Overview:
The search for skilled technicians is an ongoing challenge for many automotive repair shops. To understand which hiring methods are most successful, CmySkills surveyed over 490,000 Instagram followers to ask: “Where does your shop have the most success in finding new technicians?” The options included referrals, schools, job platforms like Indeed/ZipRecruiter, and other methods. The results provide valuable insights into the most effective recruitment strategies.
Survey Results:
– Referrals: 36%
– Schools: 33%
– Indeed/ZipRecruiter: 14%
– Other: 17%
Summary of Results:
According to the survey, referrals are the most successful method for finding new technicians, with 36% of respondents indicating that their shop relies heavily on word-of-mouth and internal recommendations. Schools were the next most successful at 33%, showing the importance of developing relationships with training institutions. Indeed and ZipRecruiter came in at 14%, while 17% of respondents reported success through other channels.
Key Takeaways:
1. Referrals Remain a Key Resource: At 36%, referrals continue to be the top method for shops to find new talent. This highlights the importance of networking and leveraging existing relationships within the technician community to discover skilled candidates.
2. Strong Connection with Schools: With 33% of respondents finding success in hiring from schools, it’s clear that building relationships with automotive training programs is a valuable strategy. Schools provide a steady flow of new talent, with recent graduates looking for opportunities to enter the workforce.
3. Job Platforms Have Limited Reach: Only 14% of shops report success with platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, indicating that while these platforms are widely used, they may not be as effective in attracting qualified technicians compared to referrals and direct connections with schools.
4. Other Methods of Hiring: The 17% of respondents who selected “Other” may reflect various alternative approaches, such as using social media, attending industry events, or utilizing specialized job boards for the automotive industry. This suggests that some shops are experimenting with creative recruitment methods beyond traditional avenues.
Conclusions:
This survey underscores the importance of leveraging personal and professional networks in the technician hiring process. Referrals are the most reliable method for finding new talent, which speaks to the strength of community ties in the automotive repair industry. Schools also play a significant role, as many shops look to training institutions to source newly certified technicians. Meanwhile, online job platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, while useful, seem to fall behind more direct recruitment methods.
Recommendations:
1. Maximize Referral Programs: Shops should formalize and incentivize referral programs to tap into their current employees’ networks. Offering bonuses or other incentives for successful hires through referrals can help bring in more qualified candidates through trusted sources.
2. Strengthen Relationships with Schools: Building partnerships with local or national automotive schools can be a highly effective way to secure a steady stream of new technicians. Consider hosting workshops, offering internships, or participating in career fairs to attract graduates.
3. Reevaluate Job Platform Usage: While Indeed and ZipRecruiter may not be the most effective in finding technicians, they can still serve as a complementary tool in the recruitment process. However, shops may need to adjust their approach on these platforms to stand out or target more niche job boards tailored to automotive professionals.
4. Explore Alternative Recruitment Methods: Given the success some shops have found with “Other” methods, it’s worth exploring less traditional approaches. Engaging with the community through social media, attending industry trade shows, or using specialized automotive forums and job sites can help uncover new talent.
By combining the most effective strategies—referrals, strong school connections, and creative recruitment techniques—shops can improve their chances of finding and hiring skilled technicians in an increasingly competitive market.
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