Auto Resume Advice

Let's talk resumes! With our recent influx of Auto Job Candidates requesting Auto Career advice I find myself making the same recommendations to Candidates regularly. Therefore, I wanted to share my insights with you in the hopes it will help you find either the perfect automotive job, or the perfect employee. The result is this blog, where we provide an open forum to ASK-ANSWER-COMMENT on the challenges of finding the right Automotive Positions.

Let's face it...with the introduction of the "World Wide Web" the 'human touch' has rapidly diminished from the recruiting process in literally every industry. The Automotive Industry is no exception.

Over the last decade we have seen an onslaught of large publicly held conglomurates or Dealer Groups. As a result we've witnessed more dedicated Human Resource Departments being established. These departments help implement systems which will assist in EEOC Compliance, track applicants and will offer the dealer more accountability throughout the hiring and recruiting processes. These Automotive Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes weekly and utilize high-speed searchable applicant tracking systems such as DealerClassified.com to manage the volume effectively.
Resumes received by the employer are generally stored in a relational database (like the one contained in our auto career website) where the auto dealer or hiring authority can search for Candidates by Title, Keyword, City, State, or even zip code radius. The Employer can actually widen or narrow their search criteria based on their initial search results. Recruiting in the Automotive Industry has gone High Tech! If you're a seasoned automotive professional who would like a competitive edge - you must learn how to market yourself in the "New Millenium"! If you don't you may be left in the dust!

Pre-screening and recruiting is now executed using high speed search engines by using relevant industry specific skills & keywords. Everyday the recruiters here at DealerClassified.com speak to seasoned Automotive Professionals who question the importance of a professional resume. I cannot drive home the importance enough! A professionally prepared resume wmay or may not get you the job , but it could definitely get you the interview... Not having a professionally well written, properly formatted resume with relevant keywords, could cost you the job and eliminate you from the Dealer and/or Employers search completely!

For example, if you are a Finance Manager with AFIP Certification, put AFIP in your resume! If you are a bodyshop/paint tech and you have ICAR certification, put it in there! Service Manager with ATCON Certification? Put it in there! Certified Toyota Sales Pro??? Well you get the idea...
The Dealer Management Sytems (aka DMS, or Computer Operating Systems) ADP, Reynolds, UCS, DCS, and EDS are all relevant keywords for the Retail Automotive Industry. If you are proficient in one, two or all of these  systems than it needs to be contained in your resume. Dealers and Employers like to recruit "turn-key" employees. The less training the Auto Dealer has to provide you the better! In order for an Automotive Employer to notice you... list all of your "Automotive Industry" specific education, whether it is an F&I Training Course, Sales Skills, Dealer Academy or other Auto Industry Specific Training. I have over the years experienced very qualified candidates being denied interviews with large Automotive corporations because they did not have or refused to provide a resume. What about you?Have you ever been denied an interview because you did not have a resume. What did you do? Did you accomodate the prospective employers request or did you tell them you never needed one before and let the opportunity go? If you have a related story or comment feel free to post it here. We value your opinion. Please keep all comments professional

Comments

[Al P]

Dear Diane,

We spoke briefly a few weeks ago and I'd like to ask for some advice. I'm not having much success in obtaining responses for GM or GSM positions and I'm confused. I have the knowledge, experience, and have been successful managing dealerships in the past.

I see many automotive jobs that are available and yet I struggle to find the right job. I just cannot believe there are so many more qualified managers than I am.

I enjoy my job and the daily challenges it presents. Any advice on what I may be doing wrong would be greatly appreciated! my resume is on your website already... Please look them over and let me know where my mistakes are being made.

Thank You for your time and assistance,
Al D