Techs Looking for Work, Up

[Joe Marconi]

A few weeks ago I put an ad out for a tech in the local Penny Saver and on Craig’s List. I listed 2 positions, B rated and Entry Level Lube Tech. I got a lot of people responding to the ad; a lot more than I expected. It was nice for a change to have to choose and not settle.

 

I ended up moving one of my techs into the B position and hiring an Entry Level tech, a graduate from Lincoln Tech, who has a lot of street experience. After we narrowed down the applicants to 4, we had each work a few days to see how they work, fit in, and interact with the rest of the staff.

 

I made my choice after consulting with all the techs and service advisors. You never really know how things will work out, but at least we had a process.

[Type S Zero]

Nice !!

Most of the time the process of hiring someone is "time consuming vs results" and frustrating

 

Up here we have a web site called http://www.auto-jobs.ca in which auto shops can post when hiring, and work searchers apply with their résumé online, so you can start filtering quickly from your office. (charging extras, the website company can provide criminal records and driving records of applicants)

 

Good luck with your new people !

Edited December 7, 2012 by Type S Zero

[xrac]

A few weeks ago I put an ad out for a tech in the local Penny Saver and on Craig’s List. I listed 2 positions, B rated and Entry Level Lube Tech. I got a lot of people responding to the ad; a lot more than I expected. It was nice for a change to have to choose and not settle.

 

I ended up moving one of my techs into the B position and hiring an Entry Level tech, a graduate from Lincoln Tech, who has a lot of street experience. After we narrowed down the applicants to 4, we had each work a few days to see how they work, fit in, and interact with the rest of the staff.

 

I made my choice after consulting with all the techs and service advisors. You never really know how things will work out, but at least we had a process.

 

Joe, I am having more response than I was a year ago. I guess the unemployment is finally running out.

[xrac]

Nice !!

Most of the time the process of hiring someone is "time consuming vs results" and frustrating

 

Up here we have a web site called http://www.auto-jobs.ca in which auto shops can post when hiring, and work searchers apply with their résumé online, so you can start filtering quickly from your office. (charging extras, the website company can provide criminal records and driving records of applicants)

 

Good luck with your new people !

 

Looks like you are out of Canada.

[xrac]

Hello Joe Marconi and Type S Zero,

 

There is actually an other and free way to find a new worker for your shop: http://www.carjobsearch.com

 

We do not charge to post a job and we will advertise your listing on other websites like Kijiji, Craig's List, Linked In, Twitter, Google, Bing, ... for free.

 

Let us do the work so you concentrate on running your shop.

 

If you have any questions please let me know and good luck,

 

Robert Bugeag

http://www.carjobsearch.com

 

The same here!

[Joe Marconi]

It will be interesting to see in the future with all the trade schools that graduate entry level techs. How many will remain in this industry and will it have any impact in our search for future techs. Years back, when I started, most of us started by pumping gas and working on the family car. It's not that way anymore, in many areas.

 

Today you have UTI (Universal Technical Institute), Lincoln Tech, APEX Technical, and many others.

[Type S Zero]

Looks like you are out of Canada.

 

uh ?

i'm in the province of Quebec, right above the state of New York

[xrac]

uh ?

i'm in the province of Quebec, right above the state of New York

 

Close to Joe but a long way from Indiana.

[Joe Marconi]

uh ?

i'm in the province of Quebec, right above the state of New York

 

I have a brother that lives in Joliett Quebec, north of Montreal, know the town?

[Type S Zero]

Yes ! it's about 45 minutes from my place, i sometimes deliver/pick up cars in Joliette

[Joe Marconi]

Yes ! it's about 45 minutes from my place, i sometimes deliver/pick up cars in Joliette

 

Small world, right?

[Type S Zero]

indeed !!

sometimes we think we are so far apart, when we actually are so close !!

[MINI4U]

We are loosing our best Tech. We put an ad on Craigslist and have really gotten only a handful of apps. Wish there were more good qualified techs looking for work around us.

[Joe Marconi]

This is a problem everywhere, and I hope it does not get worse. And, it's just not our trade, but all the trades. For too many years, this society has pushed college as the only true way to a career. Plus, sadly, too many of us, me included, did not do enough to encourage the younger generation to enter the business. When I started there were still gas stations that young kids go to work pumping gas after school, I loved that job and it was what motivated me to become a mechanic.

 

Now, I work with the local BOCES high school. (BOCES is a high school system in New York for those that want to learn a trade; auto, collision, culinary, electrician, etc). We offer part time jobs and internships to kids interested in going into this industry.

 

I think as an industry we all need to do more to promote what we do. This business is getting so technical, we need qualified people, not just those that can't make it in school.

 

Good luck, ask everyone out their, tool reps, parts people, everyone.

[Tony M]

It seems that no one wants to work. there are so many people out of work, but when you go to hire someone, you can't find them. I do know that the good techs are not leaving where they are, it's too scary out there.

[mspecperformance]

Any other places other than craigslist to look for techs?

[xrac]

Ask the techs working for you now who they know. Ask your outside salesmen, parts vendors, tool guys, etc. I haven't had much luck n recent years from newspaper ads or Career Builder.

[nmikmik]

Hi Joe,

How do you have them work for a few days in the shop?

 

"After we narrowed down the applicants to 4, we had each work a few days to see how they work, fit in, and interact with the rest of the staff."

 

i.e. how do you put it on paper, a probation period, temporary employment?

I would like to institute a similar system and have no idea where to start.

Thanks!

[HarrytheCarGeek]

Hello Joe, how did the tech you hired worked out? Any update? Thanks in advance.

[ncautoshop]

This is a problem everywhere, and I hope it does not get worse. And, it's just not our trade, but all the trades. For too many years, this society has pushed college as the only true way to a career. Plus, sadly, too many of us, me included, did not do enough to encourage the younger generation to enter the business. When I started there were still gas stations that young kids go to work pumping gas after school, I loved that job and it was what motivated me to become a mechanic.

 

Now, I work with the local BOCES high school. (BOCES is a high school system in New York for those that want to learn a trade; auto, collision, culinary, electrician, etc). We offer part time jobs and internships to kids interested in going into this industry.

 

I think as an industry we all need to do more to promote what we do. This business is getting so technical, we need qualified people, not just those that can't make it in school.

 

Good luck, ask everyone out their, tool reps, parts people, everyone.

Sorry for off topic post but I had to share this just because of this post

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

Edited August 24, 2013 by ncautoshop

[Jeff]

The truth!!