Taking a car into the shop for repairs is never a happy occasion, so the job of a service advisor is to make customers feel comfortable and reassured. They typically work with large automotive repair shops or car dealerships to help clients make informed decisions concerning the maintenance and repair of their vehicle.
A service advisor is often the first person a customer meets when they enter the waiting room. They query the nature of the problem, diagnose what needs to be done and schedule the repairs. Answering the phone and scheduling appointments are major parts of this position.
Keeping track of the progress of the repairs and staying in touch with customers is another aspect of this job. Knowledge of computer systems is important as most data is entered onto a computer. Often, the advisor handles payment and does the final checkout when a customer picks up their vehicle.
Organization and expertise of specific automotives are essential qualities for this job. Patience and good communication skills are also necessary. Most positions are on a salary with a commission, Pay starts at C
$33,000 and can reach as high as C
$72,000 per year.