You never know when you’ll be in the market for a new employee. You may be fully staffed right now, but what if you were to expand your shop, adding more bays and offering additional services, and needed the extra manpower to handle the increased service volume?
Or, what if you were to lose a technician to the competition? In either situation, would you be prepared to handle that void and know where to begin your search for a replacement employee?
With the goal of providing you with ideas on the best ways to recruit new employees for your shop, Babcox Research asked a sample of shop owner readers for their input on the topic. Some of those responses are listed below.
10 Ideal Ways to Recruit New Employees For Your Shop
1. Contact local vo-tech schools and network with automotive instructors. Provide details about job applicant responsibilities and qualifications. And, don’t forget to outline the features and benefits of working at your shop. Potential employees want to know what your shop has to offer, too.
2. Send a shop representative to area job fairs to get the word out that you are in need of a new employee.
3. Ask your technicians for recommendations. One reader says, “stolen ‘wrenches’ are usually a good bet. Ask your techs. They always know other good ones.”
4. Consider asking your good, long-time customers for recommendations.
5. Don’t forget to tap the parts store counter people and mobile tool distributors with whom you do business. Ask these key contacts in the field if they know of anyone who’s qualified for a job at your shop or is in the market for a new job.
6. Check out employment websites and online employment advertisements. But be wary of “glorified” resumes, says another reader, as these applicants typically have serious shortcomings.
7. “Grow your own.” Seek out young people who are mechanically astute, then train them at your shop.
8. Place newspaper ads, but be very specific about the qualifications you seek. Stress job requirements and demand quality workmanship.
9. Promote that you: run a top-notch, clean shop that’s a good place to work; offer good compensation; and provide a solid benefits package.
10. You may not have to look too far. With the reality of dealership closings across the country, several professional, skilled techs are out of work. Now is the time to advertise, network and keep your shop’s name at the forefront in your market area.
If you have any ideas you would like to offer, just send me an e-mail ([email protected]) and we’ll add them to our listing on the website.
