This question helps you find out about the automotive technician’s job expectations. You will gain insight into their schedule flexibility and salary goals, and this could help you decide whether the candidate would be a good fit for your team. You’ll also discover which particular areas this applicant especially enjoys, and this information can help you decide what sort of work to assign them. What to look for in an answer:

• Candidate’s passion for particular automotive areas
• Appropriate expectations for salary and schedule
• Evidence of potential to be a team player

Automotive technicians perform state inspections on an almost daily basis, and this question allows you to make sure that the candidate has an excellent understanding of this routine check. You’ll be able to discover whether they are familiar with the latest inspection guidelines, and you’ll also find out whether they have any knowledge gaps that could require additional training or support if they joined your team. What to look for in an answer:

• High level of understanding of current inspection protocol
• Understanding of variations in the protocol for different vehicles
• No noticeable knowledge gaps

This question helps you understand whether the candidate has the capacity to remain professional, respectful and calm under pressure. You’ll be able to find out if the candidate knows about how to apply various conflict resolution strategies when dealing with customers. This question also helps you understand whether the applicant would likely be able to resolve any conflicts independently or whether they would need to involve management too frequently. What to look for in an answer:

• Applicant’s ability to maintain respect for customers
• Appropriate use of conflict resolution techniques
• Ability to resolve customer conflicts independently

This question helps you understand whether the candidate would offer appropriate advice on tires and other automotive equipment. You’ll understand whether the applicant would recommend tires that are too expensive for the value of the car or whether they would cut corners and recommend tires that may be unsafe. This information allows you to discover more about the candidate’s judgment and if their sales philosophies match yours. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to recommend safe equipment at an appropriate price
• Sales philosophies that align with yours
• Knowledge of current product offerings

This question allows you to establish whether the candidate’s technological and computer knowledge is up to date and whether he or she would be successful in your particular automotive shop. You’ll understand how much technological/computer responsibility you could give to them, and you’ll learn whether they might need additional training to use particular equipment at your shop. What to look for in an answer:

• Familiarity with the software/technology at your shop
• Recent training/experience with technology
• Ability to operate technology independently

Some automotive mechanics focus on specific makes while others train to have in-depth knowledge of automotive mechanics. This interview question can help hiring managers determine the type of vehicles candidates are most comfortable working with and if their experience and skills meet the company's requirements. A skilled automotive technician's answer should demonstrate their area of specialization based on the job description. A candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Relevant experience
• Flexibility
• Understanding of the job duties and responsibilities