I applied online. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at CarMax (North Chicago, IL) in Sept 2011
Interview
First you will do a phone interview with a manager at the Carmax you applied at, they will tell you a little about the company and how its an exciting time to join the company with a bunch of new stores opening. Next he or she will ask you about your past job experiences what you liked about it what you disliked about it. They will also ask if you have ever worked in a sales commission based environment before and how you feel about only being paid when selling cars. After you have said "thats no problem" they will then set up a face to face interview. When you get to the interview you will go to the front desk and say your there for an interview. The manager that interviewed you over the phone will take you to a sales cubical and ask you similar questions he or she did over the phone. You will next interview with another manager or two most likely from other departments throughout the store and they will also ask you about past work history as well as why you would make a good fit for this company and where you see yourself in five years with carmax if hired. After you have answered all of the interviewer's questions they will have you do an improvised car sale walk through with a car that's located in the lobby. Here you want to point out the cars features, let the manager sit in the front seat as you show them all of the cars features, open the hood explain a few things and open the trunk. If they like your interview as well as the vehicle walk through you should get hired.
Positive experience
Average interview
Application
I interviewed at CarMax (Gilbert, AZ)
Interview
Short phone screen, then was asked to the location for an in person interview. Asked 8-10 behavioral interview questions and then was asked to show the managers a car like they were the customer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you were able to help someone make an informed decision
Website provides personality test/profile. After you complete that you are invited to a phone interview with a recruiter. They will schedule an interview to the site. Interview with Manager and then GM, visit the lot and showcase professionalism and sales abilities
After doing a lengthy personality assessment online, I did a phone interview. The phone interview went well and I was invited for an in-person interview.
At the in-person interview, I had an extensive conversation with the sales manager, David. I thought it went really well. After that, I met with two other salespeople and we did a role-playing session where I greeted one of them and gave him an overview of a car on the lot.
After that, they said I'd get an answer in the next few days. I never did. While it's obvious that I didn't get the role, Carmax lacked the professionalism to at least send me an email letting me know that I had not made the cut.
Due to this experience, I will not be shopping Carmax the next time I need a new vehicle.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What questions would you ask a prospective customer?