The Shop Management Show, AutoLeap’s flagship podcast, is back with part two of our discussion on hiring and retaining quality employees for shops in 2024.
How can you craft the perfect auto repair job description? What are examples of stand-out job benefits for qualified techs and shop employees?
We spoke with an industry expert for answers.
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Recap from episode 29
In episode 29 of The Shop Management Show, I was thrilled to be joined by Sara Fraser, VP of Business Development and Client Services at Haas Performance Consulting. She recently hosted an informative AutoLeap webinar session on the XYZs of hiring and retaining. Register for that recording here.
Sara and I discussed:
- Hiring techs your shop can develop
- Keeping up with the latest hiring trends
- Retaining your top-performing employees
- And much more
Let’s cover some highlights!
How to write an auto repair job description
Sara details all the critical elements of a thoughtfully crafted job description for new roles in auto repair shops.
Let’s start with the need-to-know essentials. These are the more obvious details. You have the key responsibilities, pay ranges, and job benefits (more on that soon).
Another need-to-know essential is qualifications. But Sara warns: be careful here! She notes that depending on your wording, these qualifiers may become disqualifiers for the perfect candidate.
Take this example. You list that a certified technician must have five years of shop experience. A talented four-year tech reads this description and no longer feels comfortable applying. You now just missed out on a great fit.
Sara shares a helpful workaround for this. You can still list non-negotiables under a “required skills” section. But consider using “preferred skills” language in your description for items with some flexibility.
Unique shop benefits to offer
Now, to an essential detail for many applicants eyeing a move: the job benefits a shop offers.
This is a potential differentiator for your business in such a competitive market. Sara shares some general attributes that each generation may value. Those include:
- Generation X: Details on retirement planning and progression opportunities in your shop
- Generation Y: Details on your shop’s sustainability efforts, schedule flexibility (example: four-day work weeks), PTO plans, and continued education opportunities
- Generation Z: Details on your mentorship programs, tool allowances, safety standards, and tech-savvy systems
There are other ways you can stand out with the benefits you offer. Sara notes each generation loves wellness and gym benefits. Mental health services and team-building activities are also popular.
Closing thoughts
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