You Want a Job in the Automotive Industry — Now What?
Automotive Industry Job Search Tactics
Connect with agency recruiters since we represent multiple companies
Follow these steps to improve the efficacy of your job search. Keys to your search include understanding the employment environment, defining your objectives, being proactive about communication and networking, and embracing LinkedIn.
The industry is very broad, and fits into several adjacencies. Don’t ignore adjacent segments.
Automotive Industry Segments
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Tier I Suppliers
- Aftermarket Parts Manufacturing
- Technology: SaaS, ADAS, Systems, Infotainment
- Car/Truck Dealership
- Service & Repair
- Collision
- Upfitting / Modification
- Parts Retail / Wholesale
- eCommerce
- Warehouse Distribution / Manufacturer’s Rep
- Car Care
Adjacent Industries & Subsegments
- Powersports: Motorcycle / ATV / UTV
- Motorsports: Venues, Teams, Promoters, etc.
- Medium / Heavy Duty Truck & Trailer
- Transportation / Logistics
- Fuel: Traditional / Alternative / Electric
- Events and Venues
- Media and Marketing / Communications
- Auction / Remarketing
- Mobility: Ride Share, Subscription, etc.
- Civil Engineering / Government Infrastructure
- Tools and Equipment
- Tire / Wheel
Understand and Overcome the Challenging Employment Environment with Proactivity
Communication from employers isn’t great, so…
Contact hiring managers directly after you apply. Call the switchboard if you must. Also connect with decision-makers on LinkedIn. ALWAYS send a short message about why you like the company and/or calling attention to your application.
Don’t Apply and Hope
Hiring managers prefer candidates who’ve already done what they need done, so…
Communicate your work and school successes in relation to what the job posting asks for. Stand back and look at all of your work experience to determine how it fits the role, even if your past job wasn’t in automotive.
Sometimes job postings are advertised after candidates start interviewing, and they often don’t explain the true nature of the job, so…
Make a target list of companies you want to work for and connect with decision-makers on LinkedIn. Always send a note:
Get in people’s orbit, then work to stay in their orbit. Don’t wait for a posting to connect with the company.
Define and Rank Your Career Objectives Based on These Criteria
CHALLENGE • LOCATION • ADVANCEMENT
MONEY • PEOPLE • SECURITY
Auto Industry and Adjacent Job Boards
Automotive News Jobsjobs.autonews.com
Industry Jobs Linklnkd.in/gwJgkin
Malakyemalakye.com
Additional Industry Jobslnkd.in/gBZFUR6
NTEA Jobsntea.com/jobs
Commercial Vehicle Jobslnkd.in/g_G6t2v
Automotive Careerslnkd.in/gJA3C6PY
Zendo Jobszendojobs.com
Mobility Industry Jobslnkd.in/gaypTUCe
SEMA Jobsjobs.sema.org
Aftermarket Careerslnkd.in/gsMr-bxx
Retail dealership sites:
AutoPeople autopeople.com
Embrace LinkedIn
There is no better business networking and professional branding tool. Every 1st-degree connection you make also translates into THOUSANDS of 2nd-degree connections!