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Toyota Retail Graduate Programme: Meet our grads – Ben
An interest in cars isn’t mandatory, but for Miles Toyota graduate Ben, it’s what drew him to the role. It’s also what’s led him to fall in love with his position in used vehicle sales.
Ben explains “You get a real satisfaction about finding a vehicle that suits their [the customers] needs”. He elaborates that this satisfaction is made even better after getting to know the customers and hearing their personal stories. “They put their trust in you.”
That’s not to say all his work has satisfying conclusions. “You’ve got to learn to manage customer expectations,” says Ben “you can’t over promise and under deliver. You’ve got to be able to think on your feet and meet customer expectations - you don’t always get it right.”
The learning he’s gained has been a huge source of value throughout his experience. “You’ve just got to be a sponge” he exclaims. It’s a high paced environment, with a lot of pressure, however, Ben has been surrounded by an experienced crew. “The team just gets stuck in and helps out where needed. “That’s not to say the only aid comes from those around him, “I’ve got heaps of support from head office, they contact me regularly and you can contact them whenever you need”.
Even during lockdown, Ben was learning. With minimal staff on the premise, he was invited in to work alongside his manager. “I learnt a lot. It was one on one time with the manager, with no customers around.” As he explains it the whole experience has been “super beneficial. Learning sales first hand from experienced people is so good”.
“You’re here to learn first and foremost,” says Ben, “never be afraid to ask questions”. The world of sales is fast paced, so you need to be able to adapt on your feet. Fortunately, if you do make mistakes, you’re surrounded by a team who’s there for you. “It’s a high-pressure environment and we’re a team of five, we’ll always have a laugh about it after” Ben elaborates. “[They’re] so, so, supportive, no one takes themselves too seriously.”
Working in this culture has been beneficial for Ben. “It’s really helped me build up my confidence in front of customers. Dealing with their expectations and the trust they place in you. You’ve got to put your best foot forward. It’s helped me develop my timekeeping, punctuality and having to conduct follow ups,” explains Ben, “the communication and follow ups - these are life skills.”
Applications open for the 2021 Retail Graduate Programme on 17th August. Head to graduates.toyota.co.nz to apply.