The average person will take a look at an automotive store job and see it as a greasy and stressful job that requires extensive auto mechanical knowledge. However, this could not be further from the truth!
A job application for AutoZone can open up a world of possibilities for anyone with any type of background and experience.
Working at AutoZone
People who have worked at AutoZone give it average ratings when it comes to the working conditions and the overall structure of this company.
The biggest complaint is the lack of adequate pay which for an entry-level associate, is very well near your state’s minimum wage.
Here then, are the pros and cons:
Pros
- You get a tremendous opportunity to learn all about automotive parts
- 20% discounts at the store and discounts at a variety of other stores
- There is much room for advancement within the company
- Employees get up to 1-hour meal breaks
- Flexible work schedules
- Very pleasant working environment
- In some stores, you’re allowed to work many overtime hours every week
Cons
- Their training program needs improvement
- Employee benefits are not all that great
- Pay is far too low
- Many stores have trouble retaining their employees (high turnover)
- It’s hard to get promoted
- Employees lack motivation due to the low pay
- Many employees complain about lack of good management
AutoZone Positions
The 3 major career areas at AutoZone are Stores, Corporate, and Distribution Center positions.
At the store level, the most common jobs are the following:
- Retail Sales Associate
- Hub Driver
- Delivery Driver
- Parts Pro
- Assistant Store Manager
- Commercial Sales Manager
- Manager Trainee
- General Manager
There are a variety of positions available at the corporate level. Distribution center jobs are plentiful and the most common position is warehouse associate.
AutoZone Retail Sales Associate
This entry-level position is your introduction to being called an “AutoZoner,” which is the common nickname given to people who work at this company.
This is usually a part-time job at first until you prove to be a dependable and motivated employee. You can get to the full-time level by always showing up to work on time and ready to work, and never calling out sick unless you are really ill.
This job requires you to be an exceptional customer service representative. You have to complete your assigned tasks during your shift, ring up purchases at the cash register, and help to keep the store clean.
Other duties include stocking merchandise, helping customers find what they’re looking for, and assisting customers with their vehicle issues, or finding help from management to resolve those types of problems.
The requirements for this position include having a high school diploma or a GED. Even though the job also requires basic knowledge of auto parts, this company will train people who don’t know anything about vehicles and are motivated to learn.
AutoZone Hub Driver
AutoZone has two types of drivers for its automotive parts. The hub driver is responsible for delivering and picking up parts from all AutoZone stores in a general area.
Additionally, hub drivers deliver auto parts to commercial customers. With this job, you are provided a company vehicle and are expected to follow policies and procedures, as well as having a good driving record and exercising extreme caution while driving.
This job also requires accurate documentation and filing of all parts delivered. You have to be 21 years of age or older to be considered for this job.
AutoZone Delivery Driver
Like the hub driver, you’re provided a company vehicle so that you can deliver auto parts to the company’s commercial customers. Rarely, you may have to use your own car but you will be reimbursed for mileage.
You’ll have to load and unload parts safely, pick up returns and other parts from outside vendors or nearby stores, and handle some cash as well as charge transactions.
You have to be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license for this position, and you can expect to work holidays, evenings, and weekends.
AutoZone Parts Pro
In this position, you are the expert when it comes to auto parts but your duties extend way beyond that.
You’ll have to work with your general manager to make sure your store is a success. You can do this by being an effective communicator with your associates, encouraging and building strong relationships with your fellow employees, and teaching associates everything you know about auto parts.
This is also a job that requires you to have a very flexible work schedule. This means you’ll probably have to work weekends and evenings.
The requirements are 3 to 5 years of experience in auto parts, at least two years of management experience, and automotive diagnostic ability.
AutoZone Assistant Store Manager
An assistant store manager at AutoZone is heavily involved with the daily activities of a store manager. A job here consists of making sure your associates are productive, trained, and high-performing.
You’ll have an active role in coaching and mentoring your workers, helping to drive sales, controlling the store expenses, and maximizing profitability.
At times, you will be entrusted by the store manager to recruit, hire, and train new personnel. You will also be in charge of opening and closing your store.
You have to have a high school diploma or GED for this position. It’s important to have excellent communication and management skills as well as the ability to manage and analyze monthly profit and loss statements.
AutoZone Commercial Sales Manager
A commercial sales manager at AutoZone is the main contact person for commercial customers. This is a very active position where you will do your best to build and maintain relationships with your customers and provide the best ongoing service possible while continually expanding your customer base.
You will also be working hand-in-hand with your delivery drivers to ensure parts are being delivered quickly, safely, and efficiently.
This is a great position for someone who’s experienced as an AutoZone parts pro.
The requirements are very basic and that all you need is a high school diploma or GED as well as basic auto parts knowledge.
AutoZone Manager Trainee
This position is a short-term role where you are in direct preparation for a position as a store manager. AutoZone has a manager-in-training program where you train for about 8 to 12 weeks under the direct supervision of a store manager.
This job doesn’t guarantee you’re going to be a store manager but you can increase your chances by becoming engaged and showing strong leadership throughout your training.
This job requires at least 1 year of retail manager or supervisory experience and experience is preferred in being able to analyze company financials.
AutoZone Manager
In this very responsible position, you are in charge of overseeing your whole organization from top to bottom. You will recruit personnel and develop them to their fullest potential.
You will ensure maximum profitability for your store by continually ensuring your associates and other staff members are delivering the best customer service possible.
There are many AutoZoners who started out as associates before being promoted to store manager within 2 to 5 years.
Distribution Center Jobs
Some of the more common positions in the AutoZone distribution centers are Warehouse Associate, CDL Driver, Fleet Maintenance, and Supervisors and Managers.
AutoZone Warehouse Associate
There are always plenty of warehouse associate jobs available at any given time. This is a very physical position where you will be selecting orders, picking them, packing products, and making sure they are shipped to all the AutoZone stores.
There are many shifts available for these types of positions, including weekend, overnight, and day shifts.
You’ll have to be able to lift up to 50 pounds and you may be subjected to a vision test for this job. The job also may require you to wear a headset during your shift.
AutoZone Internship
There are AutoZone internship programs available throughout the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil.
The best time to apply for these positions between September and October of every year. All you have to do is use the official AutoZone careers website and perform a search for “Intern” positions.
These are paid internship programs and even though the company does not provide housing, you can find substantial discounted lodging with the help of this company.
The following are the internship programs available:
- E-commerce
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Loss Prevention
- Legal
- Merchandising
- Store Operations
- Supply Chain
- Marketing
- Commercial
- Finance
- Store Development
How to Apply at AutoZone
In order to be considered for a job at AutoZone, apply online. Here are the steps you can take:
- Visit the official AutoZone careers website.
- Scroll down to where a heading says “Career Areas.” Choose from Stores, Corporate, or Distribution Center/Warehouse, then click the link.
- On the next page, choose the link that best represents what you’re looking for, and begin the easy-to-follow application process.
- Once you click the “Apply“ button on a job that interests you, you’ll be prompted to create a new user account.
- Once you register, you can continue the AutoZone job application process.
AutoZone Hiring Process
The average time it takes to get hired at AutoZone from the moment you apply online is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. In some cases, employees have reported that they have been hired within 1 week after applying.
Here is what usually happens. After replying, a company representative will call you within 1 week. You’ll be scheduled for an interview which will take approximately 30 minutes.
The interview is said to be very long and thorough. Therefore, it’s a good idea to read some of the common interview questions by searching for them on the Internet and practicing how to answer the questions. Here is a great article I can show you some techniques.
Next, you may get a call back again for a second interview or you may be hired and you will be notified either via a telephone call or email. Once you are hired, you need to attend a mandatory paid training class.
AutoZone Hiring Age
AutoZone only accepts applications from people who are 18 years of age or older. The exceptions are hub delivery drivers where you have to be 21 years of age.
Does AutoZone drug test?
AutoZone definitely does perform drug tests on some of its applicants before they are hired. Many employees say there was no drug test but it is not wise to take that chance.
For salaried employees such as managers, you can expect a full background check and you will be subjected to a drug test as a condition of employment.
Brief History
AutoZone was known as Auto Shack and this retail automotive parts store opened its first store located in Forrest City, AR, in 1979. It wasn’t until 1987 that this company became known as AutoZone.
In 1998, this company began expanding its stores into Mexico, and eventually Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Benefits
AutoZone offers full-time workers comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans. Additionally, a 401(k) plan, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, and flexible spending account are offered.
Other notable perks are the fact that all employees receive a 20% discount at the store. Also, these employees receive discounts from AT&T, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, Verizon Wireless, Apple, and many more.
Full-time workers become eligible for these benefits after they pass their 3-month probation.
Final Thoughts
One of the most positive aspects of working at AutoZone is how employees say the working atmosphere is very pleasant. This is especially important for anyone who’s going to be working 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week at any job.
However, when it comes to hourly pay, an entry-level associate cannot expect to make anywhere near a living wage. This means people looking to support themselves or their family cannot do so if they’re going after an entry-level store position at this company.
My recommendation for people wanting to at least survive an entry-level job with this company is to work in one of their warehouses. This will ensure your hourly pay is at least somewhere in the $13-$15 an hour range to begin with.
AutoZone loves to promote people from within their company to management positions. This puts you in the driver’s seat if you are someone with managerial aspirations.
You can conceivably either become an intern during college or start out as an hourly associate and work your way up quickly to a management job.
AutoZone appears to be one of the best auto parts store jobs available and is worth considering if this is the type of field you would like to pursue.
