Work experience is a really fun way to get into the world of work and see what it's all about. It's not just for school kids and you can do work experience within any (or even all) sectors of the industry.
Here are a few reasons to consider work experience:
- You'll get a taste of what a job or workplace is like, so you can figure out if you're interested in that career.
- Working with other people and doing your tasks well help you build your confidence.
- On your CV, UCAS form, or college application, work experience shows you're enthusiastic and ready to work hard. You can pick out particular achievements to show off.
- Working with other people helps you build the skills employers love to see on your CV.
- You'll meet people at work and might attend meetings or events. You'll make contacts that could provide a reference or help you in the future.
Admin Department
The Administration Department is headed by an accountant, often referred to as the Administration Manager. Admin is a busy and hugely important part of the business that ensures our paperwork, and adherence to procedures, legislation and accounting practices are correct. It looks after the payment of invoices, creation of our own invoices, control of credit amounts and the management of money/banking. It also manages the Sales Department's vehicle taxation matters, often via the DVLA. At the end of each month the Admin Department also produces a full set of management accounts for the business. There are a large number of inter-dependant disciplines in an Admin Department and the pace rarely slows down! As with work in all departments, Admin is a demanding place to work.
Sales Department
Sales departments sell vehicles - new, used, pre-reg, ex demonstrators and ex-service loan cars. They are also expected to sell a range of finance and insurance products, as well as a number of key accessories. In order to deliver the level of profitability needed to sustain the business, the various targets have to be achieved and a large number of standards need to be achieved too. Customer Satisfaction standards are hugely important. The role of a Sales Executive has changed a lot over time and a high degree of computer literacy is now required as are great communication skills and strong numeracy. An interest in cars is a great advantage too.
Parts Department
The Parts Department, like the Sales Department is set demanding sales targets to achieve by us and by the manufacturer. They will hit those targets by ensuring the correct parts are in stock for both Service and Sales customers. A Parts Department will also operate a bit like a retail shop inasmuch as they look to stock and retail accessories to customers both in the showrooms and online. A Parts Department can have a profound effect on customer service as the knock on effect can be serious is we don't have the right parts in stock. Knowing that customer service standards can affect the income of the business highlights the role played by the parts department.
