Where car dealerships post open sales positions

Car dealerships hire sales staff through job boards, their own websites, and staffing agencies that specialize in automotive retail. The largest dealerships often have careers pages where they list openings by location and role. Smaller dealerships typically post on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Facebook Jobs, or work with local staffing firms that place salespeople across multiple lots.

Start by searching "car sales jobs near me" on Indeed or LinkedIn and filtering by distance from your zip code. Most results will show the dealership name, location, and whether the role is full-time or part-time. You can also visit the websites of specific dealerships in your area — search "[brand name] dealership near me" and look for a Careers or Join Our Team link. Many dealerships list positions only on their own site before posting elsewhere.

Staffing agencies that work in automotive sales, such as Heidrick & Struggles or local temp agencies, sometimes have access to positions before they appear on public job boards. Calling a nearby dealership's sales manager directly and asking if they are hiring can also work, especially at smaller lots where the hiring process is less formal.

Key Takeaways

  • Large dealerships post sales openings on their careers pages, while smaller lots often use Indeed, LinkedIn, or local staffing agencies.
  • Job boards let you filter by distance and see salary ranges, but many dealerships only post on their own websites.
  • Staffing agencies specializing in automotive retail sometimes have access to openings before they reach public job boards.
  • Calling a dealership's sales manager directly can be faster than waiting for a formal posting, especially at independent or family-owned lots.
  • Most car sales positions require a high school diploma and a valid driver's license, but no prior sales experience.

What dealerships look for in sales candidates

Car dealerships care more about personality and work ethic than sales experience. They want people who can talk to strangers, handle rejection, and stay motivated when sales are slow. Most positions require a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. Some dealerships run background checks and may ask about prior arrests or convictions, though policies vary by state and employer.

Sales managers often hire based on a short interview and your ability to build rapport. They may ask you to shadow a current salesperson for a day or take a test drive with a customer to see how you interact. Honesty about your background and willingness to learn the inventory matter more than having sold cars before. Many dealerships prefer to train salespeople their own way rather than retrain someone with bad habits from another lot.

How compensation works in car sales

Car salespeople are almost always paid on commission, not salary. You earn a percentage of the profit on each vehicle you sell — typically 20 to 30 percent of the dealer's gross profit on that sale. If a dealership makes $2,000 profit on a car, you might earn $400 to $600 for that sale. Some dealerships also offer a small draw or base pay, usually $500 to $1,000 per month, which is deducted from your commission earnings.

Income varies widely depending on how many cars you sell, the price range of vehicles at your dealership, and the season. A salesperson at a luxury dealership selling high-margin vehicles can earn more per sale than someone at a used-car lot, but may sell fewer cars. During busy seasons (spring and fall), salespeople often earn more; during slow months, income can drop sharply. Most dealerships do not offer benefits like health insurance or paid time off unless you work there full-time and meet a sales threshold.

Before accepting a position, ask the hiring manager for the average monthly income of current salespeople and how commission is calculated. Request this in writing if possible. Some dealerships use complex formulas that reward high-volume sellers but penalize those who sell fewer cars, so understanding the math upfront matters.

Types of car sales roles and where they differ

New car sales and used car sales are different jobs with different earning potential. New car salespeople typically work at brand dealerships (Ford, Honda, Toyota) and sell vehicles with manufacturer warranties. Used car salespeople work at independent lots, franchised dealerships' used sections, or buy-here-pay-here operations. New car sales usually pays better per vehicle but involves more paperwork and manufacturer rules. Used car sales can move faster — you might sell three cars in a day — but margins are smaller.

Some dealerships hire for specific roles like internet sales (handling online inquiries and video tours) or phone sales (calling leads and scheduling test drives). These roles often have lower commission rates but steadier income because you are not waiting for walk-in customers. Luxury dealerships and high-volume lots also hire differently — luxury lots want salespeople who can spend two hours with one customer, while high-volume lots want people who can turn customers quickly.

Red flags in job postings and dealerships

Avoid postings that promise "six figures" or "unlimited income" without explaining how commission is calculated. Dealerships that do not disclose commission structure or average earnings are hiding something. If a posting says "no experience necessary" but also requires you to pay for training or certification upfront, that is a warning sign — legitimate dealerships train you on their dime.

Be cautious of dealerships with very high turnover (you can often tell by how frequently they post the same job). High turnover usually means the compensation is lower than advertised, the sales manager is difficult, or the dealership uses aggressive sales tactics that burn out staff. Check Glassdoor and Indeed reviews from current and former employees before you interview. If multiple reviews mention dishonest practices or bait-and-switch tactics, the dealership likely treats customers and employees the same way.

Some dealerships require you to sign non-compete agreements that prevent you from working at another lot within a certain radius for a set period after you leave. These are legal in most states but vary in how strictly they are enforced. Ask about this before you start, and have a lawyer review any agreement if the radius or time period seems extreme.

Preparing for the interview and first weeks

Dress professionally — business casual at minimum, a full suit if you want to stand out. Bring copies of your driver's license, proof of a clean driving record, and references from previous jobs (even if they were not in sales). Be ready to talk about why you want to sell cars and what you know about the dealership's inventory or brand. Many sales managers will ask you to take a test drive or role-play a sales scenario, so be prepared to think on your feet.

Your first week will likely involve paperwork, training on the dealership's computer system, and shadowing experienced salespeople. You will learn how to run a credit check, explain financing options, and handle objections. Some dealerships require you to pass a product knowledge test before you can sell independently. Expect to work long hours — car sales jobs often run 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, especially when you are starting out.

Keep a notebook during your first month and write down the names and details of every customer you meet, even if they do not buy. Many dealerships reward salespeople who follow up with past customers, and building a personal database early can help you earn more later.

Moving up from entry-level sales positions

After six months to a year of solid sales performance, you can move into roles like sales manager, finance manager, or internet sales manager. Sales managers oversee other salespeople, handle customer complaints, and manage inventory. Finance managers work with customers on loans and extended warranties — this role often pays better than floor sales because the commission structure is different. Internet sales managers handle online leads and video consultations, which is a growing area in dealerships.

Some salespeople move into general management or dealership ownership after building experience and connections. Others transition to roles outside dealerships, like fleet sales (selling cars to businesses and government agencies) or manufacturer sales support. The skills you learn — negotiation, relationship-building, handling objections — transfer to other sales roles outside automotive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to get a car sales job?

No. Most dealerships require only a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. Some prefer prior sales experience, but many hire people with no sales background at all. Dealerships train you on their products and sales process.

What if I have a criminal record or a bad driving record?

Dealerships run background checks and driving record checks, and policies vary by dealership and state. Minor infractions may not disqualify you, but DUIs, felonies, or multiple accidents can. Call the dealership before you interview and ask about their background check policy. Some independent lots are more flexible than franchised dealerships.

How long does it take to make your first sale?

Most new salespeople make their first sale within the first two weeks, though some take a month or longer. Your first sales will likely be easier customers — friends, family, or people who walk in already wanting to buy. Building confidence and learning the process takes time, so do not get discouraged if your first week is slow.

Can I work part-time as a car salesman?

Some dealerships hire part-time salespeople, especially used-car lots and smaller independent dealers. However, most franchised new-car dealerships expect full-time commitment because training and floor coverage require it. Part-time roles usually pay lower commission rates and may not include any benefits.

What should I ask during the interview about pay?

Ask for the commission percentage, whether there is a draw or base pay, how commission is calculated, and the average monthly income of salespeople in that role. Request examples of what a typical month looks like — how many cars does an average salesperson sell, and what is the average profit per vehicle. Ask about slow months and whether the dealership offers any may provide income during those periods.