Auto Services Interviews
Mechanics, Body Repair, Oil Change Services
Interview Questions
How would you describe your service in one sentence (maybe include when it was established, how it has grown, or what area you serve)?
Johnson Auto Body opened in 2008 with one mechanic that has grown into a 15-employee operation that services over 12 cars per week.
What services do you offer?
We provide body work, restoration, engine and drive train, brakes, suspension, exhaust, transmissions, air conditioning and heating, tires, ignition, troubleshooting, diagnosing, and servicing electrical and mechanical systems, oil changes and lubrications, working with electronic diagnostic equipment and systems, optimizing engine performance, and correcting vehicle wheel alignment.
Are there any special services you provide?
We also provide loaner cars, car rental, car sales (dealer license), shuttle service, after hours drop-off, detail/cleaning, gas station, towing, and remote service calls (off-site service).
What types of vehicles do you specialize in?
We specialize in servicing domestic vehicles, foreign vehicles, semi-trailer trucks, heavy machinery, and alternative fuel vehicles, such as 100% electric, hybrid electric, natural gas, and hydrogen fuel cell.
How is your service different from others?
We are different from most auto body shops in that we will accommodate projects of any size and scope. We will provide mechanical service, painting of any metal machinery, and even do custom metal work of any type.
What is a philosophy or key to success you live by related to your area of expertise?
The key to our success is that we put people first. No policy or price structure will prevent us from helping the needs of our customer.
How do you receive most of your customers?
We receive most of our customers from word of mouth. We have built our business from this form of advertising.
How does the service process work for new customers?
Typically, you will drop your car off on a Monday or Tuesday, and we have them complete by Thursday or Friday depending on the scope of the damage. Some projects can be completed within a few hours.
How would you describe your customer service? (Knowledgeable, responsive, flexible, accommodating)
Providing great customer service is our top priority. We strive to do everything we can to make your buying experience with us a good one.
Share some helpful advice.
Some of the best ways to reduce repair costs is to be preemptive with maintenance. Waiting too long to repair something can incur more damage. We’ll diagnose other issues as we repair another.
Tell me about your staff.
Our staff is uniquely diverse and experienced in various fields allowing us to accommodate any request.
Invite customers to do business with you.
We look forward to servicing your car, and getting you back on the road!
Optional Questions
- What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned while providing your service that helps you better service your customers?
- Are there any skills, certifications and associations we should mention?
- What do you try to achieve for your customers?
- Do you have any special tech or equipment that is not commonly used?
- What is one of your proudest achievements of your business?
- How did the business find its beginnings?
- What do you love about your job?
Things the Videographer Says to the Narrator Before the Shoot
Getting your business owner comfortable in front of the camera is one of the most important aspects of your video. Studies show that how you say it is more important than what you say. You want your subject to come across as relaxed, happy, confident, approachable, enthusiastic and eloquent. Move the camera back. Try to make the process fun for them. Shots of the subject smiling and laughing will be among your best shots. Show interest in what they are doing. Stay positive with yout feedback. Have them do an over the top take to help boost their enthusiasm if needed.
- Speaking on camera is easy. If you have experience speaking face to face at work, it will a breeze to look good on camera. And for any reason you don’t like the way you look, we can just use the audio.
- There is no reason to be nervous. Most of what we are shooting will only be used for the audio as shots of your business will be shown while you speak in the background.
- This should only take about 20 minutes, but there’s no hurry. We can redo it until we get you looking your best.
- Look at the camera person, not the camera lens. Imagine you’re having a conversation. Or if your marketing calls for a script that is geared toward speaking directly to your customer, and warrants looking directly into the camera, look past the lens. Visualize your audience.
- Answer interview questions off the top of your head. (If you are reciting a prewritten answer, or using the modified script approach, try to recite the lines to sound as if you are answering the questions off the top of your head.)
- Your first take is often your best take because it is the most natural. So if you make a mistake, or “um” or pause, just keep going as these can be edited out.
- While answering, if you think of a side point, talk about it even though it wasn’t asked. It is good to go off on a tangent.
- Include the question in the answer. For example, if asked, “How long have you been in business?”, instead of answering “6 years”, answer “Smith Roofing has been in business for 6 years.”
After the interview is complete, watch parts of it back, and show the client how they are coming across. This will help them do it again with more confidence and enthusiasm.