What Enterprise looks for when hiring

Enterprise hires for roles across its rental locations, corporate offices, and support centres. The company recruits entry-level staff for customer-facing positions—rental agents, lot attendants, and customer service representatives—as well as management trainees, administrative roles, and technical positions. Most locations are always recruiting because the rental business has high turnover, especially in summer and holiday seasons.

Enterprise does not require previous rental or automotive experience for most entry-level roles. What they look for instead is reliability, the ability to work weekends and evenings, a clean driving record, and willingness to learn. For management-track positions, they prefer candidates with some customer service background or retail experience. All applicants need a valid driver's licence and a background check that includes a driving history review.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise accepts applications online through their careers website and at individual branch locations, with no experience required for entry-level rental agent and lot attendant roles.
  • You must have a valid driver's licence, pass a background check including driving history, and be available for weekend and evening shifts.
  • Management trainee positions typically require some customer service or retail experience and lead to assistant manager and branch manager roles within two to three years.
  • The hiring process usually takes one to two weeks from process to job offer, with interviews conducted by the branch manager or assistant manager.
  • Enterprise offers tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing degrees, which is one of the main reasons people stay in the role long enough to move into management.

how the process works online and in person

The main process route is Enterprise's careers website at enterprise.com/careers. You can search for openings by location, job type, and whether you want full-time or part-time work. The online form asks for your contact details, work history, availability, and driving licence number. Enterprise runs the process through an automated system that checks for red flags in your driving record before a human reviews it.

You can also walk into any Enterprise location and ask to speak with the branch manager or assistant manager about open positions. Many branches have applications on hand or can direct you to explore online when ready. Walking in shows initiative and gives the manager a chance to assess you in person, which can speed up the process. Bring your driver's licence and be prepared to discuss your availability and why you want the job.

What the interview process looks like

Most interviews are conducted by the branch manager or assistant manager at the location where you applied. The interview is usually 20 to 30 minutes and focuses on customer service scenarios, your availability, and your driving history. They may ask questions like "Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer" or "What would you do if a customer complained about a scratch on the car?" These are designed to see how you think through problems, not to trick you.

For management trainee positions, there may be a second interview with a district manager. This interview is longer and goes deeper into your career goals, leadership experience, and willingness to relocate if needed. Enterprise promotes from within, so they want to know if you see yourself staying and moving up. Be honest about your ambitions—the company invests heavily in training managers, and they want people committed to the role.

Background check and driving record requirements

After a verbal job offer, Enterprise orders a background check through a third-party company. The check includes criminal history, employment verification, and a detailed driving record review. Your driving record is the most important part because you will be handling customer vehicles and test-driving cars. A few speeding tickets or minor accidents may not disqualify you, but a DUI, suspended licence, or pattern of violations will.

The background check takes five to ten business days. Enterprise will tell you upfront if anything on your record is a concern before they complete the check. If you have had driving violations, be honest about them in the interview—the company will find out anyway, and transparency works in your favour. Once the background check clears, you receive a formal job offer and a start date.

Pay, hours, and what the job actually involves

Rental agent positions start at minimum wage or slightly above, depending on your location and local labour market. The job involves greeting customers, processing rentals and returns, explaining insurance options, collecting payment, and handling complaints. You will spend time at the counter, in the lot checking vehicles, and on the phone with customers. Shifts often include weekends, evenings, and holidays because rental demand peaks at these times.

Lot attendants earn similar pay and spend most of their time outside, fuelling cars, washing vehicles, moving cars between parking spaces, and checking for damage. This role is physically demanding and involves standing and walking for eight hours. Both positions offer overtime during busy seasons, which can significantly increase your earnings. Full-time employees receive health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement after a waiting period, usually 90 days.

Moving into management and career progression

Enterprise's management trainee program is the main path to advancement. Trainees work as rental agents for three to six months, then move into assistant manager roles where they oversee staff, handle scheduling, and manage branch finances. After 18 to 24 months as an assistant manager, you can be promoted to branch manager, which typically comes with a salary in the $40,000 to $60,000 range depending on location and branch size. District managers oversee multiple branches and earn more.

The company promotes almost exclusively from within, so if you perform well as a rental agent, you will be invited into the trainee program. Tuition reimbursement is a major benefit—Enterprise will pay toward a college degree while you work, which many employees use to earn a business or management degree. This combination of on-the-job training and education support is why Enterprise has relatively low turnover in management compared to other rental companies.

What to know before you explore

Enterprise locations vary widely in how busy they are. A location at a major airport or in a city centre will be much more hectic than a suburban branch, with longer hours and higher customer volume. If you are considering management, understand that you will eventually be responsible for hiring, scheduling, and handling customer disputes—skills that take time to develop. The job is not glamorous, but it is stable and offers a clear path to management if you want it.

The rental car business is seasonal. Summer and holidays are extremely busy; winter and early spring are slower. Full-time employees are usually kept on year-round, but hours may be reduced in slow periods. Part-time staff may have their hours cut significantly. If you need consistent income, ask about the branch's seasonal pattern during the interview and confirm that full-time positions are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a clean driving record to work at Enterprise?

You need a valid licence and a driving record without major violations like DUI or suspended licence. Minor speeding tickets or old accidents may not disqualify you, but Enterprise will review your full history. Be honest about any violations in your interview—they will find out during the background check anyway.

Can I work part-time while in school?

Yes, Enterprise hires part-time staff and works with student schedules. Let the branch manager know your availability during the interview. Part-time positions are common, especially at slower locations, though hours can vary by season. Tuition reimbursement is available to part-time employees after the waiting period.

How long does it take to become a manager?

The typical path is three to six months as a rental agent, then 18 to 24 months as an assistant manager before promotion to branch manager. Total time is usually two to three years if you perform well and the branch has openings. Some people move faster; others take longer depending on branch size and turnover.

What if I have a DUI on my record?

A DUI will likely disqualify you from a rental car position because you will be handling customer vehicles and your driving record is central to the job. Some locations may make exceptions depending on how long ago it was and your circumstances, but you should expect rejection. Call the branch directly and ask before explore.

Does Enterprise hire people with no work experience?

Yes, Enterprise regularly hires people for their first job. They train on the job and do not require previous retail or customer service experience. What matters is that you show up on time, follow instructions, and treat customers respectfully. Many Enterprise managers started as their first employees with no prior work history.