What does a Service Advisor do?
Service Advisors typically work for car dealerships or automotive repair shops to act as liaisons between service staff and customers. They work closely with Service Technicians to determine pricing for repairs and explain the reasoning for repair costs to customers. Their job is to help customers take advantage of repair deals and learn about warranty programs. They may also be responsible for maintaining repair schedules and ordering car parts for Service Technicians.
Service Advisor skills and qualifications
Some automotive careers focus on one main skill area, such as finance, customer service or mechanics. A Service Advisor uses skills from each of these areas, including:
- Customer service skills: Service Advisors deal with suppliers, provide estimates and schedule appointments, so being courteous and friendly is essential. They also need to be able to handle customer complaints diplomatically and politely.
- Communication skills: As a liaison between the customer and technician, a Service Advisor needs to be able to clearly explain the technician’s repair recommendations to customers while communicating customer needs to technicians.
- Comprehension skills: Service Advisors should be able to comprehend customers questions and concerns as well as what is being said when technicians give complex service recommendations.
- Engineering and mechanical expertise: Having extensive knowledge in these areas is essential when looking over complex technical documents, ordering online and speaking with technicians.
- Troubleshooting skills: Service Advisors need to be able to think on their feet and quickly resolve issues when customers change their minds about service work, repairs are running behind schedule or parts arrive late.
- Math and writing skills: Service Advisors prepare and calculate estimates so having good math and writing skills are an essential part of the job.
Service Advisor salary expectations
A Service Advisor makes an average of $54,724 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.
Service Advisor education and training requirements
Individuals interested in becoming a Service Advisor can start their education while in high school by enrolling in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) program. Often, this program is offered as a partnership with franchised dealerships and automobile manufacturers. Completing this program qualifies graduates for postsecondary automotive education or entry-level technician positions.
While a college degree isn’t usually required, some postsecondary education is often helpful when looking for full-time employment as employers often prefer a candidate with experience in the field. Completing an apprenticeship or formal training can often make finding full-time positions easier.
Service Advisor experience requirements
Individuals can begin preparing for a service advisor career while in high school by enrolling in industry-sponsored youth training programs. Apprenticeships, postsecondary training programs, on-the-job training and work experience are all required to advance to managerial positions.
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