There are no formal classes that can teach you to become a service writer, but general mechanical knowledge, customer service skills and the ability to up-sell are very important traits to possess and develop. As a service writer, you will answer directly to the service manager as well as the dealership owner and often the general manager. To become a service writer, you should develop your people and communication skills as well as your appearance. Most automobile, motorcycle or agricultural dealerships want a polite, charismatic and caring person to work in this role, as these traits calm the customers.
There are three areas that are of the utmost importance if you want to become a service writer: people skills, the ability to thoroughly explain any service required and the ability to up-sell other needed service. You should work on your ability to speak at ease with all sorts of people and demonstrate this ability during the interviewing process. Commonly, the service manager and the general manager of any dealership will interview you first, and if you survive this step, the dealership owner will often call you in to see how you will relate to his customers. The service department is often the largest revenue generator for any dealership, and the owner wants the best candidate possible to become a service writer at their business.
You should always research the brand of vehicles that are sold where you wish to become a service writer. Understanding the most common type of service calls as well as the basic components of the vehicles will aid you in describing any service work required. Your knowledge of the importance and even the danger of not performing the service required will help you to convey the urgency in having the service done. This will make you look like a caring member of the dealership as well as generate money for the owner and promote good customer relations that will have customers returning to see you. It is very important for you to be able to build trust in order for you to become a service writer.
The ability to sell is very critical if you wish to become a service writer. It is rare that a customer's vehicle will not qualify for some type of additional repair service when it comes into your shop. Your ability of being able to up-sell additional services is tantamount for you to become a service writer. The final area you may need to excel in is computer knowledge, as most service writers work with a computer on a daily basis.
