Even though specific qualifications aren’t essential and some employers may prefer candidates with prior sales experience, most companies would like you to show:

• Knowledge of the industry (previous experience would be beneficial) to share necessary information and build relationships
• A willingness to learn on the job and strong work ethic with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills to successful address the needs of customers
• Comfortable negotiating and making decisions to arrive at a price that closes a sales but is also profitable

When advising customers about purchasing a vehicle, the sales executive is required, by the conditions of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to complete the relevant training modules in order to meet these standards prior to buying and selling vehicles.

The average salary for a Sales Executive ranges from 18,000 up to £55,000 a year. Take home pay can depend on several different factors including:

• On Target Earnings (OTE) and Commission
• Location
• Qualifications/experience

Make sure that you read the job advert in detail when applying and ensure that you understand the pay structure.

OTE or On Target Earnings is usually the sum of your base salary plus any commissions or bonuses – the total compensation an employee can make if they meet all of their performance targets. An OTE salary system is often used as a commission incentive to encourage employees to meet their targets.

Sales Executives will usually work between 37 and 40 hours per week, often on a shift rota, including weekends and bank holidays. Some retailers offer flexible working opportunities including part time opportunities.

Sales Executives often attend training sessions provided by manufacturers and stay updated on industry news. They may also visit trade shows and participate in ongoing education to stay informed about the latest developments in the automotive industry.