Quantcast
Jump to content

Technician Interview Process


Go to solution Solved by Shopcat,

Recommended Posts

When you all interview a potential technician, do you have a specific series of technical/behavioral questions you use to determine his/her diagnostic aptitude? The reason I ask is we have had technicians in the past who have been mechanics for 10+ years but after hiring them we find out they are not very strong in diagnostics, especially electrical. Just trying to see if there was something you all do during the interview process that helps you identify if the candidate is going to be strong in diagnostics.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites



The few people I have had apply I always put through a working interview. I always have at least 1 car that I am flipping and have them do a repair to the vehicle. One guy that I though was more of a parts changer I put on head gaskets on a toyota 3.4 and now I have to put it back together.

 

Another one said he was a good electrical guy and I pulled the ATC fuse on a chevy truck and the service 4WD light came on. He scanned it, had no communication, sat down in front of a wiring diagram and then walked over to the truck to look for the fuse and saw where I pulled it. He got a job.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just spoke to my lead technician today and we are going to implement that idea on my personal vehicle for our next interview with a potential technician. I think it will give us a better understanding of if the technician's thought process for diagnostic work is what we are looking for or not.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's why I insist on ASE certification. In my opinion the company lacks severely in marketing us but if a guy can't pass the tests I don't want him working on my car. The tests are easy for anyone who knows what they are doing. I hire people that are ase certified and can pass a drug test, that last one seems to be the most difficult for some. Lately I've put new hires on a 2-4 week trial, their work ethic and attitude shows itself quickly. Everyone starts like I did, at the bottom. Some guys are too good to sweep or fix flats, they would prefer to watch the guy who signs their checks do the bs work. Lol

 

I like the idea of the skills test, but do you pay the applicant while he's proving himself?

Edited by alfredauto
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Solution

5 star, I developed a pre employment questionnaire for a client that asks specifically about their experience with the following scale.

 

1. no experience

2. not frequently performed

3. need help performing

4.. need little help

5. no help needed

 

Next I have questions about 20 plus tasks routinely done at this shop. Then a technician tool inventory , ASE Certs, 20 ASE style questions that indicate specific skills for this shop. This is filled out with the application on site and never leaves the shop.

 

The following admonishment is listed at the top :" Failure to answer the following questions truthfully could result in reduced wages or termination if you are hired and it is discovered you were not truthful" .

 

 

This has help the shop enormously, After reviewing a few of these you will interview ONLY the great applicants .

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Passing a drug test is the biggest hurdle.

Is there a drug test you can test someone to see if they are doing drugs on the job? No there isn't. What someone does at home is there business is it not. Until there is a test that will I don't support these so called drug test. Don't you think its against peoples rights?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So I have a tech coming in for an interview this Friday so I decided to put together my own written test. I tried to attach it, but I received an error. Here it is pasted below for you all to use:

 

 

 

1. Technician A says constant-running release bearings are used with hydraulically controlled clutches. Technician B says release bearings move away from the pressure plate to disengage the clutch. Who is right?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

2. All of the following are true about removing a differential assembly EXCEPT:
A. the axle shafts must be removed.
B. the bearing caps should be marked to the housing.
C. the bearing races and shim pack should not be mixed up.
D. the pinion gear always stays in the axle housing.

3. Which of the following is the best way to check component wear when assembling a transfer case?
A. Prelube the components
B. Clean components thoroughly
C. Clean all sealing surfaces
D. Measure clearances

4. The ignition module uses the digital signal received from the PCM for:
A. rpm input.
B. Hall effect timing.
C. #1 cylinder signal.
D. Computed timing signal.

5. While testing a vehicle for no-start, Technician A says that since there is battery voltage at the electric fuel pump connector with no fuel pump operation it must be a bad fuel pump. Technician B disagrees stating that a voltage drop check should be made at the fuel pump connector before the fuel pump is replaced. Who is right?
A. Technician A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

6. A 12-volt battery has just failed a capacity test and is being charged at 40 amps. After three minutes of charge, with the charger still operating, a voltmeter is hooked up across the battery and reads 15 .8 volts. What does this indicate?
A. The battery should be slow charged and put back into service.
B. The battery’s electrolyte should be replaced.
C. The battery is sulfated and should be replaced.
D. This is normal; continue fast charge and return to service.




7. During a stall test, the stall speed is above specifications. Technician A says the exhaust system may be restricted. Technician B says the engine may have low compression. Who is right?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

8. A customer explain that, “Intermittently the MIL will come on, and transmission will only have one forward speed.” Sometimes after the ignition is cycled the transmission functions normally until the same scenario reappears. While pressure testing, pressure in all ranges are found to be high. Technician A says the problem could be intermittent loss of electrical power to the transmission. Technician B says out-of-range turbine-to-output shaft speed sensor ratio during a shift could be the cause. Who is right?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

9. During a main line pressure test, the pressure gradually decreases at higher engine speeds. The MOST likely cause of this problem could be:
A. a worn oil pump
B. a restricted oil filter.
C. a stuck pressure regulator.
D. a plugged modulator hose.

10. The headlights on a vehicle go out intermittently and come back on in a few minutes. Technician A says this problem may be caused by an intermittent short to ground. Technician B says this problem may be caused by high charging system voltage. Who is correct?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

11. With the ignition switch off, the ohmmeter leads are connected from the starter solenoid S terminal to the solenoid case. The ohmmeter provides an infinite reading. The cause of this reading could be:
A. the solenoid pull-in winding is grounded.
B. the solenoid hold-in winding is open.
C. the solenoid pull-in winding is shorted.
D. the solenoid hold-in winding is shorted.

12. While diagnosing the cause of a blown fuse in the blower motor circuit, Technician A says a short in the blower motor circuit could cause the fuse to blow. Technician B says an open field winding in the blower motor could have caused the fuse to blow. Who is right?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
13. A technician finds that an air-conditioning system has excessive high-side pressure. The low-side pressure is normal to high. A probable cause of this problem cause of this problem is:
A. the condenser air passages are restricted.
B. a leaking thermostatic expansion valve.
C. an open bypass valve.
D. a malfunctioning vapor control switch.

14. Technician A says that excessive steering wheel play can be caused by worn tie-rod ball sockets. Technician B says that steering wheel play can be caused by a worn idler arm. Who is right?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

15. The thrust angle on a front-wheel drive vehicle is more than specified, and the thrust line is positioned to the left of the geometric centerline. This problem could be caused by:
A. Excessive toe-out on the left rear wheel.
B. Excessive toe-out on the right rear wheel.
C. Excessive positive camber on the left rear wheel.
D. Excessive wear in the left rear lower ball joint.

16. A voltage-drop test is performed on the fuel pump circuit. Technician A says a low-voltage drop across the fuel pump indicates that the fuel pump is serviceable. Technician B says that a high-voltage drop across the fuel pump relay switch indicates that the switch is serviceable. Who is right?
A. Technician A only
B. Technician B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

17. Engine Coolant Temperature integrity is being discussed. Technician A says the ECT readings can be compared with the IAT readings after the vehicle has set for at least eight hours. Technician B says the ECT should set a fault code if it is faulty. Who is correct?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

18. During a cylinder leakage test, the engine is found to have 90 percent leakage on two cylinders next to one another. Neither cylinder will stay at top dead-center during the test. Which of these is the Most-Likely cause?
A. Burned exhaust valves on both cylinders
B. Holes in the top of the pistons
C. A damaged head gasket
D. A collapsed lifter or lash adjusters both cylinders




19. A loud thumping noise is present during all engine speeds. If the oil pressure is normal, which of these would MOST likely be the cause?
A. Worn pistons and cylinders
B. Loose flywheel bolts
C. Worn main bearings
D. Loose camshaft bearings

20. Undercar Specialist A says an oxygen sensor can be a voltage-producing sensor. Undercar Specialist B says an oxygen sensor is a thermistor sensor. Who is right?
A. A only
B. Specialist B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A or B

21. Undercar Specialist A says if vacuum is applied to a positive back pressure EGR valve when the engine is off, a good valve will open. Undercar Specialist B says if vacuum is applied to a negative back pressure EGR valve when the engine is off, a good valve will open. Who is right?

A. A only
B. Specialist B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A or B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         13 comments
      Most shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
      The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
      Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
      And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.  
      Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
  • Similar Topics

    • By ASOG Podcast
      Free Diagnostic Time: Is It Worth It for Auto Repair Shops?
    • By Ruben Van Zenden
      Today, we simply cannot ignore social media, everyone is using it whether you are a fan or not. Personally, I think it has its negative and positive sides. 
      I have been looking at 100+ car repair shops and noticed that only a hand full are using social media marketing, for example, Facebook advertising. 
      Why are so few car repair shops making use of this, in my opinion, great opportunity to increase car count? 
    • By carmcapriotto
      Recorded Live at Vision 2023, Al Wright and Travis Troy discuss the benefits of joining MWACA's S.O.S. (Shop Owner's Support) Group. When we can support and learn from other shop owners, we continue Advancing the Aftermarket and raising the bar for the industry. Travis also gives us an overview of Vision's newest class for general service technicians.
      Al Wright, John’s Automotive, Cedar Rapids, IA. Al’s previous episodes HERE
      Travis Troy, Honest Wrenches, Akeny and Des Moines, IA. Listen to Travis’ other episodes HERE
      Show Notes
      Travis Troy- 21 team members attending Vision 2023 MWACA SOS Shop Owner’s Support- What is an S.O.S. Group? Think of it as your advisory board. Our S.O.S. Groups consist of no more than 10 shops that meet on a monthly basis. Meetings are similar to “twenty groups” without the intense financial focus or expensive monthly commitment. Groups meet monthly at a participating shop to discuss relevant issues, set and review goals, and evaluate the hosting shop.    Be vulnerable, and be transparent, not as a business owner but as a friend. We are not each other’s competition.  Learning from others, raising the bar for the Automotive industry  FTI- failure to implement, the number one failure for shop owners. Debrief after the SOS meeting with a list of items to work on and change.  Elevate before you grow. GSTA General Service Technician Academy - 2-day course. This program benefits the technician and the shop with increased efficiency, knowledge, and safety, as well as cost-savings by helping prevent beginning mistakes. Certifications will come from Tire Industry Association (TIA), Automotive Lift Institute (ALI), and Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS).  GTSA will cover- Tire Safety – hands-on mounting and dismounting, repair procedures and balancing, Tire pressure monitoring basics, Lift safety – Including Information access for proper lift placement, OSHA and shop safety training, Alignment basics, Intro to Air Conditioning, Electricity Fundamentals, Introduction to Digital Vehicle Inspections - a systematic approach to test drives, inspections, photos and videos and the benefits to the tech and to the shop of performing the DVI. Surviving a Health Scare [THA 316]
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS. Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2023. Mark your calendar now … October 31 - Nov 2, 2023, AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at AAPEXSHOW.COM NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Connect with the Podcast: -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      What is a Master Technician? Value of ASE Practical Testing? Charging to support a Master Technician  
      Thanks to our Parnter, NAPA AUTOTECH napaautotech.com
       
      Email Matt: [email protected]
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi
      Check Out Our NEW Series on YouTube, and See WHY You Should Team Up With The Top Shops In America!
          In The Vault with Darrin Barney - A New Series!
      We're so excited to release the first interview clip from our new YouTube series, "In The Vault with Darrin Barney" !
       
      This series follows Elite President and Shop Owner Darrin Barney interviewing fellow shop owners, managers, and service advisors at our AMI-Accredited Fly With The Eagles 3-day Shop Management course.
       
      In this interview, Scott Schmid of Archer's Auto Repair in Idaho talks about the career changes that led to his beginnings with Elite, the immediate results he saw, and the business values that he holds dear.
       
      Watch now, and subscribe to our channel so you never miss an upload of shop tips, webinars, interviews, vault clips, and more!
      Watch Now!     Are you looking for a more successful shop and a healthier work/life balance?
      Top Shop 360 is your answer.
       
      Did you know that after spending only 90 days in Top Shop 360, our clients AVERAGE more than a 4 to 1 return on investment? And, we're one of the only companies that requires NO CONTRACTS with our coaching?
       
      There's a reason Elite's Top Shop 360 is number one. All our coaches are working to give back, and elevate the industry that we love.
       
      We know every shop is different, which is why our Business Development Master Plan outlines YOUR goals and every step to reach them, and coaching is tailored to exactly what you want to accomplish.
       
      Learn more about how our shop-specific approach can help you uplevel your business TODAY!
      See How We Help!


  • By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...