The automotive industry fluctuates like any other industry and relies on hardworking, educated individuals in a variety of automotive jobs, including auto body jobs, auto sales jobs, technicians, designers, engineers, managers and loan specialists. Obtain an auto jobs industry overview to help you decide the area of automotive business you wish to pursue and the short and long term benefits to expect.

When starting or taking over an automotive business, it's important to be familiar with and part of the automotive industry as a whole to stay competitive. The jobs, industry, salary standards and training requirements are all part of the great make-up of the automotive sector. To learn more about the automotive industry and how to operate successfully, you should:

1. Research the jobs in automotive industry and find out what the specifics of those jobs are.

2. Decide on the automotive employment opportunities you'll offer and set the standards for each position.

3. Subscribe to an industry publication with vital information about car jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research automotive jobs and decide on the ones best formatted for your company

Consider the jobs you are going to be offering to the community through your automotive business. Research the specific jobs within the automotive industry to come up with information including standard wages, education, training, experience and other qualifying information.

I recommend: Simply Hired is an automotive job listing site that provides information for the ideal candidate. This information will help you get a feel for the wages, training and experience necessary for a productive, quality automotive worker. D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions offers a subscription service for access to companies in the automotive industry.

Find standards in which to base the automotive employment opportunities

Decide on and set the standards for the specific auto jobs you'll be offering at your place of business. This can be a direct reflection of the information you found, but should also reflect your local community and automotive industry in order to be competitive and attract clients.

I recommend: Best Auto Jobs is an automotive jobs specific web site. Read the job listings from your local area and all over the country. By reading the wages offered, training/education required and other job specifics you will get an idea of what to offer to find quality applicants. Auto Industry Jobs is a niche job board for employers and applicants to connect. Use this for both research and looking for potential automotive employment candidates when the time comes.

Read about car jobs by subscribing to an automotive industry publication

Find and subscribe to automotive industry publications to stay on top of automotive industry news and trends. These publications are tax deductible and offer a wealth of information about the ever-changing automotive employment industry.

I recommend: The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers extensive information on the automotive technician and other labor positions specifics. Order or print a hard copy to reference when setting your own standards. The Job Spider offers information on many jobs in the automotive industry and has brochures and newsletters available to receive up to date information on the jobs you are interested in offereing through your own company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't be afraid to call competitors and ask questions about the auto jobs, benefits and standards they offer.

You can almost always find jobs in automotive industries. The demand for talented individuals that can repair cars is great. With the proper training for an auto career, you are in demand.

Car jobs are an ideal choice because you can either choose to work for a company or you can start your own small business, such as a repair shop. Both choices are equally viable. You decide what's best for you.

Some things you should think about before starting an automotive career are:

1. What type of automotive careers are you interested in? Are you interested in auto body jobs or auto sales jobs?
2. Do you enjoy fixing things?
3. Is it easy for you to understand technical concepts?
   

Action Steps
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Receive the proper training for car jobs

All automotive jobs require some training before you can start working. While some auto repair shops in small towns may offer on-the-job training, it's best for you to receive formal technical training. You can typically do that in high school through a vocational school, but you can also receive training later in life.

I recommend: The Universal Technical Institute offers an excellent training program for jobs in automotive fields and Bergwall offers online automotive careers training programs to help pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam.

Specialize in a particular area

It's not enough to have generalized training for an automotive career. You need to specialize. Specialization can range from a particular type of car (such as race cars or BMWs) or a particular part of a car (such as the radiator or electrical system).

I recommend: The Auto Detail School trains students in body repair and detail work, perfect for working in auto body jobs. If you're interested in racing cars, the NASCAR Technical Institute (a division of the Universal Technical Institute) may be just what you're looking for.

Decide whether to use an automotive employment agency to find automotive jobs

Employment agencies can help you to get a leg up on the competition. They can easily match you with an auto job that's right for you. Many automotive employment agencies offer their services for free to job seekers.

I recommend: ACT Auto Jobs allows you to search through automotive jobs by region or specialty. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, then Car People is another great automotive employment agency.

Use a professional resume writer to stand out

Some people mistakenly believe that a good resume is not necessary to secure auto jobs. A professionally written resume will give you an edge.

I recommend: ResumeEdge.com can help you to secure your first job by creating a resume that highlights your skills. AsperationsResume.com offers a free evaluation of your resume.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take business management courses in addition to automotive courses to make sure your small business succeeds.

Whether it's auto body jobs or auto sales jobs, there is a certain level of training for auto jobs required to succeed in the automotive industry. While many applicants will have some level of experience, it's important for you to offer training opportunities to better their skills.

Consider the opportunities your company has available and tailor the automotive jobs training for the positions you offer. To find car jobs training opportunities, you should:

1. Offer attendance to automotive sales seminars for auto sales jobs.

2. Consider implementing an apprenticeship program for technical or design jobs in automotive.

3. Find schools with programs in the study of a variety of automotive careers for the ultimate in training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider automotive sales seminars for auto sales jobs and employees

Find automotive sales seminars to offer additional or first time training to new and veteran employees in auto sales jobs. These seminars are often a two-to-three day affair with motivational speakers, networking opportunities and training materials to be taken home and utilized with the ideas learned at the seminar.

I recommend: The Joe Verde Group offers a selection of sales seminars and workshops designed by automotive sales industry professionals to help salespeople sell more cars while catering to the clients needs. Ron Coxsom Training Systems was developed by a master in the automotive sales industry who believes car sales should still have dignity and integrity behind them. Seminars can be attended separately or the speaker can be booked for a group seminar to be held at your company.

Use an apprenticeship program for those interested in technical jobs in automotive

Implement an apprenticeship program for those interested in technical, design or auto body jobs. These are all extremely hands-on positions and one of the best ways to bring a new employee on is to pair them with a certified technician to apprentice under.

I recommend: Career Voyages has developed an automotive apprenticeship program that can be utilized in dealership, factories and other automotive industry companies. The Automotive Apprenticeship of California is an organization designed to offer apprenticeships in a variety of automotive fields to help training those entering the automotive industry.

Offer information about schools specializing in programs related to automotive careers

Gather information about schools specializing in programs with automotive employment as the end result. These schools are located across the country and around the world. They can be comprised of a few classes or an expensive, intensive hands-on program. Either way, your employees will get the training they need to handle your clients and company vehicles.

I recommend: Automotive Mechanical Schools is an innovative directory of automotive schools. Search by school, state or read reviews to find the best schools. The Universal Technical Institute is one of the most highly recommended and decorated schools for the automotive industry. Not only do they training individuals for the automotive, truck, diesel and marine industries, but are one of the leading schools for NASCAR technical staff.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Allow the company pay scale, benefits and other perks, like bonuses, to reflect the level of training for auto jobs. That way, you will create incentives for less-trained employees to gain more knowledge and certifications.

Those who love automobiles have many opportunities to work in the field. To better understand the possibilities for employment, study the variety of jobs available in the different branches of the automotive industry. Some require specific skills or training, whereas others offer opportunities to learn on the job. The basic categories for employment fall under sales, repair, driving, and accessorizing; interested candidates then typically specialize within one of these categories. Take time to explore all options in each category to discover the one that appeals to you the most.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Automotive service technician or mechanic

Mechanics repair vehicle engines and keep them in good running condition. Often they are licensed to provide state vehicle inspections and/or emissions testing. Some mechanics, especially in larger dealerships or shops, may specialize in one specific area, such as air conditioning or electrical systems.

I recommend: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections has information on the career of automotive service technician. Learn more about the job by visiting CareerOverview.com.

Collision repair technician

Collision repair technicians, also called autobody repair technicians, restore cars that have been damaged in accidents. Some specialize in spot repair work, while others engage in all-over repair jobs. Most collision repair shops also employ painters, but sometimes the collision repair technicians are also responsible for painting.

I recommend: Auto Mechanics Schools gives an overview of collision repair technician job expectations and skill requirements.

Auto parts supplier

Mechanics and autobody repair specialists rely on auto parts suppliers to provide the engine or body parts they need to complete repairs. Auto parts suppliers may sell new parts--OEM (manufacturer's standard parts) or aftermarket parts (generic parts). Others sell used parts; often these sellers are connected with junk yards.

I recommend: Net Industries gives a detailed job description for auto parts suppliers along with information on the training and occupational outlook.

Race car driver

Those with quick reflexes, strong nerves and stamina as well as excellent driving skills may want to consider a career as a race car driver. This is a competitive sport that requires training and monetary backing for success.

I recommend: Racingschools.com and autoMedia.com provide information on what it takes to be a race car driver.

Automotive detailer

Automotive detailers clean and refurbish cars. Detailing may include washing and waxing the exterior, polishing the chrome, vacuuming and shampooing the interior, and pressure washing the engine. Some detailers also add pinstripes or other accessories to increase a car's curb appeal. Many detailers work at car dealerships, both new or used, but others run their own businesses.

I recommend: By clicking on the links "Exterior Detailing" and "Interior Detailing" on The Detailing Hand Book website, you can see all the jobs a detailer might be expected to handle. WebCars! gives tips on running your own detailing business.

Automotive sales representative

An automotive sales representative, car salesperson or auto sales worker usually works in a new car dealership or on a used car lot. Most are required to meet daily, weekly, and/or monthly sales quotas. Duties include talking to customers and answering their questions, explaining the features of the vehicles, taking customers on test drives and closing deals. Some automotive sales representatives fill out paperwork for buyers, but large companies often have a separate finance department.

I recommend: For tips on becoming a car salesperson, visit eHow. EdInformatics provides a comprehensive overview of the nature and career expectations for sales work.