Hiring the right people is key to a dealership’s success, workplace culture, and customer satisfaction. With 20% of dealership staff considering a job change in the next six months, it’s crucial to have a solid hiring strategy. 

Define Job Roles Clearly

Well-defined job descriptions help attract the right candidates. Each role—whether in sales, service, customer support, or management—should have clear responsibilities, required skills, and performance expectations. Don’t add to much technical jargon. Instead, try to be as clear and honest as possible. This helps clear up expectations for candidates and employers. 

Focus on Technical Skills and Training

Sales staff should understand vehicle specs, and service technicians must excel in diagnostics and repairs. Prioritizing training keeps employees up to date with industry advancements, improving service quality and customer satisfaction. When hiring, make sure you’re going with someone with a growth mindset, who is ready to learn. 

Assess Soft Skills and Customer Service Ability

Beyond technical skills, employees need strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Hiring processes should evaluate customer interactions, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills to ensure a positive dealership experience. If you’re not asking about these types of situations, you’re missing some key questions. 

Use Structured Interviews

A mix of behavioral and situational questions helps assess candidates objectively. Involving multiple interviewers from different departments provides a well-rounded view of a candidate’s fit within the team. After all, it’s always helpful to have candidates interview with the teams they’ll be working with. 

Stay Competitive and Informed

Understanding industry trends and competitor hiring practices helps dealerships attract top talent. Keeping up with in-demand skills and emerging technologies ensures a future-ready workforce. Work with a recruiter to learn more. 

The Bottom Line

Smart hiring isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building a strong team that drives dealership success. Defining roles, prioritizing skills, and adapting to market trends help dealerships create high-performing teams and exceptional customer experiences. 

Need to Strengthen Your Team?
At Autopeople, we do more than help dealerships hire—we help you retain top talent. Schedule a call with David Adragna today – 650 808-7066.