Behind every successful dealership partnership is a team of dependable people.
At OnSite Dealer Solutions (ODS), our employees support dealerships across the country through detailing, reconditioning, porter services, labor force solutions, and other dealership support roles. With more than 750 team members nationwide, hiring the right people is one of the most important things we do.
We recently sat down with Vanesa Cruz, Human Resources Assistant, to discuss what ODS looks for in new candidates, the questions applicants should expect during an interview, and how our hiring process helps build stronger teams for both our employees and our dealership partners.
Meet Vanesa Cruz
Vanesa joined ODS in January 2026 and works alongside our HR Director, HR Manager, and HR Generalist to recruit, interview, and onboard new employees across the country.
Together, the HR team interviews more than 100 candidates every month, helping identify individuals who are ready to succeed in dealership environments.
"We interview over 100 candidates every month. Our goal is finding people who want to learn, work hard, and become part of our team." — Vanesa Cruz
That commitment to hiring the right people is one of the reasons dealerships trust ODS to provide dependable, long-term workforce solutions.
Experience Helps. Attitude Matters More.
One of the biggest misconceptions applicants have is believing they must already know how to detail vehicles.
That isn't always the case.
"Some site managers prefer hiring someone with little or no experience because they can train them the ODS way. Others like previous detailing or automotive experience. It really depends on the dealership." — Vanesa Cruz
Rather than focusing only on experience, ODS also looks for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong work ethic
- Dependability
- Stable employment history
- Coachability
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
These qualities often predict long-term success better than previous experience alone.
Here’s a great read on what a real career looks like with ODS: Growing From Within: A Career at ODS
Top Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer
Every interview is a little different, but these are some of the questions Vanesa asks most often.
What should I share about my work history?
ODS wants to understand where you've worked, what you've learned, and whether you've held positions involving automotive work, construction, warehouse operations, detailing, or other physically demanding jobs.
Are you comfortable with our compensation structure?
New employees begin with hourly pay during training before transitioning into a performance-based piece-rate system.
We want every candidate to understand exactly how they can succeed.
What would you do if you accidentally damaged a customer's vehicle?
This question isn't about perfection.
It's about honesty, accountability, and doing the right thing.
Do you have a valid driver's license?
All ODS positions require proof of US citizenship and many positions require employees to safely move customer vehicles throughout dealership operations.
What days and hours are you available?
Dependability is critical.
Our dealership partners rely on consistent staffing every day.
Are you comfortable working outdoors?
Many positions involve working in changing weather conditions throughout the year.
Can you perform physically demanding work?
Detailing, reconditioning, and dealership support roles require bending, lifting, kneeling, standing, and remaining active throughout the day.
Do you have reliable transportation?
Showing up consistently is one of the most important ways employees support both ODS and our dealership customers.
What Can Hurt an Interview?
Vanesa says there are a few common mistakes candidates should avoid.
"We want people who are excited about the opportunity. Someone who doesn't engage during the interview or has a history of leaving jobs quickly usually raises concerns."
The strongest candidates typically demonstrate:
- Professional communication
- Enthusiasm
- Reliability
- Long-term career interest
- A willingness to learn
Technical skills can be taught.
A positive attitude is much harder to develop.
Building Careers, Not Just Filling Positions
One thing that separates ODS is our commitment to investing in people.
We don't simply hire employees to fill immediate openings. We develop long-term team members who can grow within the company and build rewarding careers.
That philosophy has helped many employees advance into leadership positions over the years.
Here’s a great example of an ODS employee who went from entry level detailer to area manager: One Employee's Journey at OnSite Dealer Solutions
Supporting Every Employee
When asked what she enjoys most about working at ODS, Vanesa immediately pointed to the people.
"I love everyone I work with. We take our time with new candidates, especially Spanish speakers, making sure they understand benefits, pay, and opportunities. We're here to help them."
Creating an environment where employees feel supported, respected, and prepared for success has become an important part of the ODS culture.
That commitment extends to every member of our workforce.
Here’s an ODS article on culture of the company and the people that represent us: Embracing Diversity: A Key to ODS Success
Why This Matters to Our Dealership Partners
Our dealership customers depend on us to provide qualified professionals who represent both ODS and their dealership every day.
That begins long before an employee ever arrives on-site.
Through a structured hiring process, ongoing training, and a commitment to employee development, ODS helps dealerships reduce turnover, improve consistency, and maintain the dependable workforce they need to keep operations moving.
Whether we're supporting a dealership through Detail Department Services, Reconditioning, or Labor Force Solutions, our hiring process is designed with one goal in mind:
Putting the right people in the right positions.
Interested in Joining the ODS Team?
If you're looking for an opportunity to build new skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and grow your career with a company that values hard work and dedication, we'd love to meet you.
Visit our Careers page to explore current opportunities and learn more about becoming part of the OnSite Dealer Solutions team.
