Sales Associate

7297 - Costa Mesa - 3200 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, California, 92626

CarMax, the way your career should be! 

Position Overview

As a CA Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the face of CarMax, delivering an iconic customer experience that sets us apart. Your mission is to help customers find the right vehicle for their lifestyle—not just the most expensive option—by building genuine relationships and understanding their needs. At CarMax, honesty and transparency are the foundation of our success, and those same qualities will help you thrive in this role.

No prior auto sales experience? No problem! We provide paid training, a dedicated personal sales mentor, and continuous development opportunities. If you bring strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping people, we’ll give you the tools to succeed. This role offers career growth potential, with paths to mentorship, management, and leadership for those ready to learn and excel.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and our associates help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward.

Role Responsibilities

• Assist customers in finding vehicles that fit their needs using your knowledge of CarMax inventory.
• Guide customers through the entire process, including appraisals, test drives, and financing applications.
• Deliver an exceptional experience by listening actively and providing clear, honest information.
• Complete accurate documentation for all transactions to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
• Collaborate with team members to meet customer needs and achieve store goals.
• Maintain a professional, customer-first approach in every interaction, and stay informed about CarMax products, services, and promotions to better serve customers.
• Follow CarMax Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Required Qualifications

• Sales or customer service experience in retail or similar environments preferred.
• Strong listening and communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
• High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfort with technology for processing transactions and accessing inventory information.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to integrity and transparency in every customer interaction.
• Willingness to learn and grow through CarMax-provided training and mentorship.

About CarMax

At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation’s largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive.

As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change—sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what’s next. Join us in creating a better future– for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home.

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sales Consultants earn an average of $65,000 annually. Top performers can earn $90,000+ annually.

The hourly rate for this position is:

Incentives:

In the state of California this position is eligible for incentives and bonuses.

Benefits:

Except as otherwise required by state law, CarMax Associates are entitled to the following paid sick, vacation, and holiday time.

Associates that are considered full-time hourly or commissioned are eligible:

• To earn up to 48 hours of sick time per year accrued on a per pay period basis and between 80 hours and 200 hours per year of vacation time after a 90 day waiting period depending on years of continuous service with the Company.
• For 8 hours of pay for each of a total of 6 paid scheduled holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday. If such an Associate does work on a scheduled holiday due to business need, they are eligible for Holiday Premium Pay.

Associates considered full-time salaried are entitled to paid time away with no specified limit as needed for sick, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, holidays, floating holiday, etc. subject to manager approval. 

For more details about benefits, please visit our CarMax Benefits website.

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application .