Trying to get a job at This Caraudio shop (tips?)

[twisztdauthorit 10+ year member]

alright well im sure we've all seen plenty of these threads but here is another..

i called up this place asking if they have any part time positions open and was replied with a yes.. dropped by and talked to the manager left my info and said to come back 2morrow to talk to his bro.

Mind you i have only done a few installs (running power cables, installing HU, building boxes, speakers and all that fun stuff)

none of them were top notch clearly but they weren't crap either.

I was told they need help in the install bay.

I'm assuming they have their certain style of work that im willing to pick up, im just hoping i don't dissapoint

So are there any hints/tips you previous car shop guys care to share?

what to say/what not to say and how to act.

Click to read more...

 

[MTXman 10+ year member]

Try to be layed back and do what you're told.

Don't try to sound pompous/arrogant; like you know everything about car audio, or specifically - know more than the other installers.

When they need help, be prompt - and add suggestions that they could consider when installing.

Be a nice, friendly guy - all that jazz.

 

[twisztdauthorit 10+ year member]

Try to be layed back and do what you're told.

Don't try to sound pompous/arrogant; like you know everything about car audio, or specifically - know more than the other installers.

When they need help, be prompt - and add suggestions that they could consider when installing.

Be a nice, friendly guy - all that jazz.

yeah, i never try to act like a smart *** if i can help it. I try to stay calm for the most part but because this is my first "real" job i cant help but be slightly nervous.

Im always open to new ways and opinions on my work though. Just hope they give me a good starting point and a lil help at first just so i can catch on(if i need any)

The manager said i need to know my stuff cuz they need to churn out cars pretty fast. Although ive never seen it ever to busy in there(not some high end-shop but not low-end)

*important question*

Do they care about history with the law? (I'm on probation for some stupid crap)

I have good grades if that helps (GPA-3.4-3.8)

 

[mjf 10+ year member]

yeah, i never try to act like a smart *** if i can help it. I try to stay calm for the most part but because this is my first "real" job i cant help but be slightly nervous.

Im always open to new ways and opinions on my work though. Just hope they give me a good starting point and a lil help at first just so i can catch on(if i need any)

The manager said i need to know my stuff cuz they need to churn out cars pretty fast. Although ive never seen it ever to busy in there(not some high end-shop but not low-end)

*important question*

Do they care about history with the law? (I'm on probation for some stupid crap)

I have good grades if that helps (GPA-3.4-3.8)

law is strictly up to the owner whether hes going to hire you or not.

 

[twisztdauthorit 10+ year member]

law is strictly up to the owner whether hes going to hire you or not.

i figure that question will come up sooner or later, whether in person and/or on paper and i figure it's best not to lie. Should i just tell the truth and try to explain my situation or just sit tight and hope for the best?

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

The most common thing i see done in shops is a simple HU install + sub/sub amp. I have never worked in a shop but I have hung out in many and helped out when I could. The only problem I have is pulling apart dashes as its hard to do without alot of experience. I would try to get the job but make it seem like I am less qualified than I really am. That way when you have an issue installing you can ask and not be embarassed, and also you can exceed there expectations

edit: also get used to selling cheap equipment, I know here that most of the people would rather not pay 400 bucks for a quality 1/2 ohm stable amp and would rather just have something that is functional for what they want. The truth of the retail world is that at the end of the day you need to make the customer happy

 

[twisztdauthorit 10+ year member]

The most common thing i see done in shops is a simple HU install + sub/sub amp. I have never worked in a shop but I have hung out in many and helped out when I could. The only problem I have is pulling apart dashes as its hard to do without alot of experience. I would try to get the job but make it seem like I am less qualified than I really am. That way when you have an issue installing you can ask and not be embarassed, and also you can exceed there expectations

Yeah, every other car seems to have a certain perk or pita somewhere. You made a good point though. Thank you

edit: Dealing with cheaper equipment will be interesting. But Im really enthused to get a job and would be very excited to work at a car shop, whether its min wage or what not i don't care right now.

Do many car shops offer discounts for employees/part time or is that at the discretion of the owner too?

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

Thats usually at the discretion at the owner, if your dealing with sales tho you usually have access to the price sheets so you know what there cost is and most of the time you can buy it at cost...

 

[jrdbrn 10+ year member]

I doubt they will do a background check on a part time position.

 

[twisztdauthorit 10+ year member]

Alright well hopefully they remember to call me today, if not ill show up like they asked me to and try to leave a good impression.

 

[ProgMtl 10+ year member]

Don't assume they'll call you...if they asked you to show up, then do so (that may be your first test).

Also...when asked to do something that you don't quite agree with, or understand, ask politely what the purpose is and put it in your databanks for future use.

I'm a manager of quite a few people and my biggest pet peeve is having to repeat myself over and over because nobody will write anything down.

Last, but not least....be yourself...smart managers can see right through the bullshit.

 

[NeverEnuffBass 10+ year member]

Don't expect to be thrown into installing a system right away. They may have you installing phone kits, i pod interfaces, hardwiring portable nav units etc. Listen to and learn from the other installers because that is the only way you will learn. Can you do starters and or alarms? Most shops around here won't hire you unless you can. Oh, and don't be afraid to grab a broom and clean up the shop a bit, owners love that as most shops get real dirty real fast.

 

[Mesto 10+ year member]

Be Hands On and Quick To Learn.

CarAudio Shop I used to work at, there was this guy named Steven.

Simply Put, He hated Wiring up the subs, and making ring terminals so I offered to do it for him..

and like others have suggested dont be afraid to ask questions.

 

[hillbillyinohio 10+ year member]

one thing i told my installers when pulling apart cars, is look for help on the internet. for radios check out metraonline.com. you can almost always find pictures to pull the radios out.

and for door speakers, check out this site, great for pulling door panels off.

http://www.kwmuth.com/techsupport/manuals.htm

i have owned three different shops. if you need anymore advice, let me know. i did all the hiring.

 

[edzy 10+ year member]

Good luck. Be your self.

And if some one asks you what the RCA line out voltage is, Dont point at the display and say 25 watts x 4