As a detailing business owner, finding employees who will live up to your high standards is essential. Hiring quality detailers will ensure that you maintain the level of service, quality, and professionalism that your customers expect. To truly get the cream of the crop, it’s worth taking some time to write a good detailer job description. Your goal is to appeal to people who are highly skilled, committed, and detail-oriented.
If you think about it, your detailer job description has two functions. First, you want to describe the type of person you’re looking for. Second, you want to promote your business in order to find the best candidates. You should think of a job description like an ad that you’re creating to attract the best candidates. Ask yourself what is going to make them choose your business over your competitor.
To get someone who is the right fit for your company, you’re going to want to get across your business ethos and brand, while also clearly outlining the requirements of the job.
Here are the essential components of how to write a stellar detailer job description.
Introduce the Role (and Promote Your Business)
You’ll want to start your detailer job description with a short introductory paragraph about the position and your business. This is the key opportunity for you to describe who you are and what your business stands for—your elevator pitch! Give a glimpse into your detailing shop by sharing the most important aspects of your business.
A few points to consider:
- What you do and what your priorities are i.e. your company mandate
- Where you’re located
- How long you’ve been in business and whether you’re family-run
- Who you’re looking for – in one sentence! I.e. a highly skilled and experienced detailer with exceptional customer service skills
- Why you’re hiring, i.e. to expand your expert team of detailers
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
In this section of the detailer job description, you give a more detailed picture of what the job involves. Think about what a typical day might look like for them and list what they’ll have to do, such as:
- Cleaning vehicle interiors and exteriors in compliance with company standards and customer requests.
- Operating specialist equipment such as buffers, steamers, and vacuums, to meet service expectations.
- Using specialist cleaning and protective products to maintain and enhance the appearance of vehicles.
- Performing inspections and recording the vehicle’s condition before and after the job.
- Managing inventory and reordering supplies.
- Responding to client inquiries.
Job Requirements
This is where the candidates learn what is required of them for the job. Again, you can use bullet points to list all the necessary skills and attributes you’re looking for. Here are a few you may want to include:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Ability to multi-task under pressure
- Good time management skills
- Ability to follow instruction
- Knowledge of safety precautions
- A “can-do” positive attitude
- Passionate about cars!
Education and Experience
Specify the level of education and experience required for the role as a bulleted list.
At a minimum you’re likely looking for the candidate who has a high school diploma. You will also want someone who has a detailing certification from the International Detailing Association or an equivalent training program.
If you have someone on your team already who can help train your new hire, then previous experience may not be as important. But if an experienced detailer would be preferred, then it’s perfectly acceptable to say that here.
You may also want to include requirements such as if they need a valid state driver’s license to do the job.
Working Environment
The more information you can provide in the detailer job description, the more likely you are to get someone who is right for the job. For those new to detailing, you’re going to want to let them know the working environment they can expect.
You should be transparent about what the work entails. So you may want to mention all or some of the following:
- Time will be spent both inside and outside the vehicles.
- Must be willing to work outside, no matter the weather conditions.
- Must be willing to follow health and safety protocol, including wearing gloves, eye, and/or ear protection, as required.
- Will be happy working with a team of perfectionists (or something else you can say about your team!)
Hours and Pay
Be upfront about your expectations in terms of hours and pay. If you state your rates, you’re more likely to receive suitable applicants.
Specify the number of hours per week that will be expected and whether it’s a part-time, full-time, or contract position. You’ll also want to mention whether they will have to work weekends, holidays, or overtime.
If you choose to omit how much you’ll pay for the position, you can still share how they will be paid i.e. hourly or salary. You should also include any additional benefits, such as medical, along with opportunities for commission or bonuses as applicable.
Before you interview candidates, make sure you have a pay range in mind. You can then negotiate the salary or wages based on the experience, skills, and knowledge of the applicant.
If you need help on how much to pay your new hire, read our article on average car detailer salaries in cities and states around the U.S.
How to Apply
The final step of your detailer job description is to give instructions on how any interested candidates can apply. Ask them to email a copy of their resume and provide contact information for them to do so. You may also request they write a cover letter or note expressing their interest and that they use a particular subject line in their email, so that you can spot them easily in your inbox.
If you’d like to meet the candidates in-person before any interview process, you can ask them to drop off their application at your shop. But this may limit the number of applications that you receive.
Be sure to include the deadline for applications if there is one. And you may want to add a line specifying that only successful applicants will be contacted—this will save you having to respond to lots of people.
Happy hiring!