8:06 am, August 12, 2020
With more competition than ever before for fewer jobs in the car industry – experts say now is the time for job hunters to polish their CV.
Motor recruitment agencies have warned that without a well-presented CV, many candidates won’t even get an interview.
And with one agency saying they’ve noticed a trend of employers turning their noses up at those who have recently been made redundant, getting the basics right now is vital for job hunters.
Mary Thompson, director of WeRecruit Auto, said: ‘It is a little sad that, occasionally, and that must be stressed, we’re coming across some negativity from clients about accepting CVs from candidates who have been made redundant.
‘They ask why were they let go over someone else and what is wrong with them – but actually if you take the time to talk to them, there’s often reasons our clients wouldn’t even have considered.
‘There definitely shouldn’t be any stigma surrounding redundancy and if you’re in that situation, remember that it’s the role not the individual who has been made redundant.’
Steve Shaw, director of Ingenia Resourcing and Recruitment, another motor trade specialist based in the north east, said CVs must get attention from candidates.
He said: ‘The first thing that people who have lost their jobs need to do is to get their CV brought up to date and ensure that it is presented well.
‘A CV is to get you an interview not a job. Many of the CV’s we see vary between acceptable to shocking.
‘There will of course be more competition for fewer jobs, so the best will stand out.’
Shaw advised those who may have lost their job in the motor trade to consider other industries where their skills would be transferable.
He added: ‘While we do not want to see people leave the industry, if there are no jobs then that is what people will be forced to do.
‘They should look at industries that have a need for their particular skills and adapt their CV and approach to these employers. For example, a vehicle painter could easily work for a business that sprays kitchen/bedroom units or window frames.
‘A sales executive could work in all sorts of industries.’
Both recruitment firm bosses said they were positive about the future as while some roles have disappeared, others have been created in their place.
And Thompson said it could be a blessing in disguise as she and her partner in the business set up the firm after being made redundant themselves.
Thompson added: ‘We’re really confident that the jobs will come back. Businesses need some help getting back on track.
‘If you’ve been made redundant, try your best to remain positive. I totally understand that’s easier said than done.
‘Both myself and Sharron, co-director at WeRecruit Auto, were made redundant in 2019 and were a little lost for a short while, but now we’ve realised it was the best thing that could have happened and we have since built a successful business that we wouldn’t have been in a position to do otherwise.’
Thompson added that job seekers should try to make their applications stand out and highlight their skills.
She added: ‘Work on your CV and tailor it to individual applications where possible.
‘Talk to a good recruiter – we’re here to support you and help get the industry back on its feet. There is some exceptional talent out there which the industry cannot afford to lose.’
Shaw believes we are seeing dramatic changes in the industry that will require salespeople with different skills.
He said: ‘We will need a new style of sales person in the future. While there will still be a need for the traditional showroom salesperson, they will be supplemented by internet/telephone/social media consultants who handle online, email and social media enquiries.’
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