I'm getting ready to send the local Ford dealer an e-mail regarding jobs.

I currently work in retail (at a coffee shop), and my boss is inquiring on my future plans- summer, etc. My boss tells me that I can choose my hours and days. I know that's great but listen. I don't have my heart set on working the coffee joint all summer. My boss kind of seemed shocked because when she asked about my future plans, I said, "I might be getting another job" and she's like "You might be getting another job?!" I'm like... "Well I'm not sure yet." And if I plan to get a new job this summer, I better start looking early because everyone will at the same time. I am doing alright right now, but I would like a low-stress job. I can hear the responses now, 'but you're so young, you don't know what stress is,' etc. Well I'm not much of a people-person; main thing is I get all nervous when a lot of people start coming in for orders. That's part of the point, but I want to get a job with Ford.

I had e-mailed the dealer about a year ago; forget what my e-mail was but I remember the reply in that I was told they "do not currently hire anyone under the age of 18 with the exception of some part time help participating in a school related employment program." Now that kind of gets me down, but I haven't e-mailed them yet again.

I am 17 but my love for Ford vehicles is awesomely fantastic... not sure how else to describe it. I'm serious about doing a make-ready kind of job. I believe that's what they're called? I don't have much experience detailing but I do a good job washing, waxing, and polishing.

I don't wanna get my hopes up but I would really like a summer job like that. What kind of things would be expected for me; does anybody know what kind of jobs are available like that? Sure, there are many other car dealerships in the area but Ford would be my top choice. I wouldn't mind being at work, because the vehicles are just so awesome

What do you guys think, is it worth a try e-mailing the dealer? If so what would I say and how would I word it? It doesn't have to be a big long essay, just something short and to the point about them not saying no to my job eligibility before I at least tell them how dedicated I am. Even if it was like... picking up trash, man, I don't think I'd care.

 

i work at a ford dealorship and i believe your best bet would be to go to the dealorship and get an application. not to crush you hopes but most businesses like car dealorships have their regular employes and dont often hire summer help because really they are just paying a person for 3 months then your gone. if they need a position filled they will most likley go for someone who will be able to stay longer so they dont have to go through the whole process of finding someone to replace you again in 3 months.

 

It never hurts to pick up an application and send it in, you may just get the job. But dont get your heart set on it.

You said the email mentioned that they dont hire under 18...most businesses are pretty strict about that.

Also what wolfcreek said, most dealerships are looking for full-time workers, not part time/seasonal.

There's no harm in emailing and inquiring, so I would say go ahead and find out what you can, and if you can get an application fill it out.

 

It never hurts to pick up an application and send it in, you may just get the job. But dont get your heart set on it.

You said the email mentioned that they dont hire under 18...most businesses are pretty strict about that.

Also what wolfcreek said, most dealerships are looking for full-time workers, not part time/seasonal.

There's no harm in emailing and inquiring, so I would say go ahead and find out what you can, and if you can get an application fill it out.

 

....your only 17!?!? I had the impression you were older then that. When I got out of highschool I needed a job. So I naturally went to the local ford dealership and got hired. After a while there everyone told me to run and find a real job. Well, I didn't listen to them. The atmosphere around a dealership is incrediable, it seems that everyone gets along and nobody really hates eachother, why would I want to get away from that? You are never really "pressed for time" like you would be in a coffee shop with people standing there for their drinks. I would go in and get an application, fill it out and then bug them about a job. You might get the job, might not but at least you would have tried.

 

How old did you think I was? I take that as a compliment...

Well, it doesn't have to be just for the summer. I wouldn't mind working there all year, if it happened.

 

I also might have an advantage. When I went down there on the 04 F150 kickoff celebration, I had a Ford shirt on and almost every body (staff members) gave me compliments. And I seemed to know a bit of information too, at least more than my dad And one of the salesman was on 'my side' to try to convert my dad from Dodge to getting a King Ranch. They might remember me...

 

I swear, the way you talk about Fords, if you were 18, you'd be the perfect girl.



Heck yeah get down there and turn in an application! That would be the coolest job ever!

 

Hey Lariat.

I would definetly try, wont know till ya do. Good way to start out is cleaning and detailing cars. If you are good at that, apply for that. Alot of dealers around here hire extra help for that in summer. Then start showing interest in other things they do. I know a guy that has a dealership in this small town buy me and thats how he started working there was washing cars, now he owns the place. So hey ya never know..

Good luck,, Sled...

 

I think everyone here is a Ford fan, But what about getting some general automotive experence in an independent shop. I suspect that you would have an easier time getting a part time or seasonal gig with a small independent shop than with a dealership. Like it was pointed out previous most of the dealers have permenate staff and look mainly to hire full timers. The lot boy angle might work for you at Ford but you might be able to work a wrench at a local shop and that kind of experence will get you a better crack at a dealer job in the future. Good luck!!

 

Thanks, Pickup Man. I'm going to get an application on my way to work today. Like sleddogg said, it's worth a try.

Pestco, make that lot girl Even if it doesn't work out the way I hoped for, I'll ask around at other dealers. I have no experience in auto mechanics; I just enjoy detailing cars and I am getting into that more. I practice on cars at home for now. People tell me I do a great job Who knows what will happen; we'll see. I'm trying not to get my hopes up about this. But also at the same time, trying to plan ahead, so I won't be stuck all summer saying, "Would you like that on the sweet side?" LOL

 

I picked up an application today. The guy asked what I was interested in; I told him washing/detailing cars, and that I had no auto mechanic experience.
I asked him if he knew if there was an age requirement, and he didn't know. The application says, though, they take into 'consideration, anyone, regardless of ...AGE...or ...GENDER...etc...'

Some people don't think it will be too great if I get the job because of me being the "only chick there" with a "bunch of guys." They say I'd prolly get sick of it by the end of the first day. Take into consideration, though, that I am a Ford nut. I dunno if that makes any difference... But for now in my future realm of events, I see myself enjoying washing the vehicles. But what do I know? I just started detailing, and haven't used any electrical tools. Just my hands.

The job I am at now pays good but I don't think I want to do it for the summer. Problem is, no one is available to fill my spot, except for a friend that I believe I'll be training for at least a month (if she accepts the job). How much time can exist before you acquire an application, turn it in, and start working?

Also, what if I quit my current job, take up the Ford job, and it's not so peachy as I assumed it would be?

And... would I have to see if Ford gave me the job FIRST, and THEN quit my job? Giving my boss a notice that I might be quitting if I get the new job? (Given this is after I train the new person.) School lets out in mid-May... so that's about 2 more months. Ah, the stress! I'm venting... please help, thank you.

 

just wait and see if you get the job at Ford, give the "Coffee Shop" a 2 weeks and be done with it. b/c if you let them know you might be quitting they might cut your hours alot. thats what they did to me at KFC.

 

Oh, Ford Lariat, be sure and work your two weeks notice out, don't burn any bridges if you may need to cross them again. Anybody hiring you will expect to have to give you two week's notice, especially if it isn't a permanent job. You would prove yourself irresponsible before you even got there if you didn't.
Also, I used to run a detailing/engine/body shop. As far as the detailing goes, the more you work with your hands, the better the job gets done. I mean, you'll have to use the occasional shop vac, but other than that, it isn't really high-tech. You'd do fine once you got the hang of it.

 

Rule #1




NEVER, EVER tell your current boss that you are looking. You may wake up to find that they hired another individual and you suddenly have no hours.