Hireology
5 Ways To Hire Millennials For Your Auto Dealership
Millennials, Gen Y'ers, the Internet generation...whatever you may call them, they're here to stay. This 1980's and 1990's born group has dealt with a slew of judgments over the past years. Some say they're lazy or too trapped in technology, but little do they know, this is the group who will make their dealership succeed. But first, how can we get ahold of this talented, sought-after bunch? By being creative.
You're not going to post an ad for an open position in a newspaper because how many 20-something year olds really read the newspaper? You need to go where they are—don’t expect them to come to you.
Here are 5 ways to creatively hire a millennial for your auto dealership:
1. Use social media
I recently watched a video where HireVue founder, Mark Newman, said "you want to be engaging with millennials through the channels of what they're most comfortable with. Have social media channels for your organization. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, whatever - invest in those and develop them." Millennials are on social media platforms constantly. They'll study your social media sites to learn more about the company and most importantly, about your company culture. This is a great way to show it off, make them want to work for you, and decrease turnover at your dealership.
2. Revamp your job description
Young job seekers will take one look at a long, wordy, bullet point-filled job description and click "next." A creative way to draw them in is to tell a story. Give them an overview of what the position entails, but keep it simple. Tell them about the ping-pong table in the conference room or the unlimited vacation days. Think about what will interest them about the position. Grabbing their attention is first and foremost; then you can worry about their qualifications.
3. Have a "why"
Millennials want to know why they should take the job and how it will help them achieve their career goals. Gawoop Inc. CEO, Justin Sheratt, said they "need a challenge, a sense of purpose and also a dash of vanity." He found his best employee by making it clear that the company helps people get jobs (social good). They would help the candidate network and move on if he outgrew them (advancement). He also proved they work with cutting edge systems and software (training). "These three combined far outweighed salary and perks at that time," Sheratt said.
4. Live the company brand
This is probably the most critical factor for Generation Y. Whatever your company brand or culture is, stay true to it and be genuine about what you present to them. If you have five core values that the candidate gravitated towards, but once they began the job only three of them were truly followed, I can't imagine them being too happy. You want to create loyalty with your employees and living by your brand is crucial to gaining their trust.
5. Show them what it's like to work there
Stumped on how to execute #4? Try promoting your culture by showing what it's like to work in your office. Shoot a "day in the life" video. This will show candidates what you have to offer before they even come in to interview. Often times a candidate will then interview and say the video they watched enticed them to work there.
Everyone, no matter what age they are, has the same goal in mind. And that is to be successful. The same goes with millennials; they just prioritize it differently. Rather than resisting this group, embrace them. They'll bring new ideas to the table and work harder than most to help your auto dealership succeed.
For more information on millennials, download Inside the Mind of a Millennial Job Seeker - Attracting, Interviewing and Hiring Gen Y Talent.
Hireology
Hiring Leaders at Your Dealership: The 5 Must-Haves
Great leadership has always been crucial for success. Without George Washington, there may have never been an American victory in the Revolutionary War. Without Steve Jobs, there would have never been Apple. And without TMZ, we’d never be able to stick our noses into the personal lives of celebrities!
Every business relies on leadership. Whether it comes from a single person or a group of people, having a clear path to follow allows a company’s employees to be inspired and thrive in a positive environment. However, contrary to paying taxes, leadership doesn’t always last forever.
Leadership comes and goes. If you’re looking to replace a management role or simply searching for someone to help lead your team and revitalize your business at your dealership, it’s important to hire the right person. The following are five essential things to take into consideration before hiring a sound leader.
1.) Timing
Make sure it’s the right time to hire; and this can go both ways. First, think about the employers you already have—can anyone fill your leadership position? If not, then think about the people you are interviewing—is this the right time for them to step in and take over a management position? Are they ready to take on everything that’s required to succeed for this role? If both parties are on the same track, then you’re good to go!
2.) Proper Background
Carefully review each candidate’s resume to see where he or she is coming from, what they have accomplished and what kind of career path they’ve chosen. It only makes sense to hire someone who understands your industry and has proven that he or she has succeeded in similar environments.
3.) Right Qualities
This may seem like a no brainer, but one of the most important traits of any leader is personality. Think about what kind of qualities your looking for in this leadership position. There are dozens of traits that can define great leadership, however it’s up to you to decide what kind of leader you want working for your company. Think about which personality traits will be needed the most to help your business flourish and help the other employees to succeed as well.
4.) Work/Life Balance
Another thing to take into consideration while interviewing potential candidates is balance. Does the candidate believe in a good work/life balance? Sure, it’s great to employ people who work their tails off, but at the end of the day, it’s still a job. If your employee isn’t happy at home, how do you expect he or she to succeed in the office? Those who have a steady life, inside and outside of the office, usually perform well at work.
5.) Vision
Without a vision or goal in mind, it’s hard to lead others. Don’t forget to ask what your candidate’s vision for company success is, whether it’s for your own dealership or one from their former employer. Understanding your candidate’s vision can also help you gain a better sense of what may lie ahead for your company, as well as what kind of leader he or she may be.
These are only five things to consider while hiring for a leadership position at your auto dealership. There may be several other things that may affect a person’s way of managing a team. However, if he or she meets the qualifications formally mentioned, then you can assure yourself that this is likely someone who can help you manage a winning team.
For more information on hiring great people for your dealership - download Driving Revenue for Your Auto Dealership.
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Hireology
Hiring Leaders at Your Dealership: The 5 Must-Haves
Great leadership has always been crucial for success. Without George Washington, there may have never been an American victory in the Revolutionary War. Without Steve Jobs, there would have never been Apple. And without TMZ, we’d never be able to stick our noses into the personal lives of celebrities!
Every business relies on leadership. Whether it comes from a single person or a group of people, having a clear path to follow allows a company’s employees to be inspired and thrive in a positive environment. However, contrary to paying taxes, leadership doesn’t always last forever.
Leadership comes and goes. If you’re looking to replace a management role or simply searching for someone to help lead your team and revitalize your business at your dealership, it’s important to hire the right person. The following are five essential things to take into consideration before hiring a sound leader.
1.) Timing
Make sure it’s the right time to hire; and this can go both ways. First, think about the employers you already have—can anyone fill your leadership position? If not, then think about the people you are interviewing—is this the right time for them to step in and take over a management position? Are they ready to take on everything that’s required to succeed for this role? If both parties are on the same track, then you’re good to go!
2.) Proper Background
Carefully review each candidate’s resume to see where he or she is coming from, what they have accomplished and what kind of career path they’ve chosen. It only makes sense to hire someone who understands your industry and has proven that he or she has succeeded in similar environments.
3.) Right Qualities
This may seem like a no brainer, but one of the most important traits of any leader is personality. Think about what kind of qualities your looking for in this leadership position. There are dozens of traits that can define great leadership, however it’s up to you to decide what kind of leader you want working for your company. Think about which personality traits will be needed the most to help your business flourish and help the other employees to succeed as well.
4.) Work/Life Balance
Another thing to take into consideration while interviewing potential candidates is balance. Does the candidate believe in a good work/life balance? Sure, it’s great to employ people who work their tails off, but at the end of the day, it’s still a job. If your employee isn’t happy at home, how do you expect he or she to succeed in the office? Those who have a steady life, inside and outside of the office, usually perform well at work.
5.) Vision
Without a vision or goal in mind, it’s hard to lead others. Don’t forget to ask what your candidate’s vision for company success is, whether it’s for your own dealership or one from their former employer. Understanding your candidate’s vision can also help you gain a better sense of what may lie ahead for your company, as well as what kind of leader he or she may be.
These are only five things to consider while hiring for a leadership position at your auto dealership. There may be several other things that may affect a person’s way of managing a team. However, if he or she meets the qualifications formally mentioned, then you can assure yourself that this is likely someone who can help you manage a winning team.
For more information on hiring great people for your dealership - download Driving Revenue for Your Auto Dealership.
No Comments
Hireology
Boost Sales by Lowering Turnover
There’s one thing majority of U.S. dealerships all have in common: turnover. Don’t believe so? According to the NADA, turnover at American auto dealerships is nearly 62%. That’s a pretty high percentage for an industry that focuses on numbers.
When you’re constantly hiring, firing, letting go and re-hiring employess, it can take a heavy toll on your bank account. There’s no need to continue this unwanted, costly routine when it can be fixed, especially when it comes to hiring salespeople.
Taking control of your recruiting process is crucial if you want to lower turnover. Sure, it’s difficult to have a 0% turnover rate, but with the proper help it’s easily obtainable to severely lower this percentage and retain quality employees.
Hireology has developed a completely complimentary and educational ebook based on research from our customers and the current state of the auto industry. In this insightful eBook, you’ll discover the following:
- Reasons for high turnover
- Today’s hiring trends with salespeople
- Myths about today’s salespeople at dealerships
- Making long-term investments: how to hire the right employees
- Ways to avoid turnover
- Planning ahead for the new year
2 Comments
Remarkable Marketing
The saying "people don't quit jobs they quit managers" is so true. Great leadership will help as well. Good read! Thanks!
DealerRefresh.com
The is no doubt a stapled topic across many of the online forums and conversations between management at the dealership. After reading, I was hoping for a bit more substance within your article, maybe a few excerpts from your book - enticing me to download. I didn't get much from this article by itself. Still contemplating if I need to download the whitepaper...
Hireology
Boost Sales by Lowering Turnover
There’s one thing majority of U.S. dealerships all have in common: turnover. Don’t believe so? According to the NADA, turnover at American auto dealerships is nearly 62%. That’s a pretty high percentage for an industry that focuses on numbers.
When you’re constantly hiring, firing, letting go and re-hiring employess, it can take a heavy toll on your bank account. There’s no need to continue this unwanted, costly routine when it can be fixed, especially when it comes to hiring salespeople.
Taking control of your recruiting process is crucial if you want to lower turnover. Sure, it’s difficult to have a 0% turnover rate, but with the proper help it’s easily obtainable to severely lower this percentage and retain quality employees.
Hireology has developed a completely complimentary and educational ebook based on research from our customers and the current state of the auto industry. In this insightful eBook, you’ll discover the following:
- Reasons for high turnover
- Today’s hiring trends with salespeople
- Myths about today’s salespeople at dealerships
- Making long-term investments: how to hire the right employees
- Ways to avoid turnover
- Planning ahead for the new year
2 Comments
Remarkable Marketing
The saying "people don't quit jobs they quit managers" is so true. Great leadership will help as well. Good read! Thanks!
DealerRefresh.com
The is no doubt a stapled topic across many of the online forums and conversations between management at the dealership. After reading, I was hoping for a bit more substance within your article, maybe a few excerpts from your book - enticing me to download. I didn't get much from this article by itself. Still contemplating if I need to download the whitepaper...
18 Comments
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
Erin, Great read. I am one of these "Millennials" whatever else you want to call us. I agree that Some....I stress Some...of us are not lazy. I myself like to push the out of the box ideas. If I try something and it does't work, oh well, move on, try something else. These are great ideas for getting us in but sometimes its harder to keep us. I find myself getting mad because I feel like I'm beating my head against a brick wall. Companies and businesses bring in the younger generation to bring them "up to speed" but then don't give the room to let them do their job and grow the business. You can't hire Gen Y'ers and then say, "You haven't been doing this as long as I have so you don't know what your talking about", especially if you are looking to bring the company or business to the new era.
Jillian Marchewka
Thornton Automotive
"Companies and businesses bring in the younger generation to bring them "up to speed" but then don't give the room to let them do their job and grow the business. You can't hire Gen Y'ers and then say, "You haven't been doing this as long as I have so you don't know what your talking about", especially if you are looking to bring the company or business to the new era." This quote sums up my dealership existence. Haha.
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
Jillian, Just about mine too. hence being able to write about it. Message me if you ever want to hit our heads against a brick wall together. Could be fun.
Grant Gooley
Remarkable Marketing
Awesome! Great topic. Recruiting the Geek Squad is great for any dealership! When I say "Geek Squad" I mean it in the best way ever. What everyone looks at as "marketing" these days are Gen Y's day to day way of life!
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
Exactly Grant.
Joe Tarell
Awesome topic and great comments. As a Baby Boomer (just barely) with kids who are Millennial's, I sympathize with Lauren, Grant and Jillian. Those of us non-millennial's who understand marketing and business know that the future is here. We have to learn to communicate the way the world wants to communicate and if you're a business owner stop already with the "that's the way we've always done it!"
Alex Lau
AutoStride
Make sure to put up a sign, 'STARTING SALARIES ARE LOW. YOUR EXPECTATION NEEDS TO BE SIMILAR!" or "SALARIES CORRELATE WITH EXPERIENCE" If I hear another Millennial ask me for a starting salary of $75K, I am going to vomit.
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
Alexander, That's because we know everything Duh! (did you hear the sarcasm in that? haha) . $75K is a little excessive especially for a millennial who has no experience. Now...if they had say worked at a dealership that was failing for years and turned them around in a matter on months and made them one of the top dealerships in their state, Maybe. But I think some have an exaggerated view of what their salary should be. Me....I was just happy to be making about 1/2 again what I was making at my last job. But, with experience your salary will grow if your good. But I think the "Your expectation needs to be similar!" part is a little ridiculous in my opinion. You bring a younger generation in to help you keep up with times, for the most part we are very driven and have a thirst to prove ourselves. Why would you shoot yourself in the foot right out of the gate with a statement like that. All that tells me is, This company wants to hire me to do a job, then not let me do it. Just my opinion.
Alex Lau
AutoStride
It's not ridiculous at all. You're wasting your time, if you don't set the correct expectations, because most of them have unrealistic expectations. Granted, geniuses can be found in any generation. It's been my experience the vast majority of millennials have entitlement mentalities. It's one of the reasons the current fraud of a president is in office.
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
Oh I'm not debating that fact that they have entitlement issues. Think back to the boy from whatever state it was the was drunk (and he was under age) and had an accident with another car that killed 3 or 4 people and he got away with a fine and having to go to rehab that his parents had to pay for because he came from money. Versus someone who's not from money having to go to jail for vehicular manslaughter. I just think if you shoot them down before you even get a chance to talk with them about the job and what it entails you are already hurting yourself by not giving them a chance to even come in for an interview.
Alex Lau
AutoStride
Agreed, as I had said, you'll find quality in the "Millennial" Generation, but the majority of their expectations are so far off base, it's silly. I interview them monthly for pedestrian tasks and they ask for the world. Generally, I just laugh in their face and say, "Waaaaaaaait, you're asking for $70K, straight out of college or tech school??? Your thought processes on compensation are unrealistic and hold no merit within this company." Better they get a dose of reality, than have their friends and parents perpetually lie to them, building up false "hope" and "change."
Grant Gooley
Remarkable Marketing
Alexander, what if you agreed to paying the "tech school" kid 70K and he went off and sold you 210 cars and doubled your investment? For the lone fact he had a natural talent for using Social Media, Blogging and YouTube. Not only that, he also could understood engagement and email communication! To the point people were running through the door to get the best internet deal in town! haha I think in time we will be restructuring the pay in the auto industry anyway, simply to adapt to the shifting industry. Just my thoughts.
Alex Lau
AutoStride
@Grant. That's a diamond in the rough and you and I know, that's just unrealistic. What if statements, dude...?
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
Alexander, Keep in mind that many great ideas or achievements have come from "What If" statements.
Alex Lau
AutoStride
I completely disagree, more failures comes of it. You go ahead and start hiring those kids, at that rate. First of all, your dealers aren't going to have it. Results drive income increases. Show me the results and ROI and I might think about increasing your pay.
Lauren Moses
CBG Buick GMC, Inc.
I didn't say that more, just simply that MANY. I wont be hiring anyone since I don't do that. I am just a simple internet manager that happens to sell, do F&I, and handle social, and on occasion work the gun shop. There is no doubt that the millennials are here to say and can contribute substantially to a company but it has to be done the right way. Yes, give them guidelines, help them grow, and turn the "I want $70K starting pay" into "I EARNED $70K a year pay."
Alex Lau
AutoStride
I'm not hiring or keeping anyone, from any generation that fails to have the experience and do their job properly. Start at the BOTTOM of the totem pole and work you way up, just like everyone else, no entitlements. Then again, what is the title of this article? LOL... ;-)
Robert Karbaum
Kijiji, an eBay Company
I am a "millennial", and yes I loathe most others around me for their pitfalls. Unfortunately if we don't start finding a way to work with them, we will have some pretty empty dealerships soon. This article gave me an idea of using Facebook Dark Posts for employment ads.... Market sales positions with the same quality as you would a big Saturday sale.