How To Get A Job At A Car Dealership
If you're interested in joining the automotive sales industry, we have taken the time to break down how to get a job at a car dealership – from the application process to the various departments and roles available to you. Dealerships are an essential link between manufacturers and customers, often selling new and used vehicles. A finance, service, and parts department can also be at a dealership, providing more opportunities for professionals with various backgrounds.
Like many dealerships, DARCARS Automotive Group believes in promoting employee growth, so an entry-level job at one of our locations can lead to a thriving career. In this guide, we will provide helpful information on how to get a job at a car dealership. Read on to uncover insider tips, qualifications, and the benefits of a career in auto sales.
How To Land a Dealership Job
Key Steps To Get Yourself Hired
- Research and familiarize yourself with the automotive market, including current trends, technology updates, and shifting economic factors.
- Look for dealerships that align with your interests, whether that's a specific car brand, a particular sales style, or the retailer's reputation and values.
- Apply for positions with an updated resume that reflects your applicable skills and your commitment to continued growth and excellence.
- Prepare for interviews by reviewing your automotive sales approach and customer service skills, and remember to express your excitement for the role when interviewing.
Key Areas of a Car Dealership
Before you narrow down your job search, it helps to have an understanding of how dealerships are organized. There are several departments to choose from depending on your area of expertise, from sales to service. Let's take a look at some available jobs in a car dealership work environment.
Automotive Sales
The sales department of a car dealership sells new and used models to prospective buyers. It's the most public-facing role and puts most of its team front-and-center in the showroom. If you're wondering how to get a job in car sales, there is no "one size fits all" answer; sales experience or certification, in-depth product knowledge, exceptional negotiation skills, and an understanding of automotive financing are some of the key pillars of a role in this department.
Automotive Finance
The finance department handles the transactional phase of car sales. Daily tasks can include quoting customers on their expected down payment or monthly costs, selling additional warranty packages, preparing paperwork, and providing customer support through the purchasing or leasing process. Applicants with a special interest in auto finance, insurance, customer service, and sales will likely thrive in this line of work.
Automotive Service
A dealership service center focuses on the maintenance and repair of vehicles, generally specializing in the brand the dealer is authorized to sell. Some dealers even offer auto body restoration services. Most jobs in this department require a strong background in automotive repair, although there are several entry-level positions that help those starting out get a foot in the door. DARCARS Automotive Group is committed to providing professional development opportunities to employees who want to learn and grow in their chosen fields.
Automotive Parts
The parts department at a dealership is responsible for maintaining and stocking a comprehensive inventory of car parts and accessories. You'll work directly with service technicians and shoppers to ensure the proper product is ordered to complete repairs or accessorize vehicles. Securing a job in this area requires a balance of experience in customer service and experience dealing with genuine components, although entry-level positions may be available. The role also requires good communication and organizational skills.
Administrative Work
If you don't feel a connection to any of the above areas but still want to work at a dealership, your best bet may be to find an administrative role. Dealerships often need customer service representatives or receptionists to direct calls, and most have a human resources department to manage employee relations, recruitment, hiring, and training. Applying to work at a car dealer in an administrative role is ideal for prospective employees hoping to learn more about the auto sales industry.
How Do I Get a Job at a Car Dealership?
If you're ready to take the next step toward getting a job at a dealership, evaluate your knowledge of the automotive industry. If you need to brush up on your sales skills or get up to speed on trends, you should focus on doing that first. To get hired in a service department, a background in automotive mechanics is a major bonus, too. Gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or internships can give you a leg-up when applying.
Networking is another initiative you can take before submitting your application, especially if you're at the beginning of your career. Attend industry events, reach out to professionals in your area of interest, and make it known that you're actively seeking opportunities to work at a dealership. You can submit a job application online. DARCARS Automotive Group has listings on our website to browse. If you have any questions about our openings, you can always contact our human resources department for additional information.
Qualifications to Work at a Car Dealership
As we've mentioned before, many dealerships offer positions for applications with minimal experience working in the auto industry. However, there are several key qualifications that can increase your chances of getting hired:
- High school diploma or GED
- A valid driver's license
- A basic knowledge of auto mechanics
- Customer service and people skills
- Strong communication skills
Certain certifications may also give you an advantage over other candidates. For example, a credential such as a CPSC (Certified Professional Sales Consultant) license will strengthen your resume when applying for a sales role. A flexible schedule also makes you a desirable application, as car dealerships may require you to work at various hours to accommodate holidays and car shopping spikes. If you feel you're a good fit, browse the available job openings on our DARCARS Automotive Group website.
Benefits of Working at Dealership Businesses
Working at a dealership is an appealing career path for a number of reasons. Many dealers are proud participants in their communities, supporting local charities and causes. These businesses often take a personal interest in their employees and prefer to promote from within. If you work as a car salesperson, you have a high earning potential through commissions and building enduring relationships with customers.
Working at a service center or parts department is ideal for people who are passionate about cars and problem-solving. In these areas, you'll get hands-on experience and may even have the chance to gain special training to stay up-to-date on industry advancements and tools.
Whether in sales, service, finance, or another position, working at a car dealership provides job security, a flexible lifestyle, and a chance to experience the ins and outs of the auto industry up close.
Which Dealership Is Best to Work For?
If you're still wondering "Why work at DARCARS?", let's stop and take a moment to explore the pros of joining our family. As we have already said, jobs at DARCARS Automotive Group are highly sought-after because of our dedication to the evolution and satisfaction of our employees. Many dealerships focus solely on the customer experience, but DARCARS Automotive Group cares about people – both our people and the people who buy our cars.
In addition to the exciting and fast-paced work environment, many companies offer excellent dealership job benefits. DARCARS Automotive Group has employee insurance plans, 401k opportunities, employee discounts, paid vacations, and much more. Like many dealerships, we are devoted to ensuring our employees feel valued and supported.
Kick-Start Your Career With DARCARS Automotive Group
There you have it; car dealerships are energetic and dynamic work environments and a great way to work with and learn from automotive experts to expand your career. Curious self-starters with a penchant for working with vehicles and great people skills will thrive at a company like DARCARS Automotive Group.
Now that you have a better idea of how to get a job at a car dealership, why not get in touch with us? Our chain of reputable dealerships is known for fostering career advancement; we often promote from within and provide ample room for employee growth. Contact our HR department if you're excited about the prospect of getting started at a dealership that cares about your automotive career. We look forward to meeting you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs are at a car dealership?
There are various jobs available at a car dealership, ranging from entry- to high-level. You could work in the sales, finance, service, or parts departments or apply for an administrative role in human resources or customer service. Depending on experience level, certain candidates may qualify for managerial or more high-level positions. Feel free to reach out to DARCARS Automotive Group to learn more about current openings.
How to apply at a car dealership?
After choosing the job that suits you – and your career goals – the next step is to tailor your resume and apply online. DARCARS Automotive Group offers a handy online database of available positions, so you can browse and select the roles that appeal to you. Be sure to include any relevant certifications and automotive experience when applying, and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
What is the highest-paying job at a car dealership?
In addition to the General Manager job, which is typically one of the highest-paying roles at a car dealership, any position involving sales could be lucrative. On a good month, the top-earning salesperson or finance manager could make a significant income through commissions and bonuses. If you're interested in one of these roles, honing your sales skills is a good place to start.
Is working at a car dealership a good job?
For those interested in joining the automotive industry, working at a car dealership is a great track to go down. The jobs in a car dealership represent a range of expertise, from auto financing to maintenance and repairs, making it easy to evolve in your chosen career. Thanks to our focus on training and advancement, DARCARS Automotive Group is especially ideal for people looking for professional growth and upward mobility.