How to List Mechanic Skills on a Resume: Best Skills and Examples

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To obtain a position as a mechanic, employers might want to see specific technical skills on your resume. They could also value certain soft skills, like the ability to solve problems under pressure. This article shares some advice about creating your mechanic resume and several skills you can add to your mechanic resume to improve your chances of getting a job.

Why employers want to see mechanic skills on your resume

Most of the time, employers have little spare time to fully train an employee about the subject matter. While on-the-job training is available at most auto repair shops, employers usually prefer to hire people who already have mechanic skills, or at least have completed relevant studies and achieved industry-related certifications. 

An employer in the auto repair industry will want to hire someone with problem-solving skills and the ability to work long shifts under pressure. An employee with these skills can greatly benefit the company, allowing good auto services to attract returning customers. 

How to list mechanic skills on a resume

Here are the steps to list mechanic skills on your resume:

1. First, make a list of your relevant education and experiences

Instead of just writing a list of your experiences, education and certifications, focus on the job-related skills you acquired. You can include that you learned all about electronics during a vocational educational program, or that you discovered the most up-to-date automotive technologies during a recent engineering course. 

2. Second, add your work experiences in the automotive field

Just like you did for your education, focus on your achievements and the skills you learned while working for different employers. You could mention your on-the-job training, or a situation when you reached a particular milestone. You can also tell what your responsibilities were while working for your past employers, like doing simple maintenance or explaining repairs to customers. 

3. Third, think of any soft skills that could improve a mechanic’s performance

Besides your education and work experiences, it might be useful to list the soft skills that would benefit the employer. For example, a mechanic is often required to be a problem-solver and be able to work under pressure. Some companies also require you to deal with clients, so having good interpersonal skills might be a great bonus. 

To create a comprehensive resume for a mechanic position, you’ll likely need to list not only your technical skills but also your knowledge of the industry and the soft skills that could benefit your work in the long run.

Best mechanic skills to add to a resume

Here are some of the best skills you can add to your mechanic resume:

Technical certifications

The most important certifications for an aspiring mechanic are probably those from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program. The study program is divided by the different kinds of vehicles, like cars, buses and trucks. To earn ASE certification, you will be required to take a computer-based test at a specific testing location. After achieving the basic ASE certifications, it’s possible to complete the ASE Masters Certification tests. 

An up-to-date knowledge of the field

Cars and trucks are evolving at a very fast pace. Therefore, it’s essential to demonstrate that you know how to work with the most recent technologies. On your resume, you can list recent courses you took on the subject or work experiences where you came into contact with new-generation vehicles.

Problem-solving skills

One of the most important duties of a mechanic is troubleshooting. You’ll have to deal with mechanical problems that are challenging to diagnose and resolve. Your role will also likely include dealing with clients and solving their vehicle’s problems. Consequently, an employer will want to see that you have excellent problem-solving and critical troubleshooting skills on your resume. 

Physical skills

Most of the time, successful mechanics have excellent manual skills and good physical strength. This means being able to work with mechanical tools and lifting heavy equipment. Also, a mechanic is often required to work in less-than-optimal conditions, like extreme heat or cold, and to work overtime to perform a repair in time.

A fast work pace

Like most manual workers, a mechanic is usually required to work quickly even under pressure. Normally, when a customer’s car breaks, they need to have it fixed fast, otherwise they won’t be able to drive to work, school, etc. Additionally, most repair shops want to take as many clients as possible during their regular working hours. The ability to work at a fast pace ensures you’ll meet your employer’s expectations for productivity. 

Awareness of safety regulations

Working at a mechanic workshop involves possible hazards, including potentially dangerous chemicals, sharp tools and flammable substances. Most employers want to see that you have an extensive knowledge of safety procedures and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards. The regulations are constantly updated, so the employer will likely want you to keep up to date with all the possible changes. An excellent knowledge of safety procedures benefits both you and the company since there is less risk of injury claims and missed workdays. 

How to improve mechanic skills

Here are a few things you can do to improve your mechanic skills: 

1. First, consider getting an associate’s degree in a relevant field

For example, you could choose Automotive Mechanics Technology or Automotive Service Management.

2. Then, complete some new industry certifications 

You could choose from the various ASE certification tests to work with cars, trucks and buses.

3. Next, participate in employer training

Ask your employer for any training opportunities that could be available for you.

4. Finally, work on your problem-solving skills 

Some experts suggest that, when you come across a problem, you ask yourself five times ‘why.’ This is called the ‘five whys’ technique.