Applicant advice
There are hundreds of live opportunities on the VWG Careers website with retailers across the UK.
Once you have found a vacancy that you would like to apply for, the application process can sometimes be a little daunting, and each employer my adopt a slightly different process. That’s why we’ve put together a series of frequently asked questions and application guidance to get you started.
Finding the right role for you
Some roles will require you to have specific skills, experience and qualifications so please make sure that you can demonstrate this in any application.
Before you explore all of the live vacancies on the site, make sure that you read about all of the main job types that we offer. We have created a short guide to each one, including some FAQs which will help you to identify what each role entails, typical entry requirements, salary ranges, and prospects.
Click here to discover our Frequently Asked Questions
Once you have identified the role/s that you are most interested in, visit the Vacancies page to explore the roles that are currently live. You can use the filters to target specific locations, positions, brands, and employers to make your search easier.
If you can’t find a suitable role in your area, check back regularly as we’re adding new vacancies on a daily basis.
How do I know if the automotive industry is for me?
Our website offers plenty of information and guidance to help you understand more about the Automotive retail Industry, this includes case studies, answers to some frequently asked questions, salary and qualifications guidance, and more.
Applying for a job
Employers may ask you to complete an Application Form, or alternatively they may request a CV and Cover Letter. We’ve provided some helpful guidance on both below:
When you find a job you would like to apply for, take some time to prepare, don’t fill in the application form straight away. This will make the task much easier. First impressions are the most important part when applying for a role. If you’re able to make a good first impression, people are much more likely to remember you than someone else who made little or no impression at all.
Gather together all the information you need – academic achievements, employment history and contact information. Then, study the job description so you can refer back to the specific skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Finally, ensure that you complete the correct sections of the form and you know when the deadline is.
- For more detailed guidance, visits Prospects: Write a successful job application
You may be asking yourself questions like ‘Should I personalise my CV and cover letter?’ or ‘Is my CV too long?’. Make sure your CV is up to date, clearly laying out your career record with dates. Ensure that it contains your current contact details and please check that they are correct. An expertly written CV may require some adjusting for a particular position. Make sure you look at the job description. How does it define the role and its responsibilities? If you possess those qualifications, skills, or experiences, make sure they are obvious to the reader.
However, it can be tempting to write as much as you can to sell yourself to employers, but by writing too much some recruiters may lose interest. Keep the CV short and concise, 2 pages is more than enough. The most important part of your application is showing the employer that you are competent and able to fulfill the role requirements, but don’t exaggerate. Your potential employer can fact check with your education institutions and with past employers.
- For more detailed guidance, visits Prospects: How to write a CV
**Top Tip**
Make sure that you are professional, and timely in all correspondence with the prospective employer. Every interaction that you have with them can be used as a part of their decision-making process. For example, if they send you an email, take your time to check your spelling, grammar, and that everything is formatted correctly.
Interviews
There are several different types of interview. In some cases, you’ll only need to succeed at one of these to secure the role. In others, you may face several interview formats throughout the application process.
- Face-to face – the traditional and still most common form of interview. You’ll attend the employer’s office and be questioned on your suitability for the job by an individual or panel. Face-to-face interviews usually last between 45 minutes and two hours, and may be preceded or followed by tests and exercises. Questions may be strength-based or competency-based.
- Telephone – often used by employers early in the application process to filter large numbers of applicants. If you’re successful, you’ll typically be invited to a face-to-face interview or assessment centre. Expect a telephone interview to last around half an hour.
- Video – increasingly popular among large employers. Video interviews can be live or pre-recorded and tend to last around half an hour.
- Assessment centres – lasting a full day they enable employers to compare the performance of lots of candidates at the same time. You’ll attend an assessment centre with other applicants and take part in tasks such as presentations, team exercises and psychometric tests.
Your success in an interview depends, to a great extent, on how well you prepare. Don’t leave this until the last minute. In the days leading up to the interview, focus your research on the:
- Employer – you need to show that you understand the business beyond the basics. What do they do? What challenges does it face? How is it performing? Who are its competitors? What has it achieved? What are its culture and values? This kind of knowledge demonstrates a genuine interest.
- Role – read the job description again and, if you completed an application form, go over it to refresh your memory of how your skills and qualifications match the job. It’s vital that you can explain why you want the job, that you understand the role and, even more importantly, why the employer should choose you over other candidates.
- Interview panel – try to find out who will be interviewing you. The email inviting you to the interview may include this information. Use LinkedIn and the ‘About us’ section of the company website to find out more about their professional interests and experience. This may help you to connect with your interviewers and create a positive impression during the interview.
- Questions – consider how you’ll answer common interview questions, as well as preparing some questions you’d like to ask the interviewer.
There are also some practical things to plan. When and where is the interview taking place? Have you planned your journey and checked the timetables for any public transport you need to take? Does all your equipment work for video and telephone interviews?
Getting a good nights sleep and having a healthy breakfast on the morning of your interview will stand you in good stead. If your interview is scheduled after lunchtime, make sure you eat something even if you’re feeling nervous – you won’t put in your best performance on an empty stomach.
- For more detailed guidance, visits Prospects: How to prepare for an interview
**Top Tip**
Make sure that you have prepared some questions for your prospective new employer in advance. Be confident to ask your questions at the right time. Let the employer do some talking. This is as much a chance for you to learn more about them as it is for them to assess you. Make sure you know whether or not you’d like to work there.
Application outcome
The employer will contact you directly to let you know the outcome of your application. Usually they will call you to let you know that you have secured the job. If you’re unsuccessful then you may only hear via email. Either way, make sure to keep your eyes on your phone and email. You don’t want to miss any communications.
Whether the rejection comes at the application form stage or after an interview, everyone experiences it at some point. While this may feel disheartening and could impact your confidence, it is important to remember that many others are in the same situation. The majority of employers will be happy to provide feedback. Knowing what you did well and where your application may need improvement can help you to approach the next one with confidence.
**Top Tip**
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. You’re entitled to know where you can improve. The feedback that you receive could be the difference between securing, or not securing a role next time around.
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity breeds innovation. Our customers are diverse and our challenge is to reflect this in everything we do. Our differences make us unique, and diversity brings value and innovation. In an increasingly online, digital, connected world, we believe this is essential to achieve a positive work culture that creates the best engagement with our diverse customer base.
We believe in job opportunities for everyone. We’re committed to building a diverse team and celebrating all the creativity, innovation and bright ideas this brings. It’s all about attracting and retaining the best people for the job, and we’ve taken significant steps to develop a more diverse workforce at every level, and continue to do so.
Our retailers continue to identify opportunities for flexible working, personal development and promotion of internal talent while creating environments where anyone working in our teams feels comfortable to bring their true selves to work.
