Getting a detailing job?

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binly

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Hi,

I'm a college student so this summer I will be applying for a detailing job. There are about 5-6 detailing companies in my town that aren't just car washes that I'm looking at. However, I was wondering what were some skills I should mention that employers are looking for and just what I should generally say to them to get the job. I originally thought I might show them my car so they could see my workmanship but I haven't done a full correction since September and I've scraped it on a bush or two since then :D. Although my hood is still in perfect condition.

This would be my first job that wasn't self-employed (I had a small to medium eBay business for about a year and detailed a handful of cars on my own which I was paid for). I would be working part time. I have skills with a dual action polisher but not a rotary, minimal skills with wet sanding, as well as experience with coatings and everything in between.

I was also hoping you guys could also advise me on what I should expect pay-wise.

Any help would be appreciated!
 
If you are commited to working for someone else, simply state what you just told us. I own my own small detailing business and I'm looking for some help. If I was hiring someone I did not know instead of my friend, and they came up to me and said all that, I would feel they are one the best equipped for the position. Plus since you already know a lot, less training, which equals less money for your employer. Dont say that directly but you can work it in, in a interview.

If your not committed to working for a employer, have you thought about a mobile detailing business yourself? I have just started and can tell you, make much better money than I would working anywhere else. A total detailing and PDR shop in my area, pays $18 a hour. That is the highest I have heard of in my area. Well detailing as my own business, I earn anywhere from $25-$40 a hour. Now account that my initial investment was roughly $1200 and I had a truck, you could still do this out of a smaller vehicle like a hatchback with lower initial capital and get a good start. After just 3 jobs, I have returned over half my investment. Not only that, but you work for yourself! No more asking for time off, simply schedule appointments around your schedule. Works great for me as a college student. If you have any questions, feel free to PM. I am by no means a expert, I just started recently myself. But getting a opinon from some one who was in your shoes just recently may give you a better idea. Good luck!
 
Put the shoe on the other foot. Pretend you do have a detailing business with the cars you have already done. What would you want someone who was going to help you to know about if you were going to hire them. Bring some before and after photos of your previous work. Tell them you are willing to show up on time, work hard, etc.
 
LavJordan said:
If you are commited to working for someone else, simply state what you just told us. I own my own small detailing business and I'm looking for some help. If I was hiring someone I did not know instead of my friend, and they came up to me and said all that, I would feel they are one the best equipped for the position. Plus since you already know a lot, less training, which equals less money for your employer. Dont say that directly but you can work it in, in a interview.

If your not committed to working for a employer, have you thought about a mobile detailing business yourself? I have just started and can tell you, make much better money than I would working anywhere else. A total detailing and PDR shop in my area, pays $18 a hour. That is the highest I have heard of in my area. Well detailing as my own business, I earn anywhere from $25-$40 a hour. Now account that my initial investment was roughly $1200 and I had a truck, you could still do this out of a smaller vehicle like a hatchback with lower initial capital and get a good start. After just 3 jobs, I have returned over half my investment. Not only that, but you work for yourself! No more asking for time off, simply schedule appointments around your schedule. Works great for me as a college student. If you have any questions, feel free to PM. I am by no means a expert, I just started recently myself. But getting a opinon from some one who was in your shoes just recently may give you a better idea. Good luck!
Click to expand...


My only issue being self employed/mobile is the price of getting a van or truck (my mustang won't work) and I worry about establishing a large enough customer base within the 2-2.5 months I'll be working. I just don't see me taking off that quickly or making much more back than my initial investment.


dcjredline said:
Put the shoe on the other foot. Pretend you do have a detailing business with the cars you have already done. What would you want someone who was going to help you to know about if you were going to hire them. Bring some before and after photos of your previous work. Tell them you are willing to show up on time, work hard, etc.
Click to expand...


Bringing photos is a good idea! Thanks.
 
binly said:
My only issue being self employed/mobile is the price of getting a van or truck (my mustang won't work)
Click to expand...

There are detailers here that do not use a van or truck; you do not need to carry a water tank, have a generator, etc.
 
I would simply tell them what I like to hear when interviewing prospective employees ..........

I have always had a deep interest in cars. My level of experience isn't anything more than taking care of my personal cars, however I have learned quite a bit. I am willing to to my very best for you and prove myself to you as a hard worker who takes pride in his work.
I promise I will become an asset to your company.


You're hired.
 
binly said:
Hi,

I'm a college student so this summer I will be applying for a detailing job. There are about 5-6 detailing companies in my town that aren't just car washes that I'm looking at. However, I was wondering what were some skills I should mention that employers are looking for and just what I should generally say to them to get the job. I originally thought I might show them my car so they could see my workmanship but I haven't done a full correction since September and I've scraped it on a bush or two since then :D. Although my hood is still in perfect condition.

This would be my first job that wasn't self-employed (I had a small to medium eBay business for about a year and detailed a handful of cars on my own which I was paid for). I would be working part time. I have skills with a dual action polisher but not a rotary, minimal skills with wet sanding, as well as experience with coatings and everything in between.

I was also hoping you guys could also advise me on what I should expect pay-wise.

Any help would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

Uh, how about telling him the truth and being honest? You might be able to fill his ears with butter, but when he puts you to the test and watches you work, all that candy you fed him is going to come out.

Your best bet is to be honest, let him know you do have experience with your own and other peoples cars. If it were me, I'd much rather have someone who cares more about their work than someone who has had 50 years experience who doesn't care. And then when you start off an interview with lies, that just makes things 10x worse. Better to be yourself and be honest
 
You can expect about $9 - $10 an hour where I live...

If you change your mindset about the car situation, you can EASILY make double or triple that starting out with your own business. Plus you have experience with coatings and are detail enthusiast here on AG. Not many "professional" detailers can say that.
 
I started my own business. I benefit from having my own truck already yes, but its also my daily driver. And in addition you could easily fit all the materials in a smaller vehicle. I started about a month ago, invested a little over a grand and already have recouped that plus more. My current average hourly rate is $25 but the lowest it has been was $18. Money is to be had for the self employed but taking the initial plunge and being self driven are two key ingredients.
 
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