20 United Rentals Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to a United Rentals job interview, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience with equipment rental and your knowledge of the company’s policies and procedures. You may also be asked questions about your customer service skills and your ability to handle difficult situations. To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of sample United Rentals interview questions and answers.

United Rentals Interview Process

The interview process at United Rentals can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two interviews, one with a human resources representative and one with a manager. For some positions, you may also be required to take a skills test or participate in a group interview. Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward and should not take more than a few weeks to complete.

1. What do you know about United Rentals?

This question is a great way to test your research skills and show the interviewer that you’re serious about this role. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description and familiarize yourself with the company’s values and goals. You can also look at their website or social media accounts to learn more about what they do.

Example: “I know that United Rentals has been in business for over 50 years and operates as one of the largest equipment rental companies in the world. I’m excited to join such an established organization and contribute to its continued success.”

2. Why do you want to work at United Rentals?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. When preparing for this interview, make sure you read through the job description and highlight any aspects that particularly interest you. Consider how these skills can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in construction work, so when I saw United Rentals was hiring, I knew it would be an excellent opportunity to get my foot in the door of this industry. Your company has such a strong reputation within the community, which makes me excited to join the team. I’m confident that with my experience as a welder, I could contribute to the success of this company.”

3. How would you go about persuading a customer who is hesitant on purchasing an expensive piece of equipment?

This question can help the interviewer assess your sales skills and ability to persuade customers. Use examples from previous experiences where you were able to convince a customer to purchase equipment or services that they initially weren’t sure about.

Example: “I would first ask them what their goals are for purchasing this piece of equipment, and then I would explain how it will benefit them in the long run. For example, if they need a jackhammer for construction work, I would show them how renting one is more cost-effective than buying one outright. If they still aren’t convinced, I would offer them a discount on the rental price so they could try it out before committing.”

4. Tell me about a time where you had a low performing team member and how you dealt with it.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can motivate others. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on the steps you took to help that team member improve their performance or attitude.

Example: “In my last position as an operations manager, I had a team member who was consistently late for work. This caused them to miss several days of work each month, which affected our ability to meet deadlines. After talking with them about the issue, they told me they were having trouble getting up in the morning. They asked if they could start working later in the day so they would have more time to get ready. I agreed to let them start work at 10 a.m., but only if they promised to be there every day.”

5. Describe your ideal workplace environment.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you’re a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight aspects of the workplace that are similar to United Rentals and explain why these things appeal to you.

Example: “My ideal work environment would be one where I’m surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. I think it’s important to have a team that supports each other and works together toward common goals. In my last position, I worked with a group of coworkers who were all very dedicated to their jobs. We often helped each other out when we needed assistance and celebrated our successes together.”

6. Which branch location are you applying for?

This question is a great way to determine if you have done your research on the company. It also allows you to show that you are interested in working for this specific branch location and not just any United Rentals branch. When answering, make sure to mention which city or state you are applying for along with the name of the branch.

Example: “I am applying for the position at the United Rentals branch located in San Diego, California.”

7. Do you feel like you have good rapport building skills?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your interpersonal skills. This can be an important skill when working with customers and other employees. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide examples of how you’ve used rapport building skills in previous roles.

Example: “I feel like I have good rapport building skills because I enjoy getting to know my coworkers and customers. In my last role as a customer service representative, I was responsible for helping customers find the right equipment for their needs. To do so, I would ask them questions about what they were looking to accomplish and then recommend some options that could help them achieve their goals.”

8. Describe a time when you were working in a fast paced environment.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the skills you used to complete your tasks and how they helped you succeed.

Example: “When I was working as a server at a restaurant, there were many times when we had large groups of customers who would come in all at once. This meant that I needed to multitask between taking orders, bringing food out to tables and cleaning up after meals. In these situations, I learned to prioritize my tasks so that I could get everything done before the rush ended.”

9. If hired, what would be your approach to selling equipment to new customers?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you would approach a new customer. Your answer should include the steps you would take to sell equipment, including what information you would gather from the customer and how you would use it to make recommendations.

Example: “I would first ask them about their project and what they are looking for in terms of size and power. Then I would recommend the best piece of equipment based on their needs and budget. If they need help transporting the equipment, I would offer delivery services as well.”

10. Have you ever worked in a sales role before?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience in a sales role and how your previous job duties may relate to this position. If you haven’t worked in a sales role, consider describing a time when you were able to sell something or convince someone to do something.

Example: “I’ve never worked in a sales role before, but I did work as an assistant manager at my local grocery store for two years. During that time, I learned how to interact with customers and provide them with excellent customer service. This skill has helped me develop strong communication skills and learn how to solve problems quickly.”

11. What kind of experience do you have operating heavy machinery?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the necessary skills and experience for this role. If you don’t have any experience operating heavy machinery, it’s important to highlight your ability to learn new equipment quickly.

Example: “I’ve worked as an equipment operator for five years now. I started out working with smaller machines like tractors and backhoes but have since moved up to larger equipment like cranes and forklifts. My previous employer was very supportive of my growth in the company, so they provided me with training on how to operate these bigger machines.”

12. Are you willing to travel for this position?

If the interviewer asks you this question, it’s likely that they’re looking for a candidate who is willing to travel. This can be an important quality in candidates because equipment rental companies often have customers across the country and sometimes even internationally. If you are asked this question, make sure to let the interviewer know that you are willing to travel if necessary.

Example: “Yes, I am willing to travel as needed. In my last position, I was required to travel at least once per month, so I’m used to being on the road. I find that traveling helps me learn more about different parts of the country and meet new people.”

13. What does excellent customer service mean to you?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the importance of customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of how you provide excellent customer service in your current role.

Example: “Excellent customer service means providing customers with the best experience possible. I believe that every interaction with a customer should be positive and helpful. In my last position, I had a customer who was looking for a specific piece of equipment but didn’t know what brand they needed. Instead of just telling them all brands we carried, I took the time to look up the brand online so I could send them the information. This small action helped the customer find exactly what they were looking for.”

14. Do you have any hands-on experience with construction equipment?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the necessary skills and experience for this role. If you don’t, it’s okay to explain what other types of equipment you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “I do not have any specific construction equipment experience, but I am familiar with many different types of machinery. In my last position as an equipment operator, I was responsible for maintaining all kinds of heavy machinery, including cranes, forklifts and tractors.”

15. What motivates you?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that motivates you personally or professionally.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others succeed. I love being able to provide assistance when someone needs it most. In my last role, I was working on a project for a client who needed some equipment repaired. I worked hard to make sure all of the repairs were done quickly so they could continue their work. The client was very happy with the service and told me how much they appreciated what we did.”

16. How comfortable are you with making cold calls?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to meet sales goals. If you have experience making cold calls, describe the process and how you overcame any challenges. If you don’t have direct experience with this type of call, explain why you would be willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve never made a cold call before, but I’m confident I could learn. In my previous position, I was tasked with finding new clients for our equipment rental company. To accomplish this, I researched local businesses and reached out to them via email. This strategy helped me find several new customers who were interested in learning more about our services.”

17. How much experience do you have developing relationships with clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with customers and clients. Use examples from your experience to show that you’re a strong communicator who’s able to build relationships with others.

Example: “I’ve worked in customer service for five years, so I’m very familiar with how to communicate effectively with people. In my previous role, I was responsible for answering phones and helping customers find the equipment they needed. I also helped them understand our rental policies and assisted them when they had questions about their rentals. I always made sure to listen carefully to what they were saying and respond to any concerns or questions they had.”

18. Would you say that you are competitive or collaborative?

This question is designed to determine how you approach work and the relationships you have with your coworkers. Your answer should show that you are a team player who values collaboration over competition.

Example: “I would say I am both competitive and collaborative, but my primary focus is on working well with others. When it comes to competing against other teams or individuals, I do so in order to achieve a goal or complete a task. However, I also understand that there is value in collaborating with others and learning from them. This helps me grow as an individual and provides opportunities for personal development.”

19. Give us an example of a time when you exceeded your monthly sales goal.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and motivation. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include the goal you set for yourself and how you achieved it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with increasing sales by 10% each month. At first, I thought that would be difficult, but after talking with some of our customers, I found out they were looking for more equipment than we had available. So, I started ordering more equipment so we could meet their needs. By doing this, I increased sales by 15% in the first month.”

20. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the skills that make you unique from other candidates. You should also include any relevant experience or education that makes you qualified for the position.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent candidate for this position because of my extensive customer service experience. Throughout my career, I have worked in both retail and hospitality positions where I learned valuable communication and interpersonal skills. These skills are essential for working with customers who may be frustrated or confused by equipment rental services. I am committed to providing quality customer service and ensuring all customers leave satisfied.”