Working in the fast lane!

The automotive industry is only for those who are geared up to work hard, offer stability to the organization, know what the customer wants and have the relevant industry knowledge

If you have a love for machines and want to accelerate your career into the fast track lane, automotive industry is just the right thing for you. From the invention of the humble cart to today’s sophisticated hybrid cars, man and his machines have come a real long way. And, the bond seems to be growing stronger with each passing year.

Today’s automotive industry requires more workforce than is being supplied. Despite the economic meltdown slowing things down a bit, the industry has recovered brilliantly fast and is poised for a healthy growth in the near future. A report by Deloitte, released in March 2011, states that the global light automotive assembly volumes are expected to increase by more than 27 million units by 2017. The automotive industry is looking up as a result of a burgeoning population, developed infrastructure, increased urbanization, growing customer awareness leading to more informed and customized demands for vehicles, and emerging consumer markets such as India, China, Latin America fuelling the demand in the industry.

As a result of this, the sector is getting increasingly cut-throat and leaves room only for the toughest to survive. Nevertheless, aspirants realize that it is one of the extremely satisfying, rewarding, intellectually stimulating and secure industries to be in and hence rush to get into the industry, but there is a catch! “Recruiters are more picky now than before,” says Andrew Hodson of UK-based Octane Recruitment, which specializes in all aspects of the automotive market. Those candidates who aspire to make a mark in the industry will have to demonstrate their flair for and willingness to thrive in the industry’s highly competitive environment. “You may have to fight your corner, convince the recruiters why you are suitable for the job, what you can offer as a candidate not vice versa,” says Jimi Matthews, who works as Senior Consultant for motor trade recruitment specialists, Perfect Placement UK Ltd. He adds that candidates must not be ignorant about how the industry works. Knowledge of the industry and know-how of how it functions is extremely necessary.

The industry pundits unanimously are looking for someone who has the relevant industry experience to begin with; can prove the desire and drive to succeed, and has a solid career track record. “Recruiters are looking for either previous experience of working in the industry or a great passion for it,” says Chris Highfield of UK’s Automotive Recruitment Consultants (ARC Recruitments), a recruitment agency for jobs in the motor trade and automotive industry.

An apprenticeship or an internship is highly recommended within the automotive industry to land a job in your dream company. More so, because as an apprentice, you have a chance to get noticed, be identified as a potential employee of the company in a permanent capacity and be able to convey your passion for the industry to your supervisor. “Keep trying till you get noticed. This is an immensely cut-throat industry and only the persistent survive here,” observes Matthews.

The automotive industry has also been identified as one of the most tough and demanding industries. Here, candidates who are willing to go the extra mile, put in the extra hours at work and have high work ethics are easily noticed. “This is an industry which demands action not words. Your day doesn’t end until the job is done. If you can give that kind of commitment to your work, you will get noticed easily,” says Matthews.

Doing a master’s degree or a PhD is required if you wish to climb up the hierarchy. “Someone possessing these qualifications is probably more likely to reach a senior level,” says Highfield. “Master’s and PhD degrees give gravitas to your own standing,” adds Matthews.

Prospective candidates also have to know what the consumer wants. Having the pulse of the people in your hands is as important as being enthusiastic about the industry. Customer satisfaction and loyalty are crucial for any automotive company’s success, hence being able to anticipate and knowing what makes the consumer happy and content is like having a trump card. Aspirants are also expected to be adaptable, communicate well and work across departments.

Immense technological advancement in the industry demands that the candidates have an aptitude for technology, are up-to-date about any digital advancement and should be able to competently handle the sophisticated systems available. Furthermore, they should be creative and visionary enough to anticipate the user requirements and develop them for the future.

It may be tough to enter, but joining the automotive industry will accelerate your career into the top gear and you will surely have a career which goes zip, zap, zoom!