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Mechanic Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Mechanic interview questions and answers.

  1. Can you describe your work experience as a mechanic? See answer
  2. What skills do you think a mechanic needs? See answer
  3. Describe the most challenging repair task you handled. See answer
  4. How would you explain the repair work you carried out on a mechanical system to a non-technical customer? See answer
  5. How do you prioritise repair tasks and customers on a busy workday? See answer
  6. What would you do if a customer was dissatisfied with your services? See answer
  7. Describe your ability to work with other technical employees. See answer
  8. What safety precautions do you take as a mechanic? See answer
  9. Imagine another mechanic disagreed with you on how to approach a vehicle repair. What would you do? See answer
  10. What mechanic tools and software do you know how to use? See answer
  11. How do you troubleshoot a faulty mechanical system? See answer
  12. What experience do you have supervising other employees? See answer
  13. How do you ensure mechanical systems are in good working condition before handing them over to customers? See answer
  14. Why are you interested in this mechanic position? See answer
  15. What’s your greatest strength as a mechanic?
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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Mechanic Interview Questions and Answers

Can you describe your work experience as a mechanic?

Mechanics often need work experience as an apprentice, volunteer, or employee to succeed in their role. This question helps you learn more about a candidate's background. Pay attention to the type of mechanical system they repaired in previous positions. What to look for in an answer:

  • Quantifiable experience as a mechanic
  • Lessons learned from mechanic work experience
  • A goal statement on contributions they aim to achieve

Example:

"I completed my four-year mechanic apprenticeship at Aries Vocational Institute, where I learned how to fix vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. Sube Transport Services then hired me as a mechanic. While employed there, I fixed over 200 vehicles and maintained approximately 300 automobiles. As a mechanic in your workshop, I aim to apply my experience to maintaining and fixing vehicles."

What skills do you think a mechanic needs?

Mechanics use advanced technical and mechanical skills to inspect, troubleshoot, and fix problems. The goal of this question is to find out whether a candidate understands the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving, customer service, and technical skills
  • Interest in developing skills
  • Value a candidate would bring to your establishment

Example:

"I think mechanics need excellent problem-solving skills to identify technical issues quickly. Project management, customer service, and organisational skills are useful for completing projects and meeting client expectations. I'm confident I have the required soft and hard skills to succeed at this mechanic position."

Describe the most challenging repair task you handled.

This question enables you to assess a mechanic's problem-solving skills and experience. It also reveals what a candidate considers a challenge. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience handling challenging repair work
  • Positive attitude to work
  • Mechanical expertise

Example:

"At my last role, I worked on a twinjet. The aircraft's turbine didn't power the rotating air compressor, and it needed repairs. Having experienced a similar technical issue, I recommended a cost-saving repair for the twinjet's turbine and had it fixed before the deadline. This project helped me expand my knowledge of aircraft systems."

How would you explain the repair work you carried out on a mechanical system to a non-technical customer?

By asking this question, you can evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate effectively. What to look for in an answer:

  • Customer service skills
  • Strategies for communicating non-technical terms using layperson words
  • Example to support their experience explaining 

Example:

"I think it's important to keep customers informed about their vehicle's problems and my repair plans. I use analogies and layperson words to communicate technical concepts and terms. For example, I once described a nine-turn motor as a brick with nine turns of wire. This analogy helps non-technical customers understand concepts easily."

How do you prioritise repair tasks and customers on a busy workday?

Mechanics typically handle several repair and maintenance tasks daily. This question aims to find out whether a client can work in a fast-paced environment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • Good customer service skills
  • Consistent strategy for prioritizing clients

Example:

"During busy days or peak business periods, I ensure I attend to customers in the order they arrive. If another mechanic was available, I'd redirect a customer who couldn't wait for me to troubleshoot or fix their vehicle to them. Having a consistent strategy for attending to customers and communicating it helps them feel valued."

What would you do if a customer was dissatisfied with your services?

Asking this question helps you understand how a candidate deals with negative feedback from customers. An excellent candidate should focus on regaining the customer's trust. What to look for in an answer:

  • Politeness and professionalism
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Emotional intelligence

Example:

"If a customer was dissatisfied with my services, I'd politely try to find out what aspect they would like me to work on. I'd apologise once I notice the mistake and reassure the customer that I'd work to resolve it. I'd also think of an action plan to prevent such errors from occurring. I'd make sure I maintain my voice level and composure when communicating with a dissatisfied customer."

Describe your ability to work with other technical employees.

Depending on your establishment, a mechanic may need to work with technical professionals and other mechanics. The purpose of this question is to find out whether a candidate is comfortable working as part of a team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to work independently or in a team
  • Enthusiasm for working as part of a team
  • Example to show their teamwork experience

Example:

"My last jobs required me to work with other mechanics. Our manager often assigned us tasks based on our strengths, and I enjoyed working with others. This approach also helped me expand my mechanical expertise and learn other approaches for troubleshooting and fixing technical issues. I'd love to join your team and contribute to your goals."

What safety precautions do you take as a mechanic?

Regardless of their industry, mechanics may be exposed to various work hazards. This question helps you understand what safety measures a candidate would take at your establishment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of health and safety issues for mechanics
  • Understanding of preventive measures for mechanics
  • Ability to follow instructions

Example:

"My job exposes me to chemicals, gasoline exhausts, hot surfaces, and explosive items. I make sure I work safely with chemicals and use appropriate protective equipment for each task. I also ensure my work area is clutter-free and use lock-out and lag-out procedures. I refer to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) whenever I'm unsure of the safety precautions to take."

Imagine another mechanic disagreed with you on how to approach a vehicle repair. What would you do?

This question also evaluates a candidate's ability to work with others in repairing a customer's mechanical system. What to look for in an answer:

  • Professionalism and respect for colleagues
  • Teamwork skills
  • Ability to listen actively and consider a colleague's expertise

Example:

"I once worked on an assignment where a vehicle's brake pads were malfunctioning. Since I had experience handling a similar situation, I decided to replace the brake pads with a new set. However, one of my colleagues disagreed and recommended a complete change of the braking system. I appreciated them for their input and went to my supervisor for their thoughts. Eventually, I replaced the brake pads since the customer couldn't afford to completely change their vehicle's brake system."

What's your greatest strength as a mechanic?

By asking this question, you can determine what qualities make a mechanic stand out. It also reveals whether a candidate's strength aligns with the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Character-based or skill-based strength
  • Honesty
  • Preparedness for the interview

Example:

"My ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly is my greatest strength. I enjoy taking on challenges and find identifying issues exciting. At one of my previous positions, my manager put me in charge of troubleshooting automobile problems and documenting my findings for other technical professionals to use. I loved this role because it exposed me to various issues that could affect a vehicle."

What mechanic tools and software do you know how to use?

This question tells you more about a candidate's experience and mechanical expertise. Good mechanics know how to use basic tools like wrenches, pliers, hammers, and pry bars. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of how to use basic mechanic tools and software
  • Experience using mechanic tools
  • Attitude to learning about more tools of software for mechanics

Example:

"I'm comfortable using hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, utility knives, and other basic tools. I'm also skilled at using Integrated Diagnostic Software when troubleshooting, reprogrammeming, or repairing vehicles. I also find Autodesk's Inventory software useful."

How do you troubleshoot a faulty mechanical system?

By asking this question, you can discover what troubleshooting technique a mechanic uses to identify technical issues. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of how to troubleshoot mechanical systems accurately
  • Ability to remain calm when troubleshooting mechanical systems

Example:

"I start by observing the mechanical system closely to identify its technical problem. Then, I list the possible causes and determine the most probable. Next, I test my theory. If it is correct, I establish a plan of action to resolve the problem. Otherwise, I test other theories. I always make sure I'm calm when troubleshooting systems."

What experience do you have supervising other employees?

This question aims to find out whether a candidate can supervise apprentices and other technical professionals in your establishment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience as a supervisor or in other leadership roles
  • Leadership skills
  • Enthusiasm for the opportunity to supervise others

Example:

"I'm good at supervising apprentices and other workers. Shortly after completing my apprenticeship, I worked at a workshop where I inspected tasks technologists completed. I also have experience maintaining logs of machine repair or maintenance and ensuring tools are in good working condition. My ability to work well with others helped me succeed in this role."

How do you ensure mechanical systems are in good working condition before handing them over to customers?

After troubleshooting and repairing mechanical systems, mechanics must ensure they are in good condition. This question assesses a candidate's attentiveness and commitment to ensuring mechanical systems work properly. What to look for in an answer:

  • Work experience as a mechanic
  • Thoroughness and close attention to detail
  • Attitude to work

Example:

"I test run every mechanical system I work on before handing them over. In my previous position at an auto repair garage, I inspected the components I worked on and checked other parts. I drove the vehicles I repaired within the environment, after asking permission from my manager. I also confirmed that they were safe to use, after ticking boxes in my safety checklist."

Why are you interested in this mechanic position?

This question helps you understand why a mechanic wants to work with you. Use a candidate's answer to determine whether they researched your establishment before the interview. What to look for in an answer:

  • Enthusiasm for the mechanic position
  • Career goals that align with yours
  • Attitude to work and personal development

Example:

"I'd love to work here because I believe your auto repair garage offers exciting challenges for mechanics. As a popular establishment, many vehicle owners come here to resolve their technical issues. I'd love to advance my career by working in such a fast-paced environment. My excellent mechanical and technical skill set makes me a good fit for this position, and I'm excited about working with other experienced mechanics. I understand you also need someone to conduct preventive maintenance of mechanical systems, which is an aspect I'm particularly skilled at."

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