28 Hyundai Interview Questions & Answers
1. In sales, there are times when we have more customers than normal, and personalities can clash. Describe for me a time when you and your boss may not agreed on what to do, and how you resolved this.
How to Answer
As in any organization, there is a chain of command. Employers want to know that you are respectful of your leaders, and while you do not always have to agree with your leader, you communicate respectfully and professionally. Be positive in describing any situation you might have encountered. Share with the interviewer a time when you disagreed with your boss or professor, but you did not argue or have a conflict that adversely affected your job performance.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that it's my job as a professional to adapt to all types of people, and respect leadership roles even when I disagree with decisions they make. My previous employer was very hung up on old-school sales techniques, so I had to listen and try to adapt my performance to what his expectations were.."
2nd Answer Example
"I have been lucky enough to work with some great people and have not experienced conflict with a boss in the past. If I were to experience conflict in the workplace, I would address the situation immediately through conversation. Or as soon as possible after the guest was not present. I would never argue in front of a guest. It's never a good idea to let conflict simmer, and I'm not afraid to have an uncomfortable conversation to sort a situation out."
2. Would you describe yourself as a more structured individual or a more 'go with the flow' type of personality?
How to Answer
Success at Hyundai will require you to be balanced. You will need to plan your day but understanding that guests will constantly be interrupting your plans. Reassure the hiring manager that you are okay when a guest forces you to put aside the task you were working on so that you can focus on them.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that I am a more structured person, but I know that customers never follow our scripts or do things in the way we line out for them all the time. So over the years, I have learned to be much more flexible, particularly when a client is right in front of me."
2nd Answer Example
"I prefer to take the day as it comes, which I guess means I tend to be more flexible. I have learned over time to be more organized in getting things done. So, I believe that I am pretty balanced in how I handle the day's tasks."
3. Would you consider yourself a creative person?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about any interest you have in creativity and how you have implemented that creativity in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I do consider myself to be a creative individual. One example of this would be the telephone sales scripts that I crafted for our inside sales team. They were lively and effective, and sales increased by 23% in the first 90 days of implementation."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that creativity shows itself in many forms, so, although I am not an artsy, creative type, I do still consider myself creative. I come up with original ideas regularly and am a solid creative writer."
4. What is the best way to build value in a product you are selling?
How to Answer
The position you are applying for will likely mean that you must persuade a client to purchase something; either a car or additional services. Talk to the hiring manager about why you think this is important. This is a time when you can share some of the ways that you have convinced a customer to see that the product you wanted them to purchase was worth them spending their hard-earned money on.
1st Answer Example
"I do lots of things to build value in my presentations. For example, I inform the client of something he might not have known about the product, like 'this Hyundai vehicle is the top-ranked SUV by Car and Driver magazine.' I also use a lot of descriptive words to highlight the features. words like 'great' or 'dynamic' or 'extraordinary I think that the right word or phrase in the right place can go a long way to convincing a customer to make a purchase."
2nd Answer Example
"Selling involves the art of persuasion. I try to help my clients perceive their needs and understand how the product I am offering will help fill their needs. Whether using a particular close or highlighting the product's features, I think that value is significant. If a customer does not see the value in something, they usually will not make a purchase."
5. List the top 3 skills that you have acquired in your last role.
How to Answer
You have likely gained many great skills in your career. Share with the interviewer which skills you value the most. Be sure to include skills that will potentially benefit Hyundai if you are hired.
1st Answer Example
"In the past few years, I was able to upgrade my education while still working full time. The biggest skill that I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I also have strong skills in a variety of Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint and Excel."
2nd Answer Example
"In my most recent position, the skills that I am most proud of acquiring would include my well-honed leadership skills, my scheduling abilities, and my cold calling skills."
6. Tell me what you know about active listening.
How to Answer
Listening to the customer's needs and wants will be a critical factor in your success with Hyundai. Share with the interviewer that you recognize the importance of clearly understanding the guest's expectations and using that information to meet their needs. This is a good opportunity to relate a time in a previous position when you heard a client voice a want or a need or that you even asked questions to ensure you had gotten it right.
1st Answer Example
"I think that a lot of salespeople will be so focused on making a sale that they can talk themselves right out of it. I think you have to listen to what your client wants and expects. If you ask questions and clarify things, even repeat back to them some of the things that they told you, you can go a long way to making the sale."
2nd Answer Example
"Active listening involves staying quiet when the client is talking. I believe if you will listen carefully, the customer will tell you how to sell them. I like to write things down on a legal pad as I am talking with the client. This is a great way to show that I am listening and hearing them."
7. At lot of success at Hyundai depends on the initial impression an employee makes. Share with me a time when you made a positive first impression and what you did to make it one.
How to Answer
The interview is looking for someone who will greet each guest with energy and enthusiasm. Reassure the interviewer that you know how important first impressions can be to the success of any company. This is a time for you to share your abilities to smile and be a gracious host to every client you encounter.
1st Answer Example
"For example, the previous position I held was working for a company that made us greet each guest as they walked in. No matter what we were doing or where we were in the store, we were required to greet them warmly and with a smile if we were the first to see that guest walk in. I think that training will lend itself really well to working here at the dealership."
2nd Answer Example
"I have always believed that you can never have a second chance to make a good first impression. I believe in greeting each customer I see with a warm handshake, a pleasant smile, and some energy in my step. Customers want to feel welcomed when they walk into the door of your establishment."
8. As a salesperson or service advisor, you will need to multitask. Share with me how you stay organized in your daily tasks.
How to Answer
The interviewer needs to know that you can stay organized in your work and manage your time. Share some of the tools you have found helpful to stay on and organized. If you keep a day planner or an organizer on your phone, explain how they have helped you keep track of assignments and other items. If you like to make to-do lists, this is a great example of a way to help you stay organized and prioritize.
1st Answer Example
"I keep an updated Outlook calendar to keep track of work appointments, deadlines, and all of my outside activities. I am good at managing my time so that I complete projects on time and am prepared for customer appointments."
2nd Answer Example
"A few of the tools that I use during the day to stay organized include Google Calendar, Slack, and Freedcamp. These tools help me to stay on top of my schedule and easily collaborate with my team. I also make a to-do list first thing in the morning so that I can plan my day."
9. Hyundai is a company that values it customers and part of that responsibility is to protect a clients private information. Share with me a time when you have done this.
How to Answer
As a salesperson, you will have access to a lot of customer information. You must respect this dynamic and do everything you can to protect the info your customer provides. Assure the interviewer that you recognize the importance of protecting the consumer from identity theft.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position, we handled a lot of customer information, like credit applications and contracts. We were required to ensure that everything we covered up, and not in public view. I believe that one way to earn a client's trust is to do a great job of keeping their private info private."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that when a customer is giving me their social security number that they are trusting me a part of who they are. I would not share that information with anyone but a finance director or a manager who was working with the back to obtain financing.."
10. As a technician, you would be required to earn a base salary until you became certified by Hyundai. At that time, you would receive an increase in pay. Is this acceptable to you?
How to Answer
Most auto dealerships prefer to offer incentives to being certified in their product, and they reward individuals who succeed in completing their training. Share with the interviewer that you understand this arrangement and that you would work to finish the training as soon as you can.
1st Answer Example
"
2nd Answer Example
"I understand why the company does this, and you can rest assured I will be finishing those tests as quickly as possible."
11. What would you do if you were made aware of a co-worker being dishonest or stealing from the company?
How to Answer
Companies want to know they are hiring loyal and honest employees. Ensure that you illustrate in your answer that you would do the right thing and represent the company you are working for.
1st Answer Example
"Unfortunately, dishonest employees are everywhere, and I certainly would not consider myself a 'whistle-blower' in the workplace. If I found that a co-worker was stealing or doing anything to harm the company, I would directly ask what was going on. There is a good chance of the situation being a simple misunderstanding. If it wasn't a misunderstanding and the co-worker was outright defiant with their damaging actions, then I would bring it, professionally, to the appropriate parties."
2nd Answer Example
"Dishonesty is unacceptable, in my opinion. If I were made aware of a co-worker being dishonest or stealing from the company, I would notify my supervisor immediately to allow them to deal with the situation as they thought was appropriate."
12. Looking at your resume, I see multiple gaps between employment. Share with me the situation that created these gaps.
How to Answer
There are many reasons for having a gap in your resume, and it's best to be honest and upfront about the reasons. Gaps are okay to have so long as there is a legitimate reason behind them. Also, show the interviewer that you did not remain dormant during that time. Talk about any courses you took, volunteer work you did, or any lucrative hobbies that filled your time.
1st Answer Example
"I had a gap from 2009-2010 while I was on maternity leave and then another for 6 months in 2015 while I cared for an ailing parent. During that time, I was vigilant in keeping up to date on the market so that my knowledge did not become redundant."
2nd Answer Example
"I was laid off in December of 2016 and, due to the recession, I found it difficult to gain employment for the 8 months following that lay off. Luckily, I received a good severance package from my previous employer. I took the time to travel around East Asia, and I even learned a second language. It was time very well spent."
13. At Hyundai, we desire team members who are competitive but also believe in working together as a team. Share with me your experience in motivating others.
How to Answer
You don't have to be a manager or a team leader to motivate others.
If you have worked in a leadership role, think of ways you set clear goals or helped individuals cultivate a new skill. Reflect on your experience and share some ways that you help others to keep up the good work.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that offering a listening ear or encouraging words from time to time can make a huge difference for your team. Being positive and showing up consistently can also make a difference, so I try to exercise these ideas every day."
2nd Answer Example
"I like to motivate others on my team by creating a fun and healthy competition. It could be in the form of a small sales contest or challenge. Most people that I know respond really well to that type of motivation. This week, I offered my team a $100 gift card for whoever could gain the most business through referrals."
14. We are moving quickly into second interviews. Tell me about your schedule and when you might be available for another interview if we decide to proceed.
How to Answer
Good news! If they ask for your availability in the next few days, you likely made it to the next round. Try to be as flexible as possible with your availability.
1st Answer Example
"I can make myself available at any time, with some notice. Ideal times for me to interview are between 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM Monday through Friday."
2nd Answer Example
"I am happy to make myself available at your earliest convenience. I am very interested in this role and will be flexible when it comes to interviewing times."
15. At Hyundai we seek to hire individuals who have a keen interest in the automobile industry. What interests you most about what we do?
How to Answer
Hyundai is a leading manufacturer in the automobile industry. The interview is attempting to determine what attracted you to apply for the position. Having an interest in automobiles can indicate that you are looking to make this a career rather than just a temporary stop-gap until something else comes along.
1st Answer Example
"I have always had a keen interest in the automobile industry because the style and technology are always changing. It's an exciting industry to be in! I am really interested in learning more about the technology Hyundai has in their vehicles."
2nd Answer Example
"My interest in automobiles came from my father, who was a mechanic. I loved working on cars with him, and that passion turned into a career. Now, I help people keep their vehicles running, which is really rewarding to me. I know that Hyundai is always on the curing edge of technology and builds one of the best cars on the market today. I look forward to being a part of that culture. "
16. As a salesperson or service advisor, you will be forced to interact with employees of different departments, share with me an example of when you were forced to do this.
How to Answer
A typical car dealership is not just about the front of the house, but some employees rarely interact with customers. For example, accounting, parts and supply, detailers, and technicians. This is a great opportunity for you to share your willingness to communicate well with fellow teammates and stay positive.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position, I often had to interact with the employees in the warehouse. I was always respectful and appreciative of the job they did for the company and the customer."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that every team member is valuable whether they are the one interacting with the guest directly or not. . I tried to make sure that they knew how important they were to my success as a salesperson. Without detailers, or technicians, or even the people in the accounting office doing their jobs well, my job would have been much harder."
17. As a salesperson or service advisor, communication with the customer is very important, share with me your experience in customer follow-up.
How to Answer
Hyundai is a company that believes that communicating with the guest is very important to its success. Assure the interviewer that you take customer service seriously. Use an example of a time when you communicated with a client via phone to keep them informed about their vehicle or about a special promotion that might have been happening.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position, we were required to contact our potential clients and offer them our services. I am very comfortable with my phone skills and do not have a problem with calling clients. My customers appreciate my sense of responsibility and respect for their time."
2nd Answer Example
"In this day and age, you cannot be effective in sales without a smartphone. Even after I sold a car, I called my clients about every 90 days to check-in. I always sent a short video thanking the customer for coming to the dealership and spending time looking over the inventory. I tried to continue that follow-up every few days to ensure that they had all the information they needed to make a good decision. This is a key way I built a book of business and had a lot of repeat clients."
18. Hyundai is a company that focuses on the customer. Share with ne what you believe is the secret to retaining a satisfied customer.
How to Answer
Hyundai is constantly listening to its customers via reviews, emails, and social media applications. The interviewer is trying to determine if your focus would be on pleasing the customer. This is a great opportunity to share with the interviewer your thought on great customer service.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position, we had a system where the client could review the service they received and then post it online. So I am very familiar with how social media has increased the response companies have to their clients. I believe that giving the customer your undivided attention when they are communicating with you or right in front of you is vitally important."
2nd Answer Example
"Companies are always asking their customers to leave a review, so I am very familiar with the emphasis Hyundai might place on pleasing the customer. I believe that the secret to great customer service is to try and exceed the guest's expectations every time!"
19. Hyundai believes in supporting lots of different charities that impact the local community. Share with me charities or causes you support and why they are important to you.
How to Answer
The interviewer is attempting to assess if you are the kind of individual who dreams about being a part of something bigger than yourself. This is a great opportunity to show that you are a well-rounded person who believes that companies should work to make their communities better places to live. Share a charity or a cause you have supported and how passionate you are about their cause.
1st Answer Example
"I love the fact that Hyundai supports Pediatric Cancer Research because my little brother has gone through a bout with cancer as he was growing up. My family wasn't sure that he would make it, but the doctors at the Children's Hospital were great, and he came through several operations and chemo. I would love to help promote Hyundais involvement in that cause."
2nd Answer Example
"I've noticed that this Hyundai dealership regularly sponsors the 5k run for the Alzheimers Foundation. This is an area that I believe in because I have had grandparents who had Alzheimer's. I would love to help this dealership continue to support causes they believe in. I think doing so helps keep the name of the dealership in front of people while at the same time helping to solve real issues for people."
20. Tell me about your previous sales experience.
How to Answer
The interviewer will likely already have your resume before them, which means they are not looking for a dull play-by-play on your work history. They are asking you to bring your resume to life for them. This means talking about your key successes. Take a few minutes to highlight each position briefly. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a little bit.
1st Answer Example
"I started my career in the automobile industry in 2009 with Company XYZ. In that role, I was the top employee for 9 months running. I was offered a promotion and moved to Chicago, where I stayed for 4 years. After being offered a regional sales manager role with Company ABC. In total, I have 6 years of automobile industry experience with great results and successes."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a recent graduate from Cambridge University. There, I took many classes on business, sales, and marketing. While attending University, I worked part-time for my uncle's auto dealership. I wasn't in a sales function but did act as a sales support to the existing sales team. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in the automotive industry and working for Hyundai."
21. Hyundai has a long history of constantly meeting our clients expectations. Tell me what you know about Hyundai as a company.
How to Answer
Hyundai is a South Korean company whose name means "modernity" in the native language of Korea. The company began in 1967 and currently operates a fully automated plant in Ulsan, South Korea, that produces about 1.6 million cars annually. Hyundai also operates a US plant in Montgomery, Alabama, that employs nearly 4,000 workers. The vehicles are sold in 193 countries through 5,000 dealerships and showrooms.
1st Answer Example
"modernity"
2nd Answer Example
"Hyundai has a reputation for being one of the best cars on the road today. I love the fact that so many of their vehicles get consistently great reviews. In addition, Hyundai supports charities like Pediatric Cancer Research, which is a cause close to my heart. I look forward to working with Hyundai and learning more about the story of the company."
22. Tell me about your sales performance this year.
How to Answer
Numbers and percentages don't lie! This is the best time to brag about yourself and your achievements in your current / most recent position.
1st Answer Example
"So far this year, I am 113% to target with 3 more months to go. I have been the top sales performer in our dealership for the past 5 months. I attribute this to my great follow-up habits as well as my strong cold calling skills."
2nd Answer Example
"My supervisor is thrilled with my performance so far this year. I fully expect to exceed my targets this quarter."
23. The art of sales involves taking the customer from a interested person to an owner. Share with me what you think are the steps to the process in sales.
How to Answer
Selling a product involves taking the customer from the point of looking to purchase and own that product. The interviewer is trying to determine if you understand the process on the road to the sale. Learning the steps to the sale will help you succeed in the position you are applying for.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position, I was responsible for greeting the customer, finding out exactly what they needed, and then suggesting products that met their need. I found that helping the customer learn about the product and see the value in it went a long way to closing the sale in their minds.."
2nd Answer Example
"I am very familiar with the Road to the Sale, all the way from the meet and greet to follow-up. I believe that there are several steps a good salesperson takes a prospective buyer through to get the sale. Each step is important because each customer is different, and you never know where the client might be in the journey to the sale."
24. At Hyundai we set daily, weekly, and monthly targets for all of our sales employees. Tell me about your ability to set goals for yourself.
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are comfortable with strict sales targets. If you have worked in this environment before, talk about what you did to ensure that your performance quotas were met. Discuss your ability to work under pressure associated with sales expectations.
1st Answer Example
"In my current position, we have many quotas that we set with input from our managers. I am consistently a top performer in my company. I do thrive on the high expectations because the rewards are so high as well."
2nd Answer Example
"My current position had us set goals once a month for how many units we were planning to sell. We would share them with our managers to get their input and approval. I met the quotas consistently. We also had to keep our customer service index high so that we could achieve extra awards and commendations."
25. At Hyundai, our compensation is sometimes different than our competitors. Tell me about your previous pay plan.
How to Answer
Some dealerships pay their sales consultants a base salary and then pay commissions for stellar performance. Others have a strictly commission-based pay plan based on a percentage of the gross made on the sale. 'The interviewer wants to prevent any future misunderstandings in terms of earning a paycheck.
1st Answer Example
"My position paid a draw vs. commission process. I earned a salary of $$$ each month, which the company deducted from the commissions they paid on each sale. I liked that approach because if I had a slow week or the weather didn't cooperate, I still had a paycheck to meet my obligations. I would be very interested in knowing exactly how you compensate your sales staff."
2nd Answer Example
"The previous dealer paid commissions on each sale made. The checks were given to us each week and based on a percentage of the made profit. I was very comfortable with this process because I sold cars every day, so I still had a consistent paycheck coming in."
26. I see that you have recently worked for one of our direct competitors. Tell me about your experience working for them.
How to Answer
Often, dealerships will hire individuals who have worked for other car retailers. The interviewer is attempting to assess how much knowledge you have in sales and whether you are the kind of person who bad-mouths a previous employer. Be positive about your previous experience in sales and the things you learned. Share your responsibilities in a way that highlights your strengths, not your previous employer's weaknesses.
1st Answer Example
"I worked for Toyota in sales for a couple of years. I found the position really rewarding because every day was different. My responsibilities were to greet each customer, find out what needs they had, and then present a vehicle to meet those needs. I loved the thrill of selling a car and knowing that I was helping people find good, reliable transportation. I enjoyed my time there but want to work for an organization that promotes from within. I felt that I had learned as much as I was going to, so that is why I am looking now."
2nd Answer Example
"My experience with the Ford dealership was fairly positive. I found most everyone I worked with to be professional and caring. I learned a great deal about how to sell and get a buying commitment from the customer. They did not offer much specific training, so most of my knowledge was from trial and error. I look forward to learning more from Hyundai and growing as a sales professional."
27. In order to be effective in sales, you would need to learn the products we offer, tell me about the exposure you have had to Hyundai vehicles.
How to Answer
The interviewer is attempting to prepare you for the training you will need to finish to be effective in your position. Chances are you will need to learn about each make and model that Hyundai produces and how to sell that product effectively. This is a great opportunity to share any knowledge you might have about the vehicles Hyundai carries with your interviewer. It is always good to do some research before the interview concerning what car or SUV sells the most and a few things that set it apart from the competition.
1st Answer Example
"I have had some exposure to the Sonata because my friend just bought one. She loves it. I was very impressed with the new design and the technology offered as standard equipment, such as lane assist, blind-spot detection, and cross-traffic alert. I can really see Hyundai commits to keeping its owners safe."
2nd Answer Example
"I would be thrilled to take additional training to improve my sales and closing skills. I love being exposed to new ideas that I can put into my toolbox. I realize that there are a lot of things to learn about paperwork and procedures. I hope to pick everything up quickly so that I can start my career!"
28. Hyundai has a reputation for building a quality product. Tell me what qualities you possess that lend themselves to excellence.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hire the best person for the position. The company is looking for an individual who commits to excellence. This is a great opportunity for you to dialogue and share what sets you apart from every other candidate. Be positive about yourself and your strengths.
1st Answer Example
"I love sales and believe that it is important to sell a quality product. I know that Hyundai has won many awards from JD Powers in quality and that NTSB has rated Hyundai cars and SUVs as among the safest on the road today. I would love to have the opportunity to sell a product I believe in. The qualities I possess that lend themselves to excellence are my honesty, dedication, and willingness to learn. I would be thrilled to have a career with Hyundai."
2nd Answer Example
"I am the kind of person who wants to do their job to the best of my ability all the time. I find that I am always learning new things that will lend themselves to improving my presentation and sales skills. I believe that my work ethic is very strong and lends itself to the position I desire. "