17 Automotive Manager Interview Questions and Answers

An automotive manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an automotive service department. He or she supervises the work of automotive service technicians and other service department employees, and is typically responsible for hiring, training, and scheduling employees.

The automotive manager job description also includes maintaining relationships with customers, ordering parts and supplies, and ensuring that the service department meets its financial goals. In some cases, the automotive manager may also be responsible for selling vehicles.

If you’re an experienced automotive manager or are looking to move into a management role, you may be asked to interview for a job. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and abilities. We’ve compiled a list of sample automotive manager interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working with a team of people to make decisions?

An automotive manager needs to be able to make decisions on their own, but they also need to work with a team of people to make the best decisions for the company. A hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your leadership style and how you collaborate with others. In your answer, try to explain that you are willing to listen to other opinions before making a final decision.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable working with a team to make decisions. I think it’s important to hear everyone’s opinion before making a final call. However, I do like to lead by example and show my team members what I expect from them. If someone is not performing well or following our policies, I would address the issue immediately so we could find a solution.”

What are some of the most important skills for an automotive manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and qualifications they’re looking for in an automotive manager. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few of the most important skills that are relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.

Example: “The most important skill for an automotive manager is communication. This role requires someone who can effectively communicate with customers, employees and upper management. Another important skill is problem-solving. As an automotive manager, I would need to solve any issues or concerns my team members may have. Finally, time management is another essential skill because there’s so much work to do as an automotive manager.”

How would you handle a situation where an employee was not meeting company standards?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your management style and how you handle conflict. In your answer, try to show that you can be firm but also compassionate when addressing an employee’s performance issues.

Example: “If I encountered a situation where an employee was not meeting company standards, I would first meet with them one-on-one to discuss the issue. If it was something they could improve on their own, I would give them specific goals or tasks to complete by a certain date. If the problem was more serious, such as consistently arriving late for work, I would likely have a conversation with them about whether they wanted to resign or if we should terminate their employment.”

What is your experience with developing new products or services?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with innovation and how you might apply that to their company. Use examples from previous work experiences or talk about what you would do if you were in charge of developing new products or services for a dealership.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for creating an online customer service portal where customers could submit questions and receive answers from our team. This helped us reduce phone calls and emails while also providing better customer service. We also used this platform to launch a social media campaign where we answered common questions through videos and images.”

Provide an example of a time when you utilized your negotiation skills to achieve a positive outcome for your company.

An automotive manager needs to be able to negotiate with suppliers and vendors for the best prices on parts, supplies and equipment. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience doing so in a previous role. In your answer, explain how you used your communication skills and problem-solving abilities to achieve a positive outcome for your company.

Example: “In my last position as an automotive technician, I had to negotiate with several different vendors for new tools and equipment. One of these vendors was offering a discount on some specialty tools if we purchased them in bulk. However, our budget only allowed us to purchase one set at that time. So, I called the vendor and asked if they could offer any other discounts or incentives to help us buy more than one set. They were happy to do so, and we ended up getting two sets of tools for the price of one.”

If we were to look at your employee evaluations, what would they say are your greatest strengths as an automotive manager?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are self-aware and can evaluate yourself. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what your strengths are as an automotive manager.

Example: “In my employee evaluations, I have consistently received positive feedback on my communication skills. My employees say they appreciate how open I am with them and how much I value their input. They also like that I’m always willing to listen to their concerns or ideas for improvement.”

What would you say is the most important aspect of inventory management?

Inventory management is an important part of being an automotive manager. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you prioritize your time and manage projects. In your answer, explain what inventory management entails and why it’s so important in the role.

Example: “Inventory management is one of the most important aspects of my job because it helps me keep track of all the parts we have on hand. I can use this information to make sure our technicians are ordering the right parts for each customer. It also allows me to plan ahead for when certain parts will need replacing or replenishing.”

How well do you handle stress?

Automotive repair can be a stressful job, especially when you’re managing employees. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the right personality for the position. In your answer, share how you handle stress and what strategies you use to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

Example: “I find that I am able to manage stress quite well. When I’m under pressure, I take a few deep breaths and try to think of solutions to the problem. If I still feel overwhelmed, I will step away from my workstation for a few minutes to collect myself. This helps me get back into a productive mindset so I can complete my tasks.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position or our company?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you’re interested in their company and the position. It’s also a way for you to learn more about what it would be like to work there. When asking questions, try to choose ones that will help you understand more about the role or the company itself.

Example: “I was really impressed by how many awards this shop has won. I’m curious as to why you think your shop does so well. What makes your team so successful?” This question shows the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in working for them and want to know more about their business.

It can also give you insight into what they value most in their employees. If they explain that their success comes from teamwork, for example, you may realize that you could fit in with their culture.

When did you first become interested in the automotive industry?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and how you got started in the automotive industry. They want to know if you have a passion for cars, or if you are just looking for a job. Show them that you have been working with cars since you were young, and explain what inspired you to pursue a career in this field.

Example: “Ever since I was a kid, I loved tinkering with my family’s car. My dad would take me under his wing when he worked on it, and we would spend hours fixing it together. He taught me everything I know about cars, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to work in the automotive industry.”

We want to improve our customer service. Give me an example of a strategy you would use to do that.

Customer service is an important aspect of any automotive business. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience improving customer service and how you did it. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to improve the customer service at their shop.

Example: “I think one way we can improve our customer service is by having a more efficient repair process. If customers know that they will get their car back in a timely manner, then they are less likely to complain about other things. I would start by creating a schedule for each technician so they know when they need to be done with each job. Then, I would implement a system where customers could check on the status of their vehicle online.”

Describe your experience with using computerized inventory management systems.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with computerized inventory management systems. This can be an important skill for automotive managers because they often need to keep track of the parts and tools their technicians use in the shop. Your answer should describe your previous experience using these systems, including any challenges you faced while using them.

Example: “In my last position as a manager at a local auto repair shop, I used a computerized inventory management system that tracked all of our parts and tools. The system was helpful when it came to keeping track of which parts we had on hand and which ones needed to be ordered. However, sometimes the system would have issues connecting to the internet, so I would have to enter data manually until the connection was restored.”

What makes you stand out from other automotive managers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you compare to other candidates. When answering, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from the rest of the field. You can also mention any certifications you have earned in relation to automotive repair.

Example: “I think what sets me apart from other automotive managers is my ability to communicate with customers. I am always friendly and honest when speaking with clients, which helps them feel comfortable and confident in their repairs. In fact, many of my customers come back for additional work because they trust me so much.”

Which industries or sectors outside of the automotive industry have you found useful in your career?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience outside of automotive and how it may have helped you in your career. You can use this opportunity to highlight any transferable skills that you’ve developed through previous work experiences.

Example: “I worked as a mechanic for several years before I became an automotive manager, so my background is mostly in mechanics. However, I also worked as a sales associate at a local department store during college, which taught me customer service and communication skills. These skills have been very useful in my current role because they allow me to communicate with customers about their vehicles and explain repairs clearly.”

What do you think is the most important thing an automotive manager can do to ensure their team’s success?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you know what it takes to be a successful automotive manager. Use examples from your experience or refer to the job description to find out what skills and abilities are most important for this role.

Example: “I think one of the most important things an automotive manager can do to ensure their team’s success is to create a positive work environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and sharing ideas. I believe that when people feel safe in their jobs, they will perform at their best. In my last position as an automotive technician, I noticed that some technicians were hesitant to ask me questions about how to complete certain repairs. I addressed this issue by holding weekly meetings with each technician so they could ask me any questions they had. This helped them feel more confident in their work and increased our customer satisfaction ratings.”

How often do you perform inventory checks?

This question can help the interviewer understand your attention to detail and how you perform regular checks on inventory. Use examples from past experiences where you performed inventory checks regularly or used other methods to ensure that all parts were accounted for in your department.

Example: “I perform inventory checks at least once a week, usually before I start my workday. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I have everything I need to complete my tasks for the day. In my last position, I also had an employee who helped with inventory checks every two weeks. We would compare our lists of inventory to make sure we didn’t miss anything.”

There is a problem with a car that many customers have purchased. How would you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you would handle a situation that could be challenging. This is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.

Example: “If there was a widespread issue with a car model, I would first try to find out if it’s something the customer did or didn’t do. If it’s not their fault, then I would contact the manufacturer immediately. I would explain the issue and request a solution. If they don’t have a fix for the problem, I would offer customers a refund or replacement.”