How to turn every tech interview into three hiring opportunities

Here's a quick reminder on a powerful way to turn every tech interview into 3 hiring opportunities (even when they don't work out).

Most shop owners treat interviews as pass/fail.

Either you hire them, or the conversation was a waste.

But what if every single interview—even the ones that don't result in a hire—could become a source of future talent?

Here's a strategy I've shared before but it's worth repeating:

At the end of every conversation with a technician—whether they're a perfect fit, not quite ready, or even if the timing just doesn't work—ask them this:

"I know you're going to do your homework on us. We're also going to do our homework on you. Can you give me the name and contact information for two of the best technicians you've ever worked with so they can put in a good word for the quality of work you do?"

That's it.

Why this works:

→ It's flattering, not threatening. You're asking them to showcase their reputation.

→ Good techs know good techs. The referral quality is higher than cold applications.

→ Less skilled techs also know good techs. Don't skip conversations with techs that don't look great on paper. If they've worked in a professional shop, they've probably worked shoulder to shoulder with someone who would be a good fit for you.

→ It turns every 1 opportunity into 3 opportunities.

→ Even if THIS candidate doesn't work out, you've just added 2 warm leads to your bench.

I hear from shop owners every quarter who've made hires using this exact strategy—often hiring someone from a referral when the original candidate didn't pan out.

In a market where getting in front of quality techs is half the battle, this is how you squeeze the juice out of every opportunity.

Try it in your next interview. Let me know what happens.

2 comments