How to Write a Help Wanted Ad for Mechanics - Finding Technicians
Mar 17, 2022
The competition for hiring top auto mechanics and diesel technicians poses a huge challenge to repair shop owners. With a projected shortage of hundreds of thousands of diesel and auto repair technicians expected in the next few years, your ads announcing you’re looking for a mechanic to hire need to stand out. Here’s how to write a help wanted ad for finding mechanics and technicians for your repair shop.
- Know Your Competition
Writing an effective ad to hire a mechanic, is both an art and a science. A simple search on any job board will show you just how many of your competitors are also hiring technicians. That means that you need to set yourself apart from the get-go. In other words, you’ll need a professional-quality ad, which stands out with a unique message and compelling text.
- Things to Keep in Mind When Creating Your Mechanic Wanted Ad
To ensure your ad announcing that you’re hiring mechanics connects with top-tier candidates, be sure to focus on what’s in it for them. Every single technician looking for a new job wants the following:
- Good Pay
- Benefits
- Consistent work
- Ongoing learning opportunities (professional and personal growth opportunities)
- Appreciation for their contributions to the shop’s success
- Safe/productive work environment
- Transparency from the leadership team (pay, hours, and other shop numbers)
- Support from leadership team (they want to know that you’ll have their back)
- Potential for advancement
- Job satisfaction (feelings of making a difference, being a part of something special is especially important for the Millennial generation)
- Write a Compelling Headline Announcing You’re Hiring Auto Mechanics
The headline of your ad can be the difference between a candidate reading the rest of the ad, or abandoning the ad. To write an effective headline you’ll need to put yourself in the shoes of an auto or diesel repair technician. Clearly state the job, and at least one of the benefits to the technician.
- Draft an Inviting Intro
An inviting intro makes candidates want to keep reading. In other words, you want to address the conversation that the candidate is already having with themselves. Instead of listing job requirements, present reasons that the tech would want to come work with you. Explain what your shop is all about, by spelling out exactly how you’re different. For example, instead of writing: “Job Duties include X, Y, Z,” frame the intro so that candidates can see that you understand where they are coming from and how your shop is different.
- The Meat of Your Help Wanted Ad: The Magnetic Middle
In the middle of your ad, you’re going to want to highlight once again, the perks that come with working at your shop, i.e., technician appreciation, advancement opportunities, consistent work, etc. You’ll want to make these perks/benefits stand out by using bold font and/or bullets so that these perks pop. Use a sentence or two to elaborate on the specifics, but don’t drone on and on.
- A Compelling Close: How to Wrap Up Your Ad to Hire a Mechanic
Once you’ve got a diesel or auto technician interested, you need to make it as easy as possible for them to submit their application. The close of your ad should include a link to apply online, if available. It should include the physical location of your shop, and it should include an email address where their resume can be sent. You should also include a phone number just in case they have questions. Your goal is to cast a wide net, and by giving multiple avenues for successfully applying you can be sure that every candidate can apply.
Another important benefit to writing compelling help wanted technician ads is that there is less chance you will get ghosted during the hiring process.
Struggling with Hiring Automotive or Diesel Mechanics? TechnicianFind.com Can Help
Technicianfind.com is the premier online resource for helping shops looking for qualified technicians. We are here to give you an advantage over your competition, when it comes to hiring auto and diesel mechanics who are experienced, eager, and ready to work today.
If you’re tired of missing out on good techs, TechnicianFind.com can help. Download our proven checklist for creating help wanted ads that grab attention, make your shop stand out, and generate a consistent flow of qualified applications on demand.
