If you’re passionate about cars, then it’s likely that working in the motor trade is your dream career path. However, with so many different roles to choose from, and the competitive nature of the industry, it’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to know. On top of this, once you’ve finally secured a job, there’s even more to prepare for ahead of your first day. but don’t worry – it can feel easier!
In this guide, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about working in the motor trade.
Career Pathways in the Motor Trade
When it comes to the motor trade, there’s no one-size-fits-all job that is suitable for everyone, which means you have plenty of opportunities to discover and explore if you want to work with cars. Some of the most popular roles include car sales professionals, repair technicians and auto mechanics.
Car Sales Professionals
If you’re passionate about customer service, then working in car sales might be the perfect job for you. Whether you want to work as a salesman for an already established organisation, or you want to take the leap and start your own car dealership, knowing how to interact with members of the public and other motor trade professionals is paramount. There are plenty of free resources available online that can discuss the car sales industry in more detail and help you develop some of the soft skills that you’ll need to succeed.
Repair Technician
If you’re not afraid of hard work, then a job as a repair technician might be in your future. Modern technicians primarily work with the computer systems that power newer vehicles, and often specialise in the understanding of just one or two car brands to hone their skills. As a technician, you’ll work closely with mechanics to diagnose and repair problems in a vehicle.
Auto mechanic
Not to be confused with a repair technician, mechanics play a vital role in the mechanical function of vehicles, such as brake disc repair, wheel balancing and wheel alignment, so if you enjoy problem solving and getting hands on to fix an issue then a role as a mechanic might suit your interests.
Despite being just a handful of job examples within a huge industry, these roles are ones to be aware of before you start searching, as they lay the foundations for many of the supporting motor trade careers.
Acing a Motor Trade Job Interview
Once you’ve taken some time to learn more about the motor trade and the career options available to you, it’s time to start searching for your first role. Whether you’re looking for an entry level position, or you’re bringing some experience from your personal life or another industry, there will be one big hurdle to overcome – the interview!
Acing an interview in the motor trade can be challenging, but there are things you can do beforehand to make it easier.
Research the business
Applied for multiple jobs online, and can’t quite remember exactly which company that recruiter is calling for? We’ve all been there! However, knowing little, if anything, about the organisation you’re interviewing at is not only unprofessional, but it’s also disrespectful to the current employees who are taking the time to meet with you.
Ahead of your interview, take some time to research the business and understand who they are, what they do, and any specialities that set them apart from the crowd. This way, you can draw on your knowledge at your interview and make a great first impression.
Re-read your CV
Before your interview, take 15 minutes or so to re-read your CV ahead of time, so that the content is fresh in your mind, as it’s likely that your interviewer will reference this when asking about your abilities and experience.
Prepare your questions
There’s nothing worse than an awkward silence, and when you’re going for a job interview you should want to make the most of every minute you have with your potential employer. That’s why preparing the questions you want to ask in advance makes it a lot easier when the time comes for you to find out some more info.
Your First Day in the Motor Trade: How to Prepare
So, you’ve followed our tips and landed a job offer at a fantastic automotive company. Now what?
Preparing for your first day in the motor trade can feel daunting, so having the must-dos ticked off before you start is key. One of the most important things to do is check whether you need motor trade insurance, as if you’re working with other people’s cars, this is highly likely. Motor trade insurance is a type of business insurance that brings a number of policies together to cover you in the event of an incident with a car you don’t own.
Next, depending on the role you’ve secured, you should spruce up your wardrobe. Wearing professional attire is a must if you’re going to be facing customers in your new job, so invest in some crisp, clean clothing. If you’ve being given a uniform, ensure that it’s neat and tidy to make the best first impression when you arrive.
Securing a job in the motor trade isn’t easy, but it’s a worthwhile endeavour if your dream is to work with cars. As long as you do your research, find the right role and get the correct insurance in place before you start, you’ll be ready to succeed from day one!
