question about future employers

Matt Saunoras · February 1, 2011

i haven't been in this business very long and i've never had to quit, leave or anything like that but i'm entertaining the thought of leaving my current shop.

would you be worried about a future employer trying to rush you into a new position? i had an interview tonight with a dealership i haven't heard too much about and they acted like they needed an answer tomorrow if i wanted the position. this worries me, there's some potential turmoil in the area with dealerships closing up i don't quite understand their motive. i felt like i was being sold a job, is that usually the norm?? i'm worried about an alterior motive because shouldn't i be trying to sell myself? i'm young and i have a feeling they're trying to play on my inexperience changing jobs

btw they had an add in the paper for a tranny tech, now i tried to get across that i don't want to do trans work anymore and i'm looking to get further into diesel. i need to feel them out more tomorrow for sure

Jim Warman · February 1, 2011

Matt... if it is a trans tech they are looking for, then it is a trans tech they are probably going to hire.... If you are trying to get more into diesel, then try to limit your searching to stores looking for diesel guys.

The "unfortunately" part is that most stores are gong to be looking for guys with experience and/or certification.

Not knowing what your current relationship is with your current store, why not get all of your WBT courses in 51 and 52 completed and see if that helps you on your chosen path?

FWIW, changing stores for the sake of changing stores might not be in your best interests if you don't know the store you are looking at.

deezul · February 1, 2011

I've been in those shoes before, it's funny how things turn out though. A couple of years back I was looking at switching into heavy truck and coach to gain more diesel experience as I was one of among four diesel techs at my dealership. I had two job offers but still nothing felt quite right and I didn't want to leave until I knew one hundred percent without any doubt that the change was what I wanted. As I was still toying with the idea of leaving, two of the diesel techs quit and the other became a service manager. Now I'm getting more than enough experience, training and everything is alot better. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Even when I go back into the one "truck shop" that I applied to I'm still happy that I never took that job. Sometimes good things come to those who wait.

Sometimes you feel like you're being rushed into the position just because they are desperate. The shops that I applied at seemed to have a hard time finding anyone interested in wrenching on the big stuff. Once I inquired they pretty much wanted an answer right away....that's just from my experience though.

Matt Saunoras · February 2, 2011

guys, thanks for the advice, they're still pushing hard but i turned the job down today, i made it very clear i'm looking for a truck shop and it didn't feel right. i know they need a tranny tech and they have one position open. i told them i'm not their guy. i looked around the shop yesterday and there wasn't a truck in sight, nothing out side either. my shop is 1/3 the size but last week i had one superduty every day

they know they're not a truck shop but they still didn't want to hear no. i've been in this situation before. the only reason i have auto trans certs is because my current employer insisted i get certified and assured me i wouldn't have to actually do anything. yeah right, it didn't take long to go from nothing to lead tranny tech

Jim, i'm senior master 10 and 11 plus diesel certified. thanks again for the insight.