12 Steps How To Become A Car Detailer

(doylc.com) How to Become a Car Detailer - Auto detailers, also known as car detailers and car cleaners, are responsible for general maintenance of the vehicle's appearance, both inside and out. They vacuum floors, give windows a streak-free shine, remove stubborn stains from upholstery, remove dirt, bugs and tar from exterior surfaces and keep car paintwork in peak condition and shine. Detailers have a lot of responsibility and a lot to learn to do their best. By getting the right education and training, gaining plenty of experience, and marketing yourself well, you can become an auto detailer.

• How to receive education and training

1. Graduate from high school. If you're still in high school, now is a good time to start taking all sorts of auto mechanic courses. While detailing isn't the same as becoming a mechanic, gaining the technical experience these courses offer is a must. A high school diploma shows employers that you can see a project through from start to finish.

If your school offers a specialized vocational or vocational training program, this is a good place to start.

If you're past the point where graduating from high school is an option, consider working toward a GED or high school equivalent.

2. Know what the job entails. You might have an idea of ​​what it means to be an auto detailer, but it's always good to do a little more research to fill in what you don't know. Check out some auto detailer jobs and see what are listed as duties and responsibilities. Anything related to car detailing can surprise you.

Before you begin to fully pursue this job opportunity or career, it is best to be clear about what exactly will be required of you to fulfill the position.

Understand the types of physical requirements you must meet, such as: B. long standing or bending and squatting in the interior of vehicles.

Note that you will use various chemicals and cleaning products, as well as power tools.

3. Get training and certification. Although you don't need a lot of formal education to be successful as an auto detailer, there are some job-specific skills and work experience that will come in handy before landing a job. Autodetailing seminars are a good starting point for your training, but the best option is a full training course. Most training courses teach you many skills such as how to handle chemicals, how to use energy like buffers and extractors, how to communicate with customers, how to run a business, how to remove stains and scratches, and how to remove smoke odors. Training of this nature, more than reading, will give you the hands-on experience you need to be successful.

The International Detailing Association offers a course that includes written tests and practical assessments leading to the certified detailer.

Simoniz USA offers online training and certification at its website http://www.simoniz.com/car-washes/professional-detailing/training-certifications/.

4. Find out about best practices. If you're still graduating from high school or attending seminars or training courses isn't an option yet, spend your time learning as much as you can on your own. Many websites are specifically designed to teach you what tools and products you need to be familiar with to be a good detailer.

Even if you think you know enough already, or the job seems obvious, it never hurts to refresh your knowledge base when it comes to jobs.

• How to come to work

5. Practice on your own car. You don't have to wait until you get a full-time job to get the hang of doing the job well. If your own car could use a little more love, this is a great way to start practicing. After reading a lot on auto detailing websites, try out some of the products and tips you've learned.

6. Practice on a friend or family member's car. When you've taken the time to make your own grooming look fresh, ask some other people if you can give them free detail work. You will benefit from working on different types of vehicles and a cleaner car.

Before using power tools or harsh chemicals, make sure you are confident in your skills.

7. Focus on one aspect at a time. Becoming a top-notch detailer takes time and hard work. One way to take some pressure off is to get good at one or two parts of the detailing process at the same time. If this is your first time driving your car to work, don't try to get every part of the car perfect as it can get overwhelming. Familiarize yourself with one aspect of the detailing process at a time.

Give yourself a break if you can't get the wax right the first time or if keeping windows streak-free is a challenge. You will gain mastery as you continue to hone your skills.

8. Get a job at a car wash. You may not be able to start your own detailing business when you are starting out, but if you gain good experience, it is definitely possible with time. Meanwhile, working at a car wash provides the amount of experience you need to hone the skills you're working on. A car wash may be easier than the type of detailing you would specialize in with your own business, but it's a good training ground.

• How to market yourself

9. Know what professionals want. It's difficult to get many jobs without knowing what a company expects from its employees. As you begin your search for detailer jobs, pay close attention to what requirements the job descriptions list as necessary. Check out some of the companies' posts and find out what they all have in common

By learning what companies want in a detailer, you can work to acquire those qualities and ensure they are reflected on your resume.

10. Write down your CV. To get hired by a dealer or dealer specifically as a detailer, you'll likely need to show on paper what you're capable of. Especially when you have the opportunity to pursue training and earn certifications, a solid resume is a great way to impress hiring managers. You can view various example vehicle detailer resumes to see what is typically included as skills and prior experience.

If you're able to build your resume over time by completing high school, undertaking specific training, and demonstrating your car wash experience, employers will see that you have what they need.

If you don't have the best qualifications, find a way to revamp your resume to match what auto detailers want to see. Maybe you worked as a janitor with cleaning chemicals. Maybe you learned customer service in a retail job. Perhaps mowing the lawn has taught you to manage your time wisely. The best resumes take what you have to offer and package it in a way that is desirable for the job you want.

11. Find and apply for Detailer jobs. It may seem obvious, but the final step in becoming a car detailer is to get a job as a detailer. You may have more options than you think. Don't limit yourself to just imagining where a detailer might be needed. The main ones are dealers, auto mechanics and garages, but you might find another auto detailer with their own business looking to expand.

More than just looking for job postings, try calling these positions and asking if they have a vacancy or would consider hiring a detailer. You never know what a cold call can do to a company. They may be willing to hire you even if they haven't been looking for one yet.

12. Keep Learning Whether you get a job at the car wash or eventually start your own business, learning new and better methods is an ongoing process. Don't be so stuck that you won't try anything new.