Automotive Mechanic: What is the cost of hiring?

Why hire an auto mechanic?

Hiring an auto mechanic is an essential step to running a successful auto shop. Having a professional and reliable auto mechanic means your clients will be provided with excellent service and leave happy. From determining issues to solving them for your clients, a strong auto mechanic will: 

• Provide professional assessments of vehicles
• Have detailed knowledge of various car parts
• Determine issues concerning vehicles

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance auto mechanic

Whether a company should hire a full-time or a freelance auto mechanic largely depends on the type of business it is. Companies with a large number of vehicles that expect those vehicles to be damaged and need maintenance frequently, such as those that run monster truck and racing shows, should hire full-time mechanics. Auto shops should also have a few full-timers. 

Other companies that have company vehicles but don’t expect them to be damaged, such as large corporations and law enforcement agencies, can hire freelance auto mechanics to repair their automobiles when they do require maintenance. 

What are the types of auto mechanics?

There are a few positions in the auto mechanic industry that fill different roles in the repair process. These jobs include:

• Service technicians: Service technicians handle regular tune-ups and maintenance for cars and vans. Their services include checking oil levels, testing electrical components and repairing minor issues. 
• Diagnostic technicians: Diagnostic techs often work directly with service technicians. They aim to diagnose issues with cars’ ignitions and engines so the service technician can perform repairs. 
• Body repair technicians: Body repair technicians perform minor cosmetic repairs for dents and scratches on cars. They also fix damaged headlights and bumpers. When a car has suffered heavy damage, body repair techs must also decide whether it’s financially better to repair parts or replace them.
• Vehicle refinishers: Vehicle refinishers work to improve the appearance of old and damaged cars. They have experience respraying cars to cover damage or make it look newer. 
• Vehicle inspectors: Vehicle inspectors examine automobiles to ensure they comply with safety and emission regulations in the area. 

Where to find auto mechanics

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

• Search online. If your business is looking for a freelance auto mechanic, many of them advertise their services online. Search for one that has experience with the work you need done and reach out to them.
• Hang up help wanted flyers. Posting notices about the position is a decent way to increase community awareness of the open position and attract potential applicants. 
• Hire from within. Some of your employees may already have the necessary skill and experience to work on automobiles. Set up interviews with these individuals to see if they’re interested in the job. 
• Post your job online. Try posting your auto mechanic job on Indeed to find and attract quality auto mechanic candidates.

Skills to look for in a great Auto Mechanic

A great Auto Mechanic candidate will have the following skills and attributes as well as work experience that reflects:

• Training and experience in the field
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Trustworthiness
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Organizational skills

Writing an auto mechanic job description

A thoughtful description is important in finding qualified auto mechanic candidates. An auto mechanic job description includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your auto 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 auto mechanic jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Mechanic
• Automotive technician
• Automotive
• Diesel mechanic
• Automotive mechanic
• Auto mechanic
• Technician
• Auto technician
• Hiring immediately
• Auto

Interviewing auto mechanic candidates

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

• Their assessment process
• How they prioritize daily tasks
• Customer service experience

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