Jobs › NAPA Genuine Parts Company

Store Counter Sales

NAPA Genuine Parts Company · Naperville, IL · Full time

Posted Jul 30, 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 your background with automotive parts. What systems on a vehicle do you know best?

What they are checking: Whether they bring real parts knowledge, which the posting says is required for this role.

Tell me about a time a customer was angry with you. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and focus on solving the problem rather than getting defensive.

Are you looking for full-time, part-time or a long-term career as a Parts Specialist, and why?

What they are checking: Whether their goals fit the store's needs and whether they plan to grow into the parts business.

What would you do

You're the face of the store when customers walk in. What do you do in the first 30 seconds with a new customer?

What they are checking: Whether they greet and engage customers right away instead of waiting to be approached.

A customer is sure they need a specific part, but what they describe sounds like a different problem. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they gently share their knowledge while respecting the customer's decision.

Two customers are at the counter and the phone is ringing. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they acknowledge everyone and manage the wait instead of letting someone feel ignored.

A coworker asks you a parts question you don't know the answer to. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about what they do not know and find the right answer together.

About the work

A mechanic calls needing a water pump for a vehicle and wants it fast. What information do you need and how do you get it to them?

What they are checking: Whether they gather the right vehicle details and move quickly to quote, locate and deliver the part.

Our stores use a computer system, a register and a paper catalog. How would you find a part if the computer system was down?

What they are checking: Whether they can work through paper catalogs and backup methods instead of being stuck without the computer.

How would you explain the difference between a good, better and best option on a part like brake pads?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain value and quality clearly so customers choose with confidence.

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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 an hourly pay of $20.25. Many of our hourly positions have pay progression with set starting rates and you reach the top end of this range within 12 months of hire. 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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