Anyone in car sales? Please help....

[Murray1987]

Im 23 years old with a strong customer service background and believe I would become an exellent car sales executive. I am a petrol head myself and believe this will aid my sales technique. I maybe mad to start a career in this field (due to the current financial climate) BUT still I persist and STILL keep getting turned down even for the odd trainee vacancy that may appear. I live in Dorset and have applied for most main dealers in dorset, some in somerset,wiltshire and may soon have to try hampshire but, sending my c.v. is starting to cost me Stamps are expensive when you buy hundreds, so could anyone give me any tips, advice or even a job etc...

Thanks for reading and it would be great to have some feed back.

Philip

[redgriff500]

If you're feeling brave.

Post up your CV and covering letter - delete your address etc

[carlove]

Robsco is in car sales.

[Haighermeister]

Would be good to see what you're saying when applying.

The thing to remember to a dealer is that sales comes first, there's a service department for customer services

[AndyT77]

I dabbled in car sales once, as a meeter and greeter at MB. Got the position through a contact of mine. However, at the initial interview i expressed my interest in all things automotive, and the Sales Manager shot me down explaining that you didn't have to be a Petrol Head to sell cars, as most people buying them are not petrol heads.

[Johnboy Mac]

AndyT77 said:

i expressed my interest in all things automotive, and the Sales Manager shot me down explaining that you didn't have to be a Petrol Head to sell cars, as most people buying them are not petrol heads.

Sad but so true. In actual fact some dealerships prefer to take on new sales staff that have come from a completley different industry.

[Thesaint01708]

was in exactly the same situation to you late last year. 37 years old and left my job in recruitment. Had always fancied working in the Motor Trade and yes, it does help being a petrol head because customers can see you take a genuine interest in what you are selling.

My advice to you would be only apply for the trainee positions, and telephone them and ask if you can email your CV over this will cut down on costs.

Also - avoid using the words 'Mate and Fella' when speaking to the dealership, - they are not your friend, you havent just met them in a pub, this is a BUSINESS CALL - first impressions will have a huge impact on if your cv even gets looked at.

Covering note on the email explaining how your passion is in cars, and how you would use this to your advantage.

As mentioned before, send your cv to someone for a look - as ive worked in recruitment for 2 years and then landed a trainee car sales job on my first application id say im fairly well placed to give a valid opinion

Good luck with everything!

[A911DOM]

Op,

This may appear a little blunt - but spamming your CV around all the local dealers will probably do nothing except cost you the fortune in stamps you mention.

I would say that the only way you will even break past the company 'letter opener' is to turn up in person, ask to speak to the sales manager / HR (hire and fire) person etc. If they arent available speak to the salesman / customer service / secretary - whoever IS available and try to leave a good impression.

Take a business card for the 'right' person to contact directly regarding any available positions, then contact them via email / snail mail with a well presented and professional looking CV and covering letter saying you have spoken to ....... in their showroom already.

There is going to be a LOT of competition for the sort of job you want - so you're going to have to make yourself stand out somehow!

Good luck

[Murray1987]

Ok feeling brave.....

Opening Letter

Dear Sir,
 
I am writing to enquire about opportunities with your company. I am looking for a long term career in sales that offers the potential for progress and development. I am young energetic, enthusiastic and already have experience of customer service. I’m honest, reliable, hard working and organised and like to think I am a good team player.
 
If you could please take time to read my cv this would be much appreciated and if you have any information regarding a suitable job vacancy please don’t hesitate to contact me.

[Benbay001]

Murray1987 said:

I’m honest

From experience, that isnt what they are after.

[Murray1987]

On the turning up with c.v. in hand,this I have done as well to most of the main deales in poole & b'mouth, freshly shaven, suited and booted!

They must know of me thats why im not hearing back from them or must be my looks haha

[HowMuchLonger]

Murray1987 said:

I’m honest, reliable, hard working and organised and like to "THINK" I am a good team player.
 

Honest - so you should be
Reliable - so you should be
Hard working - so you should be
Organised - so you should be
Team Player - so you should be

Try to say something that makes you stand out. You are currently regurgitating the same obvious rubbish that everyone writes.

You could also try turning up in person for vacancies. Gives you an advantage in that the potential employer can access you on the spot and put a name to a face, as opposed to being a name on another piece of paper.

Edited by HowMuchLonger on Monday 23 May 13:43

[A911DOM]

Murray1987 said:

Ok feeling brave.....

Opening Letter

Dear Sir,
 
I am writing to enquire about opportunities with your company. I am looking for a long term career in sales that offers the potential for progress and development. I am young energetic, enthusiastic and already have experience of customer service. I’m honest, reliable, hard working and organised and like to think I am a good team player.
 
If you could please take time to read my cv this would be much appreciated and if you have any information regarding a suitable job vacancy please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This is okay!

BUT - you are asking them to tell you if there is a job available.

I suspect that you will have to be a little more direct than that, and apply for a specific position.

Have you got any mates or family friends etc that could give you a toe in the door?

[Balmoral Green]

Bear in mind though that being a petrolhead is only going to be really useful in car sales if you are going to sell petrolhead cars. Product knowledge to do the job of course is a given, but anything beyond that won't help much, as buyers aren't interested. Car sales is retailing, white goods, and your usual car dealership will be focused around that. Being a car nut is fine, and won't hurt, but don't overplay it.

After all, do you think the blokes in Currys are fridge enthusiasts outside of work?

Oops! AndyT77 already covered that point.

Edited by Balmoral Green on Monday 23 May 13:49

[redgriff500]

Benbay001 said:

Murray1987 said:

I’m honest

From experience, that isnt what they are after.

[R500POP]

Balmoral Green said:

Bear in mind.......

Ragghhrrrrr

[Murray1987]

Snip-it from C.V......



Overview

My goal is to establish a successful career and I believe that I would be a very capable employee. I have established a solid foundation in customer service over a period of seven years with previous jobs mainly in retail requiring maturity, communicating effectively and friendly service, not just to customers but work colleagues as well. I am a determined and committed professional who can learn quickly, I enjoy working to targets and believe that a job should be completed well. I have a calm, positive yet energetic attitude which is good in a team environment, with an efficient and committed work policy.

[Murray1987]

A911DOM said:

Have you got any mates or family friends etc that could give you a toe in the door?

No not really, no one who works at a main dealer. I guess its who you know not what you know.

[Ean218]

Murray1987 said:

No not really, no one who works at a main dealer. I guess its who you know not what you know.

Without being too harsh, in this particular case you don't know anything as you are looking for a trainee job, so yes it is more who you know, or can pretend to know.

Do you know anyone who has recently bought a car even? They might be able to get you an in with a sales manager, from there its up to you.

Otherwise you need to get a sales job, any sales job, for a year or so, then you will have sales knowledge which may get you past the first hurdle at a car dealer.

[Thesaint01708]

Murray1987 said:

Ok feeling brave.....

Opening Letter

Dear Sir,
 
I am writing to enquire about opportunities with your company. I am looking for a long term career in sales that offers the potential for progress and development. I am young energetic, enthusiastic and already have experience of customer service. I’m honest, reliable, hard working and organised and like to think I am a good team player.
 
If you could please take time to read my cv this would be much appreciated and if you have any information regarding a suitable job vacancy please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Its too generic - your not quantifying anything, it reads like the other applications thats filling their inbox.

First - Mention their company by name, do some research.. find out how long they have been there, say you drive past it, looks like a great place to work etc

Give examples of what roles you have been in and what transferable skills you picked up (employer will try and link what you've done to what they need, help them see it!)