Prepare for a Job Interview-Top 10 Q & A’s

In order to prepare yourself for a job interview, take some time to sit back and put yourself in the moment. Even if you researched a specific position and thought that of all the places to work out there this is your number 1 choice, expect the unexpected. You may not want the job after interviewing for it. You may think the guy interviewing would be horrible to work for. If you are unprepared, chances are you’re going to be nervous. If you go in with an open mind and plan to answer questions, honesty is the best policy. Don’t rule out asking the questions that you want answers to, this just shows your interest in the job.

Sample Questions

Here is a sample list of questions that you might encounter during a job interview.

Q1. What made you choose or why are you interested in automotive repair for a career?

A. This question goes back to your beginning. It’s geared towards one of two ways. Did you think about an automotive career when your school offered the program? Or, have you had an influence from someone at an early age. This shows how serious you are about this field and how long you’ve been planning a career in this industry.

Q2. What interests you about this job?

A. This shows your focus and preparedness. If you say I just need a job or I need a job really bad, are you really going to be a good investment for this company? What would be a good answer is, I like this job because… (Find a few reasons) or I’ve known about this company for a long time and heard nothing but good comments and thought it would be a good place to work.(Research is key, be prepared to give comments)

Q3. Why do you want to leave your existing job?

A. I’m sure you’re not going to say I hate the job or I hate my boss, because you need to show respect even if it’s true. Handling yourself in a professional manner works all the time. A good answer would be I’m looking to better myself and find a job where I can learn new things.

Q4. Do you work better alone or with others?

A. This is a two sided question. You could say something positive about both. I can always focus and concentrate better alone, but I like to see someone else’s perspective on how to repair each jobs and not struggle when learning something new.

Q5. Of all the repair areas on an automobile, what area are you the best at or what’s your favorite area to repair?

A. I’d like to think that with a back ground in Vocational or Technical training your answer would be, I like to work on all areas and to be versatile so I can benefit anyone who hires me, but my favorite thing to do is… (Everybody has a favorite thing to do)

Q6. Are you willing to work extra hours, late nights, or weekends?

A. Your answer depends on your situation. I don’t think there is a bad answer to this question. If you are committed and feel like making extra money from the new job, this will benefit both you and the company. On the other hand, if you are married and have young children and can’t work extra hours, this is the time to tell them. They shouldn’t hold this against you. Out of respect they should acknowledge how awesome it is to see someone who cares about their family and is wanting to spend time with them.

Q7. Would you be able to travel for upgrade training?

A. Depending on your situation, most automotive upgrade training classes last between 2 days to 1 week and no more than a couple of times a year. Most of which are in house any more. Even with family commitments schooling only ups your net worth. The more you learn the better you become as a technician and you increase your chances of getting a pay raise at review time.

Q8. Have you ever had an on the job confrontation with a co-worker or supervisor and why?

A. Hopefully, one good quality you should have learned is how to handle different situations in a professional manner. Every body argues and most of the time people don’t see eye to eye. Over the years I’ve witnessed vulgar, shoving, and threatening fights that either put a label on the people involved or they were terminated. One of the key things to do, is set back and evaluate each situation and come up with the best scenario for handling what ever the problem may be. If you answered no to this question, let them know your feeling on this subject and what approach you would use when problems arise.

Q9. If you got this job what goals would you set for yourself and how long would it take for you to achieve your goals?

A. Pick goals that would help you and the employer. Goals such as, learning the product better. Apply for ASE testing and work towards your Master certification. Get to know your co-workers better. Build up a supply of tools that would benefit you and help you become more productive. If the employer offers training right away, take them up on it and be eager to go as often as they are willing to send you. Be excited to get training and certification from what ever car line or place you might work for.

Q10. If you came to work here, how could the company benefit and become more profitable?

A. This is your opportunity to seize the moment. Always use ‘ I ‘ when speaking and keep eye contact with the person interviewing you to show your confidence. Think of all the things that you would want or how you would expect to be treated and form questions around these ideas. As a technician I would be prepared to work at or before 8:00 everyday. I would use my time wisely and ask questions if I need assistance. I would also be willing to help others with any type of problem that would require team work to fix. If you needed someone to work with a customer on problem solving an issue with a car, I would love to help. Don’t hesitate to ask me for any type of help, I’m always willing to assist you. These are a few answers that could help prepare you for this type of question.

Being Prepared

Most Interviews may never turn into an hour long Q and A session, but these questions can only prepare you and maybe even take your focus off the fact that your nervous. With researching and using questions from over the years of job interviews, I’ve put together this list of questions and answers to help prepare you the best possible way. When the interview wraps up you will probably be asked, do you have any questions? Here is another opportunity to take control and get information that would help you evaluate your decision if the job becomes available to you.

Questions to ask

Knowing that the interview is about over, try to limit yourself to about 3 questions. Here are a few helpful questions.

Q1. Is the position that I’m applying for a new position or am I replacing someone?

A. The answer is to let you know about growth. If the position is a new one then the shop could be expanding in size or increasing their work load. If their replacing someone, they might have a high turnover rate of employees which could mean a number of things. This might be something to take into consideration. Watch the employees around this business after the interview. You might get a good idea about moral by taking a moment to observe.

Q2. After I start here, how soon will I be eligible to go to school for training and what expenses will you pay for.

A. This shows your eagerness to learn and get into the product that you are working on. If they tell you it might be a year or two before you get training or what training? You might have second thoughts about taking the job.

Q3. How many employees are here and who do I answer to directly?

A. Knowing who your going to answer to every time you have a question or problem can help you. Between service managers, shop foremen, dispatches, or lead technicians sometimes there can be too many hands in the cookie jar. If each type of problem requires a different person to answer to or your immediate supervisor hires you but never gets involved with the day to day operations, you might be along for a ride. Hopefully one or two people would be the most you would have to answer to.

Closing an Interview

Make sure to shake their hand and thank them for the opportunity to meet with you. Ask for a business card and try not to forget their name making sure to address them by Mr. or Mrs. Leave them a copy or two of your resume. This allow one copy to go on file and the other copy to stay with the manager that interviews you. Try to get an answer on when they plan to fill the position or possibly give a second interview. If at all possible see if they can show you around the shop and work areas. This will give you an opportunity to see how clean and organized the work place is. Look for any safety hazards and shop equipment that may be difficult to work with. Find out where your work area would be and assess if its what you expected and could be comfortable with every day.