What role does HR play in the automotive sector? How do you attract and retain employees? What kind of career can you build in this sector? Sophie Corriveau, automotive recruitment advisor and HR specialist at Auto-jobs, answered all these questions in a conversation with Kassy Vaudry, host of the Spotlight Carrosserie podcast.
Life is rarely a straight line. Sometimes we take small or big detours before finding the right path. That saying rings just as true for Sophie Corriveau as it does for many of the students, workers, and employers in the automotive industry she’s been supporting for several years.
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In episode 27 of the popular Spotlight Carrosserie podcast, hosted by producer and presenter Kassy Vaudry and featuring voices from across the automotive world, it was Sophie Corriveau’s turn to share her experience and expertise as a recruitment and HR specialist at Auto-jobs.
We learned that her background is anything but traditional. She has worked as a travel agent, video game tester (yes, really), event booth host for radio station CKOI, and psychosocial worker, before making the leap to human resources. That included time at a Mercedes-Benz dealership, as well as training in recruitment and headhunting.
These diverse experiences have equipped Sophie Corriveau with a broad set of valuable skills for her work at Auto-jobs. Whether employers, workers, or students come to her with a specific mandate or a simple question, they’re getting far more than a recruiter. Generous and passionate about the automotive industry, Sophie always has great advice to offer.
Onboarding and staff retention
Joining a new company takes preparation.
“It’s so important,” says Sophie Corriveau on the podcast. “Because when you have a good onboarding process, you’re more likely to retain those employees over time.”
Welcome emails, employee handbooks, mentors or designated points of contact, clear guidelines, and frequent check-ins—all of these can help employers create a positive experience for new hires.
“You want them to feel like they’re not just there to do a job, like they’re not just a number,” says Sophie. New employees should understand what is expected of them, but also feel confident and at ease with their new team.
A positive workplace atmosphere
“Today’s employees don’t just choose a workplace based on salary. They’re looking for values that align with their own,” explains Sophie Corriveau when asked by Kassy Vaudry what people are looking for in the automotive industry.
According to this recruitment and HR specialist, businesses should highlight their values—transparency, honesty, inclusion, teamwork, empathy—to attract employees. A toxic environment, unclear or poorly upheld values, and a lack of listening and confidentiality will drive people away.
Small perks like a gym, a coach, social activities, support groups, remote work options, and good work-life balance are also greatly appreciated by employees.
“But if you’re unhappy or dissatisfied in your job, there are so many opportunities waiting for you in the automotive industry,” Sophie continues. “Don’t leave for construction, stay in the field—we need you!” Different employers, new specializations, new training opportunities—the Auto-jobs platform is full of options across all regions of Quebec.
“You can build a great career in this industry full of passionate people,” she concludes.
Got questions or want to reach out to Sophie Corriveau directly? Click HERE