Not all careers in the automotive industry take place in a greasy garage. Some roles, such as service advisor, are focused on improving the customer experience at a dealership or repair shop. NYADI The College of Transportation Technology provides automotive training programs in Jamaica, New York, for students interested in automotive careers. Here, we explore what service advisors do and how our programs can help you become one.

What Is a Service Advisor?

When customers visit a car repair shop or dealership, they aren’t just paying for their service. They also want a friendly face to answer questions, relieve concerns, and explain complicated topics. This contact helps customers feel confident about their purchase or repair.

Service advisors are this friendly face. They are the customer’s primary point of contact, working as a liaison between the customer and the service staff. In this role, they handle duties that may include:

• Greeting customers and connecting them with technicians
• Answering questions about dealership services
• Aiding mechanics with the initial inspection
• Providing lists of necessary services and cost estimates
• Discussing options with customers and guiding their decisions
• Helping customers take advantage of repair deals and warranties
• Interfacing with car insurance providers
• Keeping customers updated on their vehicle status
• Following up on future check-ups and maintenance
• Managing service center scheduling and workflow
• Ordering car parts and overseeing inventory

By performing these responsibilities, service advisors help their company deliver a better service overall. They also help improve customer satisfaction. When customers must make another purchase or when their vehicle needs further repairs, they’ll return to a service advisor they trust.

Essential Skills for Dealership Service Advisors

While other automotive careers can focus on their technical skills, service advisors have a customer-facing role. This means they require a different set of competencies. The best service advisors develop a broad skillset that balances both hard and soft skills, including:

• Mechanical expertise: To answer questions and order correct parts, service advisors must have extensive knowledge of vehicle engineering and repairs.
• Mathematics: Service advisors must also calculate and deliver repair estimates. A strong foundation in math is essential to avoid errors and ensure accuracy.
• Problem-solving: Car service doesn’t always go as it should. If parts arrive late or customers change their minds, advisors must think quickly to resolve issues.
• Active listening: Service advisors must listen to customers to answer questions effectively, understand their concerns, and make them feel heard.
• Communication: The ability to communicate is also essential to explain the technician’s recommendations or to share customer needs with technicians.
• Customer service: Being friendly yet professional is essential to help customers feel at ease while handling their questions and complaints.

With this level of customer interaction, becoming a service advisor is an excellent option for anyone who wishes to enter the automotive industry and has a passion for people.

How to Become a Service Advisor

Does service advisor sound like an exciting career opportunity? To become one, you will first need a high school diploma or its equivalent. NYADI can help you earn a GED if you haven’t already through our Ability to Benefit program.

After graduating, you will then need to enter one of the vocational programs offered by NYADI. Our automotive service technology certificate program will provide the technical ability needed to fulfill your responsibilities as a service advisor. You may instead choose to pursue an automotive technology AOS degree. While not required, an associate degree is preferred by some employers and may open the door to additional opportunities.

Finally, you may need some on-the-job experience. NYADI career services include job search guidance, resume-writing assistance, interview tips, and letters of recommendation. This can help you secure an entry-level placement where you’ll start gaining experience and refining your skills. We also offer financial aid opportunities to students who qualify.

Start Training to Become a Service Advisor

Now is the time to start training for your service advisor career at NYADI. Located in Jamaica, NY, we prepare students for rewarding new careers through certification and AOS degree programs. Our academics cover both auto repair and basic business skills to set students up for success. Contact an admissions representative today to learn more about programs and enrollment.