Get a job at CarMax

CarMax has made a name for itself in the auto industry. It's leading the way in used car sales, offering convenience and transparent pricing to shoppers.

The company has more than 25,000 associates across the US. There are many jobs available right now for motivated individuals.

If there's a CarMax near you, you might be interested in applying.

In this complete careers guide, we'll give you a rundown of the types of jobs available at CarMax. You'll learn about benefits, background checks, and what it takes to get hired.

Whether you want to be an auto technician, office worker, salesperson, manager, or automotive painter, you should keep reading.

What is CarMax?

CarMax Inc. is a US company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia that buys and sells used vehicles.

CarMax was launched in 1993. It has since seen rapid growth and is now the largest retailer of its kind. Today, there are more than 200 locations across the country.

The current CEO is William D. Nash, who's held the position since 2016.

CarMax sells a range of vehicles, and customers can shop both in-store and online. The brand offers extended 24-hour test drives and 30-day returns. Plus, home delivery and express pickup are available.

Additionally, CarMax has a team of experienced technicians who can repair vehicles and keep them on the road.

But what about the company culture? CarMax is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to ongoing training.

CarMax supports its team members and values positive customer experiences. It also gives back to the local community by investing in different causes.

What do you need to work at CarMax?

Each CarMax position has specific requirements. To find out more, be sure to read each job description carefully.

For most roles, you'll need to be at least 18 years old. A valid driver's license is essential, and you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent.

CarMax has a fast-paced environment, so you should be confident working under pressure. You should also be comfortable being on your feet for extended periods and able to lift heavy objects. Physical stamina and manual dexterity will help you get the job done right.

(Image Source)

Some positions require experienced technicians, while others are entry-level.

There are jobs for both part-time and full-time associates at CarMax. However, most employees will be expected to work a range of shifts, including nights and weekends.

Any experience in the auto industry, retail, or sales will be an advantage. Customer service, technical, and communication skills will also help you in your role.

What jobs are available at CarMax?

Is CarMax a company you'd like to work at? There are different jobs to choose from, and many are entry-level with ongoing training.

Here's a rundown of some of the most popular positions:

1. Inventory associate

Want a long-term career in the auto industry? An inventory associate role is a good place to start.

These workers support automotive technicians with a wide range of tasks, such as keeping track of deliveries and managing inventory.

Inventory associates keep the workspace clean and tidy. They move cars and get them ready for customer pickup.

These team members get training and supervision from company leaders. They learn to clean and recondition cars, as well as how to give exceptional customer service.

Inventory associates need motivation and should be team players. A driver's license is required, and you should be available on nights and weekends.

2. Customer service consultant

Customer service consultants greet customers and answer questions. They communicate with retail technicians and mechanical associates and give messages to customers.

Customer service consultants also answer phone calls in a friendly and professional manner. They keep notes regarding customer communication and follow up as required.

They book repairs and keep customers updated throughout the process. For example, a customer service consultant will phone the customer when their car is ready for pickup.

Customer service consultants use their computer skills to create invoices for repairs, and they process payments by both cash and credit card.

(Image Source)

To work in this role, you'll need excellent listening skills, phone skills, time management, and organization. Training is usually provided on the job.

3. Business office associate

Business office associates have a range of administrative duties. They support the entire team and can work with people from every department.

When customers arrive, these associates greet them and make them feel welcome. They help them with paperwork and answer any questions they might have.

Business office associates often work behind the information desk. They use their excellent customer service skills to answer phone calls. The phone system can be multi-line, so time management and organization are essential.

They're also responsible for opening and closing the office, processing payments, and completing paperwork.

Customer service experience is recommended for this role. You'll also need strong verbal and written communication skills.

4. Vehicle condition assessor

Vehicle condition assessors check vehicles and make detailed assessments. For example, they look at cosmetic damage and mechanical issues.

This information is put into a report and given to buyers and purchasing managers.

Vehicle condition assessors also help manage inventory and keep an eye on stock levels. They make sure wholesale auctions run smoothly and complete final verifications for customers.

These workers support the team with other general office duties. For example, they may answer phone calls or file paperwork. If there are new employees, a vehicle condition assessor can help them settle in.

To work in this role, you should be confident working independently. Attention to detail, computer skills, and knowledge of cars will also be an advantage.

5. Sales consultant

CarMax sales consultants help customers find the right car for their lifestyle. They answer questions, organize test drives, and share information.

If a customer needs support with finance, a sales consultant can help them find the right application forms.

Sales consultants use their computer skills to keep digital records. They need excellent customer service and listening skills, as well as product knowledge.

(Image Source)

If you want to be a sales consultant, you'll need to be motivated, a team player, and confident working with people.

Experience in retail or sales will be beneficial. Full training — with supervision from sales managers — is given to new employees.

6. Automotive painter

Automotive painters work with automotive technicians. They perform a range of cosmetic repairs, including paint retouching, waxing, and buffing.

If a vehicle has dents or scratches, the automotive painter will sand and grind them before repainting. They make sure each vehicle is ready for resale and meets CarMax's high-quality guarantee.

This is a busy role, and it can be physically demanding. Physical fitness and manual dexterity are essential, as well as attention to detail, time management skills, and teamwork skills.

You'll also need a background in painting, sanding, or masking to get the job.

How to apply for a CarMax job

The first step in the application process is to visit the CarMax careers page. Search by job title and location to see what positions are available in your area. Alternatively, you can browse by career type, such as auto services, contact center, store, or corporate.

Each vacancy will explain the daily duties and the minimum application requirements — for example, whether you'll need experience or specific skills or education.

Once you've found your fit, you can set up a free CarMax job seeker profile. You'll have to submit a few details, including your email address and a strong password.

Next, you'll need to complete the online application. This step covers your work history and education.

If the hiring manager wants to know more, you may be asked to complete a personality test. You'll do this online, and the answers will show CarMax how well you match the company's values.

Then, there's an onsite assessment. This involves supervised computer tests and may include a reasoning test, verbal reasoning test, or logical reasoning test.

(Image Source)

If you get through these stages, you may be invited to a job interview. CarMax conducts both group and individual interviews, depending on the position.

Learn more about the CarMax application process in our helpful guide.

CarMax application tips

When you sign up for a CarMax job seeker account, double-check your details. The hiring manager may contact you via phone or email, so make sure contacting you is easy.

In your application, focus on the skills mentioned in the job description. For example, for a sales role, CarMax will look for someone with customer service skills and motivation. For a technician position, highlight your manual dexterity and the fact that you're a fast learner.

When you fill out the personality test, be honest. This test will help the company decide if you'd fit in with the current team, so take your time to choose the right answers.

You can prepare for the reasoning tests before you actually do them by, for instance, finding sample questions online that cover relevant topics such as basic math, logic, and critical thinking.

The CarMax hiring process can take weeks. Be ready to schedule multiple interviews, including phone and in-person interviews.

Common CarMax interview questions

A CarMax job interview may be conducted in a group or by yourself. We recommend you follow the business casual dress code and arrive about 10 minutes before the start time.

What will you be asked? Here are some of the most common CarMax interview questions:

• Why do you want to work at CarMax?

• CarMax has flexible working hours. What is your work availability?

• Tell us why you're interested in the auto industry.

• Share an example of when you gave excellent customer service.

• What is something unique you'd bring to the company?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• What makes a good leader?

• What are your strengths?

• Share an example of a time when you went above and beyond at work.

• Do you have any experience in retail or sales?

• How do you feel about using technology at work?

• Do you have any questions?

Does CarMax do a background check?

After the interview process is complete and you get a conditional offer of employment, there'll be a background check. You'll need to pass it before you can start work.

(Image Source)

There are a few parts to the background check. First, it's used to verify your details, including your work history and education.

There's also a criminal background check that looks at your records. It checks local, state, and federal databases and shows any misdemeanors or felonies. The criminal check usually goes back seven years, but it can be longer depending on the job type.

CarMax is looking for any red flags that may have an impact on its customers or team members. For example, someone with a long history of larceny may not suit a retail environment.

If you have any prior incidents that may show up in your background check, you can explain the circumstances during the interview.

For many positions at CarMax, some driving is required. CarMax does a driving record check that looks for any incidents on the road and indicates whether your driver's license is valid.

Not all issues will be an immediate "no," and you may still be hired even if you have a criminal background.

Does CarMax do a drug test?

If you get offered a job at CarMax, you'll need to pass a drug test.

The two most common types of drug tests the company uses are mouth swabs and urine tests. Your samples are sent to a third-party laboratory for testing at no cost to you.

If the results show any illegal substances, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

CarMax employees occasionally undergo random drug and alcohol screenings in the workplace. If your manager suspects you're under the influence, they can ask for these tests to be done.

Additionally, drug testing is standard procedure after any workplace accident at CarMax.

What benefits do CarMax employees get?

Getting a job at CarMax comes with a wide range of company benefits.

What can you expect? Like most companies, CarMax has a comprehensive health benefits package. Depending on your eligibility, you may get medical coverage, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

(Image Source)

You'll also get prescription drug coverage, which lowers the cost of common medications.

Plus, there'll be options to save some pre-tax dollars in a health saving account (HSA) or FSA flexible spending account (FSA). If an unexpected medical expense comes up, you can use the money in these accounts.

These healthcare perks can be used by both you and your dependents.

If you meet the minimum hours, you'll get paid vacation leave and paid volunteer time off. You can also plan for your retirement with a 401k with a company match and an employee stock purchase plan.

Your ongoing success is a priority. CarMax offers programs for employee development, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training.

The CarMax benefits package comes with parenting benefits, bonuses, and discounts on car purchases.

CarMax has an inclusive work environment. If you have a disability, you can ask for reasonable accommodation.

Find out more about CarMax's benefits package and eligibility criteria in our CarMax benefits guide.

How much can you make at CarMax?

You're probably wondering about salary. The average wage for CarMax employees in the US is $16.67 per hour.

There are many positions at CarMax, and your pay will depend on your job title, location, qualifications, and experience. For example, the average salary for a sales consultant is $14.00 per hour, and for a customer service specialist, it's $15.00 per hour.

Inventory associates make between $11.00 and $20.00 per hour, and office administrators make between $11.00 and $22.00 per hour.

If you're interested in repairing vehicles, the average salary for an automotive detailer is $13.00 per hour. Junior automotive technicians make around $18.00 an hour.

(Image Source)

With experience, you can make more. More senior automotive service technicians and mechanics make between $14.00 and $22.00 per hour, with an average of $21.00 per hour.

Hardworking employees may also be rewarded with bonuses.

Where to get a CarMax job

Now that you've read this article and know more about CarMax, it's time to start your application.

You can browse CarMax positions on our job board and filter results to include only those in your local area. Create a free Jobcase account and set up job alerts, get involved in our community discussions, and use our resume builder.

When you're ready, head to the CarMax careers page on the company's website. Search by keyword and location, or browse some of the most popular career areas.

Once you find a job you're interested in, hit "apply" to start the process.

Starting your CarMax career?

CarMax is a retailer of used cars. It has locations across the US, and there are jobs available there now.

Some of the top positions include inventory associates, service consultants, business office associates, vehicle condition assessors, sales consultants, and automotive painters.

To apply at CarMax, you'll need to complete an online application. There are a few steps to this process, including a personality test and multiple interviews.

If you get through the interviews, you'll be given a provisional offer of employment. Before you can start work, though, you'll need to pass a background check and a drug test.

Don't forget: CarMax has a suite of benefits and opportunities for promotion.

Looking for a job? Head to our job board to see who is hiring near you. Plus, you can find more hints and tips in our resource center.