Enroll Now
Request Info
Diesel Mechanic Interview Tips: How to Prepare Before Meeting With an Employer
Have an upcoming diesel mechanic interview? Click here to learn some helpful diesel mechanic interview tips.
Getting ready to apply for a diesel mechanic position?
One of the first steps to take before applying for any new job is to create your resume. This document gives a potential employer a summary of your education, professional experience, skills and more, all of which they take into account when determining if you would be a good fit for the role.
Whether you have an existing resume you’ll be working with or are a recent diesel graduate creating your resume for the first time, the following tips are for you. Keep reading to learn what to include in your resume, how to format it, tips for designing it and more:
Creating Your Diesel Mechanic Resume
Your resume is an evolving document that you will update throughout the course of your career. When reaching out to employers, this is often the first thing they will see before they even get the chance to meet you, so you want it to be a tool that helps you to make a great impression!
It’s important to remember that your resume isn’t a one-size-fits-all document—meaning the content should be updated to cater to each position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a diesel service writer position, you’ll want to emphasize your product knowledge and customer service skills.
On the other hand, if you were applying for a technician position in the trucking and transportation industry, you’ll want to highlight any experience you have with the repair of semi-trucks, heavy trucks, buses and construction vehicles.
Today’s job market is competitive. When an employer goes through a stack of resumes, you want yours to stand out! This requires having the right content and an organized, professional layout that is easy to follow.
What to Include in Your Resume
Everyone’s resume will look different depending on their background, skills and experience. However, there are some basic elements you should always be sure to include:
Career Objective
A great resume starts with a career objective—a brief statement that expresses who you are and what you hope to accomplish in your career. While this isn’t always required, a strong career objective can spark the interest of an employer and make them want to keep reading.
Here are a few diesel mechanic resume objective examples:
“Universal Technical Institute graduate seeking full-time employment with Peterbilt. Possesses specialized training on Peterbilt technology as well as experience working in a fast-paced dealership environment. Skills include truck preventive maintenance, diesel fuel systems, transportation refrigeration and more.”
“Experienced mechanic applying for the position of Heavy Equipment Mechanic with Freightliner. Possesses 5+ years of experience in maintenance of medium to heavy vehicles and diagnostic overhaul adjustment repair. Strong customer service skills, excellent time management and attention to detail.”
ASE certified mechanic with over 10 years of experience working in the industry. As a head mechanic for Cummins, increased sales by 7% and trained 5 new mechanics. Seeking the role of Master Technician with Daimler Trucks North America to utilize my expertise and industry experience.”
Work Experience
One of the most important sections of your resume is where you list your professional experience. In chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position, list the jobs you’ve had in the past. For each position, include the following information:
- The company you worked for
- Your job title
- The dates you worked there (ex: May 2014 - December 2018)
- A bulleted list of your responsibilities and key things you accomplished in the role
This section is designed to give the employer a general idea of what your experience entails. If you’re a recent graduate, you might not have much experience yet, but don’t stress! You can use this section to list any personal projects you’ve worked on, being sure to include the year, make and model of the vehicles. This will give the employer an idea of your skills as well as demonstrate the passion you have for the industry.
Education
Education is another key section employers look for on resumes. Here, you can list the school(s) you’ve attended, the program you completed, the year you graduated and even your GPA, if you want to include it.
If you have any certifications that are relevant to the role, you can list them in this section as well. ASE certifications can greatly benefit candidates applying for positions in the automotive and diesel industries, so be sure to include them here.
If you’re a technician just starting out, you can include more details around your education to make up for a lack of experience. For example, if you’re a UTI diesel grad, you can include the names of the courses you took. Here’s an example of how you can format this:
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Avondale, AZ
- Diesel Technology
- Diesel Engines Service & Repair
- Diesel Truck Manual Transmissions
- Diesel Truck Brake Systems & Chassis
- Diesel Truck Steering & Suspension Systems
- Automotive Climate Control Systems and Repair
- Diesel Hydraulic Systems
- Vehicle Electronic Systems and Technology
- Diesel Truck Transport Refrigeration
- Diesel Truck Preventative Maintenance
Skills
A skill is your ability to do something that you’ve acquired through experience, training or practice. Examples of this for a diesel technician can be troubleshooting, heating and air conditioning and automatic transmissions, just to name a few.
When choosing which skills to include on your resume, be strategic. Take a look at the required skills for the position, and if they are skills you possess, be sure to list them. Making this connection can show the employer that you’re a great fit for the role.
Some common diesel mechanic skills for resumes often include:
- Steering system diagnosis
- Quality control
- Engine repair
- Engine performance
- Managing crews
- Equipment calibration
- Knowledge of basic hand tools
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Awards & Accomplishments
If you’ve received any awards that you feel can benefit you when applying for this role, create an awards and accomplishments section on your resume. Whether it’s your GPA, perfect attendance score or being voted employee of the month, these things can show potential employers that you go above and beyond in your work.
Contact Information
If an employer wants to follow up with you to schedule an interview, they will most likely utilize the contact information listed on your resume. So, take the time to ensure that the information is correct and that you regularly check the email you provide. As a general rule, always include the following contact information:
- Name (first and last)
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn and other social media (optional)
Designing Your Resume
Once you’ve gathered the right content for your resume, it’s time to work on the design. This is an important step, as the visual layout of your resume can play into whether or not the employer decides to read it. For example, if the resume is unorganized and the font is hard to read, the employer is likely to skip past it.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to designing your resume, try a resume template. There are a wide variety of free templates on the web that take care of the formatting for you—all you have to do is download the file and type in your content! Here are a few websites that offer great options for professional templates:
When browsing templates, try to look for layouts that are on the simple side. Opt for a neutral color palette and always ensure that the font is legible. In general, try to keep your resume to one page in length. If it’s too long, this can also keep the employer from reading it.
Don’t Forget a Cover Letter
Cover letters aren’t always required, but a well-written letter can really boost your chances of getting called for an interview. While your resume provides general information about your experience, a cover letter is where you can further elaborate on your interest, relatable experience, skill set and what makes you a good fit for the role.
It’s important for your cover letter to be specific to the position you’re applying for. After all, it’s a letter to the employer! Take the time to customize your message and always have a friend or family member proofread it to ensure there are no errors.
Here’s an example of a diesel mechanic cover letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing in response to your job listing seeking an entry-level diesel mechanic with your company. I will be finishing my Diesel Technology program at Universal Technical Institute in Avondale, AZ, in the fall, and plan to return to Texas after graduation.
My experience includes working in a dealership inspecting, repairing and maintaining light and heavy duty diesel trucks. I am used to working in a fast-paced environment and am very detail-oriented, which I believe could be a great benefit in this role. I am excited by the possibility of joining your team and growing with the company. I have my own tools, a valid driver’s license, and am ready to start my new career.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
[your name]
[phone number]
Follow Up With a Thank-You Letter
When interviewing for a job, you’re most likely up against several other candidates. A great way to stand out is by following up with a thank-you letter!
Sending a thank-you letter not only shows professionalism, but it also gives you an opportunity to remind the employer of why you’re a good fit for the position. Be sure to send your letter or email within 24 hours of your interview, and keep your message short and to the point. Here’s an example:
Dear [employer name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss the diesel mechanic position with your company. It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I enjoyed learning more about the company and what this position would entail.
I am excited about the opportunity and am confident that my skills and experience will allow me to succeed in this role. If there is any way I can be of further assistance as you are making your decision, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Diesel Mechanic Resume Examples
One of the best places to start when creating your resume is to look at examples of other resumes used in your industry.
Click here to download a resume template that you can use today.
Overall, your resume is a powerful tool that can help to make a favorable first impression on a prospective employer. Remember to update it regularly and take the time to ensure it highlights your most important skills and accomplishments. Best of luck on your job search!
Complete Your Diesel Training at UTI
If you have a passion for the diesel industry, consider UTI’s Diesel Technology program. In just 45 weeks, you’ll learn to diagnose and repair diesel fuel systems, perform hydraulic services and receive hands-on training with equipment from leading brands.1 To learn more, visit our program page and request information today.
UTI Campuses That Offer Diesel Mechanic Training
YOU COULD START YOUR EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN TODAY.
With classes starting every 3-6 weeks, no need to wait to start your career.
Hands-on training.Get hands on experience with the industry's leading brands.
No Pressure to commit.Get answers to your questions without any obligations.
1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
TRAINING FOR A NEW CAREER STARTS HERE
Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.