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What does an Automotive Service Advisor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

An automotive service advisor is responsible for greeting customers and scheduling service appointments. They also provide customers with estimates for repair and maintenance work. In some cases, they may sell auto parts or refer customers to other businesses for repairs or maintenance work.

Automotive Service Advisor job duties include:

  • Greet customers and schedule service appointments
  • Write up customer vehicles for recommended and necessary service
  • Perform vehicle walk-arounds with customers to point out vehicle concerns
  • Educate customers on maintenance and repair options for their vehicle
  • Communicate with customers regarding the status of their vehicle during servicing
  • Prepare cost estimates for automotive repairs and maintenance services
  • Follow up with customers after servicing to ensure their satisfaction
  • Maintain knowledge of current automotive industry trends and technologies
  • Stay up-to-date on manufacturer warranty and service bulletins

Automotive Service Advisor Job Requirements

An automotive service advisor typically has a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete on-the-job training. Many service advisors also have certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification is not required, but it may give job seekers a competitive advantage. In addition to education and certification, employers often look for candidates with at least one year of experience working in an auto repair shop or dealership.

Automotive Service Advisor Skills

  • Communication
  • Listening
  • Writing
  • Organizational
  • Time management
  • Computer
  • Customer service
  • Interpersonal
  • Problem solving
  • Multi-tasking
  • Sales

Related: Top Automotive Service Advisor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Automotive Service Advisor

An automotive service advisor is responsible for communicating with customers about their vehicle’s needs and making recommendations for repairs or maintenance. They also schedule service appointments and oversee the work of technicians. To become an automotive service advisor, you will need excellent communication and customer service skills. You will also need to be familiar with the inner workings of a car and have some experience working with tools.

If you are interested in becoming an automotive service advisor, start by shadowing someone who already works in this role. This will give you a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations. Once you have a good understanding of what the job entails, you can begin working on developing the necessary skills.

Excellent communication skills are essential for any customer-facing role, but they are especially important for an automotive service advisor. You will need to be able to clearly explain complex problems to customers who may not be familiar with car mechanics. You should also be able to listen to customer concerns and address them in a way that puts them at ease.

In addition to strong communication skills, you will also need to have excellent customer service skills. As an automotive service advisor, you will be the face of the company and the first point of contact for many customers. It is important that you are able to build rapport and create a positive experience for every customer that comes into the shop.

Finally, you will need to have some experience working with tools. Many of the tasks that an automotive service advisor performs will involve using basic hand tools. While you don’t need to be a certified mechanic, it is helpful if you have some experience working on cars. This experience can be gained through a previous job, volunteering at a local garage, or even taking a class on basic car maintenance.

Related: Automotive Service Advisor Resume Example

Related: Automotive Service Advisor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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