If you spend enough time around the automotive and motor trade world, you start to notice the same recruitment myths popping up again and again.

They get shared in conversations, passed around teams, and quietly accepted as “just how it is”. The problem is, a lot of them are no longer true, if they ever were.

So, in the spirit of a Friday, and keeping things light, here are a few automotive recruitment myths we are more than happy to leave behind. These myths are based on common assumptions we hear in day-to-day conversations with automotive employers and candidates across the UK.

Myth one: “Nobody’s hiring in the automotive industry right now”

We hear this one a lot, especially when the market feels quieter than usual.

The reality is that automotive recruitment is still very active. What has changed is the pace and the intent. Employers are taking more time to plan roles properly, think about team fit, and make sure a hire makes sense long term.

That means fewer rushed vacancies and more considered hiring decisions. Recruitment has not stopped, it has simply become more focused. And when employers do hire, they are far more committed to getting it right. 

Myth two: “If a job isn’t advertised, it doesn’t exist”

Some of the best automotive jobs never make it onto a job board.

Many roles start as conversations long before an advert appears. A business planning ahead. A team changing shape. A need being discussed quietly before it becomes public.

This is particularly common in specialist, senior, and management roles within the motor trade. Staying open to conversations, even when you are not actively job hunting, often means hearing about opportunities other people never see. 

Myth three: “Good recruitment should be quick and easy”

Quick might sound appealing, but it is rarely the secret to successful recruitment.

In automotive recruitment, the best outcomes usually come from slowing things down at the start. Taking time to understand the role properly. Being clear about expectations. Having honest conversations early on.

It might feel less urgent in the moment, but it saves time, frustration, and mismatched hires later. A steady start almost always leads to a better result. 

Myth four: “Candidates only care about salary”

Salary matters, of course it does. But it is very rarely the only factor.

What we hear from automotive professionals time and time again is that progression, leadership, team culture, and work-life balance all play a huge part in decision making. Many candidates are looking for roles that support their long-term careers, not just a short-term pay increase.

When employers communicate the full picture clearly, they attract candidates who genuinely want to stay and grow with the business. 

Myth five: “Talking to a recruiter means you have to change jobs”

This one puts a lot of people off having conversations, and it really shouldn’t.

Some of the most useful discussions we have are with people who are simply exploring options, asking questions, or thinking ahead. There is no pressure to move and no expectation that a conversation leads to a job change.

Sometimes the right outcome is a move. Sometimes it is reassurance. Sometimes it is just clarity about what is out there.

All of those are positive outcomes. 

What all these myths have in common

They are understandable, but they are also outdated.

When these myths are set aside, automotive recruitment becomes far more straightforward and a lot more positive. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and a focus on long-term fit consistently lead to better outcomes for both candidates and employers.

It’s often the simple things that make recruitment feel easier.

A good way to end the week

Automotive recruitment does not need to feel stressful, rushed, or overly complicated. When the noise is stripped away, it comes down to people, conversations, and making decisions that make sense.

Working with a specialist often changes how recruitment feels. When the myths fall away and the focus shifts to what actually works, everything gets easier.

And that feels like a pretty good way to head into the weekend.