Hiring Great Techs? Here are 7 Things That the Best Shops Do Differently

You have probably heard the phrase "finding a needle in a haystack." It fits well when hiring good mechanics for an auto repair shop. 

You post a job. You wait. You interview. Still can't find the mechanics you are looking for. Either they don't show up or don't meet the standards of your shop.

Meanwhile, some shops have no trouble finding top-tier techs. What's their secret? How are they finding reliable auto repair mechanics while you are constantly struggling? What makes those techs stick long-term?

What those best-performing shops are doing differently to hire and retain the techs is not always about the paycheck.

Imagine a busy day at your shop. Vehicles are stacked up. But you are understaffed. The customers are losing patience. Stress levels are high. Sounds familiar?

This happens when auto repair shop owners struggle to hire skilled mechanics. The shortage of trained technicians makes it challenging to establish a reputation in the auto repair market. 

Here's a peek inside the playbook of shops that are successful in attracting and retaining skilled techs through auto repair management software.

1. The Perfect Job Description

Let's be honest. Many job postings are boring and filled with extra-long details that many techs skip over. These posts fail to grab their attention.

But remember, job postings serve as practical marketing tools. The top-performing shops actually sell the job by highlighting:

• Perks

• Challenges

• Opportunities

Example:

Your post says: Must have ASE certification.

Their post states: Join a high-energy team that values your skills, offers ongoing training, and provides you with the tools to shine.

Do you see the difference? Their post is less demanding and more about what they are offering.

PRO TIP: Don't forget to mention technology. Having tools like auto repair software in your shops is a big draw for techs because nobody wants to work on outdated methods to manage repairs.

2. Use of Auto Repair Management Software

Here's another truth of the auto repair industry: Great techs don't like slow and disorganized workflow.

No one wants to join a shop that has:

• Disorganized job queues

• Unclear schedules

• Constant backtracking

But the auto shop software changes everything. It keeps the operations smooth and predictable. Technicians can view:

• Their assignments

• Access customer service histories

• Easy clock in and out

• Eliminating the need for manual work

This is one of the biggest secrets that keeps mechanics in your shop for a long time.

3. Stop Fishing in the Wrong Pond

Finding good mechanics isn't only about posting a job and waiting for people to apply. Traditional methods don't work anymore. Instead, go where the talent is. You can visit:

• Trade schools

• Partnering with apprenticeship programs

• Scouting talent at auto shows

Don't forget social media. The younger generation hangs out there. Plant seeds in the potential hires there by showcasing your:

• Shop culture

• Projects

• Happy employees

Example:

Post behind-the-scenes videos of your team using diagnostic tools and working on vintage cars. Don't just show them your expertise, but also show how working in your shop is a fun and innovative experience. 

4. They Hire for Fit, Not Just Skill

You want to hire a mechanic who knows their way around an engine. But have you considered punctuality and customer friendliness?

Top-performing shops don't rely on certifications. They hire people who align with the shop culture. Ones who respect:

• Timeliness

• Values

• Teamwork

• Doesn't disappear mid-shift

PRO TIP: During interviews, present them with real-life shop scenarios to assess their ability to handle frustrated customers and manage double-booked schedules. 

Stop treating interviews like a Q&A session. Interviews should never feel like an interrogation. Use this opportunity as a chance to connect with the potential hires. Don't just ask about their skills and experience. Ask about the applicant's goals, passions, and ideas. 

Example:

You can create interactive tests, such as asking the applicant to diagnose a problem in a car in real time. Have them troubleshoot and use their approach to fix them. 

5. Don't Wait Until It's Desperate

Do you know what the biggest mistake most shop owners make?

They hire when they are short-staffed. This approach only allows you to settle for whoever is available instead of qualified technicians. It often results in low morale and mistakes on the floor.

What do smart shops do?

The advantage of shops being strategic is that they are always recruiting. Even when fully staffed, they maintain connections with trade schools and keep their networks active in local auto communities.

6. Value Time, Yours and Techs

If your auto repair shop still runs on sticky notes and clipboards, you are going to lose people FAST.

High-performing shops respect everyone's time. Whether it's theirs or the techs. This means:

• Jobs are queued and visible

• Estimates are approved quickly

• Parts are tracked automatically

No more "Did you check the whiteboard?"

These are not the perks, though. These are the basics in 2025. With modern systems like Torque360, techs and customers aren't left guessing. They get what they need and when they need it. 

7. Pay Fair, Offer More Than Money

It's no lie that money matters. But it's not everything.

Offer your mechanics:

• Predictable hours

• A respectful environment

• Tools that don't suck

• A process that's actually organized

Utilizing software solutions can help you manage all of these matters efficiently. You don't have to keep a close eye on everything. Instead, all operations are automated. 

Good shops use the same methods. This is why they are no longer stuck in 2025. They are investing in what benefits them in all aspects of running an auto repair business.

Retention: The Real Battle

Hiring a good staff is only the tip of the iceberg. But keeping that talent? That's the actual battle you have to win. 

Here's how you can master the retention part:

1. Ongoing Training and Certifications

The best techs are always craving for career development. Auto shops that invest in their employees always reap the benefits. Here's what they do:

• Cover the costs of certifications

• Host training workshops

• Bring in experts for hands-on sessions

2. Fair Pay and Perks

That's obvious. Fair pay doesn't always have to mean competitive wages. It is more than just pay. Offer your employees:

• Incentives

• Bonuses

• Health benefits

• Gym memberships

These perks ensure that employees feel valued and have a work-life balance. Their work doesn't have to be limited to fixing cars and earning paychecks.

3. Creating an Awesome Work Culture

Oh, this one's important! Shop culture is the backbone of retaining employees. 

Having an excellent auto repair shop culture ensures that employees feel respected. They appreciate such a welcoming environment. You can:

• Celebrate wins

• Respect downtime

• Build teamwork

Example:

Your technician did a fantastic job in diagnosing the most challenging issues in the car and was able to fix them on time. Instead of leaving this unnoticed, give them a shoutout. This small act will be a reason for enhanced self-confidence in the tech and motivation for others.

Make Your Shop Even More Attractive

Lastly, in today's competitive auto repair market, every shop needs an edge to outperform its competitors. While software is not a hiring tool, it does help during the hiring process. Here's how:

• Clear schedules mean no surprises

• Digital work orders remove the paperwork pain

• Real-time updates reduce miscommunication

• Time tracking is effortless

• Job transparency builds trust

Utilizing such tools builds a positive reputation for your shop and helps attract the top mechanics. Technology plays a silent role in hiring and retaining employees.

Implementing Torque360 saves both time and money. It reduces the chances of errors and keeps everything and everyone synced. You can easily manage repair orders, the invoicing process, and double-booked appointments.

Conclusion

Hiring in the auto repair industry isn't just about who's available to join instantly. It's about assessing the right talent to add to your shop and its growth.

The best way to hire top talent is to create an environment where people would love to work. Offering them more than just a paycheck and showing how your shop works.

This blog has the seven things that the best shops in the market are doing. And without any challenges, they are succeeding in what they are doing. They have the best staff, and their staff members tend to stay for a long time.

If you are still waiting for a good mechanic to walk into your shop by just posting a job ad, then you are seriously standing out in today's market.

So, what's your next step?

Simple! It's time to hire, train, and retain good techs. Start applying these strategies today. Rethink how you conduct interviews. Implement auto repair management software because every small change adds up.