Hiring a good tech in the auto repair industry is no easy feat. Finding a specialist technician for tires is much harder. On average, it takes between 36 and 42 days to fill a tire tech role in the U.S. and costs over $1,600.
But where there’s a will, there’s always a way. And this blog post can help you prepare. Let’s get into our nine tips for hiring the best tire technicians.
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9 tips to nail your tire tech hiring process
1. Start with a thorough job description
The more detailed your job description, the better chances of finding the perfect match.
Your job description should outline core responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the position. Salary ranges help attract top talent, so that’s also something to consider.
It also helps to be very specific about the job. For example, if you need someone with specialized experience, include the type of tires the technician will work with, whether it’s passenger, commercial, or specialty tires. Also outline the certifications they will need to complete the job.
The Tire Doctor is Looking for a Tire Technician
We’re looking for a tire technician to help us restore wheels and stay sane on busy days. We need help fixing cosmetic damages to wheels such as, curb and road rash, peeling, and bent wheels.
What we’re looking for:
- Full time tire technician
- Based in Cleveland, Ohio
- Has worked as an apprentice before
What we expect from you:
- Must be able to lift 75 pounds
- Follows safety procedures and company policies
- Ability to work independently
Why the Tire Doctor?
- Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off and more
- Access to the best tools
- Fun and supportive team
- On-the-job training from experienced techs
About the Tire Doctor
Tire Doctor is a leading tire repair service. We operate in 30 states and have over 2,000 highly skilled employees. Help us scale new heights and build yourself a fantastic career in the aftermarket automotive industry.
2. Leverage online job portals
Post the job opening on popular online job boards. Some of these are open to all industries, but many specialize in automotive and tire repair services. Post your job description to a mix of both of these.
Here are some job listing websites with free postings:
- Indeed
- Google For Jobs
- Craigslist
- Linkedin
- Zippia
- Jora
A few specialized job portals can give you better results, but they require payments:
- Autojobs.com
- Automotive news
- Fleet jobs
- Auto job central
3. Ask your network for referrals
One of the best ways to find a credible tire technician is to ask around in your network! It feels obvious, but you’ll be surprised by the recommendations and leads that can come your way. The best part is that candidates that come through this channel are mostly vetted and experienced.
So, who should you ask? Consult colleagues, industry associations, or even your current employees to find high quality hires.
4. Ask the right questions during interviews
Design a structured interview process that allows you to assess the candidate’s technical knowledge, soft skills, and customer service orientation.
Here are some questions Bill Haas and Sara Fraser recommend you ask:
- Tell me something your resume doesn’t
- What is your best/worst attribute?
- What do you do for fun?
- If there was one thing you could change at your last job, what would it be?
- Explain your most difficult diagnostic or customer
- How did you handle it?
- What is your most valuable tool?
- If I met your best friend, what would they tell me they like about you?
Remember: let the candidates do the talking. Your job is to just ask the question. Listen to the candidates, let them answer for as long as they like, evaluate for the strengths you’re looking for, and watch their body language.
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5. Create a candidate pool in advance
Too many shops only look for tire techs when they need them. But imagine having a pool of the best talent at your desk as soon as a vacancy opens up!
Smart hiring managers are moving towards proactive hiring. They keep looking for candidates throughout the year and add them to their talent pool. This helps by cutting down your hiring time and saving you from delays faced from being short staffed.
6. Conduct recruitment drives at technical schools
No better way to start than to look into technical schools brimming with talent. These candidates may be fresh in the workforce, but they are passionate and have a strong desire to learn. Their enthusiastic service also delivers great customer service.
Every year, many companies hold recruitment drives at schools for the graduating classes. You can do the same by heading to these. Here’s how:
- Apply with the career services offer to hold a recruitment drive
- Put together a presentation of why your company is an ideal place to work
- Send a representative to the school on the agreed upon date with the school
- Deliver the presentation and conduct a quick test to filter the best candidates
- Call the shortlisted candidates for interviews to your shop
Pro tip: Another thing you can do is speak with instructors after graduation to check if any students are looking for employment.
7. Set up a referral program
Referral programs are an overall win for the whole company since it encourages existing employees to participate and contribute towards the success of the company.
Your employees have a good understanding of the business, culture, and requirements, so they’re able to refer candidates who’d be a good fit.
To encourage more employees to participate, incentivize the program by giving out a referral bonus or gift cards.
8. Offer continuous training
The tire industry is constantly evolving. Nobody wants to be left behind. One such example of innovation is the tire shop management tools that help businesses manage their jobs digitally. Learning software tools can help tire technicians become more tech-savvy.
A company that offers consistent training becomes a quick favorite. Highlight your commitment towards ongoing training and development to enhance technician skills. Sponsor certifications, do workshops once a month, and send your techs to conferences. Remember to highlight this in your job posting and interviews!
9. Map out a career path
Candidates make an investment in their future when they choose which company to work for. When you give candidates a clear view of where they can expect themselves to be in a year or two year’s time, it gives them aspirations to work towards. This helps them view the company as a place they can grow and also figure out whether that path is realistic for them or not.
Hiring managers that understand candidates’ new approach to jobs will make sure to set their expectations from the get-go.
Final thoughts
Hiring a tire technician requires a structured approach. It’s best if you understand the job role, create a detailed job description, utilize various hiring channels, conduct thorough interviews, and assess relevant skills and certifications to find the right fit for your tire shop.
By following these tips, you can build a team of skilled tire technicians who will help your shop deliver exceptional customer service and grow.
