Interview Preparation for the Automotive Industry

This article is an interview preparation manual specific to the automotive and mobility industry, with information specific to the following company types.

We hope that we can be of service to you in the success of your job search.

Automotive and Mobility Industry Interview Preparation by Company Type

Moving to a complete vehicle manufacturer

Interview Basic Information

Number of times selected	2-3⁺ times
Web Test	△
face-to-face interview	period

Normally, the number of interviews is two to three, but may be more if it includes an interview with the overseas headquarters or APAC. It depends on the company and the position you are applying for, so check if necessary. Web tests seem to be generally rare. Many companies incorporate face-to-face interviews.

Pre-Interview Preparation

– Industry Research

Within the automotive industry, the growing EV market and online sales of automobiles have received particular attention. It has been in the news frequently in recent years and is relatively easy to research. Be sure to get an overview and be able to express your own opinions.

Furthermore, it is important to understand where the company you are applying for stands within the industry. Although this overlaps with the company research discussed below, it is important to understand that each company has various policies on the same topic, and among them, the company you are applying for should deepen your understanding of what policies they have adopted, while comparing them with other companies.

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– Corporate Research

In the foregoing, we mentioned that part of industry research is to understand where the company you are applying for stands on the latest trends in the industry. Based on this perspective, you should also understand the strengths and challenges of their products, as well as their sales situation and business strategy in Japan. Based on this information, you can clarify your motivation for applying by considering how your experience and skills can contribute to the company.

Information on company policies can be found in press releases, and information on sales figures can be found on the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAIA) website.

To further deepen your understanding of the company you are applying for and its brand, it is also a good idea to visit the dealership or showroom in person, where you can obtain information about the product and get a feel for the brand. Having direct contact with the product and familiarity with the brand prior to the interview will help to persuade you to apply for the job.

Self-assessment

Achievements in your current position will be considered important. In addition, you are expected to logically explain how your experience can be applied to the new position. Review your current job description and pick out the main points that are applicable to the job description of the position you are applying for, and delve into them to explain them in detail.

Furthermore, some importers emphasize commitment to KPIs, so it is a good idea to reflect on your efforts to achieve the numbers and be prepared to fully explain them in the interview.

Interview Evaluation

z You can make a good impression by explaining your experience and career vision in a logical manner, while demonstrating your eagerness to work for the company you are changing jobs for. If you are considering a career change within an industry, it is also important to understand that the industry is very small and not to give too much information about your company. Professionalism in open communication but not crossing certain lines is appreciated.

✖ If you are overly enthusiastic and talk too much beyond what is asked, you will make a bad impression. Also, even if you have gathered a good amount of information about the industry and the company when going into the interview, if your answers to the important questions about yourself and the reasons for changing jobs are unclear, this will also make a bad impression. Prepare carefully and answer the questions calmly during the interview.

Evaluation for English Proficiency
Depending on the company and position, there may be no problem even if your English proficiency is low when you join the company. However, English may be required as you advance in your position, or in the case of importers with smaller Japanese branches, English may be required from the beginning. When considering a career change to a finished vehicle manufacturer, especially an importer, it is important to plan with an eye toward improving your English language skills as well.

Switching to Supplier

Interview Basic Information

Number of times selected	2 to 3 times
Web Test	×
face-to-face interview	△

Web tests do not appear to be a common part of the selection process for supplier companies. Face-to-face interviews may be conducted, but more and more companies are using online interviews to complete the process, so this should be confirmed at the selection stage.

Pre-Interview Preparation

Industry Research

Internet searches and AI chatbots can be used to research a wide range of industry overviews and conditions. Of particular interest in the technology sector are ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and thermal systems. All companies are constantly developing technology in these areas, and it is important to have a good knowledge of their products, including those of their competitors, as their cutting-edge technology is used in their products.

It is also important to understand the overall trends in the automotive industry: the growth of the EV market, the increasing popularity of HVs, and the issue of semiconductor shortages, which requires a deeper supplier perspective and understanding.

However, there may be limitations in obtaining detailed information. For example, it may be difficult to obtain information on the position of a company within an industry or the business situation of individual companies through personal research. In such cases, we recommend that you ask an agent who is familiar with the company and the industry.

Related Article:

The EV Market from the Basics｜Current Trends in the World and Japan
EV Market Outlook for 2024｜HVs More Popular? What are the 4 trends that the industry is focusing on?

Company Research

You will need to do extensive research on the company, including the products it handles and its business potential in Japan. In particular, if the company’s products are similar to those of its competitors, you should be aware of some of the differences between them, and organize what you will say in the interview. Ideally, you should check with an agent for information that you cannot obtain through personal research and gain a better understanding of the company before going to the interview.

Self-assessment

The experience and characteristics that are of interest in a career change vary from job to job. For engineering positions, technical matters may be asked in detail. Therefore, it is important to be prepared in advance so that you can handle technical terms smoothly. Questions may also be based on your knowledge of the products you have worked with, the programming languages you have used, and your actual development experience. Look back on past experiences, identify episodes that led to your personal growth and strengths, and be prepared to speak confidently about them in the interview.

On the other hand, for PM and sales positions, experience working with OEMs is often tested. For example, if you have experience in a PM role, it is important to describe your experience in driving projects forward while coordinating OEM requirements with your team’s progress. Using your own experience to illustrate your approach to the job will make a good impression.

Interview Evaluation

z You will make a good impression if you are able to showcase your strengths while also understanding the interviewer’s needs and speaking accordingly. It is also important that you understand the differences between your competitors; you do not need to understand 100%, but at least enough to be able to give your own opinion, so take the time to do some research in preparation for the interview.

✖ If you have not done enough research on the company or have not done any research at all, your evaluation will be low. Even if you are changing jobs within an industry, be prepared to speak factually about the company, including the latest news, and not just based on your own image of the company.

Evaluation for English Proficiency
Some positions in foreign companies may require a certain degree of language proficiency, but if you are younger, the language requirement may be relaxed to take into account your potential after joining the company. During the interview process, it is important to demonstrate a willingness to learn and show growth potential.

Move to semiconductor and software tool companies

Interview Basic Information

Number of times selected	2 to 3 times
Web Test	period
face-to-face interview	period

There will be two to three rounds of selection and a web test may be conducted either before or after the first interview. Check back from time to time for details. The final interview is usually face-to-face.
Some companies provide opportunities to speak English during the interview, while others have interviewers from around the world who conduct interviews in English. Check every step of the way to see if you need to prepare.

Pre-Interview Preparation

Industry Research

Few companies specialize in the automotive industry, but if you know in advance that the position you are applying for will work on automotive products, it pays to know the automotive industry information relevant to your product. Check the latest news and press releases to understand what is going on.

Related Article:

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Company Research

During the interview, you will be asked to understand the differences between your competitors. Research your competitors’ policies and products to understand how they differ.

Check the company’s website in detail to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about the company and its products, and research the company to the extent that you can list any questions or clarifications as questions. In addition, you can deepen your understanding of the company by reviewing the questions you have prepared during the interview.

Self-assessment

Be prepared to highlight experiences specifically related to the job description of the position for which you are applying. It is important to talk not only about your achievements, but also about the process you went through to get there. This is where you can show your originality and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Interview Evaluation

z Although it is not limited to this field, “long-term employment prospects” is a key consideration. Especially in a field that is changing so quickly and with so much movement of personnel within the industry, people who will contribute to the company over a long period of time are valued, not people who will change jobs again after a few years.
Show your interest in and understanding of the company and its products, and whether or not you have a vision for your career with the company. It is useful to raise questions during the interview that you have raised during your research. Incorporate the answers to these questions into your understanding of the company, and use them as topics for your next interview.

✖ Interview answers that show a lack of preparation and insufficient understanding of the company and position will give a bad impression. In addition, you should also avoid situations where your career path based on the position for which you are applying does not match your post-transition career plans. We recommend that you consult with a consultant who is familiar with the company based on the information you have obtained from your research, and that you go into the interview with a detailed understanding of your perception of the company and the actual situation.

Evaluation for English Proficiency
Although some companies do not necessarily require English when you join them, it is important to show a minimum level of motivation to study the language, considering the possibility that you may need it in the future.

Moving to a Mobility Services Company.

Interview Basic Information

Number of times selected	2 to 3 times
Web Test	×
face-to-face interview	period

Interviews are generally conducted three times, with many companies conducting the final interview in person. Few companies seem to conduct web tests.

Pre-Interview Preparation

Industry Research

It is important to be aware of recent MaaS trends. However, employers also expect many people with no experience in the industry to enter the market, so basic industry knowledge is not a problem in an interview at first glance. We recommend that you keep up to date with the latest news and stay on top of industry trends.

Related Article:

What is “MaaS” in the first place? Thinking about the future of mobility with service examples

Company Research

It is no exaggeration to say that it is more important than industry research.

In interviews with mobility service companies, particular attention is paid to “empathy with the company mission” and “achieving goals through company services”.Check the company’s website to understand their mission and services, and be prepared to present your ideas in the interview accordingly.

Self-assessment

The interview is a test of the interviewee’s own initiative in his or her career. Carefully explore the areas that are relevant to your reasons for applying, such as why you chose the company, what you want to do at the company, and how you can contribute to the company. Then, link these answers to your own experiences and thoughts, organize them logically, and prepare a persuasive explanation.

In addition, because the nature of our business often requires collaboration with local governments, experience in public-private partnership projects and large-scale project management will be of interest. Be prepared to showcase your abilities in conjunction with your reason for applying.

Interview Evaluation

z An unwavering focus in your career is highly valued. If you are consistent in your thoughts about what beliefs you have held in your work and what kind of career you would like to build through mobility services in the future, you will make a good impression.
Also, since industry experience and years of career are not necessarily valued, it is important to show experience that can contribute to the business and make the interviewer believe that you can work in line with the mission. If accompanied by a proven track record, even younger candidates may receive high marks.

✖ Insufficient reasons for your application will result in a low evaluation. While it is important to empathize with the company’s mission and vision, that enthusiasm alone is not enough.
Furthermore, if you cannot handle difficult questions calmly and give vague answers when they are asked, it will lead to a low evaluation. It is important to analyze yourself in advance and organize your strengths and experiences so that you can respond to questions from all angles.

Evaluation for English Proficiency
Because there are few foreign companies participating in this field, and the field is specialized in services for the domestic market, few companies currently require English proficiency when joining the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why are you interested in our company? Why did you choose us over our competitors?

Key Point: The focus is on your understanding of the uniqueness of the company. Based on your research about the industry and the company, consider how your experience and skills will benefit the company. It is also important to give specific reasons for your decision. By giving specific points that make you want to choose the company, rather than general answers, you can demonstrate how your interests, skills, company culture, and work style are compatible with the company. It is also important to show that your values and career goals are aligned with the company’s values and vision. Finally, keep a positive approach. Instead of criticizing competitors, focus on the company’s appeal and your own fit, and clearly communicate why you confidently chose the company.

This is the most closely watched throughout the industry. Be prepared to understand the mission, business, and products of the company you are applying for and explain why you identify with them from your own perspective. Furthermore, when stating your reasons for changing jobs, you can emphasize your motivation and explain your change of career in a positive manner by providing evidence of why you can achieve what you want at the company you are applying for, even if you cannot achieve it at your current position.

Q. What do you consider your strengths/weaknesses in terms of work?

Key Points: The focus will be on whether you are able to analyze yourself and whether you are able to objectively and appropriately recognize and evaluate yourself. Explain your own strengths and weaknesses through specific examples and experiences. With regard to strengths, it is important to provide specific examples of how you have impacted your team or organization. You can also demonstrate your personal growth and ambition by showing how you overcame your weaknesses and how you are working to grow. It is important to be honest in your self-assessment while demonstrating a positive approach and a desire for personal growth.

Q. How do you handle pressure in high-stress situations?

Key Point: Reflect on your own past experiences and explain how you have dealt with pressure. You can demonstrate your stress management and problem-solving skills by providing specific examples of how you managed stress and what resources and support you used to alleviate stress. You may also want to indicate lessons learned and areas for improvement from past experiences.

In an interview with a foreign-capital finished vehicle manufacturer, you may be asked how you would cope with the pressure of KPI.
Relatedly, when considering a career change from a Japanese company to a foreign company, you may be asked for your perspective on the stress of a major change in corporate culture, so it is helpful to understand your own stress coping tendencies in such cases as well.

Q. What problems have you faced in the past? How did you deal with that problem?

Key point: Be persuasive by demonstrating your ability to solve problems and take action based on your experience. The first step in the process is to clearly explain the specific problem or issue and help the audience understand the background and circumstances that led to the problem. Next, detail the specific actions and strategies you took to solve the problem, clearly communicating your approach and thought process. Then, it is important to highlight the resulting results and impact, and demonstrate your contribution and capabilities. You can also demonstrate your overall capabilities and experience by describing your interactions with and influence on others, such as team collaboration, leadership, and critical decision-making processes.

Case study-type questions may be used for some companies and positions.

Q. What do you hope to achieve by joining our company? What is your career path in the future?

Key point: Focus on clearly demonstrating your goals and aspirations and your willingness to contribute to the company. It is not easy to have concrete goals and future prospects after joining a company at the time of an interview. However, by describing specific goals and future career paths that reflect the results of your research and thinking, you can communicate your vision and motivation clearly. In addition, by showing that your goals and career path are consistent with our company’s vision and values, you can demonstrate the fit between your personal orientation and the direction of the organization, which will help the interviewer understand your vision and values for the future after you change jobs.

These are questions that are important in the selection process at mobility services companies. In particular, those with no experience in the industry tend to be asked in depth. Please prepare carefully so that you can logically construct a vision of what you would like to achieve after joining the company based on your opinions and experiences.

Q. What are your thoughts on the electric vehicle (EV)/hybrid vehicle (HV)/semiconductor shortage issue? And how do you think these factors affect your work?

KEY POINTS: It is important to demonstrate your experience and knowledge of the automotive industry and your understanding of overall industry trends; be specific about your views on the proliferation of EVs and HVs and your awareness of the semiconductor shortage issue. It is also important to provide specific examples and insights into the impact of these factors on the industry. Based on information about industry trends and competitor activity, clearly explain how your own work and the work of your team will be affected, as well as your strategies and approaches for addressing these issues.

These are questions that may be asked at complete vehicle manufacturers and supplier companies. To be able to develop opinions appropriate to each point of view, it is important to deepen your understanding of industry trend topics.

Is your answer convincing?

Our consultants, who are familiar with the companies we place you with, will give you individualized advice on the most frequently asked questions and answers during the interview process. Please feel free to consult with us.

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Finally.

The automotive and mobility industry involves a wide variety of companies with a wide range of perspectives and supports the lives of consumers. In addition, the automotive industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, which has led to the entry of new companies and services as well as existing business models. Under these circumstances, companies are always looking for talented people.

For those considering a career change, it is important to maximize your value to the company during the interview process. To do this, prepare well in advance. Understanding the benefits of hiring you will help you to be more effective in your job search.

Working together with an agent who knows the company well will increase your chances of being selected for an interview and lead to your ideal career. Turnpoint Consulting Turnpoint Consulting is an agency specializing in the automotive and mobility industry, and our consultants are well versed in the market trends and companies, and have supported many registered candidates in their job search.