Automobile Sales Workers

High School

Because thorough knowledge of automobiles—from how they work to how they drive and how they are manufactured—is essential for a successful sales worker, automotive maintenance classes in high school are an excellent place to begin. Classes in English, speech, drama, psychology, and marketing will help you to achieve the excellent speaking and persuasive skills you will need to make a sale and gain customer confidence and respect. Classes in business and mathematics will teach you to manage and prioritize your workload, prepare goals, and work confidently with customer financing packages. As computers become increasingly prevalent in every aspect of the industry, you should take as many computer classes as you can. Speaking a second language will give you an advantage, especially in major cities with large minority populations.

Postsecondary Training

Those who seek management-level positions will have a distinct advantage if they possess a college degree, preferably in business or marketing, but other degrees, whether they be in English, economics, or psychology, are no less important, so long as applicants have good management skills and can sell cars. Some schools offer degrees in automotive marketing and automotive aftermarket management that prepare students to take high-level management positions. Even with a two- or four-year degree in hand, many dealerships may not begin new hires directly as managers, but first start them out as sales workers.

Northwood University, in cooperation with the National Automobile Dealers Association, offers the undergraduate Automotive Marketing and Management program (https://www.northwood.edu/programs/automotive-marketing-management). Students seeking entry-level positions will gain a significant advantage by earning this degree. Completion of this academic program assures employers that workers have the basic skills they require. The program is available at Northwood University's Midland, Michigan campus and through Northwood's online courses.

Certification

Colleges and universities offer certificate programs—which typically last six months to a year—in sales, marketing, and related fields. Completion of such a program will look good on your resume and provide you with additional training that you can use to improve your skills.

Other Education or Training

The National Automobile Dealers Association offers a Professional Series Sales Management course that is available in both in-person and online formats. The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and associations at the state and local levels also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.