Service Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Service Writer

🔹 Company: Cogent Talent Solutions

🔹 Location: Des Moines, Iowa, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: ✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

🔹 Date Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Communicating effectively with customers to determine service needs and document repair requests
• Coordinating with the Shop Supervisor, mechanics, and staff for timely and accurate work completion
• Managing service orders, parts ordering, and technician assignments to ensure efficient shop operations
• Maintaining a professional demeanor with customers and staff at all times

ASSUMPTION: This role is crucial in maintaining the customer satisfaction front and back end, ensuring smooth communication and job completion, leading to enhanced shop efficiency and profitability.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as the main liaison between the shop and customers.

✅ Document and prioritize customer complaints and repair needs.

✅ Schedule and adjust technician assignments to meet service demands.

✅ Order and manage parts inventory in coordination with service orders.

✅ Ensure documentation accuracy and follow up with customers post-service.

✅ Assist with general shop upkeep and training new staff as required.

✅ Maintain safety protocols and manage service charges efficiently.

ASSUMPTION: The Service Writer functions as a pivotal role in ensuring that the customer experience and shop operations run seamlessly, impacting the overall efficiency and profitability of the company.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified

Experience: Minimum 1 year in a diesel or automotive environment, including scheduling responsibilities.

Required Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and be flexible with changing schedules
• Proficiency in basic mathematics, language, and logic skills
• Problem-solving aptitude
• Valid Iowa driver's license

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of shop software systems
• Experience in inventory management

ASSUMPTION: While a formal education requirement is not specified, relevant skills and experience in a similar role are crucial for success.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18 - $24 per hour

Benefits:

• Not specified - usually includes standard benefits like health insurance, paid time off, etc.

Working Hours: 40 hours a week, with flexibility required to manage unexpected situations.

ASSUMPTION: Benefits are likely competitive, aligning with industry standards, although not detailed in the posting.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Context not specified, but operates in the automotive service sector based on role details.

Company Size: Not specified, possibly small to medium based on role dynamics.

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• Focus on customer service excellence
• Commitment to timely and professional repair services
• Innovation and efficiency in shop operations

Company Specialties:

• Customer-centric service operations
• Advanced problem diagnostics
• High-standard repair completion

Company Website: Not specified

ASSUMPTION: The company's specialties and structure indicate a focus on seamless customer service and efficient operations.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to early mid-career

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Shop Supervisor and receives task instructions from lead mechanics.

Work Arrangement: Predominantly on-site work with a requirement for flexibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into supervisory roles within shop management
• Options to specialize further in automotive diagnostics or management
• Opportunities for increased responsibility with proven competency

ASSUMPTION: Career advancement is possible with demonstrated competency and commitment to customer service excellence.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Automotive shop environment with customer interfacing areas

Office Location(s): Des Moines, Iowa

Geographic Context:

• Located in a potentially bustling area with significant foot traffic
• Demands quick access to automotive parts suppliers and mechanic support
• Likely centralized position easing commute for local employees

Work Schedule: 40-hour work week with potential for schedule adjustments based on service needs.

ASSUMPTION: The location suggests a well-connected area, enhancing ease of logistics and client access.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit your application online or in-person
• Initial phone or video screening
• In-person interview with Shop Supervisor

Key Assessment Areas:

• Customer service and communication skills
• Technical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle scheduling and logistics efficiently

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in automotive environments
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving attitude
• Prepare to discuss specific scenarios involving scheduling and multitasking

ATS Keywords: Customer Service, Communication, Problem Solving, Scheduling, Documentation, Inventory Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process emphasizes skills and experiences highly pertinent to the role, encouraging candidates to bring forward relevant detail in communication and document handling abilities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Shop management software
• Inventory and parts management systems
• Communication platforms (email/phone)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard shop management and inventory systems is advantageous for smooth daily operations.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to customer service
• Integrity and professionalism in all interactions
• Efficiency and punctuality in service delivery

Work Style:

• Collaborative team environment
• Adaptive to changing priorities and schedules
• Proactive in communication and problem-solving

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Can you efficiently manage and prioritize multiple tasks?
• How do you ensure customer satisfaction consistently?
• What strategies do you employ to handle high-pressure situations?

ASSUMPTION: The company culture likely emphasizes service excellence, making it essential for candidates to mesh well with a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing concurrent repair and service requests under time constraints
• Adaptability to frequent schedule changes based on customer needs and external conditions
• Balancing interpersonal interactions while maintaining high service quality
• Ensuring accurate documentation and order processing in a fast-paced setting

ASSUMPTION: Challenges primarily revolve around multitasking, scheduling, and maintaining customer service quality under pressure.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to Customer Service Representatives, this role requires more technical knowledge.
• Unlike a Service Technician, it involves more communication and administrative duties.
• Similar to a Planner/Scheduler, but with added customer interaction responsibilities.

ASSUMPTION: The Service Writer role combines elements of customer service with operational logistics, positioned uniquely in service environments.

📝 Sample Projects

• Implementing improved documentation protocols for service orders
• Developing a training module for new staff on shop software use
• Streamlining parts ordering processes to reduce downtime

ASSUMPTION: Projects would focus on enhancing shop efficiency and staff competencies, contributing to overall operational improvements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key metrics for success in this role?
• How is performance assessed and supported in challenging conditions?
• Can you describe a typical day in this position?
• What training and growth opportunities are available?
• How does the company approach client feedback and continuous improvement?

ASSUMPTION: Questions focus on understanding success metrics, support mechanisms, and growth potential, aligning with career development goals.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the company’s careers page or a designated job portal.
• Prepare your resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience.
• Practice common customer service and problem-solving scenarios.
• Prepare questions for the interview about the company and team culture.
• Follow up within a week if you haven't heard back from the employer.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.