Interviewing for an automotive technician position

You might think a killer automotive resume will get you a job, but it’s not that simple. In our opinion, getting a job is half your skills, and half dependent on your soft skills which include your presentation, like-ability and networking ability (It’s about who you know!)

One thing to always remember is when searching for a place to work, don’t use the same old traditional approach. Don’t let going from door to door be your only option. Although it is a good option, with today’s resources there are many ways to search. You always want to increase your chances in finding a job. Another thing to look at is most employers want to see potential employees use more than the ‘door to door’ approach. This shows you’re networking ability and communication skills to potential future employers, which is one of the top ways to sell yourself when applying for a job.

Sell yourself

You’ve written up the cover letters, you have devised your resume, only you know you and what you’re best at. There is a mis-conception among people who aren’t salesmen that people don’t want to be pushed around by a salesman, that they are being bothered.

That is not the case.

Think of it as telling a story, a story about you. The interviewer knows nothing about you, and you have to tell them. There is a line between being a braggart and a good representative of ‘you’, and everyone knows when you are bragging. Typically it’s how you say something, and sometimes it’s when you overuse the word ‘I’, so take note not to talk too much about ‘I did this…and I did that’.

You’ll want to think about tasks that you have performed in school, or at a previous employer that saved them money, increased efficiency, or increased business. If it is a school setting, apply those types of savings to a potential business setting such as – “I developed my own tool for X task that would save any employer $4,000 annually”.

Money talks. Businesses are always looking to save money or grow their business and if you can appeal to that sensibility then you are golden.

Show interest

Ever run a business? Maybe, but probably not. Remember, business owners are proud of what they have built and if you know more about their history you are showing interest in what they have accomplished. Do your research about the company online, or by asking others.

Then, write up a sheet of 10-15 questions that you want to know about the position, or about the company. Make them original, don’t ask things like “How many cars do you work on per day?” and don’t ask questions that could have been easily answered if you did your homework like “How long have you been in business?”

Usually the interviewer will ask you “Do you have any questions for me?” At that point you say “Yes, I do. If I might, I have a sheet of questions I wrote up before the interview. If I could just get those out and take a look at them I think I will have some questions for you.”

What have you shown? You’re prepared and you’re extremely interested in the business and the job. This also shows that you aren’t like every other job seeker and will go that extra mile in your every day tasks as well.

Know your lines

Or, know your answers that is. Research online for general interview questions as well as questions that may be asked specifically pertaining to the position of an automotive technician. This will allow you to be prepared for the spur of the moment interview without catching you by surprise or unprepared which can reflect poorly on you.

Go over possible questions that might be brought up during an interview (Items from your resume – experience, education, and strengths)

Dress Appropriately

Plan on what to wear to the interview (dress conservative but professional). Remember, you can’t change people’s stigmas. The accepted norm is that the color black in a suit is a power color, and should only be worn in the appropriate interview where you might wield a lot of power. Otherwise,
you can come across pushy and power hungry.

Each color of suit has a different feel and meaning, you will want to research the shop you are applying to and then choose a color suit that in your best estimate will best fit the type of person you will be interviewing with.

If you don’t have more than one suit, and only have a black, for this type of position a dress shirt and tie will work just as well so don’t despair.

Be Prepared for all circumstances

Always take a few extra resumes and cover letters for different departments (service department, human resources, etc.) it shows that you are prepared.

Itemize a list

Here are a few different ways to approach your job search for your networking plan.

Use the local classifieds or want ads
Example: Career Builders

Use the Chamber of commerce in the area where you are applying, if you need to find out about a city where potential jobs may be (out of state)
Example: Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Use a nationwide job search
Example: Monster

Don’t count out referrals. Use any resource that you might have (family, friends, or old co-workers) the word of mouth approach may be one of the best. You can get an extra boost with positive comments from referrals.

Mail resumes through the US postal service or e-mail resumes through career builders or monster.com

Go door to door with specific places in mind. Places of interest where you would like to work taking resumes and filling out applications.

Pre- interview preparation

Research the job you are interviewing for ahead of time, this will allow you to ask them questions and /or show them you know something about their place of business.

Interview awareness

• Show up 15 minutes early
• Always greet people with a smile and extreme kindness
• Try not to fidget or show annoying habits
• Always look the interviewer in the eye when talking to them
• Be as confident as possible when talking (don’t use um, like, or and uh)

Post interview follow up

Send a thank you card right after the interview. This will show them that you are seriously interested in the position and show your gratitude toward the person that interviewed you.

Follow up 5 days later to show your eagerness toward getting the job.
If you don’t get the job, send them a thank you note anyway. Some employers may be planning on hiring more than 1 technician and this may give you another chance at the job.