Jobs › NAPA Genuine Parts Company

Counter Sales

NAPA Genuine Parts Company · Cahokia Heights, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 31, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you helped a customer who didn't know much about cars.

What they are checking: Patience and clear explanations, since the counter associate is the face of the store.

A coworker asks you about a part you know well. How do you help them while you're busy?

What they are checking: Sharing parts knowledge with teammates, a stated part of the role.

What automotive background do you bring, whether from working on cars, a shop or another parts store?

What they are checking: The automotive knowledge the posting says it needs, even without full mechanic skills.

What would you do

The phone is ringing, a shop is waiting on a part and a retail customer just walked in. What do you do?

What they are checking: Juggling wholesale and retail customers in a fast store while keeping everyone informed.

A customer brings back a part saying it's the wrong one, but they've installed it. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Following return policies while keeping the customer's trust and staying calm.

How would you suggest an add-on, like hardware or brake fluid, without sounding pushy?

What they are checking: Helpful selling that makes sure the job gets done right the first time.

About the work

A customer needs front brake pads for a 2015 Silverado. Walk me through how you'd find the right part.

What they are checking: Real parts lookup skill, including asking about trim, options and the details that change the part number.

A walk-in says their car is making a grinding noise when they stop. What questions do you ask?

What they are checking: Automotive knowledge and the ability to ask useful questions without overstepping into a diagnosis.

Have you used a paper catalog to look up parts? When would you still reach for one?

What they are checking: Comfort with both computer and paper catalog lookups, which the posting lists.

How do you handle the register and make sure your cash drawer balances at the end of a shift?

What they are checking: Care with cash handling, which affects store trust and loss prevention.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by NAPA Genuine Parts Company.

We are so much more than a Parts Store and we are looking for even more great talent to join our NAPA family! As a NAPA Counter Sales associate , you are looked at as the “face of the retail store” and the go to person as soon as our customers enter our retail stores for all of their automotive needs. You don’t need to be able to tear and motor down and rebuild it (however, if you can, that’s awesome) – but we do need you to have a background and knowledge of automotive parts. A NAPA Counter Sales associate is a great opportunity whether you are looking to spend your career with us as a Parts Specialist, want to work full/part-time or you just want to get your foot in the door with us to explore other careers at some point – We welcome you! What you will be doing: • Provide auto parts answers and solutions for our retail and wholesale customers in person at the counter/over the phone • Use your parts knowledge to assist other NAPA team members answer questions for customers • Providing outstanding customer care and interactions with everyone who comes into our NAPA Store! • Bring customer focus and high energy to our fast-paced stores • Welcome retail customers into our retail stores and engage to provide a positive consumer experience • Use technology (computer), cash register, telephone, and paper catalog system This is the right opportunity for you if you: • Genuinely enjoy helping our retail and wholesale customers with their auto parts and service questions • Have gained your parts experience by working the automotive industry or have gained your experience tinkering with/repairing cars & trucks through the year • You are willing to learn all things automotive if you don’t have the background in automotive parts. • Want to join a team where you can learn and grow your career – the opportunities are endless! What you’ll need: • Valid Driver’s License • Previous experience in a parts store or automotive industry or at least a willingness to learn all things auto parts. • High School Diploma or GED. Technical or Trade school courses or degree. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Love fast paced retail environments • Great listening skills and empathy for customers And if you have this, even better (not a deal breaker if you don’t): • Background and/or passion for automotive industry, heavy equipment, farm industry, diesel, marine, or dealership. • Experience in a parts store, auction, retail store, auto body/collision • Knowledge of cataloging AND/OR inventory management systems, a plus • Entirely customer-centric (external/internal) • ASE Certifications What’s in it for you: • Awesome people and brand • Competitive Pay • Outstanding health benefits and 401K • Stable company. Fortune 200 with a “family” feel • A Culture of promotion from within, using your creativity, finding solutions/fixes, and where no 2 days or career paths are the same! • Great training, and ongoing development with support from multiple leaders/your team This position offers a starting hourly rate of $18. For other positions, the starting rate will be determined based on individual skills, experience, and qualifications. We value the unique contributions of each team member and encourage candidates to discuss their backgrounds during the interview process. Benefits: Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match. Paid Time Off: Vacation, personal days, holidays, sick days, and paternal leave Additional Perks: Employee stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs. Not the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by joining our Talent Community on jobs.genpt.com or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest! GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.

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