Zipcar Case Study

Zipcar is a company that allows its customers to reserve a vehicle, unlock it with a card carried by a Zipcar employee, and drive it for a reserved period of time. This great experience is all done for a small fee equaling to that of a short cab ride and makes it very attractive to Zipcar customers. Although Zipcar is attractive to customers, there are several aspects of this unique company that makes it attractive to someone seeking employment to join this outstanding team. Zipcar is attractive from someone who wants to be a part of a fast-growing innovative company doing something new; someone who enjoys doing great things for the environment; and someone who loves to be as socially responsible as Zipcar (Dessler, 2013, p. 209).

As highlighted, it takes little for a customer to get a car from Zipcar and in return have an outstanding experience. However, someone who’s looking to join this elite team must be prepared to show how they will be valued added to the organization through its interview process. The interview process is very critical and can ultimate determine if an applicant is the right fit for the company or not. The interview is about 30 – 60 minutes long and provides those actually doing the hiring an opportunity to access an applicant’s characteristics to see if they possess the critical ones that the company feels are the most important. Someone who is highly professional, courteous (polite speech), and presentable (clean, appropriate attire) are the characteristics of most important Zipcar seeks in its employees. At the same time, it seeks someone who is prepared to go above and beyond to cater its customers’ needs (Pearson Education, 2013). Ultimately, the interview process allows Zipcar to see if an applicant understands and lives up to the values and cultures of the organization.

The video discusses practices that candidates must avoid during an interview. These practices to avoid are extremely similar to those