Interview

A

Andrew@ToyMotorsports

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Hey guys,

Aside from trying to start my own business I have a full time job. It took me a while to commit to starting a business I had other plans in life. but things happen and i was at the point where I had to reevaluate my life choices. Not only for myself but for my family as well. I wasn't happy with the path I was following so I had to make a choice do I commit or do I keep asking what if.

So I started slow and I'm slowly growing I've been reading books and picking minds on forums about detailing as well as small business. I think one of the greatest challenges I face is that I have no formal training. Everything that I know has either been self taught or I've read about it. I'd love to take as many training courses as possible but the reality is that I just don't have the funds to do it. I fully realize that the training will pay for itself in time. But I cannot justify spending that kind of money especially when every course I've come across has been out of state.

So with lack of a mentor and appropriate training I had decided to start applying at detail shops within the state to gain some more experience and correct anything that I may be doing wrong with my business.

I recently applied to a shop about an hour and a half away from me that strictly deals with high end vehicles. The shops name is "Toy Motorsports" they contacted me today and would like me to go in for an interview tomorrow afternoon.

I had asked if there was any info that I should bring and they had said it wasn't necessary but that I could if I wanted. So I was wondering if I should maybe bring a portfolio of the work that I have done or a list of products that I have used. I'm not so nervous or worried about the interview aspect I just don't want to seem unprofessional.

Any suggestions about preparing for this interview? Those of you that own businesses with employees what would you like to see when you call someone in for an interview? Any suggestions or info would be appreciated. Thank you in advance guys.
 
HighAngleHell said:
HThose of you that own businesses with employees what would you like to see when you call someone in for an interview? Any suggestions or info would be appreciated. Thank you in advance guys.
Click to expand...

If you go in telling them you are only looking for experience so you can start your own thing, then I wouldn't expect them to hire you. If they are smart they will have you sign a no compete contract if they do hire you
 
Flash Gordon said:
If you go in telling them you are only looking for experience so you can start your own thing, then I wouldn't expect them to hire you. If they are smart they will have you sign a no compete contract if they do hire you
Click to expand...

I'm not looking to get this job to rip off ideas or steal clients. I don't even live in the immediate area. I guess the way I'm looking at is like this. If I wanted to be a police officer I would get a job with some sort of security company to gain experience in that field. Yes I could just get a job as a police officer without any experience. but if you have the opportunity to gain experience why not take it. I guess what I'm saying is, if you want a career in a specific field going out and gaining experience would be in your best interest and not just getting a job just to get a job you know what I mean?
 
I liked what you said-- "I think one of the greatest challenges I face is that I have no formal training. Everything that I know has either been self taught or I've read about it. "

I was the same way, and now i am capable of doing many, many things in the detailing world.

I'd bring a small portfolio of work, and prodcuts you are familiar with. You may also ask them what products they use, what machines, etc.

Good luck!
 
HighAngleHell said:
Hey guys,

Aside from trying to start my own business I have a full time job. It took me a while to commit to starting a business I had other plans in life. but things happen and i was at the point where I had to reevaluate my life choices. Not only for myself but for my family as well. I wasn't happy with the path I was following so I had to make a choice do I commit or do I keep asking what if.

So I started slow and I'm slowly growing I've been reading books and picking minds on forums about detailing as well as small business. I think one of the greatest challenges I face is that I have no formal training. Everything that I know has either been self taught or I've read about it. I'd love to take as many training courses as possible but the reality is that I just don't have the funds to do it. I fully realize that the training will pay for itself in time. But I cannot justify spending that kind of money especially when every course I've come across has been out of state.

So with lack of a mentor and appropriate training I had decided to start applying at detail shops within the state to gain some more experience and correct anything that I may be doing wrong with my business.

I recently applied to a shop about an hour and a half away from me that strictly deals with high end vehicles. The shops name is "Toy Motorsports" they contacted me today and would like me to go in for an interview tomorrow afternoon.

I had asked if there was any info that I should bring and they had said it wasn't necessary but that I could if I wanted. So I was wondering if I should maybe bring a portfolio of the work that I have done or a list of products that I have used. I'm not so nervous or worried about the interview aspect I just don't want to seem unprofessional.

Any suggestions about preparing for this interview? Those of you that own businesses with employees what would you like to see when you call someone in for an interview? Any suggestions or info would be appreciated. Thank you in advance guys.
Click to expand...
In your situation I would Offer to volunteer for a day or two every week, let them know your level of experience, show them your portfolio and explain that you would like to gain some more experience and gain knowledge of how a detailing company works. You may have to try several companies but this will leave you time to work on your own business plan. Sometimes in England it is common practice to offer to do a 'work trial'. By this I mean you would offer your services for a day or two of unpaid work to allow your prospective employer to evaluate your abilities, commitment and work ethic. It is really an extended job interview but there is no guarantee of employment at the end.
This is just one suggestion for you to consider. Good luck, I hope turns it out well for you. :xyxthumbs:
 
So I went in for the interview yesterday and I think I did well. They had said that they were going to work the schedule and let me know which days to come in by Friday. The shop was really nice and they have plans for expanding they offer multiple services detailing is just one of the services that they had offered. So they said I would be jumping around at times to get things done which I don't mind I'm open to learning new things. So fingers crossed that I hear back soon.
 
That's great. This could be a great opportunity to learn a lot. Many possibilities to where this could lead.
 
so yesterday was my third day into the job and ive been promoted to the head detailer. i gotta say that was the fastest promotion ive ever aquired in my lifetime. i really enjoy working there i work for some great people.
 
Congrats. When you say 'detailing' what exactly is it you are doing? Also if this is considered a proper job then I hope you are being compensated correctly for your skill.

The reason I ask is I have seen a lot of performance type shops advertise for a detailer, when all they are looking for is someone to wash cars and apply wax. Those jobs usually pay bare minimum.
 
detailing to them covers it all from washes to full corrections. basic interior packages to full interior packages. the compensation right now isnt great its $15 per hour. but keep in mind i'm still a part time worker we spoke about me going full time but they want me to try the job out a little longer as a part time worker before i make my final decision. once we get to that stage we will discuss the pay and all the other good stuff but for now i'm still testing the water.
 
That's awesome, as I said congrats. $15 is good for learning and a good stepping stone to negotiate a higher wage.

Considering many 'detailers' on this forum work for next to nothing, you are in a great position.
 
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