Traditionally service advisors have tended to be technicians who've been promoted, because of their technical knowledge. But with competition for service and repair work intensifying, service intervals getting longer and hours per job card declining, that picture is changing. The emphasis now is more on people with good customer-handling and selling skills, so the dealership can up sell its customers.

As a result, says Ed Steele of Steele-Dixon, we're now seeing more women in service advisor roles. Often they are recruited from call centres or High Street shops and have no previous auto experience. But with the right training and motivation, they are often very successful.

Key points to consider when recruiting include:

· Think carefully about the personal qualities, characteristics, background and qualifications you are looking for before advertising the position. · Steele-Dixon’s specialists will be delighted to help you design your ad to appeal to sales-oriented candidates from a non-automotive background. · Put their selling skills to the test when you interview them – ask them to tell you why you should buy a service plan or a warranty from them.