Hi all,
I’ve applied for an Apprentice Technician position at my local BMW dealer and have been selected to attend an assessment for the position on the 25th. The assessment is likely to last about 2 hours.
I would be grateful if anyone could give me any advice which would be useful/what to expect?
Thanks to all those who reply
Adam
BMW Apprentice Technician Assessment? Help/advice
(Heavy dose of sarcasm intended)
Ahhh that is easy - all you have to do is learn the following key phrases ...
"I am sorry Sir, but we cannot reproduce the problem"
"No that is not covered under warranty"
"All BMWs do this"
"You cannot expect a new car to be perfect - no matter how much it costs"
I don't know how many of these a tech needs to know, but they will demonstrate that you have an excellent grasp of how BMW Customer Service Depts work!
Ahhh that is easy - all you have to do is learn the following key phrases ...
"I am sorry Sir, but we cannot reproduce the problem"
"No that is not covered under warranty"
"All BMWs do this"
"You cannot expect a new car to be perfect - no matter how much it costs"
I don't know how many of these a tech needs to know, but they will demonstrate that you have an excellent grasp of how BMW Customer Service Depts work!
I would expect it to like most job interviews but hands on, prove that you know what your talking about, that you can do what they require and are capable of learning. Might also be about how you work as part of a team.
Apprentice as in young intern, I would not however expect them to see you conversant about the product. Mainly about YOU.
hope it goes well.
Also a point I learnt over many conferences, the Average London (within the M25)mechanic fully trained, annual earning £40,000
Then with cars going in for less servicing (as the customer has always requested) we wonder why the hourly Labour rate for service is so high. The still need to make the profit!!!
Apprentice as in young intern, I would not however expect them to see you conversant about the product. Mainly about YOU.
hope it goes well.
Also a point I learnt over many conferences, the Average London (within the M25)mechanic fully trained, annual earning £40,000
Then with cars going in for less servicing (as the customer has always requested) we wonder why the hourly Labour rate for service is so high. The still need to make the profit!!!
I would have thought they would be looking at your comunication skills first, and your ability to work as part of a team.
Next it would be your mechanical and electronics knowledge[ although this would probably be quite limited.]
Bear in mind that the days of an automotive technician {mechanic] being known as a grease monkey are gone.
The motor trade was known as job for young lads that could not land a decent job.
Now it is a highly technical field that requires lots of training, especially in the electronics field.
With modern complicated electric systems incorporated in todays motor vehicles, a very good understanding of how these systems work, what they do and more importantly how to fix them is essential.
This means after training, you would still need regular training to keep up to speed on these systems.
Without a good understanding on engine management systems and electronics, then you would struggle to diagnose and fix vehicles on the road at present.
Every year, manufacturers are using electronics to control more parts of the vehicles every time a new model is launched.
Hence the reason the term "mechanic" has been substituted for technician.
Your job would be more technical, then followed by mechanical.
Wish you all the best, as there is to few young lads tempted with the motor trade these days as it is getting more complicated every day new models get released on to our roads
If you need any more info, or I can help in any way, let me know.
Gordon
Next it would be your mechanical and electronics knowledge[ although this would probably be quite limited.]
Bear in mind that the days of an automotive technician {mechanic] being known as a grease monkey are gone.
The motor trade was known as job for young lads that could not land a decent job.
Now it is a highly technical field that requires lots of training, especially in the electronics field.
With modern complicated electric systems incorporated in todays motor vehicles, a very good understanding of how these systems work, what they do and more importantly how to fix them is essential.
This means after training, you would still need regular training to keep up to speed on these systems.
Without a good understanding on engine management systems and electronics, then you would struggle to diagnose and fix vehicles on the road at present.
Every year, manufacturers are using electronics to control more parts of the vehicles every time a new model is launched.
Hence the reason the term "mechanic" has been substituted for technician.
Your job would be more technical, then followed by mechanical.
Wish you all the best, as there is to few young lads tempted with the motor trade these days as it is getting more complicated every day new models get released on to our roads
If you need any more info, or I can help in any way, let me know.
Gordon
Appprenticeship
Be early and dress smartly. Firm hand shake and maintain good eye contact.
Think about why YOU want the job, you will be asked.
When asked something and you don't know, don't blag it just be honest.
They will not expect you to service a car the next day remember that.
Get someone you know (with some mechanical knowledge) to give you a once round the engine and identify some of the main compenents.
Realx and try not to fidget.
I was a Tech for 10 years before leaving the trade and my interview was all about appearance and ability to learn. The assesment I was given was a simple IQ test with nothing difficult or taxing.
The very best of luck.
Stewart
Think about why YOU want the job, you will be asked.
When asked something and you don't know, don't blag it just be honest.
They will not expect you to service a car the next day remember that.
Get someone you know (with some mechanical knowledge) to give you a once round the engine and identify some of the main compenents.
Realx and try not to fidget.
I was a Tech for 10 years before leaving the trade and my interview was all about appearance and ability to learn. The assesment I was given was a simple IQ test with nothing difficult or taxing.
The very best of luck.
Stewart
Sfmz3
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ZZZEMMCO
- Z Register organiser
- Joined: Wed 19 Nov, 2003 13:55
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- Location: Motown = Milton Keynes
Things to come!!
Good Luck Adam, following most of the posted advice, you are nearly there.Just think, if one day you graduate to a Tech 1st Class, you will have friends for life, everyone wanting your good advice.Perhaps you will be so good, you will follow in the footsteps of the 2 BMW Technicians, who Beat 6800+ tech,s from all over the BMW World to be NO 1.They are "BRITS"(SO why dont they work in MY dealers??).
Gary isnt joking , the next generation of cars Will be Serviced by NASA.Trade insiders say, executive cars are SO complicated, when they reach 7-8 years old, you will get one ,in a Buy New-- get 1 Free !!!!!.
Gary isnt joking , the next generation of cars Will be Serviced by NASA.Trade insiders say, executive cars are SO complicated, when they reach 7-8 years old, you will get one ,in a Buy New-- get 1 Free !!!!!.
safetyfast
good luck
as long as you come over friendly and keen to do the job and to learn, then you should have no probs. can only speak of my own interviews but i would assume most are the same.
my pa always told me you can't go wrong with a white shirt and a blue or red classic tie.
Good luck and hope all goes well.
my pa always told me you can't go wrong with a white shirt and a blue or red classic tie.
Good luck and hope all goes well.
Dan
Audi TT Mk2 3.2 Quattro S-tronic
Maldives Blue Z4 3.0 - no more
Ocean Blue Boxster gone..
Z3 Atlanta Blue 2.8 less - The Zedster is gone!
Audi TT Mk2 3.2 Quattro S-tronic
Maldives Blue Z4 3.0 - no more
Ocean Blue Boxster gone..
Z3 Atlanta Blue 2.8 less - The Zedster is gone!
Thanks to everyone who has replied.
I'm currently going over some revision exercises for maths, physics & electronics just to refresh my mind for the assessment.
When I was at school, for my work experience I worked at Wiggins BMW for two weeks and loved every moment of it. After completing my GCSE’s (A in Electronics, B in IT and all the others), I wanted to apply for an apprentice position but I didn’t as Wiggins was moving and merging with Scotthall in Southampton which was to far to for me travel. I went to college and studied a BTEC ND in Computer Studies for 2 years. After that, I took a year and half out and am currently studying full web development.
I’ve helped my father service his cars over the last few years including his E34. I think I have a good knowledge of BMW’s - in the way of models, engines available, BMW technology PDC - Parking Distance Control etc. I always keep upto date reading BMW Car & Total BMW magazines (don’t think much of Performance BMW) as well as Evo, Car and AutoCar mags.
It would be a dream come true, if I’m successfully as I only want to work for BMW.
Either way I’m still going to get a 328i Sport then in a few years after that either a post2001 M Roadster or a M3 SMG.
Thanks again to everyone.
Now which tie do I wear with my suit the red or blue?
And do I take apple or jam doughnuts?
Adam
I'm currently going over some revision exercises for maths, physics & electronics just to refresh my mind for the assessment.
When I was at school, for my work experience I worked at Wiggins BMW for two weeks and loved every moment of it. After completing my GCSE’s (A in Electronics, B in IT and all the others), I wanted to apply for an apprentice position but I didn’t as Wiggins was moving and merging with Scotthall in Southampton which was to far to for me travel. I went to college and studied a BTEC ND in Computer Studies for 2 years. After that, I took a year and half out and am currently studying full web development.
I’ve helped my father service his cars over the last few years including his E34. I think I have a good knowledge of BMW’s - in the way of models, engines available, BMW technology PDC - Parking Distance Control etc. I always keep upto date reading BMW Car & Total BMW magazines (don’t think much of Performance BMW) as well as Evo, Car and AutoCar mags.
It would be a dream come true, if I’m successfully as I only want to work for BMW.
Either way I’m still going to get a 328i Sport then in a few years after that either a post2001 M Roadster or a M3 SMG.
Thanks again to everyone.
Now which tie do I wear with my suit the red or blue?
And do I take apple or jam doughnuts?
Adam
Last edited by ADD on Tue 05 Apr, 2005 23:59, edited 4 times in total.
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Madeira Jon
- Joined: Sat 08 Nov, 2003 20:44
- Posts: 257
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- Location: Barnard Castle
Add
"Mein Gott I see it all now, E=MC Cubed"
This is a true story, (sort of) When Einstein died the only person by his bed was a nurse who didn't understand German. Asd he was dying he uttered his last words which the nurse, of course couldn't understand. My theory is that what he actually said was.I'm currently going over some revision exercises for math,
"Mein Gott I see it all now, E=MC Cubed"
Even if the voices aren't real, they have some pretty good ideas
Just letting everyone know how I got on. There were 4 other people taking the assessment, two of them not making any effort as they were wearing jeans & trainers.
The assessment lasted about 3 hours, there were 5 tests Maths, English, can’t remember correct names of the other three but they were things like sequences, flat boxes, shapes, gears etc.
I think I did quite well as I didn’t find any of them too tricky but I thought the Maths test was harder than the others.
The dealership has about 20 people taking the assessment, after the results, they will narrow it down to 3 people. They will interview those selected, then they may set another assessment followed by a week’s work experience.
I’ll find out if I’ve been successful for the next stage in about a week.
Keeping my fingers crossed…
Adam
The assessment lasted about 3 hours, there were 5 tests Maths, English, can’t remember correct names of the other three but they were things like sequences, flat boxes, shapes, gears etc.
I think I did quite well as I didn’t find any of them too tricky but I thought the Maths test was harder than the others.
The dealership has about 20 people taking the assessment, after the results, they will narrow it down to 3 people. They will interview those selected, then they may set another assessment followed by a week’s work experience.
I’ll find out if I’ve been successful for the next stage in about a week.
Keeping my fingers crossed…
Adam
Hi all,
Woke up this morning, turned on my mobile, had a voice mail message. It was the BMW dealership asking me to give them a ring. So I did, only 5 people passed the test which I was one off. 3 off those people passed to a very high standard and I was one of those too!!!
The dealership wants me to come in for a weeks work experience which I will be starting a week on Monday the 7th of June.
I still can’t believe I passed to a very high standard and I can’t wait to start the weeks work experience!
Thanks to everyone who replied, wished me luck and crossed their fingers.
Still need some more luck to get through the next stage…fingers crossed again…
Adam
Woke up this morning, turned on my mobile, had a voice mail message. It was the BMW dealership asking me to give them a ring. So I did, only 5 people passed the test which I was one off. 3 off those people passed to a very high standard and I was one of those too!!!
The dealership wants me to come in for a weeks work experience which I will be starting a week on Monday the 7th of June.
I still can’t believe I passed to a very high standard and I can’t wait to start the weeks work experience!
Thanks to everyone who replied, wished me luck and crossed their fingers.
Still need some more luck to get through the next stage…fingers crossed again…
Adam
Last edited by ADD on Fri 16 Jul, 2004 18:05, edited 3 times in total.
Nice one Adam - seriously well done! Obviously the way you have approached this is correct - so carry on in that vein and you should be fineADD wrote:Hi all,
Woke up this morning, turned on my mobile, had a voice mail message. It was the BMW dealership asking me to give them a ring. So I did, only 5 people passed the test which I was one off. 3 off those people passed to a very high standard and I was one of those too!!!
The dealership wants me to come in for a week’s work experience which I will be starting a week on Monday the 7th of June.
I still can’t believe I passed to a very high standard and I can’t wait to start the week's work experience!
Thanks to everyone who replied, wished me luck and crossed their fingers.
Still need some more luck to get throught the next stage…fingers crossed again…
Adam
Fantastic news Adam - well done!! I hope the work experience proves to be a good week - go on lad knock their socks off
So few people these days seem to have the drive and enthusiasm to pursue their dreams....bloody good on you!!
So few people these days seem to have the drive and enthusiasm to pursue their dreams....bloody good on you!!
Larri ......Va Va Vrooooom!
Danger - Blonde with Attitude, light blue touch paper.......and remove yourself from area - sharpish
Danger - Blonde with Attitude, light blue touch paper.......and remove yourself from area - sharpish
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Neal(2.8Roadster)
- Joined: Tue 18 May, 2004 09:55
- Posts: 255
- Location: York
Nice one Adam, Glad it went well, hope it continues to do so.
Your work experience week will be a great time to show you are the right person for the role, You are clearly enthusiastic and keen to get on (rarity in most people it seems, jeans and trainers for an interview
)
And you have already proven to them you have the aptitude fro the job, all you need to do now is show them you have the right attitude too.
Go for it mate !
Your work experience week will be a great time to show you are the right person for the role, You are clearly enthusiastic and keen to get on (rarity in most people it seems, jeans and trainers for an interview
)And you have already proven to them you have the aptitude fro the job, all you need to do now is show them you have the right attitude too.
Go for it mate !
Congratulations!!
Although with a positive attitude, you'll never last.
Although with a positive attitude, you'll never last.
Ciao,
Spokey
Spokey
jackal on PH wrote:i love your profile... an endless pornographic paroxysm of the letters BMW
do you actually like driving at all or are cars to you just a manifestation of some sort of pathological mother complex ?
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ZZZEMMCO
- Z Register organiser
- Joined: Wed 19 Nov, 2003 13:55
- Posts: 1135
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- Location: Motown = Milton Keynes
Its Zroadster Family!!!!!!!!
Adam, Are we proud of YOU, or what??Top 3 eh, What would one expect ?? You must agree, we sort of------ honed you to near perfection, gave you all the Tech Knowledge-THE How its done stuff AG style, we DO have connections-22nd Floor of the 4 cylinder building @ petuelring-Munchen, not trying to put you under any pressure!!!!! last thing on our minds---BUT--if you could see your way to getting us booked in for an Insp 2 service, that YOU would carry out, YOUR Family would appreciate it. safetyfast
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Glasgow2.8
- Joined: Fri 07 Nov, 2003 19:02
- Posts: 286
- Location: Glasgow
nice one!
'99 (v) 2.8
<img src="http://www.geocities.com/apmcgreal/smtechno1.jpg" width=350 height=120>
<img src="http://www.geocities.com/apmcgreal/smtechno1.jpg" width=350 height=120>
Hi all,
I had my first day of my work experience at the dealership. I was the only one taking part for the work experience. When I asked about the other two I didn’t really get an answer. So I don’t know if the others are coming in the following weeks after me or not…maybe I’m at the top of their list? Well I hope so.
Anyway, I was working with a Technician, who has been at the dealership for over 12 years. I assisted him with the following cars;
• Z3 1.9 – Which had a problem with the bottom right side of the rubber seal on the window of the hood. The hood lining had come out and needed to be pushed back under the rubber.
• E39 520i – The front windscreen washer jets didn’t work. In the end it was the washer pump that needed to be replaced.
• E46 325i coupe – The passenger’s side window made a really bad noise when moving up or down. The window regulator was replaced.
• E36 316i coupe – The driver’s side rear window rubber seal was replaced.
• E85 Z4 3.0 – Problem with the tracker, as it kept going off when the car was safely parked. We had to find the tracker as it should be in one of two places but we were told it was somewhere else which it wasn’t. It was found but it was a Horizon model and the technician I was with wasn’t trained with that type. The technician who fitted it was away on training, so it won’t get looked at until he’s back on Friday.
• E36 316i compact – Just had a normal oil service.
All the technicians were really nice and friendly. They seemed impressed that I new the entire model code range (eg E63 – New Six), what Vanos was and how the basics of how it worked and other little things. As in the passed they have had other people for work experience who only knew a BMW was a car which had four wheels.
I enjoyed every minute of the day. I was in heaven at one point where I saw 4 carbon black E46 M3’s, a carbon black M3 CSL & carbon black E39 M5 all together.
Guest what? I can’t wait to go in tomorrow!
Adam
I had my first day of my work experience at the dealership. I was the only one taking part for the work experience. When I asked about the other two I didn’t really get an answer. So I don’t know if the others are coming in the following weeks after me or not…maybe I’m at the top of their list? Well I hope so.
Anyway, I was working with a Technician, who has been at the dealership for over 12 years. I assisted him with the following cars;
• Z3 1.9 – Which had a problem with the bottom right side of the rubber seal on the window of the hood. The hood lining had come out and needed to be pushed back under the rubber.
• E39 520i – The front windscreen washer jets didn’t work. In the end it was the washer pump that needed to be replaced.
• E46 325i coupe – The passenger’s side window made a really bad noise when moving up or down. The window regulator was replaced.
• E36 316i coupe – The driver’s side rear window rubber seal was replaced.
• E85 Z4 3.0 – Problem with the tracker, as it kept going off when the car was safely parked. We had to find the tracker as it should be in one of two places but we were told it was somewhere else which it wasn’t. It was found but it was a Horizon model and the technician I was with wasn’t trained with that type. The technician who fitted it was away on training, so it won’t get looked at until he’s back on Friday.
• E36 316i compact – Just had a normal oil service.
All the technicians were really nice and friendly. They seemed impressed that I new the entire model code range (eg E63 – New Six), what Vanos was and how the basics of how it worked and other little things. As in the passed they have had other people for work experience who only knew a BMW was a car which had four wheels.
I enjoyed every minute of the day. I was in heaven at one point where I saw 4 carbon black E46 M3’s, a carbon black M3 CSL & carbon black E39 M5 all together.
Guest what? I can’t wait to go in tomorrow!
Adam
Interesting 1st day
so much work and only 1 normal service!
Glad to hear your enjoying yourself so much - what a great opportunity.
Takes me back to being an apprentice (Halton airframes & propulsion) engineer in the RAF, they wouldn't let me near the helicopters for real for at least a couple of weeks - after 3 years training! It was so frustrating and so SCARY - lives dependent on me and all that. Best motivation ever was having to test the kit yourself - you make sure it's perfect believe me.
BTW, Got my application in for the RAC now!
Glad to hear your enjoying yourself so much - what a great opportunity.
Takes me back to being an apprentice (Halton airframes & propulsion) engineer in the RAF, they wouldn't let me near the helicopters for real for at least a couple of weeks - after 3 years training! It was so frustrating and so SCARY - lives dependent on me and all that. Best motivation ever was having to test the kit yourself - you make sure it's perfect believe me.
BTW, Got my application in for the RAC now!
someone in a minority once wrote:I know I'm in a minority
Hi all,
Day 2 of my work experience. Well I didn’t have the best of starts to the morning as I had to sweep up the car park, as the managing director of all 3 BMW branches was coming in. It was only an hour’s work, I made no fuss when asked and did a very good job as I always try to do. (I was told later that the people who wash/clean the cars where meant to do it and I shouldn’t have been asked).
I assisted the same Technician as the day before and will do so, for the rest of the week. I assisted him with the following cars;
• Mini Cooper S – The customer was complaining about a vibrating noise coming from the boot. Last week the car had the rear lock replaced as it is a common fault on the early Mini’s for making a noise. Next thing was to adjust the rubber mounts on the boot. The car was then road tested and we couldn’t hear anything (I’ve never been in a Mini before, I was very impress at how quiet it was and the fact that Cooper S did feel pretty nippy).
• E38 728i – Had the anti-freeze replaced, new wipers and brake fluid replaced.
• E30 316 – New bonnet strut and two new gearbox seals.
• E36 320i convertible – Driver’s window wouldn’t go up or down, so a new window motor was installed.
• E36 316i – Had a back fire when car was cold, plug cable one had corroded.
• E46 318i – Needed new discs + pads as the car had been standing still for 6 months as it was a company car for HSBC.
I’ve learnt loads of things from the technician, he’s always explaining things and answers every question I’ve asked.
Tomorrow should be another good day!
Adam
Day 2 of my work experience. Well I didn’t have the best of starts to the morning as I had to sweep up the car park, as the managing director of all 3 BMW branches was coming in. It was only an hour’s work, I made no fuss when asked and did a very good job as I always try to do. (I was told later that the people who wash/clean the cars where meant to do it and I shouldn’t have been asked).
I assisted the same Technician as the day before and will do so, for the rest of the week. I assisted him with the following cars;
• Mini Cooper S – The customer was complaining about a vibrating noise coming from the boot. Last week the car had the rear lock replaced as it is a common fault on the early Mini’s for making a noise. Next thing was to adjust the rubber mounts on the boot. The car was then road tested and we couldn’t hear anything (I’ve never been in a Mini before, I was very impress at how quiet it was and the fact that Cooper S did feel pretty nippy).
• E38 728i – Had the anti-freeze replaced, new wipers and brake fluid replaced.
• E30 316 – New bonnet strut and two new gearbox seals.
• E36 320i convertible – Driver’s window wouldn’t go up or down, so a new window motor was installed.
• E36 316i – Had a back fire when car was cold, plug cable one had corroded.
• E46 318i – Needed new discs + pads as the car had been standing still for 6 months as it was a company car for HSBC.
I’ve learnt loads of things from the technician, he’s always explaining things and answers every question I’ve asked.
Tomorrow should be another good day!
Adam
Last edited by ADD on Fri 16 Jul, 2004 18:11, edited 1 time in total.
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Neal(2.8Roadster)
- Joined: Tue 18 May, 2004 09:55
- Posts: 255
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- Location: York
Adam,
Sounds like you are doing great, and struck lucky by working with someone who will explain things and answer questions.
Sweeping the carpark sounds like a dull hour, but at least you got on and and did it without moaning (like many would) that certainly wont work against you !
keep it up mate, glad you are enjoying it !
Sounds like you are doing great, and struck lucky by working with someone who will explain things and answer questions.
Sweeping the carpark sounds like a dull hour, but at least you got on and and did it without moaning (like many would) that certainly wont work against you !
keep it up mate, glad you are enjoying it !
Hi all,
Day 3 of my work experience. I assisted same technician with the following cars;
• E38 740i – The battery would go flat if the car was not driven for a few day. The alternator and battery were both working fine. An E38 should only use so much power when its asleep/standby mode. We found that the car was using more power than it should be, meaning something was still running when the car was in standby. All the fuses were removed from the front of the car but this didn’t change anything. So we removed the fuses in the boot and found that removing the car phone fuse fixed the problem. But the car didn’t have a car phone fitted…? We tested all the systems on the car to see if everything was working and found that the TV/SatNav monitor didn’t work. Put the fuse back in and it worked again. Then the technician noticed that the car had Traffic Master and sometimes these cause problems. Unplugged TM and the standby power level dropped to the normal level. The TM is connected to the car phone wiring, so that’s why the level dropped when the fuse was removed and the monitor stopped working.
• Z3 2.8 – Inspection1
• E36 316i – Inspection1
• E36 318i – New front discs and pads.
• E36 328i – New AC compressor and Vee belt.
I had another very enjoyable day and learnt loads of new things from the technician again.
Oh yeah…a customer had ordered a new Mini Cooper S with an upgraded body kit. The body kit was fitted to the car at the dealership before going out. The old body kit was left out on ground in the corner of the work shop all day until I was helping tidy up and was told to put it in the skip. I couldn’t believe it would end up in the skip! What a waste.
I’m getting a bit nervous now, as I’m passed the half way point of the week and only have two days left before it ends and find out if they want me.
Adam
Day 3 of my work experience. I assisted same technician with the following cars;
• E38 740i – The battery would go flat if the car was not driven for a few day. The alternator and battery were both working fine. An E38 should only use so much power when its asleep/standby mode. We found that the car was using more power than it should be, meaning something was still running when the car was in standby. All the fuses were removed from the front of the car but this didn’t change anything. So we removed the fuses in the boot and found that removing the car phone fuse fixed the problem. But the car didn’t have a car phone fitted…? We tested all the systems on the car to see if everything was working and found that the TV/SatNav monitor didn’t work. Put the fuse back in and it worked again. Then the technician noticed that the car had Traffic Master and sometimes these cause problems. Unplugged TM and the standby power level dropped to the normal level. The TM is connected to the car phone wiring, so that’s why the level dropped when the fuse was removed and the monitor stopped working.
• Z3 2.8 – Inspection1
• E36 316i – Inspection1
• E36 318i – New front discs and pads.
• E36 328i – New AC compressor and Vee belt.
I had another very enjoyable day and learnt loads of new things from the technician again.
Oh yeah…a customer had ordered a new Mini Cooper S with an upgraded body kit. The body kit was fitted to the car at the dealership before going out. The old body kit was left out on ground in the corner of the work shop all day until I was helping tidy up and was told to put it in the skip. I couldn’t believe it would end up in the skip! What a waste.
I’m getting a bit nervous now, as I’m passed the half way point of the week and only have two days left before it ends and find out if they want me.
Adam
Last edited by ADD on Fri 16 Jul, 2004 18:15, edited 1 time in total.
I haven't felt this nervous since I did exams at school.
Good luck Adam and make sure you keep us posted about how it works out, you fancy moving down to our local BMW dealer and working on my car.... you should, as it sounds as if you know a lot more about BMW's than the chaps at the local dealer do.
Good luck.
Good luck Adam and make sure you keep us posted about how it works out, you fancy moving down to our local BMW dealer and working on my car.... you should, as it sounds as if you know a lot more about BMW's than the chaps at the local dealer do.
Good luck.
Odds on Adam staying in
Evens at worst I think.
Top lad.
Can't wait for tonights installment.
Top lad.
Can't wait for tonights installment.
someone in a minority once wrote:I know I'm in a minority
Hi all,
Day 4 of my work experience. I assisted same technician with the following cars;
• E46 320d Touring – Had a PDI (Pre-delivery inspection) everything was fine.
• E46 330i Coupe – The driver’s outer door handle didn’t work. It’s a common fault on the early models, as a plastic clip can pop out and the cable stops working. A new one isn’t needed to be fitted but one is fitted anyway. The new one is just the same as the old one but has a tie clip over the plastic clip so it won’t pop out.
The computer reported that the passenger’s front side pillar airbag had to high resistant. So a new airbag was fitted, this means taking out the whole dash and roof lining. Everyone was surprised that airbag had a fault, as its never happen before. This took some time as you can imagine…
• E36 318i – Had a new alternator belt fitted.
• E60 530i – Used car inspection. At last working on a next generation BMW! We went out for a test drive (never been out in one before or seen anything more than the outside in real life), the five was fitted with Active Steering, SatNav, voice control etc. Watching and speaking to the technician as he steered around some corners you could easily see how sharp/precise the steering was…it may also have something to do with those front 245 18” and rear 275 18” tyres (that’s the same as an E39 M5!).
I had a good play with the iDrive and found it well easy to use (people who can’t use it must not be too bright).
I thought the dash may look bad from some of the photos I’ve seen but I really do like the look of it, so much better when you see it in real life. But I still think the E46 & E39 have the best designs (with the widescreen monitor fitted). The new six has the best design of all the next generations BMWs as the centre of the dash is angled back towards the driver. I really like the look of the body of the new five and specially the front but it’s a shame the rear wheel looks smaller than the front.
I could go on about my thoughts on the new five and stuff I’ve learnt but it would be quite a lot, so I think I’ll stop while I’m ahead.
I notice some people on the forum thought it was funny about people taking their car to the dealership for some such things as a light bulb or top up of washer fluid. So I asked the technician what was the most awkward/funny customer…be prepared for the unbelievable…
A customer bought a new E46. He spent the whole day looking over it at the dealer ship before driving it home (most people spend an hour learning the basic functions of the car). He wouldn’t let anyone fit the leather BMW key ring to the key just in case some scratched it. He wouldn’t let anyone fit the number plate. After he was given his number plate he complained that the spacing wasn’t correct, so the company who make the number plates made another for dealer to give to him. He still wasn’t happy. So the company who made the number plates recalibrated their software and made him a new number plate. Still wasn’t happy, so the company who made the machines for making the number plates, made him a number…guest what…still not happy but nothing else could be done.
His next problem was, when he looked in the grill of his 3 series he could see a screw that had a bit of paint missing, the dealer replaced the screw. But the sad thing was, that you could only see the screw if you were lying on the ground!
After that he took a digital photo of his car and said he could see that the driver’s front wing was a different colour to the rest of the car. BMW came to the dealership and checked the thickness of the paint using a special tool, found the paint was a fraction thiner on the wing. So in the end BMW gave him a new car...
I’m enjoying everyday more and more!
Last day tomorrow and I don’t think I’ll find out if I’ve been successful on Friday as I think the technician I’ve been assisting will have to seat down and speak to the service manager. But I expect the technician not to stop working tomorrow as the dealership has been very busy as one technician was on training and another off ill. I’ve never had a conversation with the service manager (well only over the phone to organize the work experience), she doesn’t seam interested in speaking to me which I find weird.
Anyway I’ll find out what tomorrow will bring tomorrow…
Adam
Day 4 of my work experience. I assisted same technician with the following cars;
• E46 320d Touring – Had a PDI (Pre-delivery inspection) everything was fine.
• E46 330i Coupe – The driver’s outer door handle didn’t work. It’s a common fault on the early models, as a plastic clip can pop out and the cable stops working. A new one isn’t needed to be fitted but one is fitted anyway. The new one is just the same as the old one but has a tie clip over the plastic clip so it won’t pop out.
The computer reported that the passenger’s front side pillar airbag had to high resistant. So a new airbag was fitted, this means taking out the whole dash and roof lining. Everyone was surprised that airbag had a fault, as its never happen before. This took some time as you can imagine…
• E36 318i – Had a new alternator belt fitted.
• E60 530i – Used car inspection. At last working on a next generation BMW! We went out for a test drive (never been out in one before or seen anything more than the outside in real life), the five was fitted with Active Steering, SatNav, voice control etc. Watching and speaking to the technician as he steered around some corners you could easily see how sharp/precise the steering was…it may also have something to do with those front 245 18” and rear 275 18” tyres (that’s the same as an E39 M5!).
I had a good play with the iDrive and found it well easy to use (people who can’t use it must not be too bright).
I thought the dash may look bad from some of the photos I’ve seen but I really do like the look of it, so much better when you see it in real life. But I still think the E46 & E39 have the best designs (with the widescreen monitor fitted). The new six has the best design of all the next generations BMWs as the centre of the dash is angled back towards the driver. I really like the look of the body of the new five and specially the front but it’s a shame the rear wheel looks smaller than the front.
I could go on about my thoughts on the new five and stuff I’ve learnt but it would be quite a lot, so I think I’ll stop while I’m ahead.
I notice some people on the forum thought it was funny about people taking their car to the dealership for some such things as a light bulb or top up of washer fluid. So I asked the technician what was the most awkward/funny customer…be prepared for the unbelievable…
A customer bought a new E46. He spent the whole day looking over it at the dealer ship before driving it home (most people spend an hour learning the basic functions of the car). He wouldn’t let anyone fit the leather BMW key ring to the key just in case some scratched it. He wouldn’t let anyone fit the number plate. After he was given his number plate he complained that the spacing wasn’t correct, so the company who make the number plates made another for dealer to give to him. He still wasn’t happy. So the company who made the number plates recalibrated their software and made him a new number plate. Still wasn’t happy, so the company who made the machines for making the number plates, made him a number…guest what…still not happy but nothing else could be done.
His next problem was, when he looked in the grill of his 3 series he could see a screw that had a bit of paint missing, the dealer replaced the screw. But the sad thing was, that you could only see the screw if you were lying on the ground!
After that he took a digital photo of his car and said he could see that the driver’s front wing was a different colour to the rest of the car. BMW came to the dealership and checked the thickness of the paint using a special tool, found the paint was a fraction thiner on the wing. So in the end BMW gave him a new car...
I’m enjoying everyday more and more!
Last day tomorrow and I don’t think I’ll find out if I’ve been successful on Friday as I think the technician I’ve been assisting will have to seat down and speak to the service manager. But I expect the technician not to stop working tomorrow as the dealership has been very busy as one technician was on training and another off ill. I’ve never had a conversation with the service manager (well only over the phone to organize the work experience), she doesn’t seam interested in speaking to me which I find weird.
Anyway I’ll find out what tomorrow will bring tomorrow…
Adam
Last edited by ADD on Wed 06 Apr, 2005 00:03, edited 3 times in total.
Adam .....that E46 owner 
I sincerely hope you get in - I think it willl be brilliant having a bloke "on the inside"
Have a great day today....oh and I wouldn't worry about the ignorance of the service manager - can't be worrying about the minions (women in high places and all that 
)
I sincerely hope you get in - I think it willl be brilliant having a bloke "on the inside"
Have a great day today....oh and I wouldn't worry about the ignorance of the service manager - can't be worrying about the minions (women in high places and all that
)Larri ......Va Va Vrooooom!
Danger - Blonde with Attitude, light blue touch paper.......and remove yourself from area - sharpish
Danger - Blonde with Attitude, light blue touch paper.......and remove yourself from area - sharpish
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ZZZEMMCO
- Z Register organiser
- Joined: Wed 19 Nov, 2003 13:55
- Posts: 1135
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- Location: Motown = Milton Keynes
Inside "Knowledge"
Adam, your Diary shows an interesting and varied week, lots of different problems to solve.How one deals with the E46 owner, and the Grill screw & plates is another thing.Perhaps plug Him into the Computer for a quick Re-Programme(No threat is implied Or suggested)
AS always, --Two sides to lots of problems.
AS always, --Two sides to lots of problems.
safetyfast
Hi all,
Day 5 and my final day of my work experience. I assisted same technician with the following cars;
• E46 320i – Had a PDI (Pre-delivery inspection) everything was fine.
• Mini 1.6 – Had a new windscreen fitted.
• Z3 3.0 (2002 model) – Used car inspection and MOT.
We went out for a road test. I’ve never been out in a Z3 before and have always wanted to go out in one, as I fancy getting an M Roadster one day. We started off with the hood up and the road/wind noise level was fine as I’ve always been a bit worried that it maybe too noisy to live with. We stopped and dropped the hood and ragged off from a stand still…you all should have seen the smile on my face ! I couldn’t stop smiling as we accelerated into the corners, with the wind blowing the top of hair, the sun shining, the sound of the straight six and the tone of the exhaust! It makes me want an M roadster even more now! It would be brilliant if someone could take me out for a spin in an M Roadster...? (a post 2001 model would be even better), so I can feel what the extra 90+BHP over a 3.0 and upgraded suspension feels like…..
• E46 320d Touring – Used car inspection
As the day was starting to end, no one told me what was going to happen, so at 3.30pm I asked the assistant service manager if the service manager would have a chat with me. He said go and find her at 5 to have a chat. So at 5 I went to her office, but the service manager wasn’t there. I waited ten minutes before I saw her walking past…then another five minutes before she came and spoke to me.
I asked what was going to happen next and she said that the other two people are going to do a weeks work experience. After that they will make their decision from the feed back from technician and other factors but she said that the dealership wants to take on someone at the end of the month and someone at the end of the year. So they are taking 2 people out of 3 on. Also she said that the man from BMW who set the assessment said that because the three of us scored so highly on the assessment, that he will keep the third persons details and try and find them a place at another BMW dealership as they don’t want to lose that third person to another brand.
I am disappointed that the service manager hasn’t be bothered/shown any interest in me, as I remember the service manager at Wiggins was very good and friendly. I found out that the service manager at the dealership has only been in charge since January and has upset all the technicians as all she is only bothered about how quickly cars (targets & figures) are out of the workshop. She held a meeting with all the technicians and said they were all crap. The next day one technician handed in his notice, another is leaving in 12 days, another has applied for another job and few others are looking for other jobs.
I still really really want to be successful and work for the BMW dealership but I think better people skills are needed at the management level.
I said my thanks/good byes to all the technicians and they all hoped to see me again, as did I.
I’ll find out if I’ve been successful in the next 2/3 weeks…fingers crossed once more…
Thanks again to everyone for their coments and support.
Adam
Day 5 and my final day of my work experience. I assisted same technician with the following cars;
• E46 320i – Had a PDI (Pre-delivery inspection) everything was fine.
• Mini 1.6 – Had a new windscreen fitted.
• Z3 3.0 (2002 model) – Used car inspection and MOT.
We went out for a road test. I’ve never been out in a Z3 before and have always wanted to go out in one, as I fancy getting an M Roadster one day. We started off with the hood up and the road/wind noise level was fine as I’ve always been a bit worried that it maybe too noisy to live with. We stopped and dropped the hood and ragged off from a stand still…you all should have seen the smile on my face
! I couldn’t stop smiling as we accelerated into the corners, with the wind blowing the top of hair, the sun shining, the sound of the straight six and the tone of the exhaust! It makes me want an M roadster even more now! It would be brilliant if someone could take me out for a spin in an M Roadster...? (a post 2001 model would be even better), so I can feel what the extra 90+BHP over a 3.0 and upgraded suspension feels like…..• E46 320d Touring – Used car inspection
As the day was starting to end, no one told me what was going to happen, so at 3.30pm I asked the assistant service manager if the service manager would have a chat with me. He said go and find her at 5 to have a chat. So at 5 I went to her office, but the service manager wasn’t there. I waited ten minutes before I saw her walking past…then another five minutes before she came and spoke to me.
I asked what was going to happen next and she said that the other two people are going to do a weeks work experience. After that they will make their decision from the feed back from technician and other factors but she said that the dealership wants to take on someone at the end of the month and someone at the end of the year. So they are taking 2 people out of 3 on. Also she said that the man from BMW who set the assessment said that because the three of us scored so highly on the assessment, that he will keep the third persons details and try and find them a place at another BMW dealership as they don’t want to lose that third person to another brand.
I am disappointed that the service manager hasn’t be bothered/shown any interest in me, as I remember the service manager at Wiggins was very good and friendly. I found out that the service manager at the dealership has only been in charge since January and has upset all the technicians as all she is only bothered about how quickly cars (targets & figures) are out of the workshop. She held a meeting with all the technicians and said they were all crap. The next day one technician handed in his notice, another is leaving in 12 days, another has applied for another job and few others are looking for other jobs.
I still really really want to be successful and work for the BMW dealership but I think better people skills are needed at the management level.
I said my thanks/good byes to all the technicians and they all hoped to see me again, as did I.
I’ll find out if I’ve been successful in the next 2/3 weeks…fingers crossed once more…
Thanks again to everyone for their coments and support.
Adam
Last edited by ADD on Fri 16 Jul, 2004 18:32, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks Adam
We're all gonna miss your reports, but so thrilled you had the pleasure of the roadster experience. We're all (mostly) hooked.
Let us know what happens at the end of the month, unless we read the front page;
"BMW Service Manager Killed in I-Drive incident"
Sounds more than likely to me. If there's one thing you can be sure of is that the Service Manager will be attracting rather a lot of attention if that's the approach to the Teccies. BMW garages mare more in aftersales than they do in new cars!
Cheers and have a good weekend, sounds like you've earned it.
Let us know what happens at the end of the month, unless we read the front page;
"BMW Service Manager Killed in I-Drive incident"
Sounds more than likely to me. If there's one thing you can be sure of is that the Service Manager will be attracting rather a lot of attention if that's the approach to the Teccies. BMW garages mare more in aftersales than they do in new cars!
Cheers and have a good weekend, sounds like you've earned it.
someone in a minority once wrote:I know I'm in a minority
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Guest
Adam,
I have to say that I have found your reports fascinating reading.
Attitude is everything when you're new and inexperienced and from what I can see, your attitude is spot on. You'll go far wherever you land, lets just hope the people at your current dealer are smart enough to see that.
Best of luck, I hope you get it, it would be nice to read some more reports
Simon
I have to say that I have found your reports fascinating reading.
Attitude is everything when you're new and inexperienced and from what I can see, your attitude is spot on. You'll go far wherever you land, lets just hope the people at your current dealer are smart enough to see that.
Best of luck, I hope you get it, it would be nice to read some more reports
Simon
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ZZZEMMCO
- Z Register organiser
- Joined: Wed 19 Nov, 2003 13:55
- Posts: 1135
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- Location: Motown = Milton Keynes
A Great Future
Well done Adam, your work experience was just the begining, in finding out If you could be Happy, in that profession.You have already answered that, so now have more choice,s than you did before.Having a service manager like the one you met, was also a good experience, in poor people motivation.One needs to always encourage your"Team"and bring out their sometimes hidden talents, which benifits the team, its manager and the Clients.You have many Dealerships to choose from, and opportunities to be noticed as perhaps, management potential , Good Luck.
safetyfast
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'MC' MarkC
- Joined: Wed 11 Feb, 2004 10:36
- Posts: 415
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- Location: Harlow
- Contact:
Along with everyone else, I've really enjoyed reading your reports .
Given your great input into the forum, and obvious enthusiasm for the marque (especially Zeds
), I'm sure that if you ask nicely( ) you could come along and cadge a ride with somebody on a cruise.
I'd gladly offer you a seat in mine (although you'd have to stick your head out of the window for the 'wind-in-your-hair' effect ), but you'd have to fight Angie for it first 
.
. Given your great input into the forum, and obvious enthusiasm for the marque (especially Zeds
), I'm sure that if you ask nicely( ) you could come along and cadge a ride with somebody on a cruise.I'd gladly offer you a seat in mine (although you'd have to stick your head out of the window for the 'wind-in-your-hair' effect
), but you'd have to fight Angie for it first .ACS susp., exhaust, wheels, short-shift +decat (Supersprint)+CF intake with K&N, remapped ECU, Strong-strutt. Piranha carbon-metallic clutch, EBC Grooved & Dimpled+Redstuff Ceramics. ACS pedals, gearknob & handbrake, stick-on plates.
Hi all,
Last Friday was 3 weeks since I finished my weeks work experience…I hadn’t heard anything. Today I phoned the dealership and spoke to the service manager who has just come back from a holiday. She said that she will be speaking to the man from BMW GB and I should find out by the end of the week.
The last 3 weeks have lasted about 3 years! But as they say “good things come to those who wait” …still waiting….
Well, I better keep busy…and there’s nothing better than reading about the new M5!
http://www.bmwm5.com/articles/m5e60/pre ... lease.html
And trying to convince my dad to sell half the back garden to replace his E34 with an E60 M5…
I’ll let everyone know as soon as I do.
Cheers
Adam
Photos of the new M5 looking stunning! Only if they where in a higher resolution.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=43592
Last Friday was 3 weeks since I finished my weeks work experience…I hadn’t heard anything. Today I phoned the dealership and spoke to the service manager who has just come back from a holiday. She said that she will be speaking to the man from BMW GB and I should find out by the end of the week.
The last 3 weeks have lasted about 3 years! But as they say “good things come to those who wait” …still waiting….
Well, I better keep busy…and there’s nothing better than reading about the new M5!
http://www.bmwm5.com/articles/m5e60/pre ... lease.html
And trying to convince my dad to sell half the back garden to replace his E34 with an E60 M5…
I’ll let everyone know as soon as I do.
Cheers
Adam
Photos of the new M5 looking stunning! Only if they where in a higher resolution.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=43592
Last edited by ADD on Wed 06 Apr, 2005 00:04, edited 2 times in total.
Good Luck Adam
With the job and the replacement car
Keep us posted.
Keep us posted.
someone in a minority once wrote:I know I'm in a minority
Bad news
Hi all,
Well, as I said that I would let everyone know the outcome, here it is…
I got my letter in the post this morning and it’s bad new. I’ve been unsuccessful.
I didn’t even get the second place at the dealership. In the letter they said that ‘BMW GB will keep your details on file and may contact you if any other dealerships in your area are seeking Apprentice Technicians, as it is obvious from your scores that you would be a valuable asset to the BMW network’.
I’m so gutted.
What do I have to do to get into BMW?
I just feel lost, I don’t know what I want to do career wise, after being so near to my dream job. I’ll have to carry on with something to do with the IT world.
I know that another position won’t come up in the near future and if it did, would I get in? Well I didn’t this time, so I’m unlikely to next time.
Thanks again to everyone for their support and comments.
Well, at least I have the F1 to watch this weekend which is something to look forward to.
Adam
Well, as I said that I would let everyone know the outcome, here it is…
I got my letter in the post this morning and it’s bad new. I’ve been unsuccessful.
I didn’t even get the second place at the dealership. In the letter they said that ‘BMW GB will keep your details on file and may contact you if any other dealerships in your area are seeking Apprentice Technicians, as it is obvious from your scores that you would be a valuable asset to the BMW network’.
I’m so gutted.
What do I have to do to get into BMW?
I just feel lost, I don’t know what I want to do career wise, after being so near to my dream job. I’ll have to carry on with something to do with the IT world.
I know that another position won’t come up in the near future and if it did, would I get in? Well I didn’t this time, so I’m unlikely to next time.
Thanks again to everyone for their support and comments.
Well, at least I have the F1 to watch this weekend which is something to look forward to.
Adam
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Guest
Adam,
I am so sorry for you
It looks like the dealership were not smart enough to realize what they had with you after all.
I know its difficult at the time, but I always like to think that things like this happen because there is something even better around the corner. You will get your brake, your attitude and enthusiasm guarantees that. Its just a matter of time.
You may want to wait a few days to allow the disappointment to dull a little and then contact the service manager. Ask if they can suggest any areas you could improve in. Its always nice to know if there is something you could do differently next time.
Best of luck for the future and please continue to visit us here whenever you can.
Simon
I am so sorry for you
It looks like the dealership were not smart enough to realize what they had with you after all.I know its difficult at the time, but I always like to think that things like this happen because there is something even better around the corner. You will get your brake, your attitude and enthusiasm guarantees that. Its just a matter of time.
You may want to wait a few days to allow the disappointment to dull a little and then contact the service manager. Ask if they can suggest any areas you could improve in. Its always nice to know if there is something you could do differently next time.
Best of luck for the future and please continue to visit us here whenever you can.
Simon
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ZZZEMMCO
- Z Register organiser
- Joined: Wed 19 Nov, 2003 13:55
- Posts: 1135
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- Location: Motown = Milton Keynes
Life,s Like That!!
Hi Adam, This is just One door which has closed, there are Many more waiting for you to open, in the future.Never give up on your ambitions.
Your wish to work in the BMW world, can still be realised, perhaps by working for an Independant Service specialist.From what we hear about plugging everything in to a computer, the Indi,s teach Real Hands on experience, of which Computers can only dream of.
I would try again with another Dealer for an assessment, and find out exactly WHAT they are looking for,and how they mark it.
You would be No 1 Apprentice Technician in my dealership anyday.
Your wish to work in the BMW world, can still be realised, perhaps by working for an Independant Service specialist.From what we hear about plugging everything in to a computer, the Indi,s teach Real Hands on experience, of which Computers can only dream of.
I would try again with another Dealer for an assessment, and find out exactly WHAT they are looking for,and how they mark it.
You would be No 1 Apprentice Technician in my dealership anyday.
safetyfast
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Gary Brown
- Joined: Wed 26 May, 2004 20:39
- Posts: 146
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- Location: Erskine
Hi Adam
So sorry to hear that you didn't get the post. It's not the first time a BMW dealership has made a mistake.
To echo the sentiments of all the zedsters above, DON'T give up. As Simon advised, contact the dealership and ask for feedback, what areas (in their opinion) you could improve on, etc.
Don't fully believe that the dealership will pass your details on to BMW GB. Have a look at BMW GB's website (if you haven't already done so). There is a careers section.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/apm/about_bmw/care ... __,00.html
Personally approach the other dealerships in your area too. You might even have to look further afield, but sometimes you have to sacrifice something for what you want. As ZZZEMCO said approach BMW independent specialists too.
I truly hope you get the job you're after.
So sorry to hear that you didn't get the post. It's not the first time a BMW dealership has made a mistake.
To echo the sentiments of all the zedsters above, DON'T give up. As Simon advised, contact the dealership and ask for feedback, what areas (in their opinion) you could improve on, etc.
Don't fully believe that the dealership will pass your details on to BMW GB. Have a look at BMW GB's website (if you haven't already done so). There is a careers section.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/apm/about_bmw/care ... __,00.html
Personally approach the other dealerships in your area too. You might even have to look further afield, but sometimes you have to sacrifice something for what you want. As ZZZEMCO said approach BMW independent specialists too.
I truly hope you get the job you're after.
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Madeira Jon
- Joined: Sat 08 Nov, 2003 20:44
- Posts: 257
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- Location: Barnard Castle
ADam,
Sorry about the "Dear John" letter, we've all had them at times; if its any consulation, I was once turned down for a £100,000 pa job! Best thing to do as others have suggested is to wait a bit; but in the meantime, ask the manager of the BMW place where you aplied, what your weakest areas were which caused you to fail so you can work on them!
You'll get another post. I did!!!!
Sorry about the "Dear John" letter, we've all had them at times; if its any consulation, I was once turned down for a £100,000 pa job! Best thing to do as others have suggested is to wait a bit; but in the meantime, ask the manager of the BMW place where you aplied, what your weakest areas were which caused you to fail so you can work on them!
You'll get another post. I did!!!!
Even if the voices aren't real, they have some pretty good ideas
I've just read through this thread for the first time (been quite busy!), and it's been enthralling, and I have to say I was surprised by the outcome - although in some way not surprised, as it seems the service manager was disinterested in the job/dealership.
A note of encouragement Adam - there are hundreds of other dealerships who will benefit from your enthusiasm, passion for the product and positive attitude. In my opinion, these attributes are the most important for most jobs, ahead even of ability and knowledge. The latter can be taught, but the former are part of a character which you have in bucketfuls.
When I have interviewed people for jobs, I have even had as a response to "why do you want this job?" - "because it pays loads of money" - which although a good reason, is not what I want to hear. I've only heard money mentioned once, and that was by someone else.
You appear to want the job because you love the challenge and the cars.
Just approach other dealers, show them your notes similar to the above, show them your attitude, you will get a job doing what you want to do, and you will do very well.
Just don't get disheartened and give up. I did when I was 16, got refused for the electronics apprenticeship I wanted, gave up, got a job as an apprentice baker would you believe. After three months, sanity set in, and I tried again, and got the right job. So it nearly went wrong for me, but thankfully it came out right in the end.
I'm sure you will get what you want if you keep trying.
All the best.
Simon
A note of encouragement Adam - there are hundreds of other dealerships who will benefit from your enthusiasm, passion for the product and positive attitude. In my opinion, these attributes are the most important for most jobs, ahead even of ability and knowledge. The latter can be taught, but the former are part of a character which you have in bucketfuls.
When I have interviewed people for jobs, I have even had as a response to "why do you want this job?" - "because it pays loads of money" - which although a good reason, is not what I want to hear. I've only heard money mentioned once, and that was by someone else.
You appear to want the job because you love the challenge and the cars.
Just approach other dealers, show them your notes similar to the above, show them your attitude, you will get a job doing what you want to do, and you will do very well.
Just don't get disheartened and give up. I did when I was 16, got refused for the electronics apprenticeship I wanted, gave up, got a job as an apprentice baker would you believe. After three months, sanity set in, and I tried again, and got the right job. So it nearly went wrong for me, but thankfully it came out right in the end.
I'm sure you will get what you want if you keep trying.
All the best.
Simon
A couple more suggestions :
Write to other dealers, telling them your story, how you enjoyed your weeks work experience etc.
Write to them, even if they do not have vacancies right now. I have created jobs in the past for the right applicant, with the idea of getting a good person on board now, as natural wastage will mean I will need him sooner or later. Some dealerships (may) have such a philosophical approach.
Write to them, if you are as good as you appear, someone will snap you up. Just be prepared to travel, when you are trained and have a few awards under your belt, all the dealerships will be after you.[/b]
Write to other dealers, telling them your story, how you enjoyed your weeks work experience etc.
Write to them, even if they do not have vacancies right now. I have created jobs in the past for the right applicant, with the idea of getting a good person on board now, as natural wastage will mean I will need him sooner or later. Some dealerships (may) have such a philosophical approach.
Write to them, if you are as good as you appear, someone will snap you up. Just be prepared to travel, when you are trained and have a few awards under your belt, all the dealerships will be after you.[/b]
