Whether you’re already established in your career or just starting out, an outstanding car dealer resume can make all the difference! That's why you should always make sure that yours showcases all your best skills, experience, and qualifications. But how to achieve that? 

Let our comprehensive guide be your mentor! Below, you'll find valuable writing tips, customizable templates, real-life resume samples, and plenty of examples that will help you craft a car dealer resume that stands leagues above the competition.

Location Sales Manager at Advantage-EZ Rent a Car Resume Sample

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Hired by: Advantage-EZ Rent a Car

Car Sales Representative Resume Sample

Car Sales Associate Resume Sample

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Keep on reading and learn how to: 

• Navigate handy car dealer resume examples
• Pick the right resume format
• Impress recruiters with your car dealer professional summary
• Showcase the most valuable car dealer skills on your resume
• Describe your work experience as a car dealer in a compelling way
• Use powerful action words to boost your resume
• Outline your academic credentials in your car dealer resume 
• Pick the perfect optional sections for your car dealer resume
• Avoid common mistakes in a car dealer resume?
• Pair your resume with a relevant car dealer cover letter
• Explore the average salary and job outlook for car dealers
• Access valuable resources for job-seeking car dealers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Car sales associate resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Quantifiable details: The resume includes specific, measurable achievements. For example, "Implemented new sales strategies resulting in a 45% increase in sales in 2018." These details provide concrete evidence of the candidate's success and effectiveness.
• Variety of powerful action words: The resume uses strong action verbs such as "Identified," "Executed," "Delivered," "Promoted," and "Recognized." These words add dynamism to the candidate's responsibilities and achievements, making the resume more engaging and impactful.

What could be improved?

• Generic job descriptions: While the work experience section includes quantifiable achievements, some descriptions are generic. Adding more specific examples of how the candidate provided beneficial advice or collaborated with sales managers could make the responsibilities more vivid.

Car sales representative resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Relevant education: The candidate’s education is highly relevant to the role, showcasing a degree in Business Administration with Economics and notable achievements like ranking in the top 10% of their program and winning the Academic Excellence Award.
• Diverse skill set: The skills section is comprehensive, listing languages, computer skills, and interpersonal skills that are crucial for a car sales representative. This variety shows that the candidate is well-rounded and possesses a broad skill set.

What could be improved?

• Clarify job responsibilities: While the achievements are strong, some job responsibilities are vague. Providing more detail on how the candidate “assisted in daily business operations” or “managed payments” can add clarity and depth.
• Expand on leadership and initiatives: The candidate mentions participating in various extracurricular activities and acting as President of the Economics Society but could expand on what they achieved in these roles. Details about initiatives they led or results they achieved would add value.

1. Pick the right resume format

The first step you need to take is choosing a resume format that best suits your professional experience. 

If you thought that the way in which you present your resume is purely a question of aesthetics, you thought wrong. Each resume format serves different purposes. Here's a quick breakdown of the three most common of them:

• Chronological resume: The chronological format is best suited for those with continuous, long-term work experience in a specialized position. The main characteristic of this format is its emphasis on the work experience section of your resume, listing all its entries in a reverse-chronological order (from the most to the least recent).  
• Functional resume: But, if you've never worked as a car dealer before (due to a career change or because you're a recent graduate) or have a significant career gap on your resume, consider opting for the functional format instead. Also known as “skills-based resume,” this format draws the recruiters’ attention away from your work experience to your skills and qualifications. 
• Hybrid resume: Finally, you can choose a format that lies somewhere in between. The hybrid format puts equal emphasis on both your experience and skills, distributing the focus of your resume more evenly.

Remember that formatting your resume also includes consistent application of appropriate fonts, professional headlines, and reader-friendly layout.

The best way to keep your formatting consistent without having to constantly think about it is by using a resume template expertly crafted by professionals.

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2. Impress recruiters with your car dealer professional summary or objective

Even before you decide on what experience to include and where you'll want to provide a brief overview of who you are and what you do. They don't need your hobbies and interests — they want a couple of sentences on why you're suitable for the role.

It's the hook, and, by definition, it can't be boring. Creating your summary or objective could make or break your resume and determine whether the recruiter even sticks around for long enough to read the rest.

With that in mind, don't be vague and don't lull them to sleep with something like:

What makes this exampe so bad? It doesn't tell anyone anything other than bringing direct attention to the fact that the applicant hasn't done this before. You don't need experience, but when there are dozens of resumes on hand from people that do, you don't draw attention to it.

Instead, avoid pointing out the negatives and make it compelling with facts.

Why is this so much better? This could easily be the same person. However, this time they've made a point of listing achievements that the recruiter will be able to apply to car sales, even if they weren't initially achieved there. Most importantly, they've avoided any negativity and set the rest of their card dealer resume up with a positive outlook.

But what if you're fresh out of school and ready to jump into the job market? Crafting a compelling objective statement on your car dealer resume can help you stand out from the crowd. While experience might be thin, a strong objective can highlight your enthusiasm, skills, and potential, making you an appealing candidate.

Here’s the key: don’t focus on what you lack. Instead, draw attention to your strengths and what you bring to the table.

Tips for writing a strong objective statement:

• Be specific: Clearly state the position you're applying for and how your skills are a perfect match.
• Show enthusiasm: Express your eagerness and passion for the role.
• Highlight transferable skills: Mention skills gained through education, volunteer work, or internships that apply to the job.
• Set positive expectations: Indicate what you aim to achieve and how you can contribute to the company.

Why is this ineffective? This objective is vague and doesn't provide any unique selling points. It draws attention to the lack of experience and doesn't highlight any relevant skills or enthusiasm for the job.

Why is this effective? This objective is specific and positive. It highlights relevant skills gained from education, shows enthusiasm for the company, and outlines how the candidate can contribute. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the resume.

Starting your job hunt right out of school can be daunting, but a strong objective statement can make all the difference. Focus on your strengths, show enthusiasm, and connect your skills to the job you're applying for. This approach will help you create a positive and compelling resume that can catch the eye of recruiters and pave the way for your first job.

3. Showcase the most valuable car dealer skills on your resume

Depending on the resume format you end up using, your skills section can be placed either before your education and work experience sections (for the functional and hybrid formats) or after them (for the chronological format). 

In any case, to be considered a well-rounded candidate for a car dealer position, you need to display a blend of both technical knowledge (hard skills) and interpersonal know-how (soft skills). 

Here's a brief explanation of what each of these terms means: 

• Hard skills: Hard skills are specific and measurable abilities that can be taught through courses or formal education. These may include language proficiencies, financial analysis tools and methodologies.  
• Soft skills: On the other hand, soft skills refer to how you carry yourself in the workplace and interact with others. 

Here are 10 examples of both hard and soft skills that can decorate every aspiring car dealer’s resume:

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4. Describe your work experience as a car dealer in a compelling way

Without a doubt, the work experience section is the part of your resume that interests potential employers the most. It's where they see how you use your skills and handle challenging situations in a real-life professional setting. 

A good work experience entry should follow this structure: 

• Job title
• The name of the company and the period of employment
• A list of bullet points capturing the most relevant and impressive accomplishments and results. 

An example is worth a thousand words, so let's have a look at two model work experience entries and assess their execution:

What makes this example so bad? Basically everything. For once, it’s way too short and confusing. It fails to show any achievements or results. Overall, the tone is far too colloquial for a document of this importance and the text contains a lot of irrelevant information.

What makes this example work? The job description is well-organized and easy to follow because of the use of bullet points with every new information. Similarly, using action verbs helps save space on your resume and eliminates the use of unnecessary phrases. Additionally, this example uses quantifiable data whenever possible, giving more weight to the achievements mentioned. 

Most car salespeople enter the workforce without specific prior experience as on-the-job training is often expected as standard. If you don't have specific experience, your job becomes applying what you've learned elsewhere in a way that becomes relevant.

So, if you've got a background in sales, portray it on your resume in a way that will make the recruiter sit up and pay attention. For example, if you were tasked with selling fifty of something but ended up selling 200, they'll like those numbers. Sure, if your monthly target is to sell fifty cars in a month, you'd do pretty well even to double it. However, selling abilities are a prime example of transferable skills.

5. Boost your car dealer resume with powerful action words

To make your car dealer resume a compelling piece of writing, you should definitely use various powerful action words throughout your resume. These verbs add energy and clarity to your achievements, simply pointing at your proactive approach and effectiveness in previous roles.

Here’s why they’re crucial:

• Highlight initiative: Action verbs show that you take charge and drive results.
• Clarify contributions: They provide clear descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.
• Engage the reader: Dynamic language keeps the reader interested and engaged.
• Project confidence: Strong verbs convey confidence in your skills and accomplishments.

Best action verbs for a car dealer resume

• Achieved: Demonstrates your ability to reach goals and deliver results.
• Sold: Highlights your direct experience with car sales.
• Exceeded: Shows that you go beyond expectations.
• Negotiated: Indicates your ability to secure favorable deals.
• Managed: Reflects your leadership and organizational skills.
• Generated: Indicates your role in creating new opportunities or leads.
• Advised: Shows your ability to guide customers through their purchasing decisions.
• Enhanced: Demonstrates your role in improving processes or results.
• Implemented: Highlights your ability to put strategies into action effectively.
• Motivated: Shows your capacity to inspire and drive your team or clients.

Incorporating powerful action verbs into your car dealer resume can really make you stand out. These words add dynamism to your story and clearly show your initiative and achievements. Pick the right verbs to highlight your skills, and you'll catch the eye of potential employers in no time.

6. Outline your academic credentials in your car dealer resume 

One of the best things about applying for a car dealer role is that you can adjust your resume to suit you. There are jobs out there that will exclude candidates automatically if they lack a particular credential, and often rightly so. After all, a hospital wouldn't hire a doctor that hadn't been to medical school. However, this is a role without such barriers. 

Rather than concerning yourself with what you haven't got on your resume, focus on what you have got and how it applies to the role at hand. Even a high school diploma might be enough to take you through to the interview stage, especially if you gained skills that are relevant to selling cars in the process.

All your education section entries should be as concise as possible. Besides, information, such as the name of your degree, the name of the institution, and years of study, you can also add notable acknowledgments or awards if relevant.

Just having a diploma alone indicates some degree of competence, so make sure not to skip this part of your car dealer resume!

This is one of those roles where recruiters seek to hire based on the person as much as their certificates and accolades. So if you can shape your car dealer resume in such a way that you demonstrate passion, ambition, and communication skills, you've already achieved enough to stand out.

7. Pick the perfect optional optional sections for your car dealer resume

Another way you can stand out from the other job candidates is to add optional resume sections. Ideally, you'd only choose to include them if the information it conveys showcases your strengths, experiences, and qualifications that align with the job position. 

For example, your optional sections can be dedicated to your: 

• Certifications: Adding certificates that vouch for your knowledge, skills, or expertise relevant for the job increase your value in the eyes of future employers. Becoming Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Certified Automotive Remarketer (CAR), or having Finance and Insurance (F&I) Certification makes your potential more evident. 
• Volunteering: Including a volunteering section shows a bit of your personality and your values. Remember, getting hired often hinges on your fit within the company culture. And your volunteer experience may be just the thing that sets you apart. 

Remember, adding extra sections to your car dealer resume can give you a significant advantage over other job seekers. Highlighting your certifications and volunteer experience not only showcases your qualifications but also gives potential employers insight into your personality and values.

8. Avoid common mistakes in a car dealer resume

Crafting a great car dealer resume can be the ticket to landing your dream job. However, there are common mistakes that can easily undermine your efforts. Here’s a guide to help you dodge those pitfalls and make your resume shine.

1. Be specific: One major mistake is being too vague about your responsibilities and achievements. Avoid generic statements like “Assisted in car sales.” Instead, use concrete examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact, such as “Assisted in car sales, contributing to a 25% increase in monthly sales.”
2. Avoid overloading with buzzwords: Another common error is overloading your resume with buzzwords. While industry jargon is tempting to use, it can make your resume sound hollow if not backed by real accomplishments. Focus on clear, specific achievements to show your expertise rather than relying heavily on buzzwords.
3. Focus on layout: Ignoring the layout can also hurt your chances. A cluttered or messy resume is hard to read and can quickly be overlooked. Keep your resume clean and well-structured by using bullet points, headings, and plenty of white space. This makes it easy for hiring managers to find the information they need.
4. Customize for each job: Sending the same resume for every job application is a big no-no. Customize your resume for each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific car dealer position, showing the hiring manager that you’ve put effort into matching your background to their needs.
5. Include soft skills: Focusing solely on technical skills and ignoring soft skills is a missed opportunity. Include soft skills like communication, customer service, and teamwork. These are crucial in a car sales environment, where building relationships and trust with customers is key.
6. Use keywords: Not including keywords that match the job description can hold you back. Study the job posting and include relevant keywords and phrases in your resume. This can help your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager.
7. Proofread thoroughly: Submitting a resume with typos and grammatical errors is a big mistake. Proofread your resume multiple times and consider having a friend or colleague review it. Tools like Grammarly can also help catch mistakes you might miss.

The truth is that avoiding common mistakes on your car dealer resume can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. By taking the time to fine-tune these details, you’ll create a resume that truly stands out from the crowd.

9. Include a relevant cover letter with your car dealer resume

Pairing your resume with a compelling cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview for a car dealer position. But when should you include a cover letter, and how do the two documents differ?

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, express your excitement for the role, and provide some context to your achievements. It showcases your personality and explains why you're the perfect fit for the company. On the other hand, a resume is a concise summary of your work experience, skills, and accomplishments. It provides a quick overview of your qualifications.

Even if it’s not explicitly required, adding a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. It allows you to add a personal touch and show your enthusiasm for the role. If the job listing specifically asks for a cover letter, always include one—skipping it could result in your application being overlooked.

What's more, you need to make sure that your cover letter and resume share the same design. Why? Because consistency in design shows professionalism and attention to detail. Using the same font, size, and color scheme for both documents ensures that your application looks polished and organized. It also makes it easier for hiring managers to navigate through your materials without getting distracted by inconsistencies.

All in all, understanding the roles of each document and ensuring they share the same design makes your application look cohesive and professional. Take this extra step to make a lasting impression and stand out to hiring managers.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for car dealers

Let’s dive into the financial potential and job outlook to help you plan your path. According to the latest data from Zippia, car dealers earn an average yearly salary of $44,026. While this gives you a good idea of what to expect, remember that actual salaries can vary based on your experience, location, and the dealership you work for.

The job outlook for car sales representatives is quite promising. From 2018 to 2028, the projected job growth rate for car sales reps is 4%, which is right in line with the average growth rate across all industries. This means a steady demand for car sales professionals, ensuring that job opportunities will continue to be available.

Looking ahead, approximately 63,300 new car sales representative jobs are projected over the next decade. This growth is thanks to the expanding automotive market and the ongoing need for skilled sales personnel to meet customer demands.

Currently, there are about 189,827 active job openings for car sales representatives in the United States, reflecting a healthy job market whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career.

With an average yearly salary of $44,026 and a projected job growth rate of 4%, the outlook for car dealers is definitely positive. The steady demand and substantial number of job openings make this a viable and attractive career choice. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to move up, the car sales industry offers plenty of opportunities for growth and success.

11. Valuable job search resources for car dealers 

Now that you know how to craft an attention-grabbing car dealer resume, it's time to talk about the job hunt. Navigating the sea of opportunities this professional offers is by no means simple. But with the right online job search tools, even this task can be made less challenging: 

• Job boards for car dealers: You can start your job search by looking at websites that aggregate job postings specifically aimed at the automotive industry Automotive News, AutoJobs.com, and Auto Careers Group.
• General job search engines: Although broader in focus, platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, or SimplyHired can also yield interesting results. 
• Networking: Networking is by far the most effective means of securing a place at a car dealership. That's why you definitely shouldn't overlook the many services offered by LinkedIn.
• Professional associations: Networking opportunities, training programs, job listings, and the latest industry news — all that under one roof. That's what you can access by following organizations like the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), or the Alliance of European Car Dealers and Repairers (AECDR)
• Specialized publications: To keep up with the latest industry trends, car models, innovations, and regulations, we recommend regularly checking media like ”Car Dealer Magazine,” “AutoSuccess,” or “Motor Trend.”
• Courses & certificates: Finally, to stay on top of your game, consider expanding on your knowledge and enroll in courses provided by online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy. 

Looking for the right job opportunities can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But keeping up your enthusiasm, dedication, and resilience is the only way you can win this race. So, gear up, prepare a persuasive car dealer resume, and go for it!