Topic: I have a job interview, what can I expect?

[kneedownnate]

It's at America's Tire Co very early tomorrow morning.  I haven't had one of these in a long time and need to bone up on my responses to questions, as well as which questions I should ask them. 

Aside from busting my ass, for those who've worked in the tire industry before, what can I expect?  Anybody worked for America's Tire in particular?  Anything I should know about the company to help me in the interview?

I know the basics, dress nice but not too nice, be well groomed and presentable, make lots of eye contact, avoid "ums, errs, uhhs, etc.", research the company before hand, make your flaw a positive, don't speak negatively.  I am very curious how to explain getting fired from the last place though.  I feel I was pushed out because I made too much and they were trying to make their numbers look better, but if they talk to my last boss I'm sure he'll make it sound like I did absolutely nothing.

[BLACKDOG]

I would be to the point about it.  Don't get into mud slinging, but don't try to hide it either.  Acknowledge that you were fired, discuss the kind of work that you did, and if you have a (good)reference from your previous job, use that one.

[kneedownnate [OP]]

That's one thing I should have done before, talk to a couple coworkers and put them down as references, but my first reference is my first boss as a mechanic and I know he'll give me a good reference. 

I'm trying to look up information on their company but am coming up short.  I did find one article that says the company was started in 1960 by Bruce T. Halle, now has over 700 stores in 20 states with over 10,000 employees, but the info pretty much ends there.

[TEXCRAWLER]

Who care if you were fired from your last job. The only thing America's tire can ask about your old job is would they hire you back or not the employeer you were fired from can't give any negative feed back by law. Tell you the truth I wouldn't even put them down. Tell the your number 1 priority is safety on the job, you are very attentive, a team player, and really like automotive mechanics. Those are always a plus.

[BLACKDOG]

Try to track down their company philosophy, or mission statement, and talk about that. 

Talk about dedication to customer service, etc. etc. 

From their website
http://www.dtcorporate.com/

Discount Tire's Vision And Values
 
Discount Tire Company has a vision that not only lives but thrives in the hearts of its employees each and every day. From part-time to full-time employees at the store, regional or corporate level our employees work to be the best in the business.

One common thread running through the hearts of everyone within the organization remains the same - treat customers and one another with respect and fairness. Help those in need, always do what is right, work hard, be responsible and have fun.

The employees of Discount Tire represent its philosophy and its brand by remaining knowledgeable, friendly and honest. By offering the highest level of customer service, more product choices and the lowest prices, they have earned the right to be considered trusted experts.

Building customer relationships has allowed Discount Tire to become a leader in the industry. Our continual growth not only provides opportunities for employee advancement, but allows more customers to remain confident when choosing Discount Tire for all of their tire and wheel needs.
 
 
 

 

Freaking sweet!!  looking at that I just found that they opened a store here locally! 

[*FFC*]

I've actually interviewed with America's Tire Co. I may be working there if I hadn't had the wrong stinkin phone number on my resume

I say just be honest with them, but don't tell them too much. I mean, don't volunteer anything more than you have to.

Good luck!!!!!

[Cheesemaker]

Like said, be honest about being fired.  But in this economy, alot of people are being fired.  You were fired over wage costs being too high!!!   

Just focus on the amount of years of service with the company.  And the dedication you gave to customer service.  How you were willing to put in long hours to satisfy your clients.  And safety is key issue.  Customer safety. 

Nate you will be fine. 

 

[kneedownnate [OP]]

So it's been suggested that I wear work boots to the interview, and clean jeans rather than the kahkis.  Thoughts?

[TEXCRAWLER]

So it's been suggested that I wear work boots to the interview, and clean jeans rather than the kahkis.  Thoughts?

You could and tell them your ready to go to work on the spot.

[Toymin8r]

Just make sure you have a snappy answer to the "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" question.  You can be lieing your off as long as you don't stumble with it.   Employers don't really give a crap about the actual answer but if you have one without having to think about it they think your "goal oriented".  A little knowledge about the company you are interviewing for and it's history doesn't hurt either.    Also, make sure you always look at the interviewer when your speaking to him.

[skyscraper]

I worked at tire pros(very similar to americas tire) for 2 years, and saw all kinds of ppl come through applying for jobs.  Honestly, I would relax because they arent expecting to hire someone that has a college degree, or is super qualified and experienced...I mean come on, its tire work not brain surgery.  Sure, it doesnt hurt to be polite and dress nice and stuff like you mentioned, but just dont worry yourself to death over it, ya know.  Focus more of your attention on just talking with the interviewer as if it were no big deal, you dont want to be thinking about if your clothes look right, while trying to answer questions.  Good luck, hope it goes well. 

[*FFC*]

So it's been suggested that I wear work boots to the interview, and clean jeans rather than the kahkis.  Thoughts?

I'm pretty sure I"m too late on this, but I'd say no. Kakhis and a not too formal, short sleeved button up, maybe nice tennis shoes or something is a sign that you're putting forth the effort. If you show up in jeans and boots they may feel that you aren't trying very hard. Plus, it all depends on the interviewer. Everyone makes judgments differently.

[kneedownnate [OP]]

Well, I didn't show up as early as I would have liked to but was still 6 minutes early.  There were actually several guys there working, but I guess that was cause they were having a big tent sale over the weekend and they needed to set up.

Went in and spoke to the new manager and we really only talked for a few minutes.  He said he really liked what he saw in my resume and application, and that my boss gave me a shining recommendation and said they were all sad to see me go.  The reason my boss gave for getting rid of me was restructurization, which kinda goes right along with me saying it was a numbers game.

He went and got the store manager and asked if he wanted to talk to me, and we ended up talking for probably 15-20 minutes, mostly him talking.  2nd guy really didn't ask me much, just went over a bunch of stuff on how the company was run, what had to be done to advance, etc.  He did mention the process of training, which can have you working 20-40 hours until you're good enough to work on your own for the most part.  They'll train you as much as possible, but since you have a guy with you all the time they'll pull you off if it gets too busy, and may tell you to grab a broom, clean the toilets or go home.  Both of them started off saying they really didn't have any openings at the time but they were very interested in me, but the store manager ended up hiring me anyway.

One really neat thing, and something that helped put me at ease, was that they don't have a set time you have to learn everything in.  He said it could take a week, 2 weeks, a month, 2 months, but they don't care.  They just want to make sure you're fully trained in doing things exactly how they want it done.  I'm fully stoked but still kinda have a little perma-knot in my stomach, hoping I'll measure up.  It seems like they're looking for long term and I'm looking for long term, so I can only hope it works out!

I did talk to the lady at edd and she said that if I do get approved for unemployment, they'll still pay me something as long as I'm not working full time, so if I do only end up getting 20 hours a week I'll still have something else coming in.  The job doesn't pay near what I was making before, but definately pays better than minimum wage, and I'm betting there will be raises handed out after evaluations, rather than having to beg and beg for a raise, be told you'll get one, then not seeing it for a year.

There's no set time just yet that I'll start.  They still need to get my background check (which could take a couple days to a couple weeks, just depends on how easily they find my info and how busy they are), then I have some pre-employment stuff to go through, but just the promise of a job in a tough time has me stoked!

[Stocker]

  Congrats, Nate! That didn't take long at all! With any luck, you'll pick it up quickly and get put on full time.  Good to know your ex gave you good marks, also good that you can get partial unemployment while on part time.   

[Cheesemaker]

   Nate don't worry about it.  You'll be fine.  Tire work is easy once you know what to do.  You've got a good head on you, and a good working knowledge of vehicles, so you already have a good start.  Looks like they have a good page for you to study from. http://www.americastire.com/dtcs/infoHome.do 
And they only deal with vehicle tires.  I had to learn everything there was about tires all the way up to tires that will smash your toyota.   

One other thing...  your knees!  I know you already have issues, but be prepared that they will be hating you.  You will do good. 

[BLACKDOG]

right on Nate!  Congrats!

[unclejpl4x4]

      

[abnormaltoy]

Congrats...that's not a bad birthday present.

[kneedownnate [OP]]

That's what I was thinking too 

[yota_krawler]

sweet dude, glad to hear!

[kneedownnate [OP]]

Did a little playin around with the 35s I have mounted on wheels.  Nothing major, just practiced repeatedly chucking one onto the tailgate of the 4by and it went well.  Tread against leg, kick up and roll onto gate.  Combo weighs around 68 pounds, so I need to grab something bigger or find somebody with a big vanity wheel and tire that they messed up and just wanna give away since it'll be heavier than the 35 with a 15" wheel.

[WHITE_TRASH]

If you were closer I'd let you practice on my 44's... They only weigh 167#'s each mounted on beadlocks... 


You'll be fine, being a tire monkey is hard work at times but you'll deal just fine.  If they have a truck slab do yourself a favor and get on it.  Swinging a duckbill sledge to bust beads on semi wheels is cake and you'll get to spend time on the road doing service calls not dealing with whiny customers and bling wheels to worry about scratching.

[kneedownnate [OP]]

44's would kill me    They don't have a truck slab though, only passenger car/light truck tires.  I've been stretching and stretching and stretching my back too, all throughout the day, and even bought some over the counter orthotic inserts for my shoes.  Those definately make my shoes more comfy, and will hopefully help with my back a little.

[JanMarie13]

   Excellent Nate!!   That's great!   How very sweet of your old boss to give such a good review/reason.  Yeahhh, a little sarcasm there, but I'm glad to hear you didn't have to deal with figuring out how to explain what happened.   Good luck!   

[kneedownnate [OP]]

Not to them, but I did finally have my phone interview with edd this morning and it doesn't sound good.  They have me down as getting 7 writeups over 14 years, though I can only really remember maybe 5, and gave the reason for termination that I left a customer stranded over night on the lake and put it off on the morning guys.  That's funny, cause the customer requested I not come out that night, despite my telling him that I was still there for a while and could come out, but I'm willing to bet the customer would deny that since they probably used it as leverage to get money back on the trip. 

[JanMarie13]

Not to them, but I did finally have my phone interview with edd this morning and it doesn't sound good.  They have me down as getting 7 writeups over 14 years, though I can only really remember maybe 5, and gave the reason for termination that I left a customer stranded over night on the lake and put it off on the morning guys.  That's funny, cause the customer requested I not come out that night, despite my telling him that I was still there for a while and could come out, but I'm willing to bet the customer would deny that since they probably used it as leverage to get money back on the trip. 

   Unbelievable!!

[Stocker]

That's a crock!!    About all I can think of at this point is that you should calmly tell them (EDD) your side of the story. Be as accurate and honest as possible (pretty much your style anyway, I know) and see where it goes. Even if it goes nowhere, at least you'll clear the air and get the truth out there. To say the least, it's a bummer having an unwarranted black mark on your record.   

[Cheesemaker]

I wouldn't really worry about it, as long as you still have the new job.  If it comes up, just say that you were very persistent about coming out, but they said it would be an inconvenience to them.  Another thing, just tell them that the prior employer, created a hostile work environment for you, but since your not a quitter, you did your job to the best of your ability.  You were basically setup, and that they were trying to find a way to get rid of you for reasons that were unclear. 

As for the new job, just remember to not use your back.  Learn to roll tires on your toes when putting mounted tires and wheels on vehicles.  Don't try to lift them into place with your back.  And to roll the tires up your leg and bounce them off your knee. 

[kneedownnate [OP]]

Quick update, I got a $1 raise without asking.  Boss said he needed to talk to me before I left yesterday and I had a bad feeling, but he asked how I was doing and I said good, asked how I like the job and I said I really liked it, then he said he put me in for a raise and it was approved, and starting monday I'll be making $1 more an hour.  Absolutely floored me!  I was going to wait till I hit 3 months and ponder asking, especially since I don't think the guy who was hired a month or so before me had got a raise yet.  It's not going to make me rich, but when I'm scraping so hard to get by, every little bit helps!

He also said I've been picking things up very quickly, which isn't what I thought but I aint gonna argue    I do mess up every now and then, but I guess in the grand scheme of things I'm doing well, and I'm busting my ass trying to learn and be as productive as possible, mainly trying to keep it to where I don't need to pull anybody else away form what they're doing to get things done.  But, there are times you need help, period.  Some tires just won't seat without being blasted with air, which means you have to have somebody else help, and sometimes I have trouble balancing difficult assemblies.  I had some like that the other day (bfg truck tires are typically a pita, especially the a/t) and the lead guy took over for me, then I heard him yelling at the tire and throwing weights around    Always makes me feel better when I'm struggling, somebody tries to help me and struggles too.

[85yotabox]

Wow im suprised i didnt see this sooner.  ive been working at americas tire for about 2 yaers now and they have treated me great.  its pretty lay back but we can still get our done when it needs to be.  Im making $11.00 an hour and 30+ hours a week now while still going to school and my boss is always pushing me to go full time so i can really make some money.  i really wana become a welder but if that falls through its nice to know that this company will take care of me.  thats one good thing about this company is it does take care of its employees.  i dont kno if you know this but, the V.P.s of the regions make around $250K a year salary and the company buys them a car when they get permoted with a $65,000 limit! stuff like that all the way down to giving part timers a christmas bonus.im very tempted to stay with them with those possabilities but well see how it workes out.  which store do you work at if you dont mind me asking?