How to Become a Car Salesman in San Diego

You can become a car saleperson in San Diego, California.

For those considering employment in car sales, San Diego, California, contains plenty of dealerships to choose from. An inexperienced car sales person should visit dealers in person to meet management face-to-face and fill out an application. Searching want ads and visiting dealers will eventually land you a sales job. Training does not take long, and neither a college degree nor knowledge of vehicles are required.

Instructions

1. Polish your resume and search for employment. Your resume should highlight all customer service and sales experience that you have. Search San Diego newspaper classifieds and Internet-based classifieds like craigslist.org and indeed.com. Check these sources daily for updated employment opportunities. Review the websites of dealerships where you would like to work. Take down their addresses, even if the dealer is not advertising for help.

2. Dress to impress and visit the dealerships where you wish to work. Proper attire for a man is a dress shirt tucked into slacks (not khakis) with a belt and dress shoes. For women, attire is business-professional. Arrive at the dealership with your resume and ask for an application for a sales position. If you are told the dealer is not hiring, fill out an application anyway and leave your resume for future consideration. After completing the application and providing your resume, you may be interviewed on the spot.

3. Talk about your interest in sales and why you want to sell cars during the interview. Express your available work schedule and your work ethic. Let the interviewer know that you want to make money---this is important to a dealership manager. It is also necessary to be open to working the dealer's hours. Talk about any relevant customer service experience and explain why you like to work with people. When the interview is over, ask for a business card if you are not hired on the spot. This happens often at dealerships. An aggressive personality is desirable, so do what you can to appear aggressive rather than timid during your interview. You should remain comfortable and confident during the interview.

4. Accept the position if offered. Confirm your pay and any incentive programs the dealership offers. Be sure to inquire about benefits and any training time, probationary period or period of time until health benefits are available. Find out your work schedule and ask when sales meetings are held.

5. Obtain all licensing required by the state of California. California requires all vehicle salespeople to become licensed and fingerprinted at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Although you may train at the dealership, you must apply for a salesperson license and pass a background check before you can sell cars. The DMV issues the salesperson a temporary 120-day permit while it completes its investigation.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not call or email a dealership for employment. Your odds of securing an interview and a job this way are poor. Be aggressive and visit the dealership.

References

• State of California DMV: Vehicle Salesperson License Handbook
• State of California DMV: Guide for Licensed Vehicle Dealers and Lessor-Retailers

Resources

• California Empolyment Development Department