Automotive Job Market

Automotive dealerships are closing. Manufacturers are downsizing. And the "B" word (bankruptcy) has not stopped echoing across the automotive industry despite successive bailouts. The automotive business sector is the most volatile it has ever been. The most often asked questions for unemployed automotive professionals is: a) "How do I find a new job in the automotive industry when there is so much competition?, or b) "What kind of industry would suit a former automotive professional?"

As the Resume Writing Expert for Career Resumes' automotive clients, I've been bombarded with customers who simply need help. I use to get calls from Sales Manager, Service Managers, General Managers and all levels of OEM (original equipment manufacturers) employees seeking to update their resumes to hopefully climb the corporate and financial ladder. Now they are calling because they have been laid off by the manufacturer or the dealership they worked for has closed. The options available for unemployed automotive professionals now are to either compete with other automotive professionals for the few jobs available or to transition into a different industry.

If one chooses to remain working in the automotive sector, a few tips to help them compete in today's job market are:

1. Resume. You need a professional resume. You only have one chance to make a good impression and if that impression is online or via snail mail you must appear as professional on paper as you do in person.

2. Network. Networking is the number one way to secure interviews in today's market. Do not limit your networking to friends, associates, former employers and neighbors. Your resume distribution campaign needs to be aggressive so sign up for some business networking job sites, build your contact portfolio, join industry and personal interest related groups, and join in the discussions. www.linkedin.com is a good one to start with and it is free.

3. Distribution Campaign. You should not limit your distribution campaign to responding to posted job advertisements. Make a list of those companies you would consider working for and send them a resume even if there is not a posted job opening. Chances are, if your talents are in demand and you would make a good fit with the company, they may create a job for you. And, the bad news, your campaign should consist of sending out 100+ resumes a month. This sounds excessive but if you are serious about seeking employment you must bump up your campaign!

4. Follow Through. It is common to receive an email saying "Thank you for submitting your resume. We do not have any openings at this time but we will keep your resume on file for future openings." Call the company anyway. If you don't have their number search for it online. Ask for the HR Manager or the individual who would be doing the hiring and explain "Thank you for confirming receipt of my resume. The reason for my call is to see if you would like a copy of my references to accompany my resume? Oh, and by the way, I'll be in the vicinity of your office later this week, would it be alright to drop them off at your office?" By doing this you just created your first face-to-face contact. Getting in the door is what it is all about.

5. Be Positive. It is a tough market out there so don't give up. Keep a positive attitude and be flexible to each situation. All of the suggestions above are just that - suggestions. Be creative, be professional, be positive, learn to take "No" as an answer and move on, and don't give up!