Interview process

[MR PARTS]

Does anyone out there use any type of testing or a specific procedure when interviewing technicians to really test their knowledge and so forth? Besides them showing piece's of paper showing that they are certified. For example, some sort of written test or questionnaire that pertains to their skill areas.

[Lhansen]

Why not have the potential technician take one of your on-line or CD test outs from your manufacturer? You could also have them do a "mock" UCI, inspecting the vehicle with you or one of your techs.
It's pretty hard to see how good a technician is until he or she has been in your shop for a bit. If the person worked at another same brand dealership, check with your District Manager. They usually will advise if it's someone good. In the past, I've had to give a "no comment" when I've know it wouldn't be a good fit for the store.
Good Luck!

Linda

------------------
Linda Graham Hansen
Auto Dealer Focus
www.autodealerfocus.com

[texaslp]

Just a precaution. To be technically(and politically ) correct and avoid discriminatory hiring practices, there are all kinds of hoops you're supposed to go through before administiring "tests" of any kind.

At minimum, if you do start testing make sure you test all applicants equally.

[arnien]

Some places, not dealerships, have begun a process called Peer Interview. Something like that could perhaps give an idea of skills, but also how a canidate would interact with other employees. As a parts manager, after talking with the dealer or GM, I have also gone through much the same thing with the Service Manager and Customer Relations Manager in a later interview.

[GMFXDOPSMGR]

I use the sample test in the back of the ASE booklets to get a general idea of the techs basic knowledge. It also lets me see if he/she is diagnostic in their ability to understand the questions. Fair for all, gives a good basic & sometimes shocks them...if they tell me they are not good at taking test, opens the door for me to ask questions or read the questions to them. With the need to go online, read the manuals, understand the information online, this helps me get a feel of their abilities. We also will ask them to do some kind of inspection on a vehicle in the shop while the assigned tech oversees them. Got a couple of good ones, several washed out...

[robc]

I think the testing is at least something more to base a decision on. However, I could probably ace any automatic transmission test you gave me, but ask me to rebuild one and you better set aside two full days and provide me with a clean bench that I cover with shop towels to set everything on in the order it came out.

In the same sense, I can use most of the modern alignment racks and just about every tech I have met can too. But I can't do it efficiently enough to make money for me and shop on. I wish I could test for whatever it is that makes some techs just click with suspension/alignment to the point that everyone can make money.

Plus, and this is just me, as long as the tech has a proven history of production and unless I have a desperate hole to fill (like a diesel or trans tech) I really prefer to hire people than skill. Skill is great, but it won't overcome a lousy person. The right person can acquire skill.

[arnien]

I once worked with a guy that had just retired from the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he took and passed the ASE test in all areas, and had never, ever worked on a car in his life! He just read the manual and took the test. Since then, I have not been too inpressed with ASE certifacation.

[KevvyG]

I forget who gave me this one, but I've used it over the years and it sure lets you see how people think on their feet/handle stress. In the middle of the interview, lay down any papers you have in your hands and sit back in your chair. Now, it doesn't matter how YOU think the interview is going, just drop this one on them. "What if I was to say to you right now, this interview isn't going very well" Totally turns them on their ear. You will be surprised by some of the comebacks!!

[This message has been edited by KevvyG (edited 08-08-2008).]

[This message has been edited by KevvyG (edited 08-08-2008).]

[RAM]

Try including your present techs in the interview process. You will appreciate the feedback and they will appreciate being apart of the interview process.

[dcpdave]

i would be careful about having a candidate perform any kind of work, or inspection in the shop. check with your insurance company, most would not cover a non-employee if an accident happened, which would open yourself up to a suit.