20 Subaru of America, Inc. Interview Questions and Answers

Subaru of America, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States.

If you’re applying for a job at Subaru of America, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Subaru of America interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Subaru of America, Inc. Interview Process

The interview process at Subaru of America, Inc. can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two rounds of interviews, one with HR and one with the department manager. For some positions, like internships, you may only have one interview. The difficulty of the questions asked also varies depending on the position. For entry-level positions, the questions may be more general in nature, while for more technical positions, the questions may be more specific to your skills and experience. Overall, the interview process is positive and professional.

1. What do you know about Subaru?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of Subaru and its products. Use this opportunity to show that you have done research on the company, including what it does and who it serves. You can also use this time to highlight any personal connections you may have with the brand.

Example: “I know that Subaru is an automobile manufacturer that specializes in making all-wheel drive vehicles. I’ve always been interested in cars, so when I was younger my dad took me to a local dealership where we looked at different models. We ended up buying a Forester, which has served us well ever since. I’m excited to work here because I think I could really make a difference.”

2. What is your experience with customer service?

Subaru of America, Inc. is a company that focuses on customer service and satisfaction. They want to know if you have experience in this area and how it can benefit them. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your skills with customers and the importance of their needs.

Example: “I’ve worked in customer service for five years now. I started as a sales associate at a local clothing store where my main focus was helping customers find what they were looking for. After two years there, I moved up to a position at a car dealership where I helped customers with financing options and test drives. My most recent role has been working as an advisor at a bank where I help customers open accounts and apply for loans.”

3. How would you handle a situation where a customer was upset over their vehicle not being fixed properly?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to handle customer complaints. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you handled a similar situation in the past.

Example: “In my previous role as a service advisor at Subaru of America, I had a customer who was upset that their vehicle wasn’t fixed properly after we performed maintenance on it. The customer said they were still experiencing issues with their car, but when I looked into the issue further, I realized that the customer hadn’t followed our instructions for driving the vehicle after the repair. Once I explained this to the customer, they understood why their vehicle wasn’t working correctly and apologized for not following our instructions.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry or difficult customer, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and stress. Use examples from your previous work experience to show that you have the ability to remain calm under pressure, solve problems and communicate effectively with customers.

Example: “In my last position as a sales associate at a retail store, I had a customer who was upset because they couldn’t find what they were looking for in our inventory. I listened to their concerns and offered to look through our database to see if we had any other items similar to what they wanted. After searching, I found an item that matched their description and helped them find it. The customer left happy.”

5. Do you have any previous experience working in the automotive industry?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to this position. If you have previous experience, share what you learned from that job and how it relates to this one.

Example: “I worked as a mechanic for five years before I started my current role in sales. In that position, I learned how to repair cars of all makes and models, which has helped me understand Subaru’s unique features and benefits. This knowledge helps me explain our products to customers so they know exactly what to expect when their vehicle needs repairs.”

6. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know what you’re good at and how you can improve your weaknesses. When answering this question, think about the skills that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator, both written and verbal. I have always been able to explain complex ideas in ways that make them easy to understand. My weakness is my attention to detail. While I do my best to proofread everything I write or create, sometimes mistakes slip through. If hired, I would like to take some time each day to review documents and presentations for errors.”

7. Why do you want to work for Subaru?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Subaru. They want to know that you are passionate about their company and its values. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you.

Example: “I have always been impressed by Subaru’s commitment to safety. I love cars, but I also care deeply about the well-being of others on the road. Working here would allow me to do what I love while helping people stay safe. It would also give me an opportunity to work with such a dedicated team. I am excited to join Subaru because I think we could make a real difference in the world.”

8. Describe a team project that you worked on recently. What were your responsibilities?

Subaru of America, Inc. wants to know that you can work well with others and collaborate on projects. Use your answer to highlight your teamwork skills by describing a project you worked on in the past and how it benefited your company or organization.

Example: “At my previous job, I was part of a team that developed new marketing strategies for our client base. My role was to research different demographics and create content that would appeal to them. The rest of the team used this information to develop social media campaigns and advertisements. We all met regularly to discuss our progress and make sure we were meeting our client’s needs.”

9. Are you comfortable working with computers?

The automotive industry is becoming increasingly reliant on computers and technology. Subaru of America, Inc., wants to know that you have the skills necessary to work in this type of environment. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention a time when you had to use computer software or hardware to complete a task.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with computers. In my last position as an auto mechanic, I used computers every day to diagnose problems with vehicles. I would also use computers to communicate with customers about their cars. For example, if I found something wrong with a car, I would send the customer a photo of the issue so they could see what we were talking about.”

10. What kind of hours are you able to work?

Subaru of America, Inc. is a 24-hour operation and needs employees who can work any shift at any time. The interviewer wants to know if you have the flexibility to work these hours. If you are not able to work all shifts, be honest about your availability.

Example: “I am available for any shift that Subaru of America, Inc. has open. I understand that there may be times when my preferred shift is unavailable, but I would do whatever it takes to get on this team.”

11. Have you ever dealt with a high volume of customers at once?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle stress and pressure. They may ask this to see if you have experience working in a fast-paced environment, as well as your ability to multitask. In your answer, try to explain what helped you manage the situation and provide examples of how you were able to successfully complete all tasks.

Example: “In my current position, I often work with multiple customers at once. For example, when I’m on the phone with one customer while helping another in person, it helps me stay organized by writing down notes about each conversation so that I don’t forget anything. This also allows me to give each customer the attention they deserve.”

12. What can you tell us about the current market share of Subaru?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your knowledge of the automotive industry. They want to know that you have a passion for the industry and are aware of what’s happening in it. In your answer, try to include information about Subaru’s market share as well as some facts about the company itself.

Example: “Subaru currently holds 5% of the total U.S. auto market. The brand is known for its all-wheel drive vehicles, which makes them popular with consumers who live in colder climates. Subaru has been producing cars since 1954, when they started out making small engines. Today, they produce everything from sedans to SUVs.”

13. What makes Subaru different from other automotive companies?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and its values. You can answer this question by describing what you know about Subaru, including its history, mission statement or any unique features that set it apart from other car companies.

Example: “Subaru is a Japanese automaker that was founded in 1954. It’s known for making cars with all-wheel drive systems, which are especially useful in snowy conditions. The company also has a reputation for being environmentally friendly, so many of their vehicles have hybrid engines. They’re also committed to safety, as they were one of the first automakers to introduce side airbags.”

14. If hired, what would be your approach to making sure all cars are repaired correctly?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company’s products and how you would apply that knowledge in a way that benefits customers. Your answer should include specific examples of how you’ve applied quality control measures in previous roles.

Example: “I have worked with many different makes and models of cars, so I understand the importance of making sure repairs are done correctly. In my last position as a service advisor at Subaru of America, Inc., I noticed that some technicians were having trouble diagnosing certain issues on newer models. So, I developed a training program for all employees to help them learn more about the new technology used in Subaru vehicles. This helped our team become more efficient and accurate when working on these models.”

15. We pride ourselves on our friendly atmosphere. Give an example of a time when you helped create a positive environment.

Subaru of America, Inc. wants to know that you can fit in with their team and create a positive work environment for everyone. This is an important part of the company culture, so they want to make sure you understand what it means to them.

Example: “I have worked at my current job for five years now, and I am proud to say we are still one of the most positive places to work. We all genuinely care about each other and try to help out when someone needs it. For example, last year our coworker was going through some tough times and needed some time off. Instead of just taking the time off, she asked if she could take a few days unpaid leave instead. The rest of us pitched in to cover her shifts until she felt better.”

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

Subaru of America, Inc. is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. They want to know how you handle conflict in the workplace so they can determine if you’re able to work well with others. When answering this question, it’s important to show your ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues.

Example: “In my last position as an account manager, I was working on a project with two other account managers. We were all responsible for different aspects of the campaign, but we had to collaborate to ensure everything went smoothly. One day, one of the account managers didn’t submit their portion of the project by the deadline. This caused me to have to stay late to complete mine and resubmit it before the next morning. I spoke with the other account manager about the issue and he apologized. He also stayed late to help me finish my part of the project.”

17. Do you feel more comfortable in a fast-paced or slow-paced work environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you would be a good fit for the Subaru of America, Inc. work environment. Your answer should show that you can adapt to different types of environments and thrive in them.

Example: “I feel more comfortable in a fast-paced work environment because I am used to it from my previous job. However, I also know how to slow down when needed. For example, I always take time to thoroughly read through documents before signing them or making important decisions.”

18. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would fit into their team. Your leadership style is unique to you, but there are many different types of leadership styles. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe your own leadership style and then compare it to a few other common ones.

Example: “I believe in being an empathetic leader who encourages my team members to feel comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. I also think that delegating tasks based on each employee’s strengths is important. For example, if someone excels at customer service, I would assign them to work with customers more often than someone who isn’t as experienced.”

19. What do you think will be the biggest challenge for Subaru in the next 5 years?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its goals. It also allows you to show how you can use your critical thinking skills to solve problems. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what you think will be challenging for Subaru in the future. You should also explain why you believe that challenge will occur.

Example: “I think the biggest challenge for Subaru in the next 5 years will be maintaining their reputation as an environmentally friendly car manufacturer. In recent years, there have been many other companies who have started marketing themselves as green when they are not. This could cause confusion among consumers and lead them to choose another brand over Subaru. I would like to help create a plan to ensure we’re communicating our message clearly.”

20. Do you have any sales experience?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience selling cars. If you do, they may ask you to describe a time when you sold a car and how it helped your customer. If you don’t have sales experience, you can talk about other experiences that are similar, such as working in retail or helping customers at a restaurant.

Example: “I worked for a Subaru dealership while I was in college. My job was to greet customers and show them different models of Subarus we had on our lot. I also answered questions about the vehicles and offered test drives. One day, a family came into the dealership looking for a new vehicle. They were interested in buying a Subaru Forester because they needed something bigger than their current car. I showed them several options and explained all of the features each model had. In the end, they decided to buy a Forester.”