Time to start making contact with potential employers?
Discussion
I'm in my third year of uni and having given some thought to my future, I think car sales could be a good place to start. The only thing I know about it so far is that it's generally mainstream marques that offer beginner jobs in sales, which gives a good employee the chance to move to more prestige ones as their career progresses.
So with this in mind, would now be a good time to start emailing dealerships such as Ford to ask about graduate opportunities (or trainee ops in general), with a view to starting in September-ish, or would this likely be a waste of mine and the employers time at this early a stage?
For what it's worth, I'm doing a degree in Geography, quite clearly don't have a clue where to start with full-time employment (I've done a few part time/Summer jobs in the past) and would like to get into the motor trade since I have an interest there.
Any general advice on getting into car sales from the bottom of the ladder would be appreciated
So with this in mind, would now be a good time to start emailing dealerships such as Ford to ask about graduate opportunities (or trainee ops in general), with a view to starting in September-ish, or would this likely be a waste of mine and the employers time at this early a stage?
For what it's worth, I'm doing a degree in Geography, quite clearly don't have a clue where to start with full-time employment (I've done a few part time/Summer jobs in the past) and would like to get into the motor trade since I have an interest there.
Any general advice on getting into car sales from the bottom of the ladder would be appreciated
You could also get some experience at w/e's at local dealer/trader?
Off topic - is car sales really the way forward?
If you fancy automotive, many employers don't look so much at the degree subject, more the qualities of the individual - you could try the likes of Ford / JLR graduate programmes at head office - would give a you a much wider and rewarding career experience?
Many graduate programmes are well into hiring now, and in fact many corporates will have have completed their first round of selection.
Try your uni careers centre as well, they will be able to tell you who is recruiting, who is not - to help you focus applications.
Off topic - is car sales really the way forward?
If you fancy automotive, many employers don't look so much at the degree subject, more the qualities of the individual - you could try the likes of Ford / JLR graduate programmes at head office - would give a you a much wider and rewarding career experience?
Many graduate programmes are well into hiring now, and in fact many corporates will have have completed their first round of selection.
Try your uni careers centre as well, they will be able to tell you who is recruiting, who is not - to help you focus applications.
Edited by zaphod42 on Monday 14th November 12:09
if you want a job with a manufacturer then you will need at least a 2:1 froma good university. Equally foreign languages skills would be beneficial.
Having said that, if you have the above and have worked for a year in a dealership I think they 'll almost certainly interview you - if your CV is good.
As for car sales jobs, the fact that you will have a degree will mean that they won't look at you
seriously though, IMHO car sales jobs are usually for immediate starts, so no point looking until you have finished your studies.
you could try going down the route of dealer accountant, and gaining an accountancy qualification in the process.
Having said that, if you have the above and have worked for a year in a dealership I think they 'll almost certainly interview you - if your CV is good.
As for car sales jobs, the fact that you will have a degree will mean that they won't look at you
seriously though, IMHO car sales jobs are usually for immediate starts, so no point looking until you have finished your studies.
you could try going down the route of dealer accountant, and gaining an accountancy qualification in the process.
What is your motivation for this role and this industry? Have you considered where your strengths and current competencies may be best employed to bring you both satisfaction and enough remuneration? You'll need convincing answers to these and many other questions like them if you're to find a role that truly satisfies both your own needs and that of a perspective employer. Good luck!
rog007 said:
What is your motivation for this role and this industry? Have you considered where your strengths and current competencies may be best employed to bring you both satisfaction and enough remuneration? You'll need convincing answers to these and many other questions like them if you're to find a role that truly satisfies both your own needs and that of a perspective employer. Good luck!
I suppose that is the root of my problem - I simply have no clue what is out there for me.Car sales originally sparked my interest because I'm knowledgeable (on cars, particularly Ford), good with people/the public (can explain things, simplify concepts, polite) and get a buzz out of selling things.
Perhaps a better question is where do people like me make money?
The only career plan I have so far is do something for about 10 years, then start up in that field myself... It's in finding that something that my worries lay.
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