How To Change Careers
Are you looking for tips on how to change careers? For many professionals, a career shift can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you've invested years of your time and funds into one professional path, only to realize that it's not a good fit.
Many people become stuck on their chosen career path, unable or unwilling to make a change that could bring them happiness. This can cause the mind and body to enter a routine that may not bring excitement to the work anymore. However, it's never too late to find a career that both challenges and intrigues you.
That's why DARCARS Automotive Group is passionate about offering roles that applicants can mold into their own, while succeeding in a group setting within the automotive industry. Our dealership has kickstarted countless career changes over our many years in business! Visit our listings to explore a wealth of entry-level jobs, many of which are appropriate for an auto industry newcomer.
How To Change Careers Without Going Back to School: A Definitive Guide
Hoping to learn a bit more about how to change careers with no experience? You've come to the right place! This guide highlights some of the most effective strategies for navigating a career change at any age. While these tactics are useful for a switch to an automotive career, such as one of the many entry-level jobs at DARCARS Automotive Group, they can be applied to any professional path you choose to take.
We encourage you to follow these tips as you take on a brand-new career to help ease you into it. As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our team with questions about the application process.
Find a Professional Mentor
There is nothing like a good mentor to steer you down the right path when figuring out how to change careers. A mentor is trustworthy – from a close friend to a seasoned professional – and they share and understand your goals. A mentor isn't only an excellent guide for your career reset, but they can also inspire you to recall your strengths and personal values as you embark on your next professional chapter.
Engage Your Community
Changing careers requires some level of self-promotion. When you announce your intentions to your community, you open the door to referrals and guidance. You might be surprised to learn that many of your friends and colleagues have undergone their own career changes and are willing to provide support and advice based on their own experiences. Leaning on your community is one of the most reliable shortcuts to finding work in your new industry.
Take Advantage of Networking Events
When it comes to learning how to change careers, you'll often hear about the power of networking. Networking is a skill unto itself that involves self-promotion, communication, collaboration, and socialization in professional settings. When networking in the automotive industry, look for notable conferences, conventions, and trade shows to build connections with suppliers, industry professionals, and even car manufacturer representatives.
Leverage Your Job Experience
You might think that your professional background won't help as you transition to a new career, but you'd be surprised at how much of your job experience is useful when shifting gears to a new industry. We recommend sitting down and writing a list of hard and soft skills you've developed over the years. Customer service, accounting, communication, leadership, management, public speaking, problem solving, and conflict resolution are some examples of universally sought-after skills in the automotive industry.
Further Your Education
While bachelor's and master's degrees are standouts, they can be costly. There are other ways to stand out as an applicant. Some major education institutions often offer free online courses on skills like time management, sales, and even accounting. Signing up for these courses, and including the certificates on your resume, can both help enhance your resume and demonstrate initiative and commitment in the job application process.
Keep Up With Industry Trends
After deciding on a new career, such as in the automotive industry, you can get ahead of the curve through research. Studying industry trends – whether online or through trade publications – and demonstrating this knowledge in a job interview will help you stand out amongst the other candidates. Look up trending vehicles, like EVs and hybrids, new releases, discontinued models, car purchasing trends in your area, and even OEM parts.
Control What You Can
At the end of the day, only you know what is right for you. A career change is not a setback; it's the next chapter in your journey, and every job you've had up until now has prepared you for this moment. If you feel nervous about making the leap into the unknown, remember to stay focused on your goals. An exciting new career path is waiting for you on the other side of fear, doubt, and uncertainty.
DARCARS Automotive Group Has Plenty of Entry-Level Jobs to Consider
When approaching a new automotive retail career, first take a moment to think about the department that speaks to you the most. The primary branches include sales, service, financing, and parts, with additional administrative and managerial roles also available.
When in doubt about which path to take, consider your strengths. Are you an outgoing people-person who is passionate about pairing drivers with their ideal cars? These are the skills of a solid salesperson who listens to clients' needs and goes above and beyond to meet them. Do you have a knack for mechanics? Working in the service or parts department might be your time to shine. If you have an instinctive understanding of finances, from auto loans to business accounting, the finance center might hold the key to your career change.
While these are popular roles to take, keep in mind that you can always explore other avenues within the automotive industry that grab your interest. DARCARS Automotive Group is here to guide you through your career development, even if the path isn't linear. Maybe you'd thrive in an admin role while you decide where you want to go next. The choice is yours.
Explore Entry-Level Jobs at DARCARS Automotive Group
Now that you have our advice on how to change careers, it's time to take action. The place to start your search is in our job listings for DARCARS Automotive Careers, where you'll find entry-level roles that are excellent for people switching careers. We have several openings in tech, sales, service and parts, and administration fields. Use our filters to choose your location, and then apply online by entering some personal information and answering prompts that highlight your experience.
Many of these job descriptions also highlight DARCARS benefits, which could include any of the following:
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) contribution
- Paid holidays
- Education and training opportunities
- Employee discounts
- Competitive compensation
From service center porters to front-desk cashiers, the job opportunities are abundant at DARCARS Automotive Group. As you browse our available listings, reach out to our corporate office with questions about the roles themselves or the application process. We are eager to hear from you and point you toward a role that supports your fresh start in a brand-new career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest career to switch to?
Switching careers can be a daunting challenge, but the automotive industry is an excellent place to start, especially at DARCARS Automotive Group. We encourage supportive, welcoming work environments that foster growth and professional development. In other words, we prefer to hire from within! Check out our current entry-level listings to begin your new career path, and don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions about the application process.
How can I switch careers with no experience?
If you have little to no experience in the automotive industry, you can switch careers with an entry-level position. Whether you're interested in auto sales, financing, or service, there are plenty of starter positions at DARCARS Automotive Group that will give you an opportunity to grow professionally and develop new skill sets. Starting over can be overwhelming, but working for our company sets you up for long-term success.
Is 30 too old for a career change?
Looking into how to change careers at 30 years old? First, you should celebrate yourself for making the leap. Many people recognize their career isn't fulfilling, but not many people have the courage to make a switch. There are entry-level positions for every career path, but the automotive industry can be especially welcoming to newcomers. We recommend looking into available starter roles at DARCARS Automotive Group.
Is 40 too late to change careers?
If you're wondering how to change careers at 40 years old, first ask yourself what you are passionate about. If cars appeal to you, the automotive industry could be the right move. DARCARS Automotive Group is always seeking strong candidates for entry-level positions; in our business, we favor training and education to support professional and personal growth for employees at every career stage.