to make a good first impression.

"I have always been a person who prides myself on my appearance. Having the right appearance is very important. I believe in always wearing a clean uniform and having my name tag displayed. I keep my hair cut and my beard trimmed because you never know what a customer is thinking, and I want to get things started on the right foot. I would never report to work looking sloppy or unshaven. The customer's first impression can often set the tone for the entire sale."

Your interviewer wants to know whether, as a representative of their brand, you would be 'on-brand.' You never have a second chance to make a first impression. So thoroughly familiarize yourself with CarMax's brand. As they state on their website, "We have our customers' backs. We treat everyone with respect. We strive to deliver the best product and experience. We value integrity above all else. Our customers: We put integrity and transparency at the heart of every interaction with you, whether that interaction is online, on the phone, or in person. We are committed to bringing clarity to each decision you make so you can feel confident about buying the car you love - and enjoy the ride while you do it."

"I approach every customer warmly and sincerely. I let them know that I have integrity and that I have their backs. I treat everyone with respect, from eye contact to shaking hands."

We strive to value the distinct personalities of our team members. Tell me about yours.

"I would describe my personality as confident and energetic. I am not afraid to approach a customer or initiate a conversation with them."

Your interviewer is not only curious about how well you will fit into their work culture; they also want to know what kind of unique offerings you would bring. As they advertise on their website, "At CarMax, every associate is welcomed, supported, and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds." Your personality will play a part in whether the interviewer believes you would be a good fit for the CarMax team. Talk to the interviewer about your nature, what your coworkers have said about you, or what praise you've received in previous performance reviews. This is an opportunity to open up and let your personality shine.

"I am a confident communicator, and I'm very friendly! I love engaging new people in conversation. My last boss, Teresa, always described me as a go-getter; I enjoy challenges and pushing myself to achieve new goals."

Take me through your experience in retail. Tell me about your favorite and your most challenging position and explain your reasons.

"I have worked in retail for the past eight years. My most challenging position was with Company ABC. I found it challenging because it was a different industry than I was accustomed to. I learned a great deal during that time. This position was also my favorite because I was constantly exposed to new things. I like to be pushed beyond my boundaries."

Your interviewer is curious how well you'll fit the mold of their culture, which is well-defined on their website. "Love working with customers? Our store associates are the ones making real-world connections, and we want more individuals that bring that passion to every potential car owner. We'll set you up to develop skills and relationships." CarMax places a lot of focus on creating great customer experiences. Walk your interviewer through your previous customer service experience, highlighting your favorite and most challenging positions.

"While I haven't yet worked in a customer-service environment, I'm excited to start! I love learning new things, especially when it comes to working with and serving other people. In college, I worked at a writing lab where I helped younger students correct their essays and prepare for English exams. That experience taught me how to listen to people's needs, practice patience, and develop tools to help frustrated students feel at ease. I think that these kinds of experiences will help me adapt to your company."

We firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Share with me your career goals with us.

"I would be very excited about obtaining a role in leadership within CarMax in the future. I have always considered myself a natural-born leader and a great coach. I'm confident that my hard work and commitment to positive customer experiences will make me well-suited for a leadership position in the future."

CarMax has consistently been listed as a 'Best Place to Work.' This is partly due to the advancement opportunities from within and the training they offer their employees. As they advertise on the career's webpage, "Shape your career and your future! We don't believe your career defines you. But we do believe you have the power to define your career. Discover your passions and pursue your dreams with tailored training, mentorships, and opportunities to grow." Take some time to explore the opportunities they detail on their website, or explore other positions you are not yet qualified for but align with your career goals and plans.

"One of the things I've discovered about CarMax is their commitment to ongoing training for their employees. I believe that a great way to show how valuable I am is to take advantage of any educational opportunities I can get. I love to be exposed to new ideas, and I look forward to having a chance to thrive in this kind of culture."

What do you hope to learn from this job?

"I want to lay the foundation for the rest of my career with this position. I hope to hone my already strong skills in sales and customer service."

Before your interview, examine your five-year career plan and the milestones and goals you hope to achieve next. Then determine how CarMax is uniquely positioned to help you achieve those goals. "We focus on innovation! Innovation and disruption are how we began, and they are part of the CarMax DNA. To this day, we encourage our associates to explore their curiosity and relentlessly pursue bold, new ideas for delivering experiences that are not only great, but iconic." Review the job description, research their company, and set realistic expectations for what you hope to accomplish with them. Doing so will showcase your determination and strong work ethic through how well you've prepared for this interview opportunity.

"I hope to gain stronger skills in communication and customer service. I understand that retail can be challenging because of the multiple personalities you are faced with daily. I believe this will help my confidence to grow and my sales skills as well."

We have been listed as having one of the best training programs in the country. What training would you like to take advantage of?

"I would welcome any opportunity to learn new skills. I love what Carmax says about helping shape your career in ways you haven't even imagined. Eventually, I would like to be considered for a management position should the company feel I have warranted it. I hope to be promoted to management or even a corporate position."

The interviewer is trying to assess if you might be considering a career with CarMax rather than just a temporary position until something better comes along. Reassess your career goals and determine how your career goals are aligned with a career at CarMax. Examine the keywords they incorporate into their value propositions, and if able, naturally weave them into your vocabulary. For example, here is a value proposition from their website: "On the road to success! Put your career in gear and make an impact on the industry. Receive ongoing training and development in a climate-controlled environment. We're committed to helping you innovate, learn, grow, and shape your career in ways you haven't even imagined." This will reassure your interviewer that you are eager to demonstrate your abilities and cross-train in other areas.

"I believe in training. In my previous position, I was responsible for training our new employees, so I understand how important it is. I look forward to working with a company that is always striving to help their employees grow."

A lot of our customers prefer to shop online. Share with me any skills you might have communicating on social media.

"My most recent position allowed me to create videos about our company and the products we offered and put them online. I have a YouTube channel with over 500 subscribers. In addition, I was constantly connecting with clients on my smartphone so they could have all the information they needed to make good decisions about their purchases."

CarMax was one of the first companies to initiate online shopping and purchasing in the car business. Because more individuals are shopping online in today's market, the interviewer needs to know you are comfortable with technology. Depending on the position you are applying for, "you'll handle a wide range of customer interactions, via the phone, online, text, and more. Helping customers to easily find and finance the cars they love is what this is all about." Regardless of whether this applies to the role you are competing for, showcase your knowledge or experience with every facet of the CarMax business model.

"During my exit interview at my last job, my manager, Samantha, told me that she valued the way I kept our store's Instagram account up to date and relevant. She mentioned that my leaving would greatly impact their social media presence. I enjoy working with social media and would be happy to take on some social media responsibility here."

Much of your time will be on the phone conversing with clients. Tell me about your comfort level using the phone.

"In my previous position, we were required to make 50 calls per day to customers. I learned some great skills in how to initiate conversations with complete strangers. I am sure CarMax has a script they would like their employees to learn, and I have no issue doing that."

As they state in their job postings, "Ensuring today's customers can buy the vehicles they want in a way that suits them means offering support during every step of the journey. You will be the vital link between a customer's at-home and in-store CarMax experience, providing a simple and seamless process. Responding to sales leads and customer inquiries, you will drive traffic to CarMax stores to ensure each customer finds the right vehicle for them. We've become the nation's largest retailer of used cars due to our honesty and transparency, and those same traits will help you succeed too."

Depending on the position you are competing for, you may be required to phone clients you've never met who have expressed interest in a vehicle online. Your interviewer is trying to assess your confidence in your skills and ability to step outside your comfort zone. How you answer will indicate whether you exhibit the traits they're looking for -honesty and transparency - while feeling comfortable responding to sales leads.

"I believe calling customers is an important part of building your book of business. In this day and age, customers prefer texts, but I have no problem calling potential clients and sharing with them what great vehicles Carmax has to offer."

Describe how you feel about the role of communication in the sales process.

"Because so much of sales is communication, I believe that I have to be able to think on my feet and persuade the customer about the value of what they are considering. I like the thrill I get when I can share information with the client."

Your interviewer is trying to gauge your professional communication style, experience, and skill level. The sales environment at CarMax is fast-paced. How you answer will reveal whether you are an active listener who can identify your customer's pain points and needs, as well as your negotiation and persuasion skills. "At CarMax, we ensure customers can buy the vehicles they want in a way that suits them. That demands a special kind of sales consultant: one who takes time to build relationships with customers to understand their true needs." Describe your communication approach with clients and those you collaborate with on your teams.

"I am energetic and positive in the way I communicate with others. One of my strengths is taking the information a guest shares with me and helping them recognize the value of what we offer. Sales involve persuasion. I can communicate well without being pushy or making others feel uncomfortable."

"I infer that I have to be able to communicate in a manner all the time with clients and shift my point perspective to their lifestyle and current emotional status consider all and persuade the customer of the quality and value of the product that they are considering buying."

Share with me what you know about CarMax.

"Your company was founded in 1993 as a division of Circuit City and currently has locations in 41 states, selling over 750,000 vehicles in 2021. You were the first auto dealership to offer a trade-in guarantee, a no-hassle buying experience, and even online marketing. It would feel good to work at a company like CarMax that values innovation."

You'll want to showcase your work ethic by revealing how well-researched and equipped you were for your interview. Start by familiarizing yourself with their core values and mission statements. Then go deeper than what CarMax offers about themselves on their website, such as, "CarMax is the nation's largest retailer of used autos, driving integrity and transparency in every interaction, wherever they are." Learn about the company's history and humble beginnings, such as how it began as a concept developed by the executives of Circuit City in 1991 and was then known as "Honest Rick's Used Cars."

"I was very impressed that CarMax has been nominated as the Best Place to Work by Forbes magazine on more than one occasion. In addition, you have been recognized as having the best training by several business magazines. I have always wanted to work for a company that values its employees in ways that CarMax does."

We are listed as a top 100 company to work for. Tell me what you know about our organization.

"I bought my last car at CarMax, and the experience was excellent and hassle-free. I would love to bring the same respect and fun I experienced to other customers. In addition, I noticed that CarMax is consistently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, so I look forward to experiencing that culture as an employee and team member."

Your interviewer is curious whether this was a driver for you pursuing an opportunity with them and whether the research you performed on their company revealed this fact. They recently celebrated 18 years of making Fortune's Top 100 Best Places To Work list. So go into your interview prepared with this information, and further determine what makes them such a great place to work, year after year. Comb over the CarMax website and get a feel for their identity and brand. Impress your interviewer with your company knowledge. For example, CarMax advertises, "We focus on our people. For nearly two decades, we have been a Fortune 100 Best Company to Work For, and it's because we truly value our people."

"As a former member of the U.S. Navy, I appreciate CarMax's dedication to hiring former service members and making the transition from military to civilian life seamless. I know that the values I learned in my service align with the values of CarMax: integrity, teamwork, respect, pride, and commitment to care for people first and always doing the right thing. I plan to bring those same values to work each day."

Who are our direct competitors?

"There are a few other home delivery used car dealerships out there, but I feel like Carvana is the only real competitor, but they still don't come close to CarMax. Part of what makes CarMax so successful, in my opinion, is the culture they've created as such a great place to work. When you have a happy workforce, their happiness comes out in everything they do, especially when they love what they do. And when you love what you do, you deliver the best customer experience. That customer experience makes you rise above your competitors, which is why CarMax is ahead of the game."

Considering the unique offerings CarMax has as a home delivery based used car retailer, there are only a few other business models in the market. Among them are Carvana, Vroom, and Shift Technologies, though there are others. When answering this question, focus on how CarMax rises above their competitors.

As a salesperson you will be responsible for handling sensitive customer information, such as a credit application. Tell me about your comfort level with this and some of the ways you might protect that information.

"I have had my identity stolen, so I know how important it is to keep things like social security numbers away from prying eyes. I would be careful about not leaving these kinds of things out in the open for anyone to see. I would never give out the information to anyone except my supervisor or a finance director who might be communicating with a bank."

Your interviewer wants to make sure you'll "Do the right thing. We value integrity above all else." In this age of identity theft, a customer's private information must be handled with great discretion and care. Share with the interviewer that you recognize this and are willing to take extra steps to protect any private information you are entrusted with.

"In my previous position, there was a huge fine if our supervisor caught us leaving out private information on our desk. I learned how important it is to make sure that everything is in the right folders and that this information is kept locked so that no one has access to it."

Do you have reliable transportation?

"I have a well-maintained vehicle, and I am comfortable with the amount of travel required to get to the store every day. In fact, I bought and sold my last few cars through CarMax."

In many states, it is illegal for an interviewer to directly ask if you have a car. This question is designed to navigate around that question and determine whether you would be reliable and have a strong attendance record. Additionally, it may offer them a clue whether you are a CarMax customer. The best brand ambassadors started as customers themselves. So this is another way of them finding out if you have a car and whether you bought or sold through CarMax before. Taking these above points into consideration, answer this question any way you feel comfortable doing so.

"I take public transit and find it to be very reliable. I was late to work only once last year due to a snowstorm that stalled all of the employees' commutes -- including those with personal vehicles. Rest assured, I am reliable and will always come to work on time."

In our retail stores, we take pride in our merchandising and displays. Do you believe being creative in a workplace is important? Why or why not?

"I have a strong creative flair and enjoy designing attractive displays. In my previous position, I was required to put up the new ad posters that the company would send us each month. It was fun getting the items hung and displayed. I always tried to get our team pumped about the new promotions."

Your interviewer is curious about the range of your sales and marketing experience regarding merchandising and displays. From clean windows to a swept parking lot to perfectly parked cars lined up aesthetically, share your knowledge of the psychology behind what makes people buy. As CarMax says on their website, "Ready to love what you do?" So share your passion for your field and the manners in which you have showcased your creativity at work in the past. Show them that you love what you do.

"I have always loved being creative, and I do not doubt I could promote any advertisement or incentive that CarMax might have to offer. In my previous position, I was always coming up with ways to help get our message out to our customers. I often worked with our social media manager to offer ideas and collaborate on projects."

CarMax makes a positive impression on its guests by following up with them after the sale. Tell me about how you believe you could do that.

"I have always believed when a client initially declines, it is because the salesperson did not build enough value in the product they were presenting. I take rejection as an opportunity to reassess what they need so that I can present a fresh approach to them. I am not afraid to ask for the sale more than once if needed."

CarMax takes customer care and customer satisfaction seriously. Your interviewer is trying to assess your diligence in developing and maintaining relationships with your customers, ensuring the potential for repeat business and future sales. So spend time familiarizing how CarMax approaches this through their branding, and identify keywords from their website that you could incorporate into your answer, such as Caring, Coming Together, Helping Others, Integrity, Transparency, and Doing What's Right.

Here is a value proposition they offer on their website, which could prove useful when formulating your answer to this question; "The heart of who we are: Caring for others comes naturally. Making sure our customers have the best experience at every touchpoint is just part of who we are. We're also a collaborative community that cares about each other. Making connections starts with you. We believe that coming together and helping others is an important part of working at CarMax. If you join our team, you'll join a culture of transparency, integrity, and an unwavering focus on doing what's right for each other, our customers, and our communities."

"I believe in staying in contact with my clients even after they have made their purchase. Since no one knows what the future holds, they might need a vehicle sooner than they anticipate, and when they do, I want them to think of me. In my previous job, I always sent out thank you cards right after the sale and sent texts regularly to ensure they were happy with our service."

At CarMax, you might encounter a customer with a complaint or an issue. Describe a time you had to handle a difficult situation with a customer.

"I know that as much as we strive to meet or exceed customer's expectations, there are times when that doesn't happen. I believe that being a good team member means not only abiding by all of the rules and policies of the company but living according to their values while attempting to solve a guest's problem. I've been in situations in the past where customers were angry with me or the company, but I have found that if I listen patiently, do not take their criticism personally, and work with them to find a solution, then most of the time they leave satisfied that someone cared."

As a CarMax employee, you'll come across a wide range of personalities, and some customers will prove more challenging to deliver outstanding service than others. Assure the interviewer that you can handle any situation with poise, being well-equipped to make every customer happy while protecting the assets and reputation of the company. As CarMax puts it, they are "committed to positive impact. Our success today is only possible due to our associates who deliver our exceptional customer experience and live our values every day." Consider this value proposition when formulating your answer.

"I believe most customers just want someone to hear their complaint. In my previous position, when a guest was upset, I remained engaged and understanding toward them. If I could solve their issue without violating company policy, I tried to do so. If I couldn't find a solution to the problem personally, I would work with my manager to make sure the customer left happy."

Share with me your experience providing great customer service.

"I believe the customer is the reason any company is in business. I have always strived to treat each guest with respect, professionalism, and courtesy throughout my career. I noticed that one of the core values of CarMax is to build lasting relationships with its customers, and I look forward to having the opportunity to do just that."

CarMax is an industry leader in providing a flexible buying experience for the customer. They were one of the very first automobile dealers to provide a hassle-free buying experience by offering transparent pricing and an online presence. Their goal is to create a positive experience for each customer, whether in person, on the phone, or over the Internet, ensuring their customers can buy vehicles in a way that suits their needs. As quoted by Bill Nash, President & CEO of CarMax, "We never stop innovating on behalf of our customers. The relentless efforts of all 25,000 associates nationwide, coupled with the significant investments we've made in technology and digital innovation, enable us to deliver an iconic experience the way only CarMax can."

Your interviewer is curious about how your work ethic and values align with theirs. How you answer will indicate how well your professional experience has prepared you for this role and how well it aligns with their business model. Discuss with the interviewer your values and how you ensure your customers receive the best service from you in a way that aligns with their culture and values.

"I ensure that my customers' needs are met by actively listening to them. I believe that each time I am in front of a guest or on the phone with them, they should receive my very best. I try to be upbeat, energetic, and engaged throughout the buying process."

What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?

"My current sales position is highly commission-based, so my colleagues and I are quite competitive. Even when we're competing, we have a great work environment where we help each other when someone is struggling to meet their quota. We were constantly trying to motivate each other to be successful. The result has been a positive work environment with healthy competition."

CarMax may present you with opportunities for friendly competition with your coworkers and other stores in your district and region. Tell the interviewer about your experience in competitive environments, whether that was racing others to achieve the highest sales, working towards a promotion, or trying to win a new contract. Show the interviewer that you rose to the challenge and were excited to push yourself to be the best. Showcase good sportsmanship while embracing their values and delivering a positive customer experience. It is a definite plus if you cheered on your competitors and helped them along the way. Be sure to mention any successful outcome.

"Last year, I worked at a high-end jewelry store where sales goals were intense; each morning, a large board in the conference room kept track of our progress. One of the ways I motivate myself is to know how I am doing vs. the other sales consultants in the company. I won salesperson of the month 7 out of 12 times, and the company rewarded me with a plaque and several gifts. It was great."

We need reliable people on our team. Discuss any issues that might prevent you from working here on a consistent basis.

"I've never skipped work without a good reason, and I always make sure to call in with plenty of advance notice so that my coworkers and managers are prepared to cover the shift. I've never had an unexcused absence from work."

Your interviewer is curious whether you are looking for long-term employment and if you will have any conflicts, such as plans to move, being in the military reserves and knowing you'll be deployed soon, or plans to go back to school full time. Keep in mind their core values of integrity and transparency. If you have such conflicts, it is best to be upfront with them. Otherwise, showcase that you are reliable and have a strong attendance record and highlight some of your time management skills to drive this point home. They're looking for signs of whether you are a respectful team player.

The art of sales is a process, taking the customer from the point of contact to purchase. Tell me what you believe a good sales process might be.

"I believe the sales process begins by making a good impression and trying to build rapport with the client. Then, a sales consultant must learn the customer's needs, present the best product to meet those needs, and persuade the guest of the value. After a decision to purchase is made, the salesperson should walk with the guest as they sign contracts and take delivery of the car. Finally, a good sales consultant stays in touch with the client to ensure the customer was completely satisfied."

The interviewer is trying to determine your sales experience, skill level, and track record for success. Be open about how you guide a customer, from the point of initial contact to the final sale, through to the follow-up. If you are unfamiliar with the basic sales process, take a moment to research it online before the interview. A good understanding of the 'Road To The Sale' will go a long way to helping you prepare for your interview with CarMax.

Here are some descriptions of what they are looking for in their ideal candidates, as detailed on their website and job descriptions; "Driven by the desire to provide an iconic customer experience. At CarMax, we ensure customers can buy the vehicles they want in a way that suits them. That demands a special kind of sales consultant: one who takes time to build relationships with customers to understand their true needs, good listening skills, a strong customer focus, and a high level of self-motivation. Join us, and you will help each customer purchase the right car, not the most expensive one. Assist customers in finding a vehicle that meets their needs. Guide customers every step of the way, from sale or appraisal to test drives and arranging financing applications. Bring us your ability to connect with people and build relationships, and we'll help you succeed."

"I believe that the art of sales is a step-by-step process. It begins with greeting the guest and ends when they take delivery of their new car. I always want to help my customers make the best possible decisions about what meets their needs. I have learned not to rush through the process just to get a sale."

As a sales consultant, you will meet a diverse group of clients. Tell me about a time you encountered a person who was different than you and what you did to overcome those differences.

"I am a person who wants every customer to have the best experience possible. In my previous position, I encountered different cultures all the time and even made friendships with some of my customers; I believe that I would have no issues here."

CarMax advertises that they are "Committed to positive impact. Our associates are key to providing an iconic experience where every customer feels welcome and valued. Our success today is only possible due to our associates who deliver our exceptional customer experience and live our values every day." As in any retail environment, you'll engage with a diverse group of clients. Your interviewer is trying to assess your cultural competence, whether you experience difficulty overcoming bias and preconceived notions, and whether these would hinder you from delivering an outstanding customer experience. In other words, they want to make sure you can effectively represent their brand according to their values.

"I have always loved to work with people with different backgrounds than my own. I feel as if this allows us to learn about each other and promote understanding. I found that one of the best ways to build a relationship with a person is to get them to talk about their culture."

We are an industry leader in used car sales with over 225 locations across the nations. Tell me about your sales experience.

"In my previous position, I was selected as the salesperson of the month several times. I believe that a good salesperson has some pep in their step and is willing to engage the customer so that they can best meet the customer's needs and wants. I look forward to the opportunity to show you what I can do."

CarMax is looking for vibrant, energetic, and capable sales consultants. The interviewer is trying to assess your ability to greet and engage your customers while presenting the car so that the customer will understand its value. This is a great opportunity to share the sales skills that you might have utilized in a previous position.

"As a salesperson, I love to build value in the product I am presenting, helping the customer learn new things. I believe in building a strong rapport with the client while investigating their needs and wants so they leave satisfied and happy."

Tell me three qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position.

"I have a lot of qualities that transfer well into a retail-based position. The top ones would include my strong organization skills, ability to converse with anyone comfortably, and solid work ethic."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if your skills and personality align with their values and work culture. How you answer could indicate whether you would be a complementary fit to their teams. CarMax advertises that part of what makes them one of the top 100 best places to work is that they are consistently "feeling the love. Being a great place to work is less about the place and more about the people. Our associates are at the heart of everything we do." Demonstrate how your personality meets their needs. You want to communicate that you've identified that this environment is just as well suited to you as you are to them.

"I am dedicated, professional, and honest. I think I am a dedicated person because I believe in doing the job to the best of my ability every day. I would say I am a professional because I conduct myself in a manner that does not embarrass myself or cause the company any issues, and honest because I believe in telling the truth and treating the customer and my co-workers in an open, positive, and straightforward manner."

In this position, you will likely be exposed to different management styles. Tell me about your favorite supervisor, and explain why they were your favorite.

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. One of my favorite supervisors was my boss at XYZ. He was fair, a great communicator, and was willing to offer praise publicly and criticism privately. I always enjoyed the kind of example he was to his team."

Your interviewer wants to know how well you would work with their style of leadership and whether their unique approach would effectively be able to motivate you in your career with them. They are also curious how well you get along with this in positions of authority. According to several online sources, one of CarMax's core competencies is 'courageous leadership,' where they place a lot of emphasis on the daily work experience through cognitive empathy. Their leadership teams strive to be in tune with how each member of their team is doing, how they can improve the work experience, identify their growth opportunities, mentor them and deliver feedback, and foster creativity and innovation.

"In the past, I have worked best with managers who were strong leaders. I love to learn and am motivated by a manager who will allow me to ask questions without feeling threatened or interrupted. One of the best managers I ever had was a supervisor at my previous position who was a great teacher and leader."

We like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond.

"During my previous position, we had a client who could not come to pick up their item during normal business hours. I volunteered to stay afterward, as we needed to help them. They came about 30 minutes after we had closed, and they were very grateful for my willingness to stay and help them."

At CarMax, they advertise that "to this day, we encourage our associates to explore their curiosity and relentlessly pursue bold, new ideas for delivering experiences that are not only great, but iconic." So your interviewer is curious about what lengths you go to deliver an 'iconic' experience. How you answer will inform them of your work ethic and whether you do more than the bare minimum or go beyond your usual day-to-day expectations. So when you answer, demonstrate that your standard is above and beyond, and the bare minimum is below your standard.

"Just yesterday, I had a customer make a purchase, and I noticed that she was struggling with her belongings. She had a stroller, a couple of kids, and a lot of bags to carry. I offered to help her to her car, and she gratefully accepted. It felt excellent to go above the call of duty that day."

What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus commissions. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

Do some research to determine what salary you can expect from a position at CarMax, and use your current earnings and projected earning in your current position over the next year as a starting point. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise. Also, familiarize yourself with the benefits they offer and where they match or are lacking compared to what you currently receive. Anything that lowers your cost of living can equate to income. For example, they advertise they offer competitive compensation, with hours that fit your life and a 401K match. Some benefits they say you may be eligible for include "Health Coverage, Car Discounts, Paid Time Off, 401K, Pet Perks, and Tuition Reimbursement."

"I am currently making $22/hour with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth. Does CarMax have any merit-based bonuses or pay-scale increases?"

We have a strong employee honesty program in order to prevent loss. Describe what you would do if you witnessed a theft by a teammate.

"My reaction to employee theft would differ if I were a retail associate or a manager. If I were a manager and caught an employee stealing, I would terminate them immediately. If I were an associate, I would report the incident according to company protocol. I would avoid approaching the employee, as I would not want to make it a personal issue."

CarMax takes loss prevention and employee theft very seriously. They want to know you embrace their values and fit into their "culture of integrity. We put integrity and transparency at the heart of every interaction. Do the right thing. We value integrity above all else." Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle such a situation or how you've handled issues surrounding employee theft in the past.

"Honesty is one of the values I adhere to in my own life. If I saw a co-worker stealing, I would tell my manager immediately and allow them to deal with the matter as they deem appropriate."

CarMax Interview Questions

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1. We believe in recognizing great performance. Tell me about what motivates you to excel and how you like to receive recognition for your efforts.
2. This position requires a flexible schedule, as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?
3. This position requires you to wear a uniform to work. Share with me any concerns you might have regarding this policy.
4. We believe in innovation in the buying experience. Share with me how you would feel about going to someone's home to present or deliver a vehicle.
5. Tell me about a time you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
6. What is your dream car?
7. How do you balance your personal life with your work life?
8. In sales, first impressions count. Tell me about what you might do to make a good first impression.
9. We strive to value the distinct personalities of our team members. Tell me about yours.
10. Take me through your experience in retail. Tell me about your favorite and your most challenging position and explain your reasons.
11. We firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Share with me your career goals with us.
12. What do you hope to learn from this job?
13. We have been listed as having one of the best training programs in the country. What training would you like to take advantage of?
14. A lot of our customers prefer to shop online. Share with me any skills you might have communicating on social media.
15. Much of your time will be on the phone conversing with clients. Tell me about your comfort level using the phone.
16. Describe how you feel about the role of communication in the sales process.
17. Share with me what you know about CarMax.
18. We are listed as a top 100 company to work for. Tell me what you know about our organization.
19. Who are our direct competitors?
20. As a salesperson you will be responsible for handling sensitive customer information, such as a credit application. Tell me about your comfort level with this and some of the ways you might protect that information.
21. Do you have reliable transportation?
22. In our retail stores, we take pride in our merchandising and displays. Do you believe being creative in a workplace is important? Why or why not?
23. CarMax makes a positive impression on its guests by following up with them after the sale. Tell me about how you believe you could do that.
24. At CarMax, you might encounter a customer with a complaint or an issue. Describe a time you had to handle a difficult situation with a customer.
25. Share with me your experience providing great customer service.
26. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?
27. We need reliable people on our team. Discuss any issues that might prevent you from working here on a consistent basis.
28. The art of sales is a process, taking the customer from the point of contact to purchase. Tell me what you believe a good sales process might be.
29. As a sales consultant, you will meet a diverse group of clients. Tell me about a time you encountered a person who was different than you and what you did to overcome those differences.
30. We are an industry leader in used car sales with over 225 locations across the nations. Tell me about your sales experience.
31. Tell me three qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position.
32. In this position, you will likely be exposed to different management styles. Tell me about your favorite supervisor, and explain why they were your favorite.
33. We like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond.
34. What are your salary expectations?
35. We have a strong employee honesty program in order to prevent loss. Describe what you would do if you witnessed a theft by a teammate.

CarMax Interview Questions

1. We believe in recognizing great performance. Tell me about what motivates you to excel and how you like to receive recognition for your efforts.

2. This position requires a flexible schedule, as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

3. This position requires you to wear a uniform to work. Share with me any concerns you might have regarding this policy.

4. We believe in innovation in the buying experience. Share with me how you would feel about going to someone's home to present or deliver a vehicle.

5. Tell me about a time you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.

6. What is your dream car?

7. How do you balance your personal life with your work life?

8. In sales, first impressions count. Tell me about what you might do to make a good first impression.

9. We strive to value the distinct personalities of our team members. Tell me about yours.

10. Take me through your experience in retail. Tell me about your favorite and your most challenging position and explain your reasons.

11. We firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Share with me your career goals with us.

12. What do you hope to learn from this job?

13. We have been listed as having one of the best training programs in the country. What training would you like to take advantage of?

14. A lot of our customers prefer to shop online. Share with me any skills you might have communicating on social media.

15. Much of your time will be on the phone conversing with clients. Tell me about your comfort level using the phone.

16. Describe how you feel about the role of communication in the sales process.

17. Share with me what you know about CarMax.

18. We are listed as a top 100 company to work for. Tell me what you know about our organization.

19. Who are our direct competitors?

20. As a salesperson you will be responsible for handling sensitive customer information, such as a credit application. Tell me about your comfort level with this and some of the ways you might protect that information.

21. Do you have reliable transportation?

22. In our retail stores, we take pride in our merchandising and displays. Do you believe being creative in a workplace is important? Why or why not?

23. CarMax makes a positive impression on its guests by following up with them after the sale. Tell me about how you believe you could do that.

24. At CarMax, you might encounter a customer with a complaint or an issue. Describe a time you had to handle a difficult situation with a customer.

25. Share with me your experience providing great customer service.

26. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?

27. We need reliable people on our team. Discuss any issues that might prevent you from working here on a consistent basis.

28. The art of sales is a process, taking the customer from the point of contact to purchase. Tell me what you believe a good sales process might be.

29. As a sales consultant, you will meet a diverse group of clients. Tell me about a time you encountered a person who was different than you and what you did to overcome those differences.

30. We are an industry leader in used car sales with over 225 locations across the nations. Tell me about your sales experience.

31. Tell me three qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position.

32. In this position, you will likely be exposed to different management styles. Tell me about your favorite supervisor, and explain why they were your favorite.

33. We like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond.

34. What are your salary expectations?

35. We have a strong employee honesty program in order to prevent loss. Describe what you would do if you witnessed a theft by a teammate.