Potential Interview For Detailing Company?

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bkaup5

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Hey guys,

So after browsing through CL for jobs (I make it a habit to look every once in awhile) I found a semi-local auto detail shop around my area. I emailed them with a little background info and how I detail as a hobby, and have taught myself the things that I know. I also made it a point to ask about how they train their employees (initially and in the future), room for advancement/growth, and obviously pay (as this job is further than my current job, so looking to make at least a little more to equal out gas costs hopefully).

This got me thinking. I've read numerous threads about the opposite side of the equation, meaning a lot of the threads were more 'What should I look for when hiring an employee'. They bring up great points, but what about the other way around. How should a potential hire stand out from other people? Was I right in talking about how I'm self taught and how it's something I personally practice on my own car? If you were hiring someone, would you want to see your potential hire's work piece?

Any feedback would be great as I asked if I could stop by sometime when they have an opening to see the potential atmosphere and shop space I would be working at as opposingly(real word?) from the other threads, a shop space's cleanliness can give me an idea of what to expect when working for the employer.
 
Do you have any photos so you can showcase your work to them?

Pictures and explaining your process will do wonders! Generally I don't need to see pictures to tell if someone is pulling my leg about them knowing a thing or 2. But on the same note photos never hurt when explaining your process.
 
T3 AutoDetails said:
Do you have any photos so you can showcase your work to them?

Pictures and explaining your process will do wonders! Generally I don't need to see pictures to tell if someone is pulling my leg about them knowing a thing or 2. But on the same note photos never hurt when explaining your process.
Click to expand...


Great idea and yes! I usually document anytime I work on my own car, since that's pretty much the only car I have access to 24/7. I can also explain my process to him, although I will admit that I'm still new to interior detailing when it gets past vacuum, clean glass, and using 1z cockpit to wipe down all surfaces. Also, I could definitely improve on cleaning and sealing wheels.

Perhaps I could throw together a little email describing my process of detailing via email for the owner when he's able to email me again. Thank you for the suggestion!
 
One thing to throw out the window is boutique products. Most volume shops and dealerships don't care about high end products, usually the cheaper the better. Some things you can take with you:

- How to properly dilute chemicals. Maybe they are buying ready to use (RTU) but could be buying concentrates to save money. Maybe they are using too much soap when prepping for a wash.

- Know how to neutralize the surface when using high alkali or high acidic values.

- Good attitude. Make sure you have a good attitude and don't show up assuming you know more than everybody present. Once a person displays poor performance, ask them what their background is or how much they truly understand detailing. A lot of cases around my area people are there just to work and don't really care. Those are the people you have to help understand how dangerous chemicals can be to their health and to the customer's car.

Some things to look for:

- Cleanliness
- Organization
- Storage, care of equipment, chemicals, etc.
- Attitudes

Best of luck to you!
 
Some companies might actually be looking for someone with no experience or background as they might prefer to teach you "their way".

They might think of your current knowledge and skill sets as a negative for their business model.

Probably not...


:)
 
You both make great points and I've definitely heard what you're mentioning Mike. A lot of the companies I've interviewed for over the years have agreed with what you said in that they would rather train from scratch (depending on job) than to have you use another person's teachings.

I've also noticed that what the above person has mentioned to be true as well. There seems to be a large margin of quick in-n-out style of detail shops located around me, which makes it hard to find a place that pays a lot of attention to the small details that take a little more time than a quick wash and wax.

On a good note though, this allows me more time to play with new products and increase my knowledge base while hopefully finding a place to join, or by being confident enough to take on a car every now and then by myself :).

AGO members are as helpful as always, and I appreciate all of the feedback so far!
 
I would highlight the skills that you bring to the table:
1. inspection of existing condition and understanding different paint defects and the efforts required to correct them.
2. experience and competence with the equipment they use
3. A basic understanding of the processes involved in a detail
4. inspection of finished condition

I would make it clear that you will only need to understand their process and expectation before you can hit the ground running. Making sure that you focus on the fact that you are wanting to work within THEIR process.

I would also note that you spend a lot of personal time studying current industry practices and new technologies and can protentially bring additional knowledge to the table that could improve their process and the time it take to do the work (for instance speedy prep towels are way faster than clay, more cost effective and have a very short learning curve); doing so in a way that shows you are always trying to get better as an individual.

I would also highlight that you are capable of high quality work (I suggest you have a portfolio to exhibit this to them)
 
I don't own a detailing company but I do interview/hire/train for the company that I work for and thought I would chime in.

It really depends on what their needs are but like Mike said, some companies may want someone with a clean slate. They don't want someone to say ,"but I did it this way before." It clashes with the work culture and can have a negative impact on the company as a whole. It's their way or the highway. In this type of company, it is your personality and your potential they really look for and if you understand the fundamental concept, that is an added plus.

I really like interviewees that ask a lot of questions about the work and the work place. It usually tells me that they are eager to learn and that they are actually gauging the company to see if they will be a good fit. Because at the end of the day, the job also has to be a good fit for you as well. From the employer's end, a happy employee is a productive one.
 
c8n said:
I don't own a detailing company but I do interview/hire/train for the company that I work for and thought I would chime in.

It really depends on what their needs are but like Mike said, some companies may want someone with a clean slate. They don't want someone to say ,"but I did it this way before." It clashes with the work culture and can have a negative impact on the company as a whole. It's their way or the highway. In this type of company, it is your personality and your potential they really look for and if you understand the fundamental concept, that is an added plus.

I really like interviewees that ask a lot of questions about the work and the work place. It usually tells me that they are eager to learn and that they are actually gauging the company to see if they will be a good fit. Because at the end of the day, the job also has to be a good fit for you as well. From the employer's end, a happy employee is a productive one.
Click to expand...

Thanks c8n! Great to have insight from someone who interviews others!

I always make it a habit to ask the questions I believe are most important during my interview process in order to better understand exactly what it is that the employer wants from the person they are looking to hire so that I(the employee) can better understand and do the things the employer is looking for.

I also believe it's a great asset if the potential employee has a passion for the work he's looking for. I relate a lot of what I learn in detailing to the field of technology and computer science. The fields are ever-changing and growing rapidly, so keeping up to date with products/processes is almost mandatory if you want to keep your head above all of the water. This is something else I try to bring up to a potential employer (when applicable) to show that I have a passion and desire to learn continuously.

With that said, after a round of emails from the owner, it seems though that the constant learning is something they want, but weren't quite ready to implement with the economy the way it is. I can't disagree with that point since it's a legitimate one. I will admit that I was looking for a little more money than they wanted to pay since it's a little further out of my way than my current job, but I digress.

On the topic of new jobs and searching and potential employment, is it wrong to apply to more than one detailership? (I'm one a word making mission today lol!).Im the MAN
 
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