Here is a clear, interview-ready crib sheet, for use at the preparation stage prior to interview.
1. Company Overview (Fill These In Before the Interview)
Franchise(s) Represented
• Example: Hyundai / Ford / BMW / Volkswagen / Multi-franchise group
• Be ready to mention why this brand appeals to customers (reliability, EV range, heritage, innovation, value, etc.)
Parent Company / Dealer Group
• Example: Lookers, Inchcape, Pendragon, Marshall, or independent family-owned group
Senior Leadership / Directors
• Managing Director / CEO: __________________
• Group Aftersales Director: __________________
• Group Sales Director: __________________
(Interviewers like candidates who show they’ve done basic research.)
Year Established
• Dealership or group founded: __________
• Bonus point: “That shows strong longevity and stability in the market.”
Latest News / Developments
• Examples you can look up:
• Expansion or showroom refurbishment
• EV focus or manufacturer awards
• New franchise added
• Customer satisfaction awards
• Prepare one sentence:
“I noticed recently the dealership has been focusing on EV growth / customer experience / expansion, which really attracted me to the role.”
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2. Questions the Interviewer Is Likely to Ask
“Why do you want to work for this dealership?”
Strong Answer Framework
• Brand reputation
• Customer focus
• Career development
• Alignment with your values
Example Answer
“I’m drawn to this dealership because of its strong reputation for customer service and the brand’s direction, especially around electric vehicles and innovation. I’m looking for a long-term role where I can develop, and this business clearly invests in its people.”
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“What are your greatest strengths?”
Pick 2–3 strengths relevant to dealerships:
Good Examples
• Customer communication
• Relationship building
• Attention to detail
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to work to targets
• Teamwork in a fast-paced environment
Example Answer
“One of my biggest strengths is customer communication. I’m good at listening, understanding what a customer actually needs, and explaining things clearly without jargon. I’m also very organised, which helps when managing multiple customers or tasks at once.”
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“What is your biggest weakness?”
⚠️ Never say: “I have no weaknesses.”
Use a real but controlled weakness + improvement.
Safe Examples
• Being too detail-focused
• Wanting to learn everything quickly
• Taking on too much responsibility
Example Answer
“I can sometimes be a bit too focused on getting everything exactly right, which can slow me down. I’ve been working on balancing accuracy with efficiency, especially in fast-paced environments like automotive retail.”
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“How do you handle pressure or targets?”
Example Answer
“I actually work well under pressure. I like having clear targets because it gives me focus. If things get busy, I prioritise tasks, stay organised, and keep communication clear with customers and colleagues.”
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3. Three Strong Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview
Always ask questions — it shows confidence and interest.
1️⃣ About Success in the Role
“What does success look like in this role in the first 6–12 months?”
2️⃣ About Training & Progression
“What training or development opportunities are available, particularly with manufacturer training or career progression?”
3️⃣ About Team & Culture
“How would you describe the team culture here, and what do you enjoy most about working for this dealership?”
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4. Final Tip to Remember
End the interview confidently:
“Thank you for your time today — I’m very interested in the role and feel I could add real value to the team.”
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If you’d like, tell me:
• Which dealership / brand
• Which role (sales executive, service advisor, business manager, admin, etc.)
I can tailor this exactly to that interview and even do mock interview questions.