If you’re a mechanic or automotive technician preparing for a job interview, it’s not just about answering questions—it’s about asking the right ones. Asking smart questions can help you learn more about the shop’s culture, pay structure, workload, training, equipment, and career growth opportunities. In this guide, we’ve gathered 40+ important interview questions technicians should ask during a mechanic job interview, based on real input from working techs.
Pro Tip: The best shops will answer these questions before you even get to an interview, whether it’s in their job posting, on their website, or on their WrenchWay Top Shop page.
Questions to Ask in a Mechanic Job Interview
Work Environment Questions for Mechanics to Ask
- Are your special tools organized so the tech can quickly get what is needed, and how do you distribute them?
- How many lifts would I have to work from?
- How many hours do your A-techs average per pay period?
- What is the ratio of CP to warranty to internal work?
- What scan tools and other equipment do you own?
- Which stall(s) will I be working out of?
- What are your times for Mount & Balance, Rotate & Balance, CAF, and other maintenance items?
- Are PDIs and UVIs dispatched throughout the shop, or do you have a specific person to handle them?
- How many GR8s, TPMS tools, MDIs & Laptops, TECH 2s, etc. do you have? Do you have enough terminals to go around, or may techs use personal laptops on company wifi?
- How good is your warranty clerk?
- What is the wait time average from ASR submitted to approval?
- How many one-line repair orders are written per “x”?
Shop Performance Questions to Ask in a Technician Interview
- What is your average monthly service department income?
- Are you a Mark of Excellence dealer?
- What are some of the current shop inefficiencies, and what’s being done to address them?
- What is your current measurement for success? Do you measure success by gross? How do you weigh CSI?
- What are your service advisors’ average closing rate percentages?
Shop Policies & Procedures: What to Ask in an Interview
- How do you dispatch work?
- What is the company policy in the event of a minor accident?
- What is the company policy on repair of personal vehicles? What about working after hours?
- What is your policy if a tech starts on a job and discovers it is more complicated than at first expected?
- Do you follow book time for brakes, alignment, and other services, or does the company set the times you pay for these?
- When does the tech get paid for flagged hours?
- What is my schedule?
Benefits & Compensation Questions for Technicians
- Does the company pick up any of the cost for health insurance, other offered insurance, or uniforms?
- Does the company offer tool insurance coverage for the techs should something happen to the building?
- Does the company offer a 401K with any company match?
- Is there a holiday bonus? Are there production bonuses?
- Are you willing to cover relocation expenses?
- What percentage has your pay increased in the last five years?
- When does pay end, and when is payday?
Other Smart Interview Questions to Ask the Shop
- Introduce me to your staff, without introducing me to them.
- Why should I come to work for you?
- May I take one of your long-term techs to lunch?
- What’s your employee turnover rate?
- How long has the longest tech been here?
- How much training do you provide technicians and with what companies?
- What metrics will be applied to my performance?
- What does onboarding look like?
- I see you have an aggressive hiring bonus, what are you doing to keep your current technicians here?
[Cheat Sheet] Questions to Ask in a Mechanic Job Interview
FAQ: Mechanic Job Interview
What questions should I ask during a mechanic job interview?
You should ask about pay structure, workload, benefits, tool policies, shop culture, turnover rate, equipment, training opportunities, and how work is dispatched.
How do I know if a shop is a good fit?
Ask detailed questions about the shop’s technician support, pay raises, management style, and equipment. If a shop is transparent and provides clear answers, that’s a good sign.
Is it okay to ask about pay and benefits in the first interview?
Yes—understanding pay structure, bonuses, tool insurance, relocation assistance, and other benefits is an important part of evaluating a job offer.
Maximize Your Interview: Ensure the Shop is the Right Fit for You
A job interview is more than just a chance to showcase your skills—it’s an opportunity to ensure the shop aligns with your career goals and values. By asking thoughtful questions, you not only demonstrate your interest and preparedness but also gather crucial insights to make a well-informed decision about your next career move. Remember, the best shops are transparent and proactive in addressing these topics, making your job search smoother and more rewarding.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- Why You Should Take the Interview, Even if You Aren’t Sure About the Job
- What to Wear For a Technician or Mechanic Job Interview
- How to Negotiate Technician Pay
Editor’s Note: Last updated June 2025. This article was originally published in November 2022 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehension.
