How do I decide whether to hire a mechanic or outsource vehicle repairs?

Hiring a mechanic in-house can offer greater consistency, quicker response times and better control over repair quality, particularly if your business manages a fleet of vehicles. While outsourcing is useful for occasional needs, it often comes with higher per-service costs and less oversight.

Besides technical expertise, what soft skills are important for a good mechanic?

While technical proficiency is the foundation, certain soft skills separate a good mechanic from a great one. Key qualities to look for include: Problem-solving: a mechanic is a critical thinker who can logically diagnose unusual or complex faults, not just follow a checklist for common repairs. Attention to detail: precision is non-negotiable in vehicle repair. A mechanic with a keen eye for detail ensures that work is done safely and correctly the first time, preventing costly comebacks. Clear communication: the ability to explain a technical problem and its solution to colleagues or drivers who aren’t experts is invaluable for smooth operations. Adaptability: with vehicle technology constantly evolving, particularly with the rise of electric and hybrid systems, a proactive willingness to learn is important for keeping your fleet modern and well-maintained.

How to Hire a Mechanic [Updated 2025]

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Do you need to recruit a mechanic? Machinery makes our world run, and engine-powered vehicles, from cars and trucks to trains, boats and planes, have been part of daily life since the early 20^th century. When things break down or stop running as they should, a mechanic can diagnose and solve the problem and take proactive steps to prevent future failures.

Understanding the steps behind recruiting a mechanic, including jobseeker data, salary information and key terms to include in your job description, can help you stand out from the competition to effectively attract and recruit quality candidates.

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Mechanic: What is the cost of hiring?

Why recruit a mechanic?

Recruiting a mechanic can save time and money by addressing mechanical issues before they escalate. An experienced mechanic can manage routine maintenance, spot potential faults early, respond quickly to urgent repairs and help support your compliance responsibilities. You might consider hiring for this role if your business relies heavily on mechanical equipment, and repairs and maintenance are becoming too frequent, unpredictable or costly to outsource.

Contributions of a great mechanic:

Diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues, minimising downtime
Carrying out routine maintenance to extend the lifespan of vehicles or equipment
Keeping detailed service records and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations

What are the types of mechanics?

Mechanic is a broad term. While some professionals work as generalists, many specialise in a specific area. Typically, mechanics can be categorised based on the types of vehicles or machinery they work with. Common specialisations for mechanics include:

Automotive mechanics (cars and light trucks)
Diesel mechanics (heavy-duty vehicles and equipment)
Aircraft mechanics (aeroplanes and helicopters)
Industrial mechanics or maintenance mechanics (factory machinery and mechanical systems)

The type of mechanic your business needs will inform your job description, including the level of knowledge, training, certifications, skills, experience and salary range required.

Similar positions to a mechanic include:

Automotive technician – focusing on diagnostics and computer-based systems in cars, often working alongside mechanics to interpret test results and recommend fixes
Maintenance engineer – specialising in maintaining industrial equipment and systems, usually in manufacturing or production environments, and maybe also designing or improving processes
Heavy equipment technician – working on construction or agricultural machinery such as excavators or tractors, with expertise in hydraulics, engines and powertrains

When writing your mechanic job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on mechanic jobs, according to Indeed data:

Mechanic
Hgv mechanic
Vehicle mechanic
Maintenance
Vehicle technician
Hgv
Trainee
Hgv technician
Technician
Car mechanic

Want more hiring insights for your mechanic? Sign in or create your free Indeed account.

Where to find mechanics?

To find the right mechanic for your business, consider trying out a few different recruitment strategies:

Automotive forums and trade communities: sites like PistonHeads or Garage Wire can connect you to working mechanics and offer opportunities to recruit
Local colleges and apprenticeship schemes: partnering with technical colleges or training providers can help you reach newly qualified or apprentice-level mechanics
Networking events and trade shows: industry events such as the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event attract mechanics and other technicians who may be open to new opportunities
Post your job online: try posting your mechanic job on Indeed to find and attract quality mechanic candidates

Skills to look for in a mechanic

A successful mechanic candidate will typically have the following skills and competencies, which may be gained through a variety of experiences, training or education:

Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, engines and vehicle components
Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and repair equipment
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics and service guides
Skilled in conducting routine maintenance and complex repairs
Familiarity with safety procedures and compliance standards
Manual dexterity and physical stamina for hands-on repair work

Writing a mechanic job description

Now that you know the key skills, salary expectations, popular jobseeker search terms and recruitment insights for a mechanic, you’re ready to write a job description.

A mechanic job description typically includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position. You may also want to include information about your company culture, benefits and perks to attract candidates to your open role.

Ready to get started? See our full guide for writing mechanic job descriptions

Interviewing mechanic candidates

Strong candidates for mechanic positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

Diagnosing faults and carrying out repairs on specific types of vehicles, engines or machinery
Diagnostic equipment, hand tools and repair protocols
Safety procedures and related regulations or compliance requirements
Communication style, including the ability to explain technical information to laypersons or liaise with customers
The latest developments in vehicle technology and equipment

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of mechanic interview questions for examples (with sample answers).

FAQs about how to recruit a mechanic

A thorough interview process can help you filter for the most qualified candidates. Look for mechanics who have worked on vehicles similar to those your business uses, whether that’s cars, vans, lorries or specialist equipment. Ask about their experience with diagnostic tools, common repairs and routine servicing. Checking references and trade certifications and incorporating practical tests as part of your hiring process can help to verify a candidate’s capabilities.

While technical proficiency is the foundation, certain soft skills separate a good mechanic from a great one. Key qualities to look for include:

Problem-solving: a mechanic is a critical thinker who can logically diagnose unusual or complex faults, not just follow a checklist for common repairs.
Attention to detail: precision is non-negotiable in vehicle repair. A mechanic with a keen eye for detail ensures that work is done safely and correctly the first time, preventing costly comebacks.
Clear communication: the ability to explain a technical problem and its solution to colleagues or drivers who aren’t experts is invaluable for smooth operations.
Adaptability: with vehicle technology constantly evolving, particularly with the rise of electric and hybrid systems, a proactive willingness to learn is important for keeping your fleet modern and well-maintained.