Subaru of Indiana Automotive Interview Questions
& Process

I thought I had the job secured since I had worked as a conference interpreter for Subaru's manufacturing engineering department for almost five years and had also completed an internship with them. However, the interview felt cold and formal from the start. It seemed like they had already chosen someone before my interview even began. I highlighted my previous experience at the company, interpreting for both American and Japanese engineers, my graduate degree in linguistics, my education in Japan, and my recent engineering degree. Unfortunately, none of this seemed to impress them, and I suspect they preferred a simpler resume. My past overtime work for the company also didn't garner any interest. I mentioned working up to 18 days straight sometimes due to the constant need for interpreters to bridge the communication gap for the American engineers, but the interviewers appeared indifferent to my past contributions and skills, which I found quite surprising.

It was a two-stage interview. First, a phone interview to check availability and schedule an onsite. Then, the final onsite interview with three people: the Manager, HR, and the Specific Group Leader. HR asked behavioral questions about my background and experience, specifically my strengths and weaknesses, and went through my resume. The Manager gave a broad explanation of the role and asked some technical questions about processes. The Group Leader discussed the typical day, time management, reliability, and independence.

I had a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter and a Department Manager. Then, a week later, I had an in-person interview with the same two people. Another week after that, I had a third in-person interview with another Manager. I was supposed to meet a fourth Manager for the third interview, but she was busy. I figured I didn't get the job when I saw a new posting for the same role on LinkedIn as I was leaving the last interview. Even though everyone I met emphasized keeping candidates updated, I never heard back about next steps. I was just told someone would contact me about them, but they didn't.

First, you apply through a temp agency, which involves a physical test, aptitude test, drug screening, and background check. You work for a few years as a temp before you can become full-time. If you're accepted, you'll go through a 2-week training period where you learn two jobs. Then, you might get hired full-time, depending on your tenure and your group leader's evaluations. You'll have a physical evaluation, blood work, and they'll review your past evaluations. Another background check is done, and then you'll have an interview. If all checks out, you'll be offered a full-time position.