What does an automotive service writer do?
An automotive service writer serves as the liaison between a technician team and customers. Automotive service writer job duties and responsibilities ensure that customers receive the best possible service and that technicians can focus on making necessary repairs. They handle everything from obtaining initial information from the customer to determining and communicating repair costs. In addition, they act as an advocate for customers, helping to eliminate unnecessary delays. Should complaints arise, the automotive service writer works to resolve them.
Automotive service writer skills and qualifications
A thorough automotive service writer job description should outline the skills and qualifications needed to perform their job duties and responsibilities well. Some common attributes that set candidates up for success in automotive service writer careers include:
- Strong listening skills to gather information from customers
- Effective interviewing skills to ask follow-up questions
- Thorough knowledge of automobiles to gather information and discuss vehicles with authority
- Verbal communication skills to explain complex technical problems in simple terms
- Familiarity with database software used for entering customer information
- Arithmetic ability to calculate the total cost of parts and labor when creating estimates
- Organizational skills to keep track of multiple jobs and manage estimates and other paperwork
Automotive service writer experience requirements
How much experience a candidate needs to successfully obtain a position at an auto repair shop varies. If you run a large dealership or shop, you may wish to require one or two years of previous work experience in the role in your automotive service writer job description. Candidates who held related positions may also have the necessary knowledge and experience. For example, you may wish to consider candidates who worked as auto repair technicians or car enthusiasts with a strong customer service background.
Automotive service writer education and training requirements
Knowledge of automobiles is vital to success in automotive service writer careers. As a result, you may wish to consider only candidates who hold a trade school certificate or associate degree in automotive service technology. If your repair shop focuses on a specific make of vehicle, you could look for candidates who completed manufacturer-sponsored automotive training programs or earned certification from the manufacturer. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence also offers service consultant certification for writers that have at least two years of work experience and pass a written exam.
Automotive service writer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an automotive service writer is $53,282 per year. The actual annual pay that a writer earns depends on their geographic location, experience, education and the size of the shop that employs them.
Automotive service writer salary expectations
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Common salary:
60392.85 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
15000.00 -135000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Automotive service writer job description FAQs
Who does an automotive service writer report to?
The direct supervisor of an automotive service writer varies from shop to shop. At large dealerships, the service center manager often acts as their supervisor. Writers employed by smaller dealerships may report to the dealership assistant manager or general manager. Automotive service writers employed by small repair shops typically report to the owner or shop manager.
What qualities make a good automotive service writer?
One of the most important qualities to look for when interviewing candidates is a customer-centered mindset. Individuals who understand the importance of delivering first-rate service and show evidence of a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction will likely be an asset to your team. Other key qualities include attentiveness to detail, a commitment to teamwork and a passion for automobiles.
What should you look for in an automotive service writer resume?
The experience, education and certification sections of resumes will give you insight into whether a candidate has the right background to succeed in the role. In addition, pay attention to how well the candidate formatted and organized the information. Those whose resumes are simple to read and free of errors may be better able to produce professional-looking estimates for your customers.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
