Attracting qualified employees is crucial to the success of any company, and automotive recruiters can help you quickly fill any position, from upper management to sales professionals to mechanics and other skilled laborers. Many automotive industry recruiters not only search for qualified candidates, but will also help you create job descriptions, integrate your employee search into your long-range plan, and handle pre-screening, background checks and interviewing.

When working with recruiting services for the automotive industry, first determine if you need:

1. An automotive executive recruiter
2. A company that specializes in automotive retail and dealerships
3. A firm that finds employees for automotive manufacturing companies and suppliers

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

If you need to fill upper management positions, contact an automotive executive search firm

Filling leadership positions can be especially challenging, because this is a highly competitive area, both for applicants and for employers. The recruiting process will likely be more complicated, because of the more complex salary and incentive packages offered to executives.

I recommend: APA Search specializes in filling management positions within the automotive industry, including sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing, distribution and more. APA takes an intensive, hands-on approach to filling positions, and handles every step of the process, including creating job descriptions, developing a search strategy, evaluate candidates and then narrow that down to the most qualified, arrange the interviews and follow-up on placement. Automotive Recruiters International focuses on leadership positions, including board members, C-level executives and presidents, vice presidents and directors, and senior management.

Consider automotive recruiting firms that cater to dealerships

If you own or manage an auto dealership, you need employees knowledgeable not only about cars but also about sales. Recruiters that work primarily with dealers can assist in finding savvy salespeople to help you move your inventory.

I recommend: AutoPersonnel supplies employees to new car, truck and heavy construction equipment dealers. The company specializes in both management and technical positions, advertises for employees locally and nationally, and offers specialty training. AutoPersonnel also asks all entry-level employees it recruits to sign a "longevity guarantee," promising that the employee will stay with their new employer for at least six months, or reimburse the dealer 50 percent of the referral fee. AutoPeople specializes in locating management professionals for auto dealerships. The company evaluates candidates based both on its own standards and on the client's specifications, and a fee is only charged if the position is filled.

Seek out auto recruiters for the manufacturing sector

If you're in the manufacturing sector, you'll need employees skilled in everything from engineering to project management to assembly. An automotive recruiter that specializes in manufacturing can help you find both management professionals and skilled labor.

I recommend: Excel Recruiting's auto manufacturing division is experienced in recruiting for a wide variety of positions, including plant management, plant operations, engineers and program managers. Excel offers direct hire, temp-to-perm employees, contract workers and even payroll services. NEA Group recruits exclusively for the manufacturing side of the automotive industry, and will create and administer customized testing for all applicants.

Recruiting services for the automotive industry offer targeted candidate searches in a variety of automotive fields. Whether you are seeking engineers, mechanics, administrative professionals, or if you are considering an automotive executive search, auto recruiters can save you time and money by connecting you with a strong candidate pool that meets your employment specifications.

The automotive recruiting industry serves both individuals seeking employment and businesses looking to fill open positions. Recruitment firms identify highly qualified candidates in specific fields, usually based on job descriptions provided by the client. Recruiters thoroughly evaluate potential candidates and present you with only the most highly qualified individuals who match your particular need. Automotive headhunters may work individually or as part of a larger recruitment organization. Before you begin working with an automotive recruiting firm, you must:

1. Identify an auto recruiter that offers search services tailored to your employment needs.
2. Research payment options offered by the auto recruiters you have selected, to determine a fee structure that is manageable for your business.
3. Learn about their recruitment practices and methodology for identifying the most qualified candidates in the employment fields relevant to your needs.

Action Steps
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Check out online auto recruiters

Exploring job posting sites targeted to the automotive industry allows you to browse candidates across a variety of fields without making a significant financial commitment to a recruiting firm. Many job sites offer customized content, including candidates pre-selected for businesses beginning an automotive executive search.

I recommend: Sites such as The Ladders focus on executive-level positions, while Auto Careers.com allows you to browse a bank of resumes across a variety of automotive positions. Both sites are fee-based, although they do offer a limited amount of content at no charge.

Determine the position you wish to fill

Automotive search firms often specialize in filling specific jobs in the industry, so recruiters will require guidance from you before initiating a search. If you are seeking employees at the executive level, for example, target automotive executive recruiters to ensure a successful search.

I recommend: For an automotive executive search, target firms like Triniti Executive Search, which specializes in identifying senior management candidates across a variety of industries, including automotive. Automotive Quality Solutions focuses on the placement of engineers, while AutoPeople services auto dealerships with personnel needs.

Identify the type of employee you are seeking

Auto recruiters offer services at a variety of staffing levels, including permanent, contract, and temporary staff. Many firms also provide outplacement services for employees who have been recently terminated and beginning to look for jobs in the automobile industry.

I recommend: AutoPro provides permanent and temporary staffing solutions for employers seeking executives, technicians, and managerial candidates. Automotive Professional Network offers outplacement services to automotive employees beginning a career transition. Kabana Corporation specializes in filling parts and equipment jobs in the automotive industry.

Consider automotive recruiters that work in the international sector

Recruiting services for the automotive industry are global in scope. Many regions, including the United Kingdom and parts of Eastern Europe, have an excess of skilled and unskilled workers seeking jobs in the automotive industry.

I recommend: Lucas Group and Network Recruitment Partnership offer automotive recruitment services at the global level. Ray & Berndtson handles automotive executive search assignments worldwide.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fees for recruitment services vary. Some automotive search firms require the payment of an initial fee, but do not expect the balance until a qualified candidate is hired by the client; for other firms, payment is contingent only upon hiring.
• •  Many automotive job recruiter sites allow you to post your own resume, as well as search stored resumes, so keep this in mind if you are an automotive professional seeking a change in employment.

A wide range of businesses are poised to help you build an automotive recruiting employee base, whether your search is for automotive executives or great auto technicians. Make informed hiring decisions by staying on top of the latest news and trends in automotive industry recruiting services.

Understanding how automotive recruiters operate will help you effectively budget for their services and decide what compensation packages to offer new employees. Armed with this information, you'll be more competitive in the marketplace, and feel confident in your hiring and retaining decisions. Here are some reliable sources for automotive industry recruiting.

1. Find the latest news about automotive recruiters by reading industry publications online.

2. Visit auto recruiter web sites for the latest information on recruiting services in the automotive industry.

3. Check out multi-media resources and industry organizations for background on trends in automotive recruiting.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the latest automotive recruiting news from trade publications

Most industries have trade publications which keep tabs on changes in the field. The auto industry has its own publications, many of which are available free online. These magazines often cover niche topics like recruiting services because they give a reading of the overall health of the industry. Find sub-topics from statistics on new hires to profitability of automotive recruiting companies.

I recommend: Automotive News, an online publication produced by Crain Communications, has the latest on recruiting services and the automotive industry at large. Also check the online version of Automotive Industries. Simply type "recruiting services" into the large search engines of both sites for a wealth of resource links.

Go to recruiters' web sites for the latest information on automotive recruiting

Many professional recruiting companies publish newsletters or release articles on their websites about the latest automotive industry news and trends. Locate reputable recruitment companies and automotive search firms to find the latest information available. Helpful news will include information on trends in the business, job openings and more.

I recommend: Go to Auto Pro Technical Recruiting for recruiters who place employees in many different facets of the auto industry. Read up on their latest postings and headlines. Also visit AutomotiveProfit.com for up-to-date nationwide stats on automotive hiring, plus direct links to hiring web sites and more.

Find organizations that specialize in automotive recruiting news

There are national organizations that specialize in the automotive industry. Many of them release information on the state of the industry and recruiting. Some offer free email updates or newsletters. Seek out companies that provide news in the form of webinars, podcasts, seminars and more. This interactive approach delivers the news to you in a more effective, instructional way.

I recommend: SAE International produces content on news and events for many industries, including jobs in the automotive industry. In addition to a magazine, they offer webcasts, podcasts, seminars and access to other industry events using multiple forms of media. The National Automobile Dealers Association is another multi-media resource for the latest auto recruiting news and events.

While the automotive industry may be suffering from an economic turmoil, that does not change the focus of those responsible for employment recruiting. It is the job of an automotive industry recruiter to find top talent to meet the needs of his clients. Understanding terminology used, from the names of key associations to publications where qualified candidates are likely to be looking, is critical to succeeding in this endeavor. A few recruiting services for the automotive industry key terms are listed below.

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Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) was founded in 1982 by Chrysler, General Motors and Ford managers with the intent of providing a forum for sharing information and improving business processes. All layers of the automotive industry supply chain are represented in its membership.

I recommend: AIAG members receive advertising discounts in the association's electronic publications as well as countless networking opportunities.

Automotive Industries

Automotive Industries is a trade magazine covering the global automotive industry. The publication has 40,000 print subscribers, plus more than 1.5 million hits monthly to its website.

I recommend: Automotive Industries advertising can be pricey, but its long reach may make the investment worthwhile.

AutomotiveJobs

AutomotiveJobs has been in existence for more than 10 years. The website brings together employers and job hunters, specifically targeting the automotive industry.

I recommend: Posting open positions at your company on AutomotiveJobs is fairly inexpensive, plus they offer a free trial so you have literally nothing to lose.

Automotive Career Fair

The Automotive Career Fair is held at The Washington Auto Show, an auto industry show that makes headlines and is well represented by U.S. and foreign car manufacturers. More than 1,000 students from across the region will attend to hear about career opportunities.

I recommend: Details about The Washington Auto Show's Automotive Career Fair are included on its webpage.

The Recruiters Digest

The Recruiters Digest, the official newsletter of the U.S. Recruiting Network, features information that pertains directly to the automotive industry.

I recommend: The May 2009 Edition of The Recruiters Digest contains a humorous article for the enjoyment of auto industry recruiters.

Technical and Vocational School Guide

Keeping the lines of communication open between yourself and well-respected automobile technical and vocational schools is an important part of any automobile recruiter's job. The Technical and Vocational School Guide lists automobile technical schools across the country.

I recommend: The Technical and Vocational School Guide allows you to search for names of auto industry schools by state and region.