Which auto parts store for employment?

[Toy4x4]

In my area: O'Reilly's, Pep Boys, Autozone, Napa.

After getting unceremoniously booted out my hospitality career (our dept was laid off, then terminated due to a renovation and not brought back. Was there almost 25 years), I'm looking at these places as I have a great CS background and it's auto related.
I know they have low wages, but at this point, I need to do something and may as well work where there is an interest I have. *I'm sort of leaning towards Autozone, but points, ideas, suggestions would be helpful.
Thank you.

 

[rijndael]

Napa would be my first pick.

 

[LazyDog]

I know 2 friends that moved up the chain rapidly in Oreilly's.

 

[PandaBear]

Why not dealership?

 

[Toy4x4]

Why not dealership?

A couple of the jobs I've seen require previous experience - at least 1-3 years.

 

[bdcardinal]

Why not dealership?

We usually want a bit of experience. That being said, I had no parts experience when I was hired here 18 years ago.

 

[Hirev]

Sorry to hear that got laid off 2 times years ago. You might check at your local post office. Been to 2 post office in 2 different citys in the last 10 days both were hiring. Also look for City and county worker jobs. Something with some OK benefits.

 

[wavinwayne]

The O'Reilly stores in my area have more employees who seem to care about the customer. I'd recommend you go there. I don't have a Napa or Pep Boys in my town, and the folks at my local Autozone are knuckle dragging mouth breathers.

 

[bdcardinal]

Back to the topic on hand, we usually poach people from O'Reillys. Basically whoever seems the most helpful we try to poach with the promise of probably the same pay but never having to work Sundays.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Apply everywhere. Costco as well; they seem to offer insurance and such right off the bat.
Good luck!

 

[FoxProTwisty]

The only store around here that I can rely on that has helpful employees that actually know about auto parts is Napa. And it's not me either since whenever I go there there's a line of guys/girls ahead of me who are actually getting "customer service."

 

[dogememe]

O’Reilly

 

[bdcardinal]

O’Reilly

The O'Reilly commercial people seem to be the most helpful. I try to be nice and joke with them as much as possible since I know a lot of people at shops can be jerks. Especially when I stop in for a personal thing and joke how the parts department forgot to order something for this big job (me, I'm my parts department).

The Autozone people seem really wound up tight like they are always being watched.

 

[crashz]

It can't hurt to interview everywhere. Sorry to hear of the layoff.

 

[opus1]

A couple of the jobs I've seen require previous experience - at least 1-3 years.

Still worth a shot. The worst thing they can do is say "no". And if you do get an interview you may be able to show that you have what they need despite not having the experience.

 

[Zee09]

Good luck in your search.
The most positive experience I've ever had in a auto parts store was Autozone in Palm Coast Florida.

I was on vacation and needed a few small things and I picked them up and there was a younger man in front of me returning some headlight bulbs and he was deaf and really unable to speak well at all.

The younger guy at the counter deciphered what the guy was trying to say and I couldn't grasp any of it.
He was amazing and resolved the issue immediately.

I stepped up and commented on what a great job he did and I had a small $12 order and the guy handed me my change and he told ne here are 2 silver quarters we just got and you're the lucky customer today...

 

[JohnnyG]

I like the people at O'reallys. Prices, not so much, but hey, at least I'm treated like a customer. If I go into AZ, I'm more likely to be just ignored.
NAPA is good too, very professional.

 

[LDM]

Around here I would go with NAPA. Then Advance. The Autozone and Oreilly are always hit and miss when it comes to the people behind the counter. At least when I go to NAPA I know the guys have some idea of what I'm talking about and are very helpful.

Course this will probably vary based on location. Sucks on getting laid off, been there and it isn't fun to deal with. But getting a job right away rather than waiting is always a good idea, even if it isn't something that pays great. Longer you won't work the less you will want to.

 

[factorytuned2012]

NAPA or O'Reilly's. if you're still young enough in your working career, how about a state or county job? Retirement, Good medical benefits, steady raises, wont have to work holidays or deal with retail scheduling. I know a guy retired from New York State DOT worked there 35 years as a warehouse parts clerk.

 

[Zee09]

I have a great Napa 8 miles away in Delaware....no taxes and old dudes like me