Auto Detailer job description template

Auto detailers clean, polish and protect vehicles inside and out, and their work is the first thing customers see and judge. A good detailer post lists the services you offer, from basic details to paint correction or ceramic coating, whether the work is in a shop or mobile and how much training you provide.

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Auto Detailer

Full-time
Your Company is looking for an auto detailer who loves making a car look better than the day it was bought. You'll clean interiors, wash and polish exteriors, and finish every vehicle to a standard you'd be proud to hand back to its owner. We'll teach you our products and process, so careful attention to detail matters more to us than years of experience.

What you’ll do

  • Vacuum, shampoo and steam-clean carpets, seats, mats and headliners
  • Clean and condition leather, vinyl, dashboards, door panels and glass
  • Wash exteriors by hand, then clay bar and dry, including wheels, tires and door jambs
  • Polish and wax paint using a dual-action or rotary polisher
  • Apply sealants or ceramic coatings following product instructions
  • Restore cloudy headlights and remove odors, stains, pet hair and tar
  • Inspect each vehicle before and after detailing and note any existing damage
  • Restock supplies and keep equipment, towels and your work area clean

What we’re looking for

  • Careful attention to detail and pride in finished work
  • Valid driver's license to move vehicles around the lot or shop
  • Able to stand, bend, kneel and reach for most of a shift, and lift up to 40 lbs
  • Able to handle cleaning chemicals and equipment safely, following product labels
  • Reliable, on time and able to finish vehicles by the promised time

Nice to have

  • Professional detailing or car wash experience
  • Paint correction or ceramic coating experience
  • Experience with a mobile detailing setup, including water tanks and generators
  • IDA (International Detailing Association) certification

Schedule

Full-time, typically weekdays and Saturdays during business hours. Spring and summer may bring extra hours.

What we offer

  • Customer tips
  • Paid training on paint correction and coatings
  • Paid time off
  • Discounted detailing for your own vehicle

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for an auto detailer

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Do you have a valid driver's license?Yes / No · required
  • What detailing services have you performed (for example, paint correction, ceramic coating, interior shampoo)?Short answer
  • Tell us about the vehicle you're proudest of detailing and what you did to it.Paragraph

Auto Detailer interview questions

  1. Walk me through how you'd detail a minivan with stained seats and pet hair, start to finish.
  2. How do you decide whether paint needs polishing or just a wax?
  3. Which products and tools do you prefer, and why?
  4. A customer points out a spot you missed. How do you respond?
  5. How do you avoid damaging paint, trim or electronics while you work?
  6. How do you manage your time when three cars are due back by noon?
  7. You notice a scratch on a vehicle before you start. What do you do?

Tips for hiring an auto detailer

  • Have candidates detail one exterior panel and one section of an interior. Half an hour shows you their patience and finish quality.
  • Ask for photos of past work. Many detailers keep before-and-after pictures on their phones or social media.
  • Hire for patience and care, then train technique. Paint correction and coatings can be practiced on scrap panels before customer cars.
  • Post where car lovers spend time, such as local car clubs, car shows and auto parts stores.