Audi / Ray Catena Interview Prep

Tell me about yourself.

I just graduated from Pittsburg State with a degree in Automotive Technology and a minor in business, with a 3.5 GPA. I worked two summers as a dealership technician at Shrewsbury VW under Service Manager John Lynch, who is now at Volkswagen Freehold. I'm ASE A6 and EPA 609 certified, I own a full rolling toolbox, and I want to keep growing inside the VW Group and start my career at a dealership group known for investing in young technicians.

Why Audi? Why Ray Catena?

Two reasons. I've been working inside the VW Group at Shrewsbury, and Audi is the natural next step because of the electronics, ADAS, and hybrid platforms coming. I want to go deeper in one Group rather than bounce between brands. From what I've heard from John Lynch and from doing my homework, Ray Catena is a group that trains young associates the right way and gives them a real career to build, which is exactly what I’m looking for.

What do you know about Audi Freehold and Ray Catena?

Ray Catena is one of the most established premium dealer groups in New Jersey, family-built, with a strong reputation for retaining both customers and employees. I know the group invests in developing young technicians over the long term, which matters to me because I’m not looking to bounce from shop to shop. I want to learn the Audi platform deeply, earn certifications, and grow with the team.

Walk me through a tough diagnostic problem you solved.

Honestly, I haven’t been the lead on a major diagnostic yet. Most of my time at Shrewsbury was spent assisting a senior tech on warranty repairs and wiring work, including airbag and seat sensor recalibration. What stood out to me was his process: check the bulletin, pull the codes, then begin diagnosis. My role was to assist and learn, and that discipline is something I want to develop further. I’m not going to pretend I have stories I don’t have.

How do you stay current with new technology, especially EVs and hybrids?

Three ways. First, my coursework at Pitt State covered EVs, hybrids, and ADAS, so I have a textbook foundation even though my hands-on hours are still limited. Second, I complete whatever manufacturer web-based training I have access to. Third, I follow trade press and technician podcasts. I know Audi puts a strong focus on instructor-led training, and I want to show up prepared.

What’s your experience with electrical and electronic systems?

I’m ASE A6 certified, which covers electrical and electronic systems. At Shrewsbury I worked on body electrical work, sensors, and assisted on diagnostic and warranty wiring repairs, including airbag and seat sensor recalibration. High-voltage and EV systems are where I want more serious training, which is one reason Audi excites me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to be an Audi master technician at this dealership. I plan to complete every manufacturer certification available, both web-based and instructor-led, and eventually specialize in diagnostics or EV systems. I’m not looking to bounce around. If the group invests in training me, I plan to build a long-term career here.

Tell me about a time you worked on a team.

SAE Baja at Pitt State. We designed, built, and raced an off-road vehicle at the national event in Oshkosh. I worked on fabrication and drivetrain. The biggest lesson was learning how to disagree productively with talented teammates while still meeting hard deadlines. The car finished and ran, which was the goal.

What’s a weakness you’re working on?

Patience with myself. I want to be at master tech level immediately, but I’ve learned to slow down during diagnostics and trust the procedure even when I think I see the answer quickly. Slowing down leads to fewer mistakes.

Why did you leave Hyundai after only a few months?

It was a summer position. I returned to Pittsburg State for my senior year in September. I took the position specifically to gain dealership experience over the summer, and working with another brand gave me valuable experience.

Why should we hire you?

Three reasons. First, I’m trained and certified: ASE A6, EPA 609, and an automotive technology degree. Second, I already have VW Group experience and a reference from John Lynch at Volkswagen Freehold. Third, I’m here because I want to build a long-term career at Audi, not just collect a paycheck. I’ve invested in my own tools and I’m serious about this trade.

If You Don’t Know the Answer — How should you respond?

“Honest answer, I haven’t worked on that yet. Here’s how I would approach learning it: I’d start with the manufacturer training portal, pull technical bulletins, and ask a senior technician who has done it before. I’d rather show up to the bay knowing what I don’t know.”

What does success look like for a new technician in the first 90 days?

Shows you care about expectations and performance.

What does the mentorship structure look like for a new technician?

Shows you value training and coaching.

How is technician training structured at Audi Freehold?

Shows long-term investment mindset.

Where do you see Audi service heading with EVs, hybrids, telematics, and ADAS?

Shows interest in the future of the brand.

Can you describe the team culture and what kind of person fits best?

Shows you care about culture, not just pay.

When a difficult diagnostic comes in, how is it usually handled?

Shows curiosity about shop workflow and teamwork.

What does a new technician do in the first 30 days that tells you they’ll succeed long-term?

Gets Chris to describe the ideal employee profile.

How is technician performance measured and rewarded?

Good professional question about shop structure.

If we’re sitting here 12 months from now and you say I was your best hire, what did I do?

Makes him visualize your success.

Is there anything in my background you’d like me to expand on or clarify?

Gives you a final chance to address concerns before leaving.