20 O’Reilly Auto Parts Interview Questions and Answers

O’Reilly Auto Parts is one of the leading auto parts retailers in the United States. With over 5,000 stores in 47 states, O’Reilly Auto Parts is a trusted source for parts and accessories for all types of vehicles.

If you’re interested in working for O’Reilly Auto Parts, you’ll need to be prepared for the company’s interview process. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the types of questions you can expect to be asked in an interview for an O’Reilly Auto Parts job.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Interview Process

The interview process at O’Reilly Auto Parts is relatively quick and easy. Most applicants report that the entire process, from start to finish, takes about two weeks. The first step is usually an initial phone screening with a member of the HR team. This call is mostly to ensure that you meet the basic qualifications for the position you applied for. If you pass this stage, you will be invited to come in for an in-person interview.

The in-person interview is typically conducted by a panel of two or three people. These interviews are generally pretty straightforward and focus on your experience and qualifications for the role you are applying for. Some applicants report that the interviewers can be quite friendly and personable, while others find them to be more businesslike and formal. Overall, most people report having a positive experience with the interview process at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

1. Why do you want to work at O’Reilly Auto Parts?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you’re interested in working for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about what attracted you to the position and how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I’ve been working as an auto mechanic for five years now, and I’m ready to take on more responsibility. I saw that O’Reilly Auto Parts was hiring mechanics, so I applied because I think my skills and experience would make me a great addition to the team. I also really like the culture of the shop where I work now, and I think O’Reilly Auto Parts has a similar atmosphere.”

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are honest, but also confident in your abilities. When answering this question, be sure to highlight a few strengths while only mentioning one or two weaknesses.

Example: “I am extremely organized and detail-oriented. I always make sure to follow the company’s procedures and policies when working on projects. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on my work that I forget to take breaks. This can lead to me feeling overwhelmed at times.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an irate customer, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to assess your customer service skills. Interviewers want to know that you can remain calm and professional when faced with an angry or upset customer. When answering this question, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “I once had a customer who was very unhappy about the wait time for their oil change. I explained that we were experiencing high volume due to a sale, but he still seemed frustrated. I offered him a coupon for his next visit, which he accepted. He left happy and returned later in the week.”

4. How many parts would be on the shelf in an average-sized store location?

This question is a test of your knowledge about the company and its operations. It also helps you show that you have experience working in an auto parts store. When answering this question, try to provide specific details about how many different types of parts are on the shelves at any given time.

Example: “In my last position as a cashier, I would see anywhere from 50 to 100 different parts on the shelf at one time. This number can vary depending on the size of the vehicle and what part it needs. For example, if someone needed a new alternator for their car, there might be 20 or 30 different alternators available. If they needed a new battery, however, there could be over 200 batteries on the shelf.”

5. Are you familiar with the products we offer at O’Reilly Auto Parts?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of their products and how you would use them in your work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list several products that you are familiar with and explain what they do or how they’re used.

Example: “I am very familiar with O’Reilly Auto Parts because I have worked at an auto parts store for five years now. In my previous position, I was responsible for helping customers find the right part for their vehicle. One thing I’ve learned from working here is that there are many different types of parts, including filters, belts, hoses and more. I know that O’Reilly Auto Parts offers all of these parts and more.”

6. If hired, how would you approach training new employees?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to train others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time you trained someone new to a job or helped them learn how to do their job more efficiently.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job, we hired two new employees who were both fresh out of high school. I took the time to introduce myself to them and explain what they could expect from our department. I also showed them how to use our inventory system and gave them some tips on how to stay organized. By taking the time to help them get acclimated, they felt more comfortable in their roles and were able to perform well.”

7. Provide an example of a time when you worked well under pressure.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to handle a challenging situation. When answering, it can be helpful to describe the specific steps you took to complete a task in a timely manner. This can show that you are organized and able to prioritize tasks.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, there were times when our store would get very busy. In these situations, I would make sure all of my employees had their assignments for the day. Then, I would work on completing any tasks that needed immediate attention. For example, if we were running low on a certain item, I would help restock the shelves so customers could purchase what they needed.”

8. Have you used our point of sale (POS) system before?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using their company’s POS system. If you haven’t used the same system, explain what other systems you’ve worked with and how they’re similar or different from O’Reilly Auto Parts’.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to use your company’s POS system before, but I have used a few others in my career. For example, at my last job, we used an online ordering system that was very similar to yours. It was easy for me to learn because it was so similar to our current system. However, there were some differences between the two, which took me a little longer to get used to.”

9. Do you have any experience in sales?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the skills and experience needed for this position. If you do, share your previous sales experience with the interviewer. If you don’t, explain what other types of customer service or management positions you’ve held in the past.

Example: “I worked as a car salesman at my local dealership for three years before I moved here. My job was to help customers find the right vehicle for their needs while also helping them understand all of our financing options. It’s definitely different working on the supply side of things, but I’m confident that I can apply my sales experience to this role.”

10. Describe a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and passion for customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include specific details about the situation that helped you go above and beyond for the customer.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working with a customer who needed help finding a part for their car. They were having trouble locating the part online, so I offered to drive to the warehouse to find the part myself. It took me longer than expected to locate the part, but I eventually found it and brought it back to the store where I installed it for the customer.”

11. In what type of environment do you think you work best?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for their company culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific traits of the workplace that attracted you to apply in the first place.

Example: “I think I work best in an environment where there is plenty of opportunity for growth and development. In my last position, I was able to take on more responsibilities as I learned new skills. This helped me feel like I was constantly improving and made me excited to come into work each day. At O’Reilly Auto Parts, I noticed that employees are encouraged to try new things and learn from one another. I think this type of collaborative environment could be beneficial to both myself and the company.”

12. How often do you like to communicate with your manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you expect to receive feedback from your manager. It can also show them whether you prefer more or less frequent communication than they do. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you value regular feedback and praise from your manager.

Example: “I like to meet with my manager at least once a month for a performance review. I find that this is usually enough time between meetings to get any questions I have answered and provide updates on projects. However, if I ever feel unsure about something, I would definitely ask my manager sooner rather than later.”

13. How would you handle a situation if a customer was upset or angry with you?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have experience with customer service. Use examples from your past to show that you can remain calm in tense situations, apologize when necessary and resolve conflicts quickly.

Example: “In my previous role as a sales associate at a local department store, I had a customer who was upset because they couldn’t find a specific item on our shelves. I apologized for their inconvenience and offered to order the product for them so they could get it shipped to their home. They were happy with this solution and left the store satisfied.”

14. What are some things that contribute to having good rapport with customers?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and how you can help customers feel welcome in the store. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped a customer or employee feel more comfortable.

Example: “I think that having good rapport with customers starts with being friendly and welcoming when they enter the store. I always try to greet them as soon as they walk through the door and make sure they know I’m there to help them find what they need. Another thing that helps me have good rapport with customers is remembering their names. It’s important for employees to remember who our regular customers are so we can provide them with better service.”

15. What is your ideal job?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s career goals. It can also help you determine if this person would be happy working at O’Reilly Auto Parts. When answering, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of your ideal job that align with what O’Reilly Auto Parts offers its employees.

Example: “My ideal job would allow me to work in a fast-paced environment while helping customers find the right parts for their vehicles. I want to work somewhere where I feel like my opinions are valued and I am able to grow as an employee.”

16. Do you have any experience working in fast-paced environments?

Working in a retail environment can be fast-paced, especially during the holiday season. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable working in an environment where there is often a lot of activity and customers need help quickly. In your answer, share about a time when you worked in a busy environment and how you handled it. Explain that you enjoy working in these types of environments because they allow you to multitask and use your problem-solving skills.

Example: “I have experience working in a very busy environment at my current job. During the holidays, we get many customers who come into the store looking for last-minute gifts or supplies for their holiday parties. I love being able to help people find what they need as quickly as possible so they can get back to their lives. It’s rewarding to know that I was able to provide excellent customer service.”

17. Tell us about a time when you made a mistake. How did you fix it?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills. They want to know that you can recognize a mistake and fix it quickly. In your answer, share a time when you made a mistake at work. Explain what steps you took to correct the situation.

Example: “When I first started working as an auto mechanic, I was under pressure to get cars out of the shop quickly. One day, I forgot to tighten one bolt on a car’s engine. The customer drove away without noticing anything wrong. A few days later, they brought the car back because the part fell off. I apologized for my mistake and fixed the issue.”

18. What qualities should you look for when hiring new employees?

This question is a great way to assess an applicant’s understanding of the company culture and their ability to fit in. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention qualities that you yourself possess or ones that are important for success at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities I look for when hiring new employees is honesty. At my last job, we had a situation where an employee was stealing from the store. It was so important to me that we find out who it was as soon as possible because it could have been anyone. We ended up finding out that it was someone who no one would have suspected, which made it even more important to make sure our hiring process includes thorough background checks.”

19. General Motors is a company that emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

General Motors is a company that values innovation, and they want to know what you think about it. This question can be an opportunity for you to show your knowledge of the automotive industry and how important innovation is in this field.

Example: “Innovation is one of the most important things when working in the automotive industry because it’s what keeps us moving forward. I believe that innovation comes from having a team of people who are willing to try new things and take risks. It also helps if everyone on the team has a shared goal of making the best products possible.”

20. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in the workplace, and employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you are a team player who can resolve conflict.

Example: “When I was working on my degree, there were times when I had to collaborate with other students on projects. In one of these situations, two people disagreed about how to complete a project. One person wanted to do things one way, while the other wanted to do them another way. I helped both sides understand each other’s point of view and come up with a compromise.”