A complete guide to hiring auto mechanics for your business

Is your automotive business growing? Do you need to hire auto mechanics to help handle your vehicle repair and maintenance responsibilities?

Although there are many steps to follow when hiring an auto mechanic, there’s no need to worry. You’ve got plenty of ways to hire the right talent with the best mechanical skills.

From writing a job description to skills testing to interviewing applicants to deciding between freelance and full-time auto mechanics, this complete guide to hiring auto mechanics has the details you need.

Read until the end to find out how to hire auto mechanics for your shop.

What does an auto mechanic do?

Auto mechanics are responsible for fixing vehicles and replacing their parts. They fix the mechanical components of trucks and cars and determine the key problems that prevent them from functioning correctly.

An auto mechanic also maintains vehicles and ensures that their brakes, engines, transmissions, and belts work as expected.

Some of auto mechanics’ other responsibilities include:

• Inspecting vehicles and diagnosing problems

• Repairing and rotating tires

• Fixing worn brake pads and wheel bearings

• Performing oil changes

Why hire a skilled, professional auto mechanic?

Hiring skilled mechanics will help you achieve three positive outcomes for your auto business: Your customers get fast, exceptional service, excellent value for their money, and a guarantee for the work done on their vehicle.

1. Give customers fast, exceptional service to boost your company’s reputation

With a skilled auto mechanic on your team, you can rest assured that your new hire will have repaired hundreds of cars in their career. Your hire should understand how to deliver fast, exceptional service.

Running diagnostics for vehicles, solving problems, and ensuring vehicles run without any further issues are all solutions that skilled auto mechanics will provide for your customers. They can also complete repairs in a short time frame.

2. Provide excellent value to encourage repeat business

The benefits provided by skilled auto mechanics help your shop provide affordable services. Your new hire will help your auto business provide excellent value for your customers’ money by reducing customers’ fuel bills with efficient oil and filter changes.

A proficient auto mechanic will also ensure that customers won’t have to buy costly tools and car parts to complete repairs themselves.

3. Offer customers a guarantee to increase client retention

Professional auto mechanics take pride in their work and full responsibility for any fixes they make. Customer satisfaction is always a top priority for skilled car mechanics, who offer their services for any problem that arises (even after an initial repair).

Your new hire will ensure repairs are carried out under guarantee, providing your customers with the peace of mind that all repairs are fully covered. 

5 steps to write an attention-grabbing auto mechanic job description

So, there are many perks to hiring skilled auto mechanics. But how can you find the right person for your company?

You should begin by writing a job description. Follow the steps below to attract auto mechanics with a compelling job description.

1. Write specific job titles that target your applicants

Include key phrases that match the role you’re hiring for, such as “auto mechanic” or “car mechanic.”

Many job seekers use key phrases like these to search for their next role, and placing them in your job ad will ensure it appears in your applicants’ searches.

2. Draft and write a summary of the job

Your job summary should be strong, concise, and unique so that it captures job seekers’ attention.

To attract the right candidates, describe the company culture. For instance, if you offer unique automotive repairs and exceptional service to local customers, include this in the job summary.

3. Describe the car mechanic role’s responsibilities 

Outline the main responsibilities your new hire will take on. Some examples of these responsibilities are oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and vehicle diagnostics.

4. Outline the qualifications and skills required for the auto mechanic role

Don’t just include technical skills when writing the qualifications section; remember that soft skills are important too. You may also state the specific qualifications and knowledge needed for the role, such as apprenticeship certification and safety precaution knowledge.

5. Mention the wage and benefits

In this section, you should include the hourly wage for the open auto mechanic role. You can also mention the perks and benefits that the successful candidate will receive.

Car mechanic job description template

Below, you’ll find a car mechanic job description template that you can use when creating your own.

Auto mechanic job description

[Business Name] is looking for a skilled auto mechanic to join our team and deliver exceptional vehicle repairs for our customers. We are a local auto repair business that offers unique and thorough repairs for our customers, and customer satisfaction is our priority.

Car mechanic responsibilities

You will be responsible for performing vehicle diagnostics and repairs, including:

• Vehicle engine inspections

• Electrical component inspections

• Vehicle computer maintenance

• Vehicle part upgrades

• Oil changes 

Car mechanic qualifications

Our successful candidate will have completed an auto mechanics apprenticeship and a high school diploma. They will also have safety precaution knowledge, like how to avoid accidents and handle dangerous fluids. They must also understand how to use crucial tools to complete repairs.

Car mechanic wage and benefits

You will receive a generous wage and a varied workload and can expect increases in your hourly pay as you develop your skills. We also offer the successful applicant career progression opportunities, such as the chance to become a master mechanic.

Should you hire full-time or freelance auto mechanics?

To help you decide whether to hire full-time or freelance auto mechanics, consider what kind of business you are running. 

Does your company regularly receive plenty of damaged vehicles, and do the vehicles require frequent and consistent maintenance? Alternatively, does your shop mainly work on company vehicles that require less repair work?

If you’re managing an auto business that regularly receives severely damaged vehicles, you should focus on hiring a full-time mechanic to handle the workload. On the other hand, if your clients regularly require maintenance for company vehicles, hiring freelance auto mechanics is a good option.

Which five auto mechanic skills should you consider when hiring applicants?

What separates a good hiring process from an excellent one is knowing which auto mechanic skills to look for.

Here are five critical automotive mechanic skills candidates should have.

1. Knowledge of electrical components

Applicants should be familiar with the main parts of a vehicle’s electrical system, including the battery, starter, and alternator. They should know that the car battery gives energy to the starter, and the alternator gives power to the battery to help a car run efficiently.

Your candidates may also know that if the battery, starter, or alternator doesn’t function, neither will the vehicle.

2. Vehicle system diagnostic knowledge

Auto mechanics should have vehicle system diagnostic knowledge and understand the key steps required to run diagnostics.

Conducting preliminary checks, performing visual inspections, completing service documentation checks, and testing vehicle components are all essential skills to consider when hiring car mechanics.

3. The ability to use tools and equipment

Don’t overlook this vital skill when hiring auto mechanics for your business – candidates should have skills in using tools and equipment to perform diagnostics and vehicle repairs. They need to be able to lift heavy equipment and use tools such as pliers to repair vehicles effectively. 

4. Safety precaution and accident protection knowledge

When hiring candidates, consider whether they have knowledge of safety precautions and accident protection. Can they follow precaution standards and prevent accidents when handling potent and dangerous chemicals used for vehicle repairs?

5. Customer service skills

Customer service is a crucial for auto mechanics. Applicants should know how to go the extra mile for their customers, which may involve educating them on how to maintain their vehicles or personalizing the vehicle service and repair process.

Another sign that applicants have the right customer service skills is if they can effortlessly explain problems with vehicles to customers without using unclear jargon. 

Which five auto mechanic soft skills should you prioritize when hiring applicants?

Technical skills are important to consider when hiring auto mechanics, but don’t forget to assess their soft skills as well.

Here are five soft skills you should prioritize when hiring applicants for car mechanic jobs.

1. Attention to detail

To get repeat business, you need to maintain great customer satisfaction, which you can achieve with the support of detail-oriented auto mechanics. Can your applicants focus on every small detail to fix vehicles when your customers first bring them into the shop?

2. Problem-solving skills

One of the critical responsibilities of auto mechanics is determining the cause of issues when vehicles don’t function as they should. Although they may immediately understand the fault in some cases, problem-solving skills are important for complex diagnostics. 

For instance, a customer may mention that a noise is coming from their engine. In this case, your applicants may know that an engine seizure is the most likely cause. But do they have the problem-solving skills to determine what caused the engine seizure?

3. Critical thinking

Critical thinking skills are linked to problem solving and is an important soft skill for auto mechanics. This skill makes the problem-solving process easier. 

For example, auto mechanics may need to use critical thinking and follow a process of elimination to pinpoint the cause of a braking system fault. 

4. Time management

Your applicants may have the technical skills needed for the job, but can they manage their time effectively when fixing multiple vehicles? Are they able to prioritize tasks efficiently to achieve productive results for customers?

5. Communication skills

Communication skills underpin an auto mechanic’s ability to deliver exceptional customer service. Customers need to know what is wrong with their vehicle, how your auto mechanic will fix it, and what your business charges them for. 

Since jargon can become a barrier that ruins the customer experience, are your applicants able to clearly explain the vehicle’s faults in a way laymen can understand? 

How and when should you test auto mechanic skills?

Using pre-employment skills testing is an excellent way to test your auto mechanics’ technical and soft skills. The skills-testing process involves choosing a skills-testing platform and building an assessment that features auto-mechanic-related skills tests.

You can invite auto mechanics to complete an assessment before inviting them to an interview. This approach enables you to focus on experienced auto mechanics whose values and skills match your company.

5 key auto-mechanic-related roles and their key responsibilities

Don’t stress if you are a non-technical recruiter and need to fill a role that involves repairing and maintaining vehicles.

Here are five auto-mechanic-related roles and the high-priority responsibilities you should consider when hiring for them.

1. Technicians who specialize in body repair

A vehicle technician specializing in body repair works on cosmetic repairs, including scratches and dents. They are also responsible for fixing or replacing parts for damaged vehicles and repairing damaged headlights.

2. Technicians who specialize in servicing vehicles

A technician specializing in servicing vehicles tunes up and maintains vehicles. They are responsible for oil level checks, electrical component tests, and minor vehicle repairs.

3. Technicians who specialize in diagnostics

Technicians who specialize in diagnostics diagnose ignition and engine faults or issues. They must work alongside technicians who specialize in servicing vehicles to complete the necessary vehicle repairs. 

4. Vehicle finisher specialists

Vehicle finisher specialists focus on enhancing the aesthetics of old or damaged vehicles. This often involves respraying vehicles to improve their appearance.

5. Vehicle inspector specialists

A vehicle inspector specialist’s main focus is making sure vehicles meet safety and emission standards. They are responsible for automobile inspections and ensuring vehicles comply with emission regulations and meet safety specifications.

Which auto mechanic interview questions should I ask applicants?

Once you’ve tested your applicants’ skills and determined which candidates are a good match for your auto mechanic role, it’s time to proceed to the interview stage.

Here are seven auto mechanic interview questions you can ask applicants and answers you can use to assess their knowledge.

1. Describe your training and auto mechanic qualifications.

Applicants may say that they have earned an automotive technology degree or completed an apprenticeship to build experience in the field.

They may also mention that recertification is a top priority and that they are continually pursuing educational opportunities to learn more about their trade. 

2. What made you choose an auto mechanic career?

Your applicants’ passion for working with vehicles should shine through when they answer this auto mechanic interview question.

They may have worked on vehicle repairs as a hobby or pastime or even pursued a degree in mechanics. Whatever path led them to an auto mechanic career, look for motivated applicants who want to continue honing their skills. 

3. Describe your customer service experience.

Candidates should have excellent customer service skills and be able to give examples of how they have met customers’ needs in previous roles.

For example, they may have gone out of their way to acquire additional vehicle parts for customers or worked overtime to satisfy a customer by fixing a vehicle sooner.

4. What motivates you to deliver excellent results as an auto mechanic?

Applicants must remain motivated when repairing vehicles. They may appreciate the variety of vehicles they receive as an auto mechanic or enjoy working with their hands to restore vehicles.

Look for applicants who have an unwavering passion and drive to fix vehicles to encourage repeat business.

5. What are your best auto mechanic skills? 

When responding to this question, your candidates may mention a combination of hard and soft skills.

Do your applicants have the technical skills required to perform tasks like running vehicle diagnostics, and can they provide examples of how they can use these skills to repair vehicles quickly and efficiently?

Applicants may also explain how their customer service, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills led to repeat business and satisfied customers in a previous role.

6. Which skills do you need to work on as an auto mechanic?

Applicants may mention many different skills they need to work on. For instance, they may be weaker in time management or staying organized. But this doesn’t mean your candidates aren’t suitable for the role, especially if they are trying to improve these abilities. 

Always ensure your applicants are trying to develop their skills. In this case, are they trying to manage their time better and stay organized with task prioritization methods?

7. Talk about your vehicle diagnostic approach. What steps do you follow to run diagnostics?

Your candidates should have a thorough, systematic approach to vehicle diagnostics that helps them determine the cause of a fault. For example, do your applicants ask the customer about any signs of vehicle performance issues? Do they test-drive the customer’s vehicle to gauge the severity of the problem? 

FAQs about hiring an auto mechanic

Do you need extra advice on hiring an auto mechanic for your shop?

Here are some FAQs and answers related to hiring an automotive mechanic.

1. Where can I find a skilled auto mechanic?

There are a few recruiting strategies you can use to find skilled auto mechanics for your business. For instance, you may consider searching for applicants online and advertising your post on job boards.

Alternatively, you may consider hiring internally by offering existing employees a chance to apply for the new role.

2. What are the typical working hours of an auto mechanic?

Car mechanics typically work 40 hours a week. If your shop is open at night and on weekends, consider hiring applicants who are willing to work these shifts.

3. Which method should I use to choose between two great auto mechanic candidates?

If you cannot decide between two great auto mechanic candidates, the ideal way to compare their skills is to use skills testing. Skills testing will inform you which candidates have the exact skills required for your role.

Start the skills-testing process when you have sourced applicants for your auto mechanic role. Then, use the automated results of the tests to decide between two great candidates.

4. Which skills test should I use to assess an auto mechanic’s skills?

The Mechanical Reasoning test is the best skills test to evaluate an auto mechanic’s skills. This test will tell you which candidates have the best mechanical aptitude and understanding of movement and force, speed and velocity, wheels, gears, and pulleys.

5. What is an auto mechanic’s average hourly rate?

Auto mechanics earn an average hourly rate of $18.59. The highest-earning auto mechanics make around $29.46 per hour.

6. What career progression opportunities can I offer a new auto mechanic? 

One career progression opportunity you can offer new auto mechanics who want to advance in their careers is a master mechanic position.

Although a master mechanic role requires many automotive technician skills, applicants must also have managerial skills to be qualified for this position.

7. What qualities do good auto mechanics have?

Communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and diagnostic expertise are all qualities of good auto mechanics. Top auto mechanics are also honest when explaining a vehicle’s faults to a customer and understand how to enhance the quality of customer service to the benefit of the customer and the business.

8. How is an auto mechanic role different from a technician role?

The main difference between an auto mechanic and a technician role is that technicians are trained to diagnose vehicle computers. Auto mechanics, however, focus on replacing parts and maintaining vehicles to ensure they function properly.

Make the best hiring decision: TestGorilla is here to help you

It’s not easy to hire an auto mechanic, but you now have the information you need to hire the best talent for your organization. 

Here’s one final tip to consider before you start writing a job description: If you’re looking for an ideal, bias-free method for hiring an auto mechanic, consider TestGorilla’s skills tests.

Using skills tests will ensure you hire the best applicants and avoid mis-hires. We’ve got plenty of tests to help you find exceptional talent.

Choose TestGorilla for expert-crafted, reliable, objective skills tests that will lead you to the best talent.  Get started for free today and hire auto mechanics for your business without stress.