Jobs › Boyd Group (Gerber Collision)

Auto Paint Prepper

Boyd Group (Gerber Collision) · Des Plaines, IL · $18.00–$24.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time your prep work caused a paint problem. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes and connect their prep habits to final quality.

How do you keep your prep area clean to reduce dirt in the paint?

What they are checking: Whether they understand contamination causes defects and rework.

What would you do

You notice a low spot or pinholes after the body tech hands off a panel. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they flag body work problems before they get painted over and become comebacks.

The painter is waiting on you and you're behind. How do you keep up without cutting corners?

What they are checking: Whether they can work efficiently while keeping prep quality high.

About the work

Walk me through how you prep a repaired panel for primer.

What they are checking: Whether they know sanding, cleaning and feather-edging steps that keep paint from failing later.

How do you mask a vehicle so there's no overspray on glass, trim or other panels?

What they are checking: Whether they mask carefully, since overspray cleanup costs time and upsets customers.

What's the difference between a primer, a sealer, a basecoat and a clear coat, and when do you use each?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the paint system layers and why each one matters for a lasting finish.

What grits do you use at different prep stages, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they know how sanding scratches affect how primer and paint lay down.

How do you protect yourself when sanding and spraying primers?

What they are checking: Whether they use respirators and PPE every time to protect their health.

What experience do you have with different paint lines or spray equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can get comfortable quickly with the shop's products and tools.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Boyd Group (Gerber Collision) from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Boyd Group (Gerber Collision).

Company: Gerber Collision & Glass Great Teams Don’t Happen by Accident Built with Intent. Driven by YOU. At the Gerber Collision & Glass , our teams work to provide the elite infrastructure and supportive environment you need to Be the Best and outperform at every touchpoint in collision and glass services. As we continue to grow and lead the industry, we ensure you have the resources and the team behind you to move your career forward. Ready to grow with a team that’s built for your success? Apply today. Our Commitment: The Boyd Group welcomes unique talents from all backgrounds and characteristics. We act with integrity and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our "Greater Team" exceptional. Qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and Protected Veterans, are encouraged to apply. Job Description: *** Industry Leading Compensation, Benefits & Training *** We are seeking a qualified Auto Body Refinish Prepper to join our winning team. We offer opportunities to maximize your earning potential with competitive compensation plans, health benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Roles and Responsibilities We are looking for energetic individuals to join our company, who have the ability to: • Surface preparation, vehicle masking, priming, and top coating. • Apply all primers, sealers, basecoats, color coats, and clear coats • Technicians to complete restoration of anti-corrosion treatments, substrate identification, product mixing, and application. • Evaluate bodywork to ensure a quality paint job will result A Career with Us Offers • Competitive Pay and Benefits Program • Career Growth Opportunities for advancement • On-going I-Car and Industry Training Programs, • Professional Development Opportunities. • A professional atmosphere, great working conditions, dynamic leadership The Auto Body Refinish Prepper must prepare the vehicle to ensure a quality refinish repair of each customer’s vehicle to restore it back to pre-accident condition. The Auto Body Refinish Prepper thoroughly sands, masks, primes, and prepares each vehicle for refinishing as per insurance guidelines and standards at the collision repair facility. Our Commitment to Our Employees We believe our employees are at the heart of our success, and we strive to find people who possess the ideal characteristics, ability, experience, and character. TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL... APPLY TODAY! We are an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to provide accommodations during the recruitment process. Benefits That Drive Your Success Gerber offers the comprehensive benefits you expect from an industry leader, including: • Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plans • 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Full time Employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week • 6 paid holidays annually • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance effective Day 1 • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match • Employer Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance • Continuing Education Opportunities • Free Prescription or Non-Prescription Safety Glasses annually • Annual Voluntary Uniform Stipend • Voluntary Daily Pay option available About Us Gerber Collision & Glass has been WOWing customers with our collision repair services for over 80 years. Please visit gerbercareers.com to learn more about our company. AI Disclosure Statement: At The Boyd Group and all affiliated companies, we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for employment. All hiring decisions are made by real people who review each application individually. Compensation Details: $18 - $24 / Flat Rate Flat Rate Compensation is a performance-based structure directly tied to turned hours, also referred to as booked hours. In the event that total compensation in a pay period is less than minimum wage, clocked hours will be calculated with a guarantee of applicable local or state minimum wage, whichever is greater. Compensation is commensurate with skill, education and experience.

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