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How to Identify Top Tech Talent for a Modern, Technology-Driven Shop
As automotive shops become increasingly driven by technology, finding technicians with the right digital skills is essential. From navigating shop management software to typing with ease, tech literacy is as important as mechanical expertise. Learn how simple tests like The Keyboard Test can help identify candidates ready to excel in a modern, tech-driven workspace.
In today’s automotive service industry, the days of grease-stained repair orders scribbled on a clipboard are long gone. Modern shops operate in a space where efficiency, precision, and data-driven decisions rely on technology as much as torque wrenches and diagnostic tools. Whether it’s Tekmetric, AutoLeap, CCC, Podium, or other cutting-edge platforms, shop management software is now the backbone of a well-run operation. To stay competitive, businesses need technicians who can thrive in this tech-heavy environment. But how can you identify the right talent—those capable of working seamlessly within the technological landscape of a modern shop?
The Challenge: Tech-Savvy vs. Tech-Suspicious
Hiring automotive technicians has always been about balancing hard and soft skills. Historically, the hard skills involved diagnostic prowess, mechanical knowledge, and the ability to work with tools. Now, those skills must coexist with a new non-negotiable: digital literacy. Shops rely on real-time software to manage schedules, order parts, track diagnostics, and communicate with customers. If your team can’t efficiently navigate these platforms, your shop’s productivity and customer satisfaction will take a hit.
So, how do you ensure the next hire can handle this reality? Enter The Keyboard Test.
The Keyboard Test: A Quick Digital Literacy Benchmark
Imagine this: a candidate sits down at a desk with a basic keyboard and computer. Their task is simple—type a brief sentence or two. It’s not a speed test; you’re not trying to hire a court stenographer. Instead, it’s a window into their comfort level with one of the most essential tools of the trade.
Here’s what to watch for:
The Hunt-and-Peck Typer: Using one or two fingers to tap out keys while constantly looking down at the keyboard. This candidate may struggle with basic shop software navigation and likely has a learning curve ahead.
The Semi-Fluent Typer: Knows their way around the keyboard but still glances down occasionally. They’re functional and could adapt quickly with a bit of training.
The Touch Typist: Types fluidly without looking at the keyboard, confident and comfortable. This is your ideal candidate—a tech-savvy individual ready to tackle software demands without hesitation.
The Keyboard Test isn’t a perfect science, but it’s a powerful indicator of how naturally technology comes to a potential hire. If they’re comfortable with the keyboard, they’re more likely to navigate shop management software with ease.
Beyond Typing: Other Tech Readiness Indicators
While The Keyboard Test is a great starting point, consider expanding your evaluation with additional tech-centric assessments:
Hands-On Software Demo: Have candidates complete a simple task on your shop’s software, such as scheduling a service or pulling up a work order. Observe how intuitively they interact with the platform.
Problem-Solving Scenario: Present a mock issue—like locating a specific diagnostic code or ordering a hard-to-find part using online tools. This shows how they apply critical thinking in a tech-heavy context.
Continuous Learning Mindset: Ask about their experience with learning new tools or systems. Candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt are invaluable in an industry evolving as fast as automotive technology.
Key Questions to Gauge a Candidate’s Comfort with Tech
Can you talk me through your experience using shop management software, such as Tekmetric, AutoLeap, or CCC? What services are you most familiar with? What tasks did you perform using these platforms? What was the most difficult? What made your life easier?
How comfortable are you navigating cloud-based tools for scheduling, invoicing, or ordering parts? Can you provide an example of a specific tool you've used and how it improved your work efficiency? Do you have any tools you’ve used that we aren’t using but you’d like to add?
Have you ever been tasked with updating or maintaining digital repair orders or work logs? How do you ensure accuracy and efficiency in these systems?
When learning a new software tool or platform, what steps do you take to get up to speed quickly? Can you share an example of how you’ve adapted to new technology in the past?
In your experience, how has technology improved collaboration with teammates, customers, or vendors? Can you describe a situation where technology helped solve a specific problem in the shop? Any time it caused problems and taught you when not to use software?
Building a Tech-Forward Team Culture
The automotive service industry is only becoming more dependent on technology. Shops that fail to staff their teams with digitally literate technicians risk falling behind. By implementing tools like The Keyboard Test and assessing candidates’ tech readiness, you can ensure your team is equipped to excel in today’s—and tomorrow’s—shop environment.
Hiring tech-savvy individuals is just the first step. To fully realize the potential of your modern shop, you need to create an environment where technology is embraced and encouraged. Provide ongoing training for new platforms and emphasize the value of efficiency and accuracy that technology brings. A well-supported team will not only adopt new tools but also find innovative ways to improve your operations.
In a world driven by data and automation, the right hires aren’t just those who know cars; they’re those who can blend that knowledge with a keyboard, a screen, and a sharp mind for technology. The future of your shop depends on it.
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