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Diesel Mechanic Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Diesel Mechanic interview questions and answers.

  1. What is a diesel engine reconditioning process? See answer
  2. Which skills are most important for diesel mechanics to have? See answer
  3. What were your responsibilities in your last place of employment? See answer
  4. Have you ever made an error during a diagnostic analysis? If so, how did you make up for it? See answer
  5. What would you do if another technician kept using your tools? See answer
  6. Why would you perform a voltage drop test? See answer
  7. What are some responsibilities that are standard for diesel mechanics? See answer
  8. Which skills do you have that are most relevant to this position? See answer
  9. Do you have additional qualifications that make you the right person for the job? See answer
  10. Which vehicles have diesel engines? See answer
  11. What do diesel mechanics do? See answer
  12. How would you handle a customer who isn’t happy with your performance?
  13. Why is the most difficult problem you’ve had to solve?
  14. Which part of being a diesel mechanic are you most skilled in?
  15. Is there a part of being a diesel mechanic you’re uncomfortable with? 
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Hire your next Diesel Mechanic today.

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Hire your next Diesel Mechanic today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Diesel Mechanic Interview Questions and Answers

What is a diesel engine reconditioning process?

This question is good to start with because it immediately tests a candidate's technical knowledge. A candidate should have a clear idea of how diesel reconditioning works. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to recondition diesel engines
  • Ability to use heavy machinery and engine lathers
  • Ability to communicate the benefits of services

Example:

"In this process, the diesel mechanic needs to replace all pistons, valves, gears, and bearings. This can take a few hours, but it will make the vehicle last longer. There are other components of these processes as well, but these are the components I have the most experience using." 

How would you handle a customer who isn't happy with your performance?

Diesel mechanics will undoubtedly encounter unhappy customers. A strong diesel mechanic candidate needs to have a balance between technical skills and interpersonal skills. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to remain calm in difficult situations
  • Ability to communicate with customers and find solutions to their problems
  • Ability to remain positive and respectful 

Example:

"The best way to handle unhappy customers is to make sure they feel heard. Because of this, I do my best to listen attentively to what they're saying and repeat their frustration back to them. Once I have a clear idea of what the problem is, I propose a solution."

Which skills are most important for diesel mechanics to have?

Diesel mechanic candidates need to have a clear idea of what a good mechanic does. Good candidates should have a holistic view toward their responsibilities and skills. Here is what to look for in a successful answer: 

  • Ability to understand technical documents
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to demonstrate an analytical mindset

Example:

"Diesel mechanics have good technical and soft skills. They should know how to read blueprints and take a systematic approach to their tasks. Moreover, we need to know how to use technical documents. They also need to know how to communicate with their customers and manage conflict. Finding the balance between these hard and soft skills is essential."

What were your responsibilities in your last place of employment?

It's important to understand what kind of skills a candidate possesses before hiring them. Here, an interviewee must demonstrate that they have the skills and expertise required to contribute to your team. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of the open job position
  • Knowledge of which qualifications are required for diesel mechanics
  • Knowledge of which qualifications the open position requires

Example:

"In my previous job, I was responsible for maintaining and cleaning diesel engines. That being said, I also handled administrative tasks to help my supervisor. I created schedules and kept track of paperwork. The most challenging part of doing this was finding schedules that made everyone in the company happy, but I appreciated the trust that my employer placed in me."

Have you ever made an error during a diagnostic analysis? If so, how did you make up for it?

This question will identify whether a candidate takes responsibility when they make mistakes. It can also help you determine how they handle obstacles and roadblocks when they're working on a task. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills
  • Ability to take responsibility for mistakes
  • Demonstrated ability to propose solutions when errors occur

Example:

"I have made one error during a diagnostic analysis. Last year, I was presented with a diesel engine that seemed to have a clear problem, but it didn't. I told the customer right away and assumed the costs of performing a diagnostic analysis again. After I performed this second analysis, we were able to find the cause of the issue. In the end, I had to repair an electrical issue that was impacting the diesel engine."

What would you do if another technician kept using your tools?

Diesel mechanics work closely with other professionals and often work with several other mechanics during their shifts. You need to make sure your candidate can maintain good interpersonal relationships with their coworkers. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Respect for coworkers
  • Ability to compromise and work well with others
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate boundaries

Example:

"I want my colleagues to do the best they can at their job. If they're repeatedly using my tools, that doesn't bother me. I would simply request that they ask me before using them, and if they don't, I'd then have a discussion as to why I want to be asked."

Why would you perform a voltage drop test?

This question tests a candidate's technical knowledge. Moreover, it tells you whether the candidate has hands-on experiences with these tests. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of why drop voltage tests are performed
  • Experience performing drop voltage tests
  • Strong technical skills

Example:

"I've done drop voltage tests in the past when I had to look at wires, connections, and resistance in the vehicle. The minimum and maximum voltage drops should be 0.1V and 100mV, respectively. These tests are done when the diesel mechanic needs to identify high-resistance problems. Digital volt/Ohmmeters are used to calculate the drop voltage of the vehicle's load device or conductor. This test will tell you when a circuit is restricted so that you can repair it and test it afterward. If there are still issues, further evaluation will be required."

Why is a common problem you've had to solve?

This question will inform you as to whether the diesel mechanic in question has hands-on experience in the field. It also gives you insight into which problems the mechanic considers to be common. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • General knowledge of diesel vehicles
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience
  • Technical knowledge of diesel vehicles

Example:

"I'd say the most common problem I've worked on was oxidized oil. Too often, diesel trucks will sit in the same place for a long time, which results in the engine's oil oxidizing." 

What are some responsibilities that are standard for diesel mechanics?

This question will show you not only what the candidate perceives their role to be, but it also tells you which responsibilities they're used to having. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Proven real-life experience
  • Demonstrated technical knowledge
  • Ability to repair

Example:

"Diesel mechanics perform a few primary duties. For one thing, they focus on maintaining engines and performing repairs on them. They also evaluate vehicles and determine whether there are malfunctioning parts. Overall, though, we do virtually anything that contributes to the maintenance and functioning of a diesel engine."

Which skills do you have that are most relevant to this position?

This question provides you with information into the candidate's perception of themselves. It also tells you how candidates fit into your team. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Extensive technical knowledge
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Appreciation for coworkers

Example:

"I have strong technical skills and a passion for learning. I also have strong leadership skills and love taking on additional responsibilities to help my coworkers and upper management. Moreover, I'm constantly doing research on technical tools and new advancements in technologies to find new ways to work more efficiently. This field is always changing, and I intend to keep up with it."

Do you have additional qualifications that make you the right person for the job?

This question will provide you with information about how the candidate is qualified to take the job. It also informs you of any certifications that make them a more ideal candidate than their competition. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of certifications
  • Demonstrated willingness to learn
  • Demonstrated willingness to obtain additional certifications

Example:

"I have completed additional qualifications. I'm qualified in using multiple pieces of equipment, as well as inspection tools and a license to perform inspections of vehicles. When looking at my particular skill set, I also have exceptional attention to detail that makes it easier for me to work for longer periods of time."

Which area of being a diesel mechanic are you most skilled in?

Diesel mechanics can specialize in different types of vehicles. Knowing the answer to this question will identify how the candidate can contribute to the team. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of specialties
  • Demonstrated passion for this profession
  • Experience with different types of vehicles

Example:

"I have experience with the totality of diesel engines, however, I'm most experienced in electrical systems and how they related to diesel engines. I've always had a passion for electrical systems and appreciate the complexities involved in them."

Which vehicles have diesel engines?

The answer to this question can show you whether the candidate has the theory to back up their personal experience. They'll also explain which engines they have experience working with. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to work with several engines
  • Demonstrated appreciation for diesel engines
  • Ability to prove real-life experience

Example:

"Vehicles that have diesel engines include automobiles, trucks, buses, marines, and construction vehicles. I have experience in all of them except for the construction vehicles, though I'm always looking to learn more about different vehicles."

Is there a part of being a diesel mechanic you're uncomfortable with? 

This question provides you with an idea as to what the candidate's limits are and what situations you should avoid putting them in. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Demonstrated understanding of the profession
  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • Ability to remain respectful when providing opinions

Example:

"I love all parts of my job. I'd say that if there's something I'm uncomfortable with, it's navigating conversations with upset customers. That being said, I love interacting with my customers and have found useful tools to help find solutions during difficult conversations."

What do diesel mechanics do?

This question is a good question to break the ice or to end an interview. It asks the candidate to explain their perception of the role of diesel mechanics. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • General understanding of the profession
  • Demonstrated appreciation for the field
  • Ability to understand technical language

Example:

"Diesel mechanics maintain diesel engines and are responsible for their upkeep and troubleshooting. Beyond engines, we're also responsible for generators and plant machinery."

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