What is a Consultant at Hertz?

At Hertz, a Consultant serves as the primary strategic touchpoint between our global fleet operations and the traveling public. This role is far more than a service position; it is a high-impact sales and advisory function that directly influences our bottom line and brand loyalty. You are responsible for navigating complex logistics, optimizing vehicle utilization, and identifying opportunities to enhance the customer’s journey through value-added services and products.

The impact of a Consultant is felt across the entire Hertz ecosystem. By balancing operational efficiency with a personalized approach to travel, you ensure that every customer interaction reinforces our reputation for reliability and premium service. Whether you are managing high-volume peak periods or resolving intricate rental challenges, your ability to think on your feet and deliver professional solutions is what keeps Hertz at the forefront of the car rental industry.

This role is critical because it requires a unique blend of empathy, sales acumen, and technical proficiency with our internal management systems. You will be expected to master the "routine" of the rental lifecycle while maintaining the flexibility to handle unique customer needs. For candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments where every day brings new challenges, the Consultant role offers a dynamic path for professional growth and strategic influence.

Common Interview Questions

The following questions are representative of what you may face during your Hertz interview. While the specific wording may change, the themes of service, sales, and reliability are consistent.

Behavioral & Situational

These questions test your past behavior as a predictor of future performance at Hertz.

• Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
• Describe a situation where you had to deal with a very difficult person. How did you resolve it?
• Give an example of a time you failed to meet a goal. What did you learn?
• How do you prioritize tasks when you have a long line of customers and multiple administrative duties?
• Tell me about a time you worked with a team to solve a complex problem.

Sales & Service Strategy

These questions focus on your ability to drive revenue and represent the Hertz brand.

• How would you sell a premium upgrade to a customer who is on a strict business budget?
• What is your approach to learning about new products or services?
• A customer is unhappy with the vehicle they were assigned. How do you handle the swap while protecting our fleet availability?
• Why do you think Hertz is a leader in the rental industry, and how would you communicate that to a customer?
• How do you handle rejection when a customer says "no" to every add-on you offer?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Your preparation should focus on demonstrating a balance of professional poise and operational agility. Hertz look for individuals who can represent the brand with authority while remaining approachable and solution-oriented.

Customer Centricity – This is the core of the Consultant role. Interviewers evaluate your ability to empathize with travelers and provide seamless service under pressure. You can demonstrate this by sharing specific examples of how you turned a difficult customer situation into a positive brand experience.

Sales and Revenue Growth – As a Consultant, you are expected to drive revenue through informed recommendations. Interviewers will look for your ability to identify customer needs and match them with Hertz products, such as insurance coverage, fuel options, or vehicle upgrades. Focus on showing a track record of meeting or exceeding performance targets.

Operational Problem-Solving – The rental industry is highly fluid, with fleet availability and customer demands changing by the minute. You will be assessed on how you structure your workflow and make quick, logical decisions when faced with unexpected hurdles.

Professionalism and Communication – Hertz values clear, direct, and professional communication. Your ability to explain complex rental terms or company policies in an easy-to-understand manner is vital. Strength in this area is demonstrated through your clarity of speech and your ability to remain calm and collected during the interview process.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Consultant at Hertz is designed to be efficient and direct, mirroring the pace of our daily operations. We value your time and aim to provide a transparent look into the day-to-day routine of the role. Most candidates will experience a streamlined progression that moves from an initial screening to a formal conversation with a hiring manager.

Expect a process that is grounded in reality rather than abstract theory. Managers often use the interview to explain the routine, set expectations for the work environment, and gauge your fit within the local team. The conversation is typically light but "digs deep" into your past experiences to ensure you have the resilience and interpersonal skills required for the role.

The visual timeline above outlines the typical stages from application to offer. It is important to note that while the process is often "quick and direct," the depth of the questions remains high to ensure a strong cultural and professional fit. Candidates should manage their energy by staying focused on their core sales and service narratives throughout both stages.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Service and Sales Integration

This area is critical because a Consultant must be able to sell without compromising the customer's trust. Interviewers evaluate how you weave product recommendations into a helpful service conversation. Strong performance is characterized by an ability to identify "pain points" for a traveler and offer a Hertz solution that adds genuine value.

Be ready to go over:

• Needs Discovery – How you ask the right questions to understand a customer's travel requirements.
• Overcoming Objections – Techniques for handling customers who may be hesitant about upgrades or additional protections.
• Product Knowledge – Your ability to quickly learn and articulate the benefits of different vehicle classes and insurance products.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you handle a customer who is frustrated by a long wait time but needs an upgrade for their family?"
• "Describe a time you successfully met a sales goal while maintaining high customer satisfaction scores."

Conflict Resolution and Resilience

In the car rental business, things don't always go according to plan. Whether it's a vehicle delay or a billing discrepancy, you must remain the "calm in the storm." Interviewers look for emotional intelligence and the ability to follow company policy while remaining flexible enough to satisfy the customer.

Be ready to go over:

• De-escalation Techniques – Specific steps you take to calm an upset individual.
• Policy Adherence – Knowing when to stick to the rules and when to seek a manager’s approval for a customer exception.
• Stress Management – How you maintain performance levels during peak holiday travel or high-volume shifts.

Advanced concepts (less common):

• Managing fleet logistics during extreme weather events.
• Handling international rental complexities and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

As a Consultant at Hertz, your day-to-day involves a high degree of multitasking and customer interaction. You are responsible for the end-to-end rental process, which includes verifying documentation, processing payments, and conducting vehicle walk-arounds. You are the final point of quality control before a customer hits the road, making your attention to detail paramount.

You will collaborate closely with the Operations and Fleet teams to ensure that vehicles are ready and staged for upcoming reservations. If a specific car class is unavailable, you must work with your team to find a suitable alternative that meets the customer's needs without disrupting the overall fleet balance. This requires constant communication and a "team-first" mentality.

Beyond the counter, you are expected to drive business growth. This includes:

• Proactively offering Hertz Gold Plus Rewards memberships to build long-term loyalty.
• Analyzing daily reports to understand your individual sales performance against location targets.
• Ensuring the rental area is professional, clean, and welcoming at all times.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for the Consultant position, you must demonstrate a mix of professional experience and specific personal attributes. Hertz looks for candidates who are ready to hit the ground running in a high-volume environment.

• Technical Skills – Proficiency in point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic office software. Ability to quickly learn the Hertz proprietary reservation system.
• Experience Level – Typically 1–3 years of experience in retail, hospitality, or a sales-driven customer service environment.
• Soft Skills – Exceptional verbal communication, a persuasive personality, and the ability to work a flexible schedule (including weekends and holidays).

Must-have skills:

• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Proven ability to meet sales targets or quotas.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Multilingual capabilities, especially in high-traffic international airport locations.
• Prior experience in the automotive or travel industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult is the Consultant interview at Hertz? The interview is generally considered accessible but "deep." While the questions are straightforward, managers look for genuine personality and a high level of professional "polish." Preparation should focus on your best customer service stories.

Q: What is the typical timeline from the first interview to an offer? Hertz often moves quickly. It is common to receive feedback or a next-step invitation within a week of your initial interview. In some locations, the process can be completed in as little as 10–14 days.

Q: What differentiates a successful candidate for this role? Success is defined by "grit" and a positive attitude. Candidates who show they can maintain a "light and fun" energy even when the work gets difficult or repetitive tend to stand out to hiring managers.

Q: Is there a specific dress code for the interview? Yes. As this is a professional, customer-facing role, you should wear business professional attire. This demonstrates that you understand the Hertz brand standards and are ready to represent the company to our clients.

Other General Tips

• Punctuality is Non-Negotiable: At Hertz, timing is everything. Arriving early for your interview is the first way to demonstrate that you respect the fast-paced nature of our operations.

• Research the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program: Showing that you already understand our loyalty program demonstrates initiative. Be ready to discuss how you would encourage a new customer to sign up.

• Ask Insightful Questions: When the manager asks if you have questions, use that time to ask about the team culture or the specific goals of that location. This shows you are thinking about your long-term success within the company.

• Prepare for the "Routine": Be honest with yourself and the interviewer about your ability to work on your feet and handle a variety of shifts. Consistency is one of the most valued traits in this role.

Summary & Next Steps

The Consultant role at Hertz is a premier opportunity for those looking to build a career in the travel and automotive sectors. It offers a unique vantage point into the complexities of global logistics while allowing you to hone your skills in sales, negotiation, and high-stakes customer service. By focusing your preparation on the core themes of resilience, revenue growth, and professional communication, you will position yourself as a top-tier candidate.

Remember that Hertz is looking for partners who can grow with the company. Your interview is a chance to show that you are not just looking for a job, but are ready to contribute to a legacy of excellence that spans over a century. We encourage you to continue your research and find more specific insights on Dataford to refine your interview strategy.

The salary data provided reflects the competitive nature of the Consultant role at Hertz. Compensation often includes a base hourly rate or salary supplemented by performance-based incentives and commissions. When reviewing these numbers, consider the full package, including benefits and the significant potential for earnings growth through successful sales performance. High-performing Consultants often exceed the median range through consistent upselling and service excellence.