What should you highlight on your résumé to stand out when applying for a job or seeking a promotion as a salesperson, buyer, or manager in the automotive aftermarket sector?
The automotive repair and maintenance industry includes many trade-related roles, such as retail and wholesale trade management (NOC 0621), retail and wholesale buying (NOC 6222), or simply in-store sales (NOC 6421). And of course, each of these positions requires specific skills.
A 2023 labour market study conducted by AIA Canada in collaboration with EY analysis looked into current and future skillsets for automotive trade professionals. Here are the top skills, grouped into three categories.
- Certifications
Even if someone has a natural flair for sales or leadership, holding specialized certifications can offer a significant advantage in this line of work.
At the base level, having a Certified Professional Salesperson designation or a Certified Master Dealer credential is recommended. But you’ll stand out even more with additional certifications, such as:
- Automotive Service Technician Certificate (310S)
- Occupational Health and Safety Certification
- Certified Scrum (expertise in agile methodology and workflow optimization)
- Certified Six Sigma (recognized proficiency in process improvement, defect reduction, and quality assurance)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification
- Certified Shopping Centre Manager (CSM)
- Tools and Technologies
No area of the automotive sector is untouched by technology, whether in sales or vehicle maintenance. And it goes well beyond Microsoft Office. So what software and digital tools should you master to stay competitive today?
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
- SAP software (a widely used enterprise resource planning (ERP) tool for streamlining business processes), or other ERP platforms
- SQL (Structured Query Language)
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Graphic design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite)
- Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Other Key Skills
In automotive retail and wholesale, specific skills in marketing, inventory management, customer relations, and business development are not only relevant but increasingly essential.
Marketing
Marketing and sales expertise are vital for achieving revenue goals and expanding your customer base. B2B sales, B2C sales, sales forecasting, visual merchandising, and negotiation are all highly valuable skills.
Customer Relations
The ability to build long-lasting relationships is critical for customer retention. Interpersonal skills and a strong customer service orientation are top priorities in these roles.
Inventory Management
Effective inventory management, paired with proficiency in digital tools such as SAP or WMS, ensures a reliable supply of automotive parts.
Analytics
The ability to analyze market trends and sales data helps drive informed decision-making. Financial analysis, budgeting, and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) are all highly valued by employers.
Discover the most in-demand skills for automotive mechanics and technicians, or for skilled trades across the automotive sector!