To be a mechanic, the minimum requirement is typically a high school diploma or GED. However, some employers prefer to hire someone who has completed a certification or associate's degree in automotive technology or a related field. Some companies also require you to spend time as an apprentice before you start working on your own. 

Share with the hiring manager all of the education, training, and licensing you have for this role. Also share when and where you completed your apprenticeship, if applicable

Mechanics require a variety of qualities and skills, such as mechanical and technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, organization, communication skills, customer service skills, and time management and efficiency abilities. What makes you a strong candidate likely comes down to a few of these qualities. 

Highlight the qualities you feel are most important for a mechanic to be successful, and share examples of how you have those qualities. You should try to match your answer to what the company is looking for in the right candidate. 

“I believe _____ and _____ are the most important qualities or skills a mechanic can have because _____. These skills allow a mechanic to _____. In a previous role, these skills allowed me to _____.”

There are a variety of specialties and types of mechanics. Some examples of types of mechanics include collision repair technician, small engine mechanic, diesel mechanic, motorcycle mechanic or auto mechanic. Depending on your specialty, you'll likely have experience working with different machines, parts and equipment. 

Ideally, the role you’re applying for falls within your specialty and you’d be working with machines (like automobiles) that you already have experience with. However, in some cases, such as when working with an automotive dealership, the hiring manager may want to know specifics about your experience and expertise to ensure it matches the requirements for the role. 

Be prepared with a list of equipment, brands, and machines you’ve worked on in the past, and share where your expertise and specialization lies. 

Not only can this speak to your level of skill and expertise, but it can also help the hiring manager know what you do and don’t enjoy working on. If they know your least favorite type of job is one that you’d be doing regularly in this new role, you may want to reconsider working there. Or, if your favorite types of jobs are ones you’d be doing regularly, perhaps you’d make a better fit over another applicant. 

Be honest with this answer, but don’t pigeon-hole yourself. Make sure you understand the role’s requirements and what you’d be doing if hired, and try to tailor your answer to those responsibilities. 

Disagreements between colleagues can happen, and it’s important you’re able to handle them with grace and professionalism. This also can highlight your problem solving skills and teamwork qualities. If you can, provide a specific example of a time this happened in the past and exact details of what you did to resolve the issue.

“In my old shop, there was a mechanic who often borrowed my tools and didn’t return them. While I let it go the first few times, I became frustrated when he lost a few of my tools and didn’t replace them. Instead of getting angry, we had a meeting where I explained to him why it wasn’t ok to borrow and lose my tools, and offered to help him purchase his own that worked just as well. I also asked if he would be able to replace the tools of mine that he lost. When he heard my frustration and understood my concerns, we were able to come to an agreement that worked for both of us.”

When working with large, heavy machinery and a variety of tools and equipment, it’s important to maintain a safe environment for yourself, other mechanics, and customers. The hiring manager wants to know that you take safety seriously and are aware of the dangers and risks of working in a garage or shop, as well as know how to avoid those situations.

In this answer, be sure to speak to your awareness of those dangers, and discuss specific steps you take to ensure a safe environment. For example, keeping a clean work space and putting tools away so someone doesn’t trip and fall. 

While the goal is to leave customers satisfied with their experience at your location, your customer service skills may sometimes be challenged by customers who aren’t happy with the services they’ve received. The hiring manager is looking to understand your customer service skills and how you put them to use in difficult situations, as well as your problem solving skills.

When responding, share how interpersonal and communication skills are key to understanding and working with dissatisfied customers. If you can, give an example of a time a customer wasn’t happy with your services, and what you did to fix the situation. 

“When working with customers, it’s critical to always listen to their concerns and try to understand the problem. I always try to empathize with the customer, even if their problem was with the work I did for them. I don’t hesitate to re-inspect the vehicle, and talk through any repairs or maintenance I did. It’s important that the customer leaves happy, so I do everything I can to ensure this.”

Time management, multitasking and organizational skills are key to highlight with this answer. Talk through your process of prioritizing tasks, whether it’s in order of how the taks came in, urgency of the issue, or working on the more complicated tasks first. If applicable, share how you work with customers to set expectations and understand their time frame and needs, which highlights your customer service skills. 

With this question, the hiring manager wants to understand your skill level, technical knowledge and experience. By knowing the most complicated repair you’ve done, they can better understand if you have the experience they need in a mechanic. Be honest with your answer, and go into detail on what the problem was, how you determined a solution, and steps you took to resolve the issue.