The Shop Management Show, AutoLeap’s flagship podcast, is back to cover a topic on the minds of many shop owners: hiring and retaining quality employees in 2024.
How has auto repair shop hiring evolved in the digital age? What’s an optimal approach for getting started with the process?
We dug into this topic with the help of an industry expert.
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Recap from episode 28
In episode 28 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:
- Adapting hiring practices to a modern workforce
- Prioritizing transparency in your hiring process
- Defining (and promoting) your company culture
- And much more
Let’s recap some takeaways!
The evolution of hiring for shops
Hiring has evolved so much in the digital age!
Sara reflects on how most shops now complete their hiring online. Gone are the days of paper applications and walk-ins. Even word-of-mouth referrals have decreased in recent years.
There are a ton of benefits for shops with this evolution. Sara cites the tremendous time they can save. She even mentions their improved access to quality candidates for different roles.
Take her example of certified technicians in high demand. These techs likely have promising roles in auto repair businesses. While they probably don’t browse job boards, their resume may be posted somewhere. Your shop could still have the opportunity to reach out and invite them to apply for a new role.
There are other advantages. Sara discusses how shops can streamline hiring, from video interviews to online skill assessments. Ultimately, there’s a significant upside for shops prepared to capitalize on the latest digital hiring trends.Â
How to get started
Sara says there’s no easy button to getting started with a thoughtful hiring process in your auto repair shop.
That’s why you need to set some extra time aside. Sara recommends not rushing through how you craft a new job ad. Put some thought into it. Discuss with your employees what they like about working there. Then, reflect that feedback in your write-up.
There are other proactive steps you can take. Sara shares one idea for working extra time into a busy shop schedule. Get to your office 30 minutes early every morning before the shop opens. Spend that time going through resumes and sending out interview invites.
Nailing this process will take some dedication. However, building strong habits and prioritizing the necessary steps will pay off in the long run.
Closing thoughts
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