Beginning an auto sales career

If you are new to auto sales, you will receive on-the-job training from your new employer, but you will want to supplement this training to be successful. Study the dealer’s product line until you know it inside and out, and consider taking a sales course. Work on any weaknesses that could stand in your way, such as using mnemonics to remember names.

Online career tools

While there are a number of well-known sites such as Monster.com that list auto sales management jobs, there are a number of sites specializing in auto sales manager jobs. These speciality web sites provide free information for anyone in the auto sales industry, such as articles detailing the latest sales techniques, information about Internet car sales, advice about the issues faced by auto sales managers, and how your finance department can perform better. Of course they also have national job boards, letting you easily locate auto sales positions that meet your needs.

Auto sales job search tips

Working in the sales industry can be very competitive, especially if the sales people work on commission. Even for salaried positions, there are goals that must be met to retain your job or receive bonuses or other incentives. This competition is also true for obtaining a sales position. In today’s tight job market, some sales positions are declining. To get one of the available jobs, you must sell yourself as thoroughly as you would sell a car.

First, review your resume. Make it easy for a busy sales manager to get the important information through a quick skim. Sales managers are interested in numbers; make sure your resume highlights your accomplishments in those terms. Include your closing ratio, increased sales you’ve brought to your previous employer, your ranking among the sales staff (assuming you are one of the top producers), and total annual or monthly sales both in terms of number of cars sold and the dollar amount. Make sure that your resume is free of errors, as this makes you look unprofessional. If writing is not your strong suit, have a friend proofread it with a critical eye or consider hiring a professional resume service to make your resume stand out.

Next, have your facts ready. Understand the dealership’s products, history, clients, and if possible, compensation structure. Be prepared with fact based responses to typical questions, such as how you handled a particularly difficult customer, how you work with other sales managers, what you do if there is a problem, and ways you have shown commitment to both the customer and the dealership.

New opportunities in auto sales

The explosion of Internet auto sales has created new opportunities for auto sales professionals, especially if you have Internet experience. Today most larger dealerships have sales staff dedicated to assisting Internet shoppers, and these shoppers aren’t just restricted to your usual sales area. Customers want to shop inventory online and compare prices, but they often have questions that must be handled by a live person. Internet sales reps are responsible for following up on these leads, whether it’s answering questions about financing, current inventory, special orders, or obtaining a vehicle from another dealership. Internet sales professionals must be highly organized, as you will be handling many more customers in a day than you would for strictly in-person sales, and any missed opportunity could mean a missed sale.

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1) What is the Job?

The profession of an auto mechanic involves individuals specializing in car repair, car maintenance and car modifications with the aid of expertise and knowledge. In this position, you can obtain a salary in accordance to your experience and your certifications.

2) Qualities required for the Job.

Qualities required for this career are diverse. Initially, there must be enjoyment for this kind of work. Creative people who are curious about this type of career qualify for a stable income and great working profile if they are certified in any accepted courses like schools such as NASCAR or like Automotive Service Excellence.

These are good positions if you’re not that into classic courses or do not enjoy them, but instead are passionate about how something works. The individual should additionally possess on-the-job training if he is new. An auto mechanic must be able to read manuals and machineries.

The mechanic should have a knowledge of some common tools like hammers, screwdrivers and ranges and understand their proper handling. An additional essential and great quality for an auto mechanic should be to continuously study even after finding a job. It will enable the mechanic to keep up with the vehicle’s latest models.

3) How do you obtain what you wish for?

Once you’re curious about this profile in high school, it’d be good idea that you take some courses such as mathematics, electrical and physical sciences. This career requires the mechanic to be electrically knowledgeable.

Training programs and apprenticeships should be taken if you’re serious about your ambition. Following high school, you should get involved with a professional car maintenance course or an equivalent or get a job at a mechanic shop as a parts runner who works part-time. Achieve additional certifications and search for the employer who will offer you opportunities for professional development that is continuous through certifications and trainings.

If you are passionate about the career and are looking for a challenge, this might be a good career to decide upon, where you could begin to earn in minimal time. It pays good and mechanics who are experienced could work regular daily hours.

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To become a car salesman a person usually needs only their high school diploma, a smile and an attractive personality. How much a car salesman makes in a month will depend highly upon his personality in addition to his eagerness to make a sale. New car salesmen, often called “green peas” by their employers, are usually paid in two different ways:

1. Commission Only – This is the most brutal and unreliable method of payment. Car salesmen who are paid solely on commission collect money only when they finalize a sale. Usually the commission is a small percentage of the total value. Unfortunately for salesmen, the commission on a car is not based from the total price; this is usually the popular misconception that draws people to the career. Commission is based on a small percentage of the total profit earned in a sale. For example if a car was sold for $20,000 with a profit of $5,000, then the salesman would earn approximately $1,250 in commission if his rate were 25%. Rates vary, usually ranging between 10% and 30%. The average commission is $250 per car, with the average sale number at about 2 cars per month.

2. Base + Commission – A more generous and reliable option, the base and commission pay scale is one that usually denotes a reputable car dealer. Car salesmen are paid a base salary every month, usually between $2,000 and $5,000 in addition to the commission collected from any car sales. Unfortunately for the car salesman, jobs with a base salary are also attached to a strict quota. With this quota, each month a car salesman is required to sell a certain number of vehicles; anything less could put him in the spotlight to be fired or punished.

Rates of pay vary greatly for a car salesman. Demographic location, the car dealer and the types of cars being sold are contributing factors to a car salesman’s salary. Brand-new luxury car dealers will usually offer a more generous base salary than a car dealer selling certified pre-owned economy cars. Also when commission is computed on a basis of percentage, the commission to be gained on a luxury car will far exceed any number earned on an economy car.

The most important thing for a person seeking a career as a car salesman to remember is that getting rich will not happen quickly; in fact it likely will not happen at all. Most car salesmen live comfortably but modestly, but those who have a special talent and gift for selling just may find their niche.

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Heavy equipment duty mechanic jobs fall under quite a few titles including mechanic, technician maintenance supervisor and more. Regardless of the title, they all are basically responsible for many of the same things. The most common tasks for a heavy equipment technician will be the routine maintenance, servicing and inspection of the equipment like engines, transmissions, hydraulics, electrical systems and even the tracks or wheels. With the machinery being composed of many sensors and electronics, technicians commonly employ diagnostic computers, calibration equipment, and meters for a large part of their job, but there is still the need for nuts and bolts, wrenches and good old fashioned elbow grease. A heavy equipment mechanic job combines many elements like mechanical technology, engineering, computer technician and electrician into one position.

A heavy equipment mechanic job also requires very good communication skills. Very often you will find yourself with no more information to go on than an operator’s description, and this is usually a vague description at best. Most of the time you will only get a report of a funny sound or bump and from this, you must use your training, experience and specialized tools to diagnose and correct the problem. Many heavy equipment diesel mechanic jobs offer indoor shops and working areas, and many have technicians that work exclusively in the field doing emergency repairs, supervising and even consulting.

Anyone considering a career as a heavy equipment mechanic will need a specific educational background. High school courses should be centered around auto repair, mathematics, chemistry and physics, with a special focus on communication, reading and writing. Technical writing is a must, you will be expected to convey reports that other technicians can read and understand, in addition to passing information on to those without a technical background. You will also need to read and understand technical manuals and design plans on a regular basis. Depending on your particular field, you may want to add things like electronics and computer courses as well. Starting with this foundation, many potential technicians go on to take vocational training courses or begin a college degree. Once properly trained and in the workforce you will most likely be required to continue training and updating your skills, which is most often partially or completely paid by your employer.

A heavy equipment mechanic job is very rewarding, challenging and can provide you with a great way of life. The average pay for a heavy equipment technician is around $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, education, and type of work being performed, and combined with the predicted growth of the market, make it a great career choice. A heavy equipment mechanic job can encompass a variety fields from farming and construction to demolition, transportation and more, offering stability and security in an unstable economic environment.

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Learning about the State Requirements

The fist thing that the interested candidate will need to do is to investigate what your state’s particular pre-licensing requirements are. There are states that make their auto insurance candidates first undergo an insurance agent prep class before they are allowed to sit for the car insurance license exam. Your state’s regulation department will most likely contain a list of the accredited programs and schools for the particular state.

Preparing for and Taking the Exam

You will want to obtain a study guide. For those of you who live in states which do not require pre-licensing classes and course work, you are lucky. Simply request your copy of the study guide and hit the books. This will be necessary in order to learn the more critical areas for which to prepare and study.

You will have to schedule your state’s car insurance exam. Every one of the states requires that you be licensed in order to practice as a car insurance agent. In order to schedule your particular test date, simply contact your own state. There are states which only offer the exam once per month, and others that provide the test a few times each month.

Setting Up Your Car Insurance Agency

After you have obtained your state car insurance license, then you will have to pick out in what location you will actually sell car insurance. While you might choose to open up your own insurance agency, an easier way to get started right away is in working for an existing and well established car insurance agent. There is more potential opportunity in opening your own agency, and also a greater degree of risk associated with it as well. In working for a well established car insurance agent, there is terrific opportunity for commissions and far less risk of failure.

You should be prepared to sign up for continuing education once you become a car insurance agent. The car insurance industry is always changing its rules and regulations. Because of this fact, the majority of states will mandate that you undergo continuing education in order to keep your new car insurance agent license updated.

Additional Information:

Insureme: Becoming an Auto Insurance Agent
eHow: Become an Insurance Claims Agent

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Noted psychologist, author, and lecturer, Dr. John Gray, suggests that men value trust above all other interpersonal emotions. Astute car insurance salespeople can put this psychological principle to work for them by appealing to the male’s paternal/husbandly obligations to ensure that their family is provided for in the event that something terrible were to happen. Instead of simply suggesting that the insurance company would provide a new car if the family car were stolen or damaged, leverage the emotion of trust. Here’s an example:

We here at ABC insurance know that your family depends on its car to get children to school, groceries from the store, and people to work. With that being said, the family trusts you to keep the vehicle working. Obviously that may not be possible if the car were stolen or damaged, which is where our insurance policy comes into play by helping you ensure that the trust your family has in the vehicle is not going to be gone the second an accident occurs or thief decides that it is time for a joy ride.

Another famous author and lecturer, Dale Carnegie, would suggest that one of the most valuable sales techniques of all is to listen. Instead of hearing what sounds like a pain point for a customer and jumping on it immediately, ask more about that potential pain point. Is the customer afraid that their vehicle is too old to insure? Instead of jumping on that problem immediately to close the deal, ask why they think that. Asking exploratory questions can help uncover facts that may be useful, but the main point of exploratory questions is to make sure that customers feel that they are being listened to.

Listening is always important, but it is extremely important with female customers according to Dr. Gray. Therefore, one of the best car insurance sales tips might be to constantly counsel patience during a call. If this means keeping a form, that needs to be filled out, or trying to learn as much about a customer as possible, then do just that. Ask questions such as:

If you don’t mind me asking, why does…interest you so much?
Is there a reason that you need this?
Is there anything else that you might see yourself needing in the event of an accident?

Another tip for being a successful car insurance salesperson is to learn how to plant seeds of ideas. Instead of telling customers that they should really think about a lower deductible or glass coverage, walk them through the logic in a way that illustrates the problem with a policy they are considering. For example, if a customer has a 1996 Geo Tracker and wants a $1000 deductible that is worth nearly the price of the vehicle itself, then they may not understand how useless the policy is to them until they are walked through what will happen when they file a $350 claim. Selling a useless policy is not likely to build goodwill, and explaining how a few dollars more a month on extra coverage and/or lower deductibles could make the up sell much easier.

At the very least, it will certainly help customers understand how insurance works and they will probably no longer look at the bottom line without understanding the dynamics behind it. They may then reject other offers and go with an insurance salesperson that they view as more honest and open. Honesty comes in many forms and being genuine is important when selling car insurance policies over the phone or in person. This is a hard lesson to learn for those that spend their time buttering clients up before pitching a policy. One of the best pieces of advice for anyone selling car insurance is limit the buttering up unless it is truly warranted as it puts the customer in defense mode and they are just waiting for the sales pitch.

Another valuable tip for selling automobile insurance is to always remember that every potential customer is a valuable sales tool. Redefine ‘win-win’ to be something other than every call being a sale, or hitting a quota. Make it a personal goal to turn every caller into someone who would refer friends and family regardless of whether or not they themselves signed up for an auto insurance policy. Do this by being personable, and remembering that no insurance company will have the best deals 100% of the time. If this is the case, come clean and tell the potential customer that no insurer is innately cheaper all the time, and if they know anyone looking for a quote that the business or appreciation would certainly be appreciated. Trying to persuade a customer who sees a potentially better deal elsewhere and cannot be convinced of the merits of a policy is not good for business.

The last piece of auto insurance sales advice is simple: remember that customers truly do need and want automobile insurance because only a very narrow portion of the general populace can have even a relatively minor accident without serious financial repercussions. Few people have enough money in the bank and an income substantial enough to shrug off even a basic hospital bill, or handle repairs. These are simple facts, but they mean that the goals of the consumer and the person selling car insurance are actually aligned far more than they differ. Do not view the auto sales jobs as an exercise in willpower, but one of working together with the customer to find the policy that is best for them.

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There are a few innate skills a person should have, before pursuing a career as an auto mechanic. Good mechanics are people friendly. They understand that customer service is the lifeblood of the industry and often is the deciding factor on where an individual takes their car to be serviced. In an increasingly competitive industry, this can make the difference between business success and failure. Automotive mechanics spend a good deal of time talking with customers. They have to explain what the problem is with the vehicle, as well as what the options are for repairing it, and how much it will cost. Oftentimes auto mechanics have to deliver bad news, so being able to tactfully discuss the needed repairs is an important attribute for mechanics.

Those looking to pursue an auto mechanic technician job should also understand that time is of the essence, when servicing a customer’s car. If a person like to dawdle around and take their time with their work, becoming a mechanic may not be the best career path. The auto diesel mechanic job is one where time is money, since they’re not paid by the hour, but by the job. In addition, customers want their vehicles returned to them in a timely manner. Quick, quality service will set a mechanic apart from the rest.

Although a potential automotive mechanic doesn’t need to know all about cars, prior to their training, they should be mechanically inclined. A good candidate will be good at solving problems and determining how things work, as well as have a good mathematical skills and even a basic understanding of electronics. With this basic ability, training then becomes simply learning the specialized knowledge about vehicles specifically.

For those looking at becoming a mechanic, there are physical requirements as well. Automotive parts can be heavy. Candidates should be able to lift at least 40 pounds. In addition, the job entails standing most of the day, as well as kneeling and lying on concrete floors. The hours vary greatly, depending on the shop, but weekends are common, as this is often when it’s most convenient for customers to bring their vehicles in to be serviced.

Training for an entry level auto mechanic job is often offered beginning in high school. Through the Automotive Youth Education Service, high school students can earn their technician’s certification. Once an individual graduates from high school, they can continue their training at a variety of places, including: high schools, vocational schools, technical schools, and community colleges. These classes often incorporate both classroom lessons with real life training. Technical schools offer programs that last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Community college programs often last up to 2 years, as they include core academic classes such as: math and English, needed to obtain a degree or certification.

There are also automotive training programs that are sponsored by vehicle manufactures and car dealers. These are often offered through accredited schools, and typically offer the latest training on the newest automotive technologies and meet the standards set by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. Programs usually begin with up to 3 months of classroom training, followed by an apprenticeship at a local repair shop or dealership.

The ultimate achievement in training, for those who want employment in the automotive mechanic industry, is certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This voluntary program is an industry standard. There are eight areas in which a mechanic can be certified, for automobiles and light trucks, when they have passed all areas of testing, they are certified as a master mechanic. These areas include: Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Engine Performance. To maintain this status, auto mechanics have to retake these tests every five years. You can also consider heavy equipment mechanic jobs and auto sales jobs to find the best career for you.

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