Do you need experience to start a career in car sales?

No experience is required for most entry level car sales positions. Dealerships often hire beginners who have strong communication skills, customer service backgrounds, or a willingness to learn.

What skills do you need to work in car sales?

Key skills include communication, active listening, basic math, comfort with CRM software, customer service experience, and the ability to handle objections professionally.

How much do new car salespeople earn in their first year?

Entry level car salespeople typically earn forty five thousand to sixty five thousand in their first year. High performers can reach seventy five thousand or more depending on the dealership and pay plan.

What should I expect in my first ninety days in car sales?

The first ninety days include learning inventory, studying financing basics, mastering CRM usage, shadowing experienced salespeople, building follow up habits, and gaining confidence with customers.

Are there career growth opportunities in car sales?

Yes, car sales offers strong upward mobility. Many salespeople move into Internet Sales, BDC, F and I, Sales Management, Used Car Management, or eventually GSM and GM roles.

How to Start Your Career in Car Sales

austinhayford5
4 days ago
4 min read

Starting a career in car sales can be one of the fastest ways to break into a high earning, high growth industry.

The auto business rewards ambition, communication skills, and a willingness to learn. You do not need previous sales experience, and many of the most successful salespeople in the country came from retail, hospitality, call centers, or other service jobs. If you enjoy helping people, this field can open the door to a long and profitable career.

Below is a clear and simple path that shows how to begin your journey, what skills you need, and how to increase your chances of landing the right opportunity.

Understand What the Job Really Involves

Car sales is not what it used to be. It is now a relationship driven role where you help people choose the right vehicle, navigate financing options, and feel confident in their purchase. The modern salesperson is more coach, consultant, and problem solver than the old stereotype of the pushy closer.

As a car salesperson you will spend your day greeting customers, answering questions, doing test drives, following up with leads, working your CRM, and staying up to date on inventory and incentives. The stronger you are at communication and follow up, the faster you grow.

Learn the Core Skills Before You Apply

You do not need formal sales training to get started, but you do need a basic set of skills that show you can succeed. These include:

Clear communication
Active listening
Confidence without arrogance
Comfort with technology and CRM software
Basic math for monthly payments and trade values
Patience and the ability to handle objections

If you have ever worked in customer service, retail, restaurants, or hospitality, you already have a strong foundation.

Choose the Right Dealership for Your Personality

Where you start matters. The right dealership can support your growth, offer real training, and give you the environment you need to succeed.

Consider these factors when choosing where to apply:

Franchise or independent
Luxury or mainstream
High volume or boutique
Management style
Onboarding and training programs
Pay structure and bonus plans

A dealership with a friendly culture and a strong training process can make your first ninety days far more successful.

Build a Simple, Effective Resume

You do not need an impressive resume to get an interview. Managers care more about attitude, reliability, and communication skills.

Focus on:

Any customer facing experience
Achievements such as hitting goals or managing high traffic workloads
Transferable skills like customer service, sales, or teamwork
A short summary that highlights coachability and work ethic

Avoid long paragraphs. Keep it clean, easy to scan, and focused on value.

Prepare for the Interview the Smart Way

Sales managers look for three traits above everything else:

Reliability
Coachability
Communication

You can stand out by showing enthusiasm for the role, asking good questions about training, and explaining how your past experience prepared you for customer interaction.

Common sales interview questions include:

Why do you want to work in car sales
How do you handle rejection
What makes you a good communicator
How have you helped customers in previous roles

Come prepared with one or two short stories that demonstrate your strengths.

Know What to Expect in Your First Ninety Days

Your first three months are about learning, practicing, and gaining confidence. Expect to:

Learn the inventory
Practice test drive routes
Study financing basics
Work daily in the CRM
Follow up with leads every day
Shadow experienced salespeople
Build consistency with appointments

Most new salespeople begin closing deals within the first thirty to sixty days. The more consistent you are with follow up, the faster you will grow.

Understand Earning Potential

Income varies by dealership type and skill growth, but the first year often includes:

Typical rookie earnings between forty five thousand and sixty five thousand
High performers earning seventy five thousand to one hundred thousand or more
Commission based bonuses that reward effort and consistency

Over time, you can climb into higher roles like Internet Sales, F and I, Sales Management, and even General Manager.

Career Paths That Can Grow From Car Sales

The auto industry offers excellent upward mobility. A successful salesperson can move into roles such as:

Internet Sales or BDC
Closer or Floor Manager
F and I Manager
Used Car Manager
Sales Manager
GSM or GM

You are not limited to selling cars. You are building a foundation for a long term career in a profitable industry.

Myths and Realities of Car Sales

Myth: You need experience to start.

Reality: Many top producers started with none.

Myth: You must be pushy.

Reality: The best salespeople are patient, helpful, and customer focused.

Myth: All pay plans are commission only.

Reality: Many dealerships offer base pay plus bonuses along with training incentives.

A Quick Self Assessment Before You Begin

Ask yourself these five questions:

Do you enjoy talking to people
Do you stay motivated during slow moments
Are you comfortable learning new products and systems
Are you willing to follow up consistently
Do you like earning more based on performance

If the answer is yes to most of these, you are ready to start.

Ready to Start Your Career in Car Sales

If you want to break into the automotive industry, you do not need connections or previous experience. You only need the right opportunity.

Explore Your Next Steps

Search Car Sales Jobs

Browse open sales positions with dealerships across the country and find the right fit for your experience and goals.

Upload Your Resume

One simple upload lets you be considered for multiple opportunities at once. Dealerships looking for sales talent will contact you directly.

CarGuys Inc. is an automotive recruitment agency built exclusively for the car business. From technicians and service advisors to salespeople and managers, we connect dealerships and repair shops with qualified talent faster, using AI-powered tools, nationwide reach, and years of hands-on experience.

With over 700 clients and thousands of hires, we don’t just fill positions; we help build stronger teams that drive long-term success.