Questions You’ll be Asked During an Automotive Tech Interview
| Update: May 25, 2025
Once you complete an auto mechanic program, breaking into the fast-paced automotive industry is the exciting next step. But to get there, you’ll first need to make it through the interview. To prepare, you’ll want to brush up on pertinent information.
Taking time to review common mechanic interview questions can help you feel more confident and ready to show off your skills. Here are some of the questions that commonly come up when interviewing for an automotive technician role.
Auto Mechanic Education/Training
What qualifications do you bring to the job?
This is the time to highlight your schooling and experience in the automotive world. Let the interviewers know about any certificates you’ve earned and the specific training you’ve gone through. Highlight the automotive technician programs you’ve completed, and tell them about your hands-on experience, whether it was paid, part of a practicum, or simply something you’ve been doing all your life.
What do you think are the main duties of an automotive technician?
When interviewers ask this type of question, they want to get a sense that you have a good idea of what the job entails. Be sure to list the major responsibilities of an automotive technician. Some duties they’ll likely be interested in hearing you talk about are vehicle inspection, diagnostics, repair, fine-tuning, and vehicle maintenance.
How would you go about diagnosing a vehicle issue?
Many interviewers will want you to walk them through your process so they can get a good idea of your experience, training, and decision-making abilities. They may also be trying to determine whether or not you’re familiar with their diagnostic equipment. Don’t be surprised if they want you to physically demonstrate your actions. Some interviewers want to make sure your hands-on skills match what you’ve told them.
Auto Mechanic Skills and Professional Experience
Tell me about your customer service skills and experience.
While having vehicle repair know-how is obviously crucial to an automotive tech position, knowing how to deal with customers is also a highly coveted skill. Not only do you need to demonstrate to your potential employers that you can diagnose and repair a vehicle’s issues, you also need to show them that you can properly relay that information to the customer.
An automotive technician needs to be able to explain and answer questions in layperson’s terms. In addition, they have to maintain a professional and calm demeanor, despite sometimes having to deliver unwelcome news. While not all automotive technician programs touch on customer service training, most people can give examples of customer service skills from some previous area of work.
What is the process you take before turning the vehicle back over to the customer?
By asking this question, interviewers are trying to assess whether or not you’ll uphold their reputation and put the safety and satisfaction of the customer at the forefront. In your answer, explain that you understand the importance of road-testing the vehicle before returning it to the customer and that you can clearly explain to the customer what was done or still needs attention.
Do you have experience working on certain manufacturers’ vehicles?
Some automotive technicians prefer to gain a good general knowledge of mechanics, while others like to concentrate on learning the finer details of certain makes. During your interview, you may be asked about the types of vehicles you’ve worked on most. Make sure you understand the job you’re applying for so you can emphasize the experience that best matches what the shop is looking for.
Do you have computer and cash handling skills?
There’s so much information that can be accessed online these days, so having strong online research skills can give you an edge. There are also many shops that rely on the mechanics themselves to ring up customers, so having cash handling experience is a plus.
Automotive technician jobs are as varied as the makes and models of vehicles themselves. When it comes time for your interview, it’s OK not to have all the answers. Focus on what you’ve learned, highlight your hands-on experience, and show your enthusiasm for the field. That confidence can make a strong impression.
Be prepared by getting the right training at UEI College. Find a campus near you to get started today.
