When recruiting automotive service technicians, creating a precise and comprehensive job description is crucial to attract skilled candidates. A well-written job description outlines necessary skills and responsibilities, and it is the first impression of your shop.
To attract potential employees, you’ll need to highlight day-to-day tasks, skills and experience required. Additionally, using the right keywords and highlighting the culture of your workplace can help your shop stand out. Most importantly, you must provide the expectations that are necessary to be the perfect potential hire.
To help make your hiring process as efficient as possible, we’ll explore six essential tips to create a perfect job description. These tips will guide you on how to effectively describe the role, highlight essential qualifications, and attract skilled technicians who are a great fit for your team.
Whether you’re creating a new job description or revising an existing one, these strategies will ensure your job posting is optimized for visibility and appeal. Plus, we’ll provide downloadable templates to streamline your process and get you started quickly.
1. Highlight Essential Qualifications and Experience
Start by clearly stating the necessary skills and accomplishments required for the role. This typically includes a high school diploma or GED, along with any required certifications or specific years of experience. For an automotive technician, it’s essential to detail experience with electronic systems, power tools, and maintenance and repair techniques. By setting clear expectations about qualifications and experience, you can filter applicants who are best suited for the job.
Action Items:
- Specify educational requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED.
- Clearly outline any necessary certifications and the minimum years of experience required.
- Emphasize skills with electronic systems, power tools, and both maintenance and repair techniques.
Qualifications Example:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive repair or equivalent certifications from accredited programs such as ASE.
- Proficient in using power tools and electronic diagnostic equipment.
2. Define the Duties and Responsibilities
Create a detailed list of duties and responsibilities to allow potential candidates understand what will be expected of them daily. For an automotive technician position, this might include conducting regular maintenance, repairing automotive systems, working with electronic systems, and performing test drives. Be sure to include if the role requires maintaining a clean and organized work environment, as this is crucial in a workshop setting.
Action Items:
- Create a comprehensive list of daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Ensure clarity on the role’s involvement with electronic systems, routine maintenance, repairs, and test drives.
- Highlight the importance of maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Duties and Responsibilities Example:
- Perform routine automotive maintenance and repairs.
- Troubleshoot and repair electronic systems.
- Conduct test drives to diagnose vehicular issues.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
3. Specify Licensing Requirements
If the position requires a driver’s license or other specific licenses, make sure this is clearly stated. This is particularly important for roles that include test drives or operating company vehicles. A valid driver’s license is often a non-negotiable requirement for an automotive technician, ensuring they can legally and safely move vehicles as needed.
States vary on requirements for automotive licensing and certifications to be an automotive mechanic. For example, in Florida, individual automotive technicians do not need any professional licensing to work on cars. However, in Michigan, you must have an ASE Certification or professional certification issued by the Secretary of State to work as an auto mechanic. (Read more about State-by-State requirements.)
Action Items:
- State any specific licenses required, such as a valid driver’s license.
- Include any additional required or preferred certifications that might be needed for the role.
Licensing Example:
- Candidates must have a valid driver’s license (required).
- Candidates must be A1 – Engine Repair Certified.
4. Mention the Tools and Technology Used
Candidates will need to know the tools and technology they will be expected to use to perform their job. For automotive technicians, being familiar with various power tools, diagnostic software, and mechanical equipment is crucial. Mentioning specific tools and technology sets clear expectations and attracts candidates who are comfortable and experienced with the necessary tools required to do the job right.
Those who work in the automotive repair industry typically know that a properly stocked toolbox is key. Most independently owned auto repair shops require technicians to supply with their own toolbox and tools to perform general tasks. If your shop requires a tool that is out of the ordinary from typical day-to-day work, be sure to set the expectation on the job description. Moreover, it may be time to supply specific tools in the shop to help your technicians get the job done sufficiently.
Action Items:
- List the key tools and technology candidates will be expected to use proficiently.
- Mention any specialized equipment or software that is essential for the job.
Tools and Equipment Requirements Example:
- Experience with OBD-II diagnostic tools required.
- Proficiency with hand tools and hydraulic lifts.
Step 5: Include Salary and Compensation Details
Transparency is an on-going theme in successful hiring in the job market, including the automotive industry. By providing salary and compensation details, you’ll attract candidates that are looking for clarity and assurance.
Be sure to be competitive by researching salary ranges in your region. Keep in mind that an entry-level automotive technician salary in Chicago will pay much differently than a Master Mechanic with 6 ASE Certifications in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Taking take of your employees is just as important as taking care of the customer and will make your shop a place skilled technicians want to work.
Michelle Tansey, Co-owner of Euro Clinic in California’s Bay Area explained how important it is to invest in employees by being transparent in pay and paying well in today’s economy.Â
"We had to decide what kind of company to run. Did we want to be company focused or employee focused? In the search for knowledge, I have come to learn that if you take care of your people, and invest in your people, they will in turn take care of the customer."
Action Items:
- Research competitive salary ranges for automotive technicians in your region.
- Specify the salary range in the job description to set clear expectations.
- Include any additional compensation details such as bonuses, commissions, or benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
Example Compensation Entry for an Entry-Level Automotive Technician:
- Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000 annually, based on experience.
- Performance bonuses and overtime pay available.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental coverage, PTO, Sick Days, and 401(k).
6. Outline the Career Path and Development Opportunities
Top candidates often look for positions that offer room for growth and development. Outline any potential career paths within your organization, such as moving from an automotive technician to a senior technician or service manager. Also, mention any training or professional development opportunities that are available.
Action Items:
- Outline potential career progression paths within your company.
- Detail any training or professional development programs available to employees.
Career and Development Example:
- Opportunities for professional development and certification.
- Potential to advance to Lead Technician or Service Manager roles.
Bonus: Downloadable Templates
To help you get started, we’ve created downloadable templates that include elements into a comprehensive job description. Feel free to customize these templates to better fit your specific needs and company culture.
- Download Template 1: Entry-Level Automotive Technician
- Download Template 2: Experienced Service Technician
Creating an effective automotive technician job description is the first step in attracting the right candidates. By clearly detailing the qualifications, duties, tools, and growth opportunities, you’ll ensure that your job listings stand out to skilled, qualified professionals in the automotive repair and service industry.
