Applicant Frequently Asked Questions Sample

What this document is: a sample of FAQs we send to apprentice technician applicants. We have a slightly different version for every position. Early on, our ads invited applicants to call with any questions, but we were spending hours a day answering repetitive queries such as, “What’s a typical day on the job like?” Eventually, we automated this function by sending FAQs in a response email to qualified candidates. In this email, we invite candidates to call after they review the information to learn more about the position and our company. Most never call, and that’s good, because we let the majority of candidates filter themselves out, rather than tax our resources to evaluate every person who applies.

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Planet Service Technician Apprentice Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Planet Subaru looking for?

Planet Subaru is seeking someone good with their hands who would like to get a start in a lucrative field with lots of growth opportunity. We will help you learn the skills necessary to complete light maintenance and repairs on vehicles, including oil changes and tire rotations. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who doesn't want to work at low-wage job year after year. We will help you develop into a master technician through the years. It's also great for someone at a tire shop, small garage, or oil change facility that wants to move up to a franchised dealership.

Do I need experience?

No automotive repair experience is necessary, but you need an aptitude for doing mechanical things. Any vocational/technical school or shop experience is helpful but not required. We will train you if you're smart and eager to learn.

What if I already have some experience?

That’s great, and will speed up the pace at which we can train you and increase your hourly pay rate.

What is the starting hourly rate?

Starting compensation is hourly (not flat rate), $14 per hour, 40 hours per week (with overtime at time-and-a-half). There are opportunities to work overtime hours when there is extra work (which is often).

What kind of training will I get?

Initially, an experienced technician will train you how to do simple operations, such as oil changes, new car inspections, wiper blade replacements, etc. During this time you’ll also be doing online training. As you demonstrate your competence with simpler tasks, you’ll be given additional instruction on more complicated tasks, such as mounting tires and replacing brakes. Within the first year, we’ll start sending you to official Subaru classes at the Subaru New England headquarters in Norwood. The pace of your advancement is largely determined by you—as you learn and prove that you can do the work, we’re eager to move you up.

Will I be asked to do things other than work on cars?

You’re starting in an entry-level capacity, on an hourly basis. So there will be occasions where you’ll be asked to do entry-level things…help other technicians by bringing cars to them, sweeping the floor, etc. These simple tasks will not represent the majority of the time you spend, but we’ll expect you do whatever you’re asked with a smile.

How does the schedule work?

You will be scheduled five days, 8-5, with Sunday and one weekday off.

What kind of traditional benefits do you offer?

We pay half of your medical insurance premiums (Blue Cross Blue Shield), offer 401K (some matching), paid vacation (one week first year, two weeks for years 2-5, and then three weeks thereafter), five sick days, bereavement days.

Do I need tools?

We provide all the tools you need to begin your work. You may bring your tools if you prefer them. Eventually, as you become a regular technician, you will need to buy some of your own tools, but your hourly rate will increase before that happens.

Do you hire women?

Planet Subaru has many women on its sales and service teams, including our service manager and six technicians, so we encourage women to apply.

How big is your team?

We employ about 100 people in all departments. The service department is about 50 people total.

Is it a good place to work?

Planet Subaru is a very special dealership. We have very low turnover and very high quality of life. Planet is a great place to work. Selected from over 20,000 nationwide, Planet Subaru was named to the Automotive News Top 100 Best Dealerships to Work For in 2014 (#49) and again in 2015 (#20). And the Boston Globe selected Planet Subaru from thousands of companies in all industries, five times, for its list of Top Workplaces. To learn more about the dealership, visit the “Why Planet” tab at www.planetsubaru.com

What do you mean when you say you’re the undealership?

We’re the alternative to the typical dealership. We strive to be free of the tricks, pressure, and lack of professionalism at many dealerships. Our staff is a cut above in terms of polish, warmth, and ethics. We’re more disciplined, organized, and graceful. We’re trying to prove that sometimes the nice guys (and gals) finish first. Every dealership sells and services cars; we like to think the difference is in our no-nonsense approach to the business, our commitment to community service and environmental stewardship, and the high character of our team.

What is your hiring process like?

We start with the assumption that our most important activity is the attraction, retention, and development of our people. It only makes sense...any business will be as good or as bad as its people. Turnover is very expensive so we work hard to keep it low, and one of the ways we do this is through a thorough interview process so we can get to know each other pretty well. The first interview is with the Service Director, Matt Ryan. The second interview, on another day, is with the service manager and general manager. The third and final day is not so much an interview—we call it a “shadow day” —it’s a day where you observe the business in action, meet the whole service team, and make sure you really have a good feel for the position before you accept it. The amount of time we invest in hiring the right people should tell you something very positive about our company.

What kind of dress requirements are there?

We provide uniforms at dealership expense.

Do you have a Mission Statement?

Yes. This will offer a lot of insight into our values.

Planet AutoGalaxy Mission Statement

THE SUN

We will offer an experience unexpectedly different than the typical dealership. No polyester, no pressure, no problems.

THE NINE PLANETS

1. Safety. The safety of guests and staff is our first priority. We will always operate equipment, drive company vehicles, and conduct ourselves with safety in mind.

2. Stellar Guest Service. We will aspire to delight our guests at every opportunity. Everyone will receive a warm, friendly greeting. Based on verbal and non-verbal cues, we will practice Proactive Hospitality---anticipating our guests’ needs.

3. Profitability. Businesses that do not earn a profit cannot provide for their staffs, delight their customers, or reinvest in their communities. We will charge fair, competitive prices.

4. Ethics. We are the good guys and we will act like it. We will speak the truth and honor our commitments.

5. Cleanliness. We will build and maintain superior facilities. We will each keep our work areas clean, attractive, and efficient, with a minimum of clutter.

6. Operational Excellence. The trains will run on time. We will learn our jobs well, execute our responsibilities with grace, and continually train ourselves and colleagues.

7. Environment and Corporate Citizenship. We will work to minimize the impacts of our business on the environment, from our fanatical recycling commitment to minimizing the energy consumption of our facilities. We will reinvest in our communities, supporting environmental and social service organizations.

8. Privacy. We will protect sensitive guest information and keep private all confidential dealership information.

9. Teamwork. We will support each other. We will create an environment that embraces folks from all genders, races, backgrounds, and walks of life.