Automotive Mechanic: What is the cost of hiring?

What is an auto mechanic?

An auto mechanic diagnoses problems with vehicles and performs the necessary repairs to the mechanical and electronic components. They conduct inspections to identify potential issues, engage in regular vehicle maintenance and replace worn parts. A skilled auto mechanic can also play a vital role in customer service, providing clear explanations regarding the diagnosis, proposed repairs and the associated costs.

Defining your hiring needs for an auto mechanic

When determining your hiring needs for an auto mechanic, consider several factors, including the number of vehicles that require servicing, the nature of the repairs and the anticipated growth of your business. Do you require mechanics who specialize in specific vehicle makes, certain types of repairs or those who can work on buses or construction equipment? Another important consideration is whether you need a full-time, part-time or freelance auto mechanic. If your company operates a small fleet of corporate vehicles, you may not require a full-time position and can, instead, opt for a part-timer or outside freelancer.

Why hire an auto mechanic?

A skilled auto mechanic brings valuable vehicular knowledge to your organization. This expertise enables them to troubleshoot problems, perform repairs and provide preventative maintenance to vehicles, prolonging their lifespan and ensuring the driver’s safety. If your company’s vehicles are frequently out of commission due to drivability issues or your automotive company’s overall customer satisfaction levels have declined, it may be time to hire a top-notch auto mechanic.

Contributions of a great auto mechanic:

• Ensure the safety of company and customer vehicles through regular inspections, proper diagnoses and skillful repairs, protecting drivers and fostering peace of mind.
• Utilize their extensive knowledge to repair vehicles efficiently, saving your company and your customers time and money.
• Perform vehicle maintenance that can prevent future malfunctions and lengthen the life of company and customer vehicles. 
• Increase customer satisfaction levels and boost your company image by providing timely, cost-effective service, maximizing vehicle safety and keeping cars on the road longer.

What are the types of auto mechanics?

When hiring an auto mechanic, it is imperative to understand the differences between the various types. This knowledge will enable you to determine exactly what role you need to fill and find the most suitable candidate. Here are some variations of the auto mechanic role:

• Diesel mechanic: Diesel mechanics possess the training to diagnose and repair problems with cars and trucks that have diesel engines.
• Auto body technician: As the name suggests, auto body technicians perform body repairs such as removing dents, applying paint and replacing structural parts like bumpers and doors.
• Race car mechanic: While these skilled individuals do many of the same diagnostic, maintenance and repair tasks as the auto mechanic, they also focus on enhancing vehicle performance, performing quick pitstop fixes and working with a team. 
• Lube technician: Lube techs perform oil changes, replenish automotive fluids, replace filters and check other items, such as brake lights, signal indicators and windshield wipers.

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
• Heavy-duty mechanic
• Truck mechanic

Want more hiring insights for your auto mechanic? Sign in or create your free Indeed account.

Where to find an auto mechanic?

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

• Reach out to automotive training schools. Reaching out to local training centres could yield freshly trained auto mechanic candidates who are seeking work.
• Welcome employee referrals. Your current team of auto mechanics can likely provide you with solid potential candidates for the position, particularly if you have an employee referral incentive program in place.
• Maximize social media. Harness the power of your social media accounts to attract potential auto mechanic hires by sharing recruitment videos that demonstrate what it’s like to work with your company, highlight employee benefits and promote your company culture.
• Circulate flyers. Posting flyers that advertise your position can yield promising local candidates.
• Use your website. Incorporating a careers section into your existing company website is a cost-effective way to generate new leads.

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 an auto mechanic

• Technical know-how and extensive knowledge of the mechanical and electrical systems of vehicles, including how to troubleshoot problems, perform repairs and operate the requisite tools and equipment.
• Communication skills that enable them to explain complex terms in clear and concise language, actively listen to customers and ensure top-notch customer service.
• Physical attributes such as stamina, dexterity and strength, enabling them to stand for long periods of time, work in closely fitted spaces and lift heavy objects.
• Occupational health and safety knowledge, including the proper disposal of hazardous waste, safely operating jacks and hoists, wearing personal protective equipment and being mindful of moving vehicles.
• Continual learning and a dedication to upgrading their knowledge and keeping abreast of automotive technology changes, such as new features, models and equipment.
• An eye for detail ensures that automotive work is done with precision, avoiding potential safety hazards or further damage to the vehicle.

Writing a job description for an auto mechanic

Now that you know the key skills, salary expectations, popular job-seeker search terms and hiring insights for an auto mechanic, you’re ready to write a job description.

An auto mechanic job description typically includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities, and the required and preferred skills for the position. You may also want to include information about your company culture, benefits, and perks to attract candidates to your open role.

Ready to get started? See our full guide for writing auto mechanic job descriptions. 

Interviewing auto mechanic candidates

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

• Technical know-how, including the types of vehicles they have worked on, intricate repairs they have performed and any special skills they possess. 
• Customer service as it pertains to using client information to diagnose and troubleshoot, explaining a diagnosis and the necessary repairs in clear language and diffusing customer complaints. 
• Problem solving complex automotive issues and explaining their method of identifying the problem and creating a solution.
• Continuous learning and the steps they take to remain up-to-date on the latest automotive technology, tools and industry standards. 
• Safety procedures and regulations, including how they handle hazardous waste, operate equipment and perform their job duties safely.

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