Hertz typically hires counter sales, customer service and vehicle service staff after an online application, a phone screen and an interview with the location manager, followed by a conditional offer with background checks and, for roles that involve driving, a driving record check. Steps vary by role, location, country and team.
Hertz also runs the Dollar and Thrifty brands, and many roles are at airport locations. For other hospitality and rental employers, see our hospitality interview guide.
Hertz interview process step by step
- Online application on Hertz's careers site.
- Phone screen with a recruiter or the location manager.
- Interview with the location or station manager, usually in person.
- Second interview for some sales and leadership roles.
- Conditional offer, then background and, for driving roles, driving record checks.
- Training on rental systems and, for counter roles, the products you will offer.
Counter, service and vehicle roles
Rental sales and counter roles greet customers, complete rentals and offer optional products such as upgrades and coverage. Customer service roles solve problems at the counter or by phone. Vehicle service roles clean, fuel, check and move cars, and at some locations drive shuttles.
Airport locations can run early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays, so be ready to talk about your schedule. Driving roles commonly list a valid license and a driving record review.
Each stage and how to get ready
| Stage | What the manager looks for | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Phone screen | Availability, attitude, clear speech | One sentence on your schedule and one on why Hertz |
| Manager interview (counter) | Calm under pressure, honest selling | A story about handling a long line of tired customers |
| Manager interview (vehicle service) | Safety, attention to detail, pace | Describe how you check a car before it goes out |
| Second interview | Goals, sales comfort, leadership | Your plan for growing at the location |
| Offer checks | Driving record, background | Know your record and keep your license valid |
Hertz interview questions with sample answers
Commonly reported questions include why Hertz, a customer upset about a charge, offering upgrades and coverage, and working at a fast pace. Sample answers:
“A customer returns a car and is upset about a fuel charge. What do you do?” “I'd listen fully, then show them the agreement and the fuel option they chose, so we're looking at the same facts. If there's been a mistake, I'd fix it or bring in my manager right away. If the charge is correct, I'd explain it kindly and suggest how to avoid it next time.”
“How do you feel about offering upgrades?” “Comfortable, because an upgrade is often good service. If a family of five arrives with big suitcases for a compact car, telling them about a larger vehicle helps them. I'd explain the price difference clearly, and if they say no, I'd make sure the bags fit and wish them a good trip.”
For vehicle service: “How do you work fast without cutting corners?” “I follow the same checklist on every car, so speed comes from routine, not skipped steps. At the car wash where I worked, Saturdays were packed, and I still checked every window and seat before handing back the keys. If something looked unsafe, I flagged it instead of hoping it was fine.”
Get ready for Hertz in a week
- Day 1: Read the posting and Hertz's careers site; note shifts and driving requirements.
- Day 2: Write your why-Hertz answer and a 45-second introduction.
- Day 3: Practice the fuel-charge complaint with a friend.
- Day 4: Practice offering an upgrade naturally, then accepting a no. Our front desk agent questions include similar counter scenarios.
- Day 5: Check your driver's license and think through your driving record honestly.
- Day 6: Do a complete practice interview out loud and note your two weakest answers.
- Day 7: Plan your route, allowing extra time at airport sites, and prepare two questions.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
Rental interviews are mostly in person, so our AI interview assistant works best as preparation. Paste the Hertz posting and your resume into an AI mock interview, answer each question out loud, and get a score out of 10 with what worked, what to improve and a model answer. Mock interviews and 15 minutes of live help every day are free, and sales and customer service questions get the same structured feedback as any other.
Use live help only where it is allowed and follow your employer's rules. If your phone screen comes to your mobile, the desktop app cannot hear it. Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get hired at Hertz?
Timelines vary by location and role. Busy airport locations can move quickly, while background and driving record checks add time after an offer. Candidates describe anything from about a week to several weeks. Ask the manager at the end of your interview when they expect to decide.
What questions does Hertz ask in a rental sales interview?
Common topics include why Hertz, handling a customer upset about a charge, offering upgrades and coverage honestly, working at a fast pace and your availability for early, late and weekend shifts. Prepare short, real examples and practice the sales conversation out loud.
Do you need a driver's license to work at Hertz?
For roles that involve moving or delivering vehicles, postings commonly require a valid driver's license and a driving record check. Some counter roles may list it too. Check the requirements on the specific posting you are applying for before your interview.
Are Dollar and Thrifty part of Hertz?
Yes, Dollar and Thrifty are Hertz brands, and jobs at their counters may be posted on Hertz's careers site. Read the posting to see which brand and location you would work at, then prepare for that location's customers and schedule.
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