Where car dealerships post their open positions
Car sales jobs are posted in the same places as most retail and sales positions, but dealerships also use channels specific to the auto industry. Start with the major job boards — Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor all have dedicated filters for automotive sales roles, and you can set them to show only positions within a certain distance of your zip code. These sites let you see salary ranges, read reviews from people who already work there, and explore directly without visiting the dealership.
Local dealership websites are worth checking too. Most franchises (Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet) and independent dealers have careers pages listing open positions. You can also call the sales manager directly — many dealerships still hire this way, and a phone call can sometimes move you ahead of online applicants. Search "[your city] car dealership" or "[your city] used car dealer" to find nearby locations, then call the main number and ask to speak with the sales manager or hiring manager about open positions.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace still carry car sales postings in many areas, though you should verify the dealership is legitimate before explore. Networking also works: if you know anyone in car sales, ask them directly about openings at their dealership or others they know.
Key Takeaways
- Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn let you filter by location and see salary ranges, reviews, and dealership details before you explore.
- Dealership websites and direct phone calls to sales managers can sometimes get you in front of a hiring decision faster than online applications.
- Car sales positions typically require a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record.
- Most dealerships train new salespeople on the job, so prior sales experience is helpful but not always required.
- Pay is usually commission-based, meaning your earnings depend on how many vehicles you sell each month.
What dealerships look for when hiring salespeople
Car dealerships care most about your ability to talk to people and your willingness to learn the product. You do not need prior car sales experience — many dealerships prefer to train salespeople their own way. What they do want is someone who can show up on time, pass a background check, and handle rejection without quitting after the first slow week.
A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are non-negotiable. You will be test-driving vehicles with customers, and dealerships cannot insure you if you have recent accidents or serious violations. Some dealerships also run credit checks, though this varies by location and dealership. A high school diploma or GED is standard, though not always strictly enforced for sales positions.
Dealerships also look at your appearance and communication style. Sales is a face-to-face job, and they want someone who looks professional and can explain features to customers without using jargon. If you have retail or customer service experience, mention it — it shows you know how to handle difficult situations and close a sale.
How the hiring process works at car dealerships
The process is usually faster than other retail jobs. You explore online or in person, and if the sales manager likes your background, you may be called in for an interview within a few days. The interview is often informal — the manager wants to see if you can talk to people and stay calm under pressure. Some dealerships do a group interview with multiple candidates, while others interview one-on-one.
If you pass the interview, the dealership will run a background check and verify your driver's license. This typically takes three to five business days. Once that clears, you may start training when ready or be scheduled for a start date within a week or two. Some dealerships hire you on the spot and have you start the next day, especially if they are busy.
Training usually happens on the job. You will shadow an experienced salesman for a few days, learning how the dealership handles customers, what paperwork you need to fill out, and how to explain vehicle features. After that, you start selling with minimal supervision. Most dealerships do not pay you during the training period, so you only earn commission once you are on the floor.
Understanding car sales pay and commission structures
Car sales is almost always commission-based, meaning you earn money only when you sell a vehicle. The amount varies widely by dealership, location, and whether you are selling new or used cars. Some dealerships pay a flat commission per vehicle (for example, $200 to $500 per car), while others pay a percentage of the profit the dealership makes on the sale.
Most salespeople sell between two and five vehicles per month when starting out, though experienced salespeople may sell ten or more. At a flat rate of $300 per vehicle, that could be $600 to $1,500 per month before taxes. At a percentage-based structure, your earnings depend entirely on the price and profit of each car. Dealerships in expensive markets (major cities, affluent suburbs) typically pay higher commissions than rural areas.
Some dealerships offer a small base salary or draw against commission, meaning you get a may provide minimum each month and earn commission on top of it. This is less common but does exist, especially at larger franchises. Always ask about the pay structure during your interview so you know what to expect in your first few months.
What to expect in your first months on the job
Your first month will be slow. You are learning the inventory, the paperwork, how to talk to customers, and how the dealership operates. You may not sell anything in week one, and that is normal. Most dealerships expect this and do not fire people for a slow start, but they do expect you to show up every day and try.
You will work long hours, especially on weekends. Car dealerships are open late and on Saturdays and Sundays, when most customers shop. A typical week might be 50 to 60 hours, with shifts that start at 9 or 10 a.m. and end at 8 or 9 p.m. Some dealerships give you one or two days off during the week instead of weekends, but not all.
By month two or three, you should be selling one or two vehicles per week if you are putting in the effort. Your earnings will start to feel real, though they will still be lower than an experienced salesman's. Stick with it through the slow season (usually late fall and winter) and you will build a customer base and reputation that leads to more sales.
Types of car sales positions and how they differ
New car sales and used car sales are different jobs with different pay and pressure. New car sales at a franchise dealership (Toyota, Ford, etc.) usually pays better commission but involves more paperwork and manufacturer rules. Used car sales, especially at independent dealers, can be faster-paced and more flexible, but commission may be lower and the job can feel more high-pressure.
Some dealerships also hire sales consultants or customer service representatives who handle paperwork and financing after the sale is made. These roles may have a small base salary plus commission, and they are often easier to break into if you are new to the industry. Other dealerships hire lot attendants or porters who prepare cars for sale and handle delivery — these are entry-level positions that can lead to sales roles.
Luxury car dealerships (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) typically pay higher commission but expect more product knowledge and a more polished appearance. Volume dealerships (selling many cars at lower prices) move faster and may pay lower commission but offer more opportunities to sell. Think about which environment fits your style before you explore.
How to stand out when you explore or interview
When you explore online, include any customer service or sales experience in your cover letter, even if it was not in the car industry. Mention specific examples — "I sold phone plans to 50+ customers per month" or "I handled customer complaints and kept a 95% satisfaction rating." Dealerships want to see that you can handle people and close deals.
In the interview, ask questions about the dealership's inventory, their customer base, and their sales process. This shows you are interested and thinking like a salesman already. Be honest about your experience level but confident about your ability to learn. Dealerships hire people who want the job, not people who are just looking for any job.
Dress professionally — business casual at minimum, a full suit if you want to stand out. Show up on time or a few minutes early. These small things matter in sales because they show you take the job seriously and understand that appearance and punctuality affect how customers see you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to work in car sales?
No. Most dealerships require only a high school diploma or GED. Some salespeople have college degrees, but it is not necessary and does not usually lead to higher pay in entry-level sales positions. What matters is your ability to sell and your willingness to learn.
Can I work part-time in car sales?
Rarely. Car dealerships need salespeople on the floor during business hours, which are typically 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week. Some dealerships may offer part-time hours during slow seasons, but most expect full-time commitment. If you need flexibility, this may not be the right job for you.
What if I have a bad driving record?
Most dealerships will not hire you if you have recent accidents, DUIs, or serious violations. A few minor speeding tickets may be overlooked, but anything that suggests unsafe driving will disqualify you. Some dealerships are stricter than others, so it is worth asking during the process process.
How long does it take to make real money in car sales?
Three to six months is typical. Your first month or two will be slow while you learn. By month three, if you are putting in effort, you should be selling enough to earn $1,500 to $2,500 per month. After six months to a year, experienced salespeople at busy dealerships can earn $3,000 to $5,000+ per month, though this varies widely by location and dealership.
What happens if I do not sell any cars in a month?
You earn nothing that month. Most dealerships do not pay a base salary, so zero sales means zero income. This is why many people leave car sales in their first few months — the financial pressure is real. However, if you are selling regularly, even a slow month usually means one or two sales, not zero.