Author

S K SHARMA
Tell about yourself
I am from California, USA. After completing my basic education I joined vocational course on automotive repairs
and since then I have been associated with repair activities. Initially I worked as a trainee and after 2 years of
service I have been working independently on light vehicles. I have completed 5 years of service and now I am
looking for an opportunity where I can utilize my 5 years of experience and grow in career.

On family front, my father is in Army and mother is a teacher.

Why are you available or looking at new opportunities?

I have completed my 5 years’ service, so I am looking for new opportunities where I can use my skills and
grow maximum.

Why are you interested in this job?

This job gives me an opportunity to utilize my experience and skills as well as grow further in my career.

What do you know about our company?

With over 90 locations nationwide and nearly 1000 employees, It is the largest vehicle inspection company in
USA. XYZ is responsible for carrying out simple replacements in vehicles.

What are the roles/Job of Automotive Technician?

Basic job of Mechanic is to repair the UNSV vehicles. However it also includes, Interaction with the customer,
Inspection of the vehicles, diagnose the faults and repair those faults and testing the vehicle for fitness after the
repair. Another important job of auto mechanic is to keep the workshop floor clean and organized.

The role of the Automotive Technician is to perform motor vehicle assessments to ensure safety,
roadworthiness and legal and complete all supporting administration documentation, promote and sell additional
products and services. Maintain up to date and accurate files and data

Major challenges you faced in your last role?

Ours was a large organization, so while carrying out repair the required spares were not readily available. One
has to make a demand of required spares every day and next day same will be procured after sanction through
proper channel and will be handed over to you to carry out repairs, this not only delays the repair process but
is a demotivating factor as well. So over a period of time with the permission of my supervisor I made a list of
Fast Moving Spares and same were procured in bulk. This benefitted everyone and repairs became faster.
Describe your daily routine As a VM?
My day starts with general cleanliness of workshop area and keeping all tools in an organized manner. Then
Supervisor briefs everyone on the tasks need to be completed on that particular day. To receive the vehicle and
interact with the customer, Carry out multipoint inspection of the vehicle, to fill job card, Diagnose the vehicle
faults, inform the customer about time taken, repair the vehicle and testing of the vehicle. Finally make the entry
of repairs in daily log Book.

What is the biggest challenge you foresee in this job?

Initial two months would be very challenging as I have to get acquainted with new type of vehicles. Once I have
seen vehicle system physically on ground and gone through the Repair Manual, thereafter it would be much
easier.
How do you stay motivated at work?
My biggest motivation at work is generally when I handover the repaired vehicle to the customer and he or she
appreciates my work. I eagerly wait for that moment and it makes my day.
Describe a time when you failed in this role and Lesson learnt?
A vehicle reported to our workshop with a fault of, Steering Vibrating while driving. The vehicle was required to
the customer next day for some urgent work, I promised him that his vehicle will be ready by evening. I did not
inform my Supervisor about this promise I made to the customer. Even after my best efforts I could not repair
that vehicle even after working till late night as Engine Mounting Pads were required to be changed and same
were not available in our workshop. I could not keep my promise and failed miserably. From that day onwards
I never make any promise to customer regarding time taken to repair the vehicle till the time fault is diagnosed
and spares are available for repair.
How experienced you are in finding damages faults in a vehicle?
In my previous role i have been doing Multipoint inspection of vehicles after receiving the vehicles from the
customers for Routine Servicing or Repairs, so I have adequate experience in finding faults in vehicles.

What would you do before handing over the vehicle to customer?

Before returning the vehicle to the customer, I will ask them to test the vehicle first. This is important for them
to see that the damage has been fixed. Besides, I will clearly explain what the repairs that have been done and
what they ought to do to prevent the same damage. Doing this may avoid unforeseen issues like complaints
from customers. It is also important so that customers are satisfied with our service.

Is computer skills important?

Yes, without computer skills it would be difficult to utilize Workshop automation software which has so much
information like Recurring faults in vehicles, vehicle history, spares available in Worksop store and many other
details which make the job much easier.

How do you organize on busy days?

On busy days, apart from working more efficiently, I take shorter lunch break and work overtime.

What Is The Biggest Mistake You See Other Mechanics Done In The Past?
They don’t make use of Repair manuals and Automation Software/Computer data available with the workshop
to repair the vehicles. They are scared of computers and don’t understand that it makes rather their job much
easier.

What Is The Important Thing In The Workshop Management?

In my opinion, the most important thing about a repair shop is cleanliness. Since cleanliness is the thing that is
visible to the eyes of the customers, it will affect how our first impressions would be like. As a mechanic, after
finishing my tasks, I will make sure to organize equipment. Aside from impressions, it could also secure staffs’
safety while working.

What Are Your Steps To Inspect A Vehicle?

1. Receive vehicle and interaction with the user.

2. Walk around the vehicle, Check exterior body of the vehicle for any dents and check Headlights for any
cracks or cloudiness. Note down in multipoint inspection sheet.
3. Check interior of the vehicle which includes dashboard warning lights, check turn signals and reverse and
brake lights.

4. Check wipers functioning, check wiper blades by touching your hand for any wear and tear.

5. Under the hood check all fluids, engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, steering fluid.

6. Check condition of Belts (tension, ribs not crack) and Hoses.

7. Check air cleaner and battery condition.

8. Take the vehicle on Ramp check tyres condition for any uneven wear, check tread depth with tread depth
gauge

9. Check Brake system.

10. Check Suspension system for any leaks.

11. Note down everything in inspection sheet and take signature of the User on inspection sheet. Handover
one copy of the inspection sheet to the user.

If You Were To Deal With An Angry Customer, How Would You Address The Issue?
It is important to stay calm and professional in such situations. Generally such issues happen when customers
have poor knowledge of vehicle maintenance and over payment issues, in that situation, I will listen to the
customer’s complaints and provide suggestions for solutions that could be taken. If the fault is mine, I will have
to take responsibility for it. Example customer comes for oil change and you change the oil as well as oil filter,
customer might say why have you changed oil filter, then you have to explain him everything.
What Kind Of Advice Would You Offer To Someone Interested To Pursue In This Profession?
It will take years to master the technical skills to repair vehicles. To become a great mechanic, patience and
passion are highly needed. Enjoy the satisfaction of getting the job done and seeing satisfied expressions on
customers’ faces.

How Do You Perform A Test-Drive Vehicles?

I will first run tests on the ignition, signals, dashboard lights, and other mechanical features to show that they
are working properly. The next step is checking the engine. Check for any vibrations or noises. I will also check
the air conditioning and heating of the vehicles.

Tell me about a situation where you sacrificed safety for speed, taken Risk and failed.
Safety was of paramount importance in my previous work and no compromise on safety/ taking risk was
acceptable as life of important people is at stake. So i never compromised safety for speed.

Tell me about your favourite supervisor or manager that you have worked for, what made them great?
My favourite Supervisor was Mr Rahul Tyagi, as he was very well organized, he will explain things in detail and
give clear cut instructions on the tasks to be performed. In fact everyone liked him for his being professionally
sound at work and for his friendly nature.
Tell me about a disagreement between you and another mechanic on the shop floor, how was it resolved?
My colleague was of the view that only one well trained mechanic should be sent, for bogged down vehicles
stranded roadside, but my suggestion was that two mechanics at least should be sent in such cases, who is not
well trained should also accompany the Well trained mechanic, as this will not only make the job easier but also
acts as a training for new mechanics. I gave the example if brake bleeding is need to be done or other such
jobs, at least two people should be there fully trained and less trained combination. After hearing this example
my colleague agreed to it.

If you had the choice would you rather work a day on the floor and get paid time and a half or spend a day
receiving technical training getting paid regular wages?
If the training is on any such topic which is new for me about which I don’t know in that case I would like to
attend training, but if I already what is being taught I would like to rather work and earn some extra bucks.

Would you rather get paid more to work on something you don’t like i.e. Waste Trucks or get paid less but work
on something you love i.e. Motorcycles or Classic Cars?
I don’t dislike doing any kind of repair work on any type of vehicle, so whatever task is assigned to me by my
supervisor I would like to do as per orders given to me by my superior whether I get paid more or less for that.
And if i have to decide I will work on Waste truck first because more people will get affected if that remains off
road for a longer duration.

Tell me about a time that you took ownership of a situation or took the lead on the floor without being asked to?
One vehicle was towed to workshop in the evening at a time when everybody in the workshop had already left.
I was there as I had to make few repair related entries in my spare time. There were few family members who
were travelling in this vehicle and they had to reach somewhere urgently. I informed my supervisor on mobile
and asked his permission and he advised me to help the family, Recovery man told that vehicle was not starting,
I checked the vehicle, It was cranking but not start, With my experience I could know there is fault in fuel supply,
within few minutes I came to know that Fuel Pump assembly was not working, I changed the same and in 15
minutes vehicle was ready to move.
How do you feel about borrowing tools or lending tools to other technicians?
I personally avoid borrowing tools and expect same from others. However if someone approaches me asking
for tools I will give him and will make sure he returns it back to me.
What types/brands/models of equipment/trucks/cars do you have experience working on?
Mostly I have worked on light vehicles with engine capacity ranging from 1L to 5L.
What types of repairs do you have experience with? What type of repair do you specialize on?
My maximum experience is working on Brake system and Suspension System of vehicles as maximum vehicle
which come to workshop, for defect in brake system or Suspension system. Another area of expertise is routine
servicing of vehicles.
What are your favourite jobs to do?
To go with the recovery vehicle and carry out in situ repair of vehicles which become UNSV stranded on roads
on the way.
What are your least favorite jobs to do?
To replace a Rear main seal in Transmission system, because just for changing one seal you have to open
clutch system, pressure plate, clutch plate, pilot bearing and release bearing. Its very time consuming.

What diagnostic tools do you have experience using?

OBD scanner ii, I basically use it for dashboard warning lights and to check if any sensor is not working.

Tyre Pressure gauge

Multimeter

car battery tester.

Garage equipment
Torque wrench
Impact wrench
3/8″ Impact Wrenches
1/2″ Impact Wrench
3/4″ Impact Wrench
1″ & 1 1/2″ Impact Wrenches
Head light beam aligner
Injector tester
Spark plug cleaner and tester
Four post lifter / fast battery charger

In your most recent position, what kinds of jobs did you get a lot of?
Brake pads change, vibration and noises in vehicle related to suspension system, Tyres related issues and fuel
supply related issues.

Do you have experience working in the field? If so do you like working in the field?
Many a times I have been detailed with the recovery vehicle and carry out in situ repair of vehicles which become
UNSV stranded on roads on the way.
What experience do you have with in-depth engine and transmission repairs?
Twice I got a chance to be a part of a team to overhaul engine assy. As far as transmission is concerned many
a times I have changed worn out clutch plates and pressure plates of the vehicles but never got a chance to
repair the gear box.

Do you have a complete tool set?

I have 142 piece tool set, which I bought in 2016 which includes spanners, sockets, ratchet, pliers, Allen keys,
hammer and chisels. Apart from that I have my own digital Multimetre.

Tell us a time when your boss didn’t like your behaviour or you disagreed with him? Disagreed with a team
member. Decision you regret and how you overcame. Tell us about a conflict at job. Tell us a time when
unexpectedly you have to work on your own?
One fire fighting vehicle reported to our workshop late night for repair. I was on night duty on that day, without
informing my Supervisor I repaired it being an important vehicle and I did not want to disturb my supervisor by
calling on his mobile late night. Next morning when my Boss came to know about it he instructed me not to
repeat it in future, I did not like his behaviour as I had done it in good faith and for better reputation of our
workshop. Late in the evening he called me in his office and briefed me why it should not have been done I
night time and that too without informing him. I understood his point of view and realised my mistake, i promised
him that I will not repeat this mistake in future.
Tell us a time when you failed in your efforts?
I bought a car from junk yard, I thought of repairing that car and earn some profit by selling the same after
making it serviceable. But I could not find any buyer and then I had to sell it at the same price for which I bought
without earning any profit. I miserably failed in my efforts.
Time when you postponed making decisions?
I was selected for course on workshop automation software training but at the same time lot of mechanics were
on leave and attending training courses, my supervisor desired that if I could attend it some other time, so I
postponed my decision and completed this training next year in 2013.

Tell us a time when you had to assume leadership of a team, your initiative as a team member on a project?
5 of us were detailed to carry out inspection of 30 vehicles which were to travel long distance for some important
assignment. Mr Sahoo was senior most amongst us and he had to submit report after checking of all vehicle
whether the vehicle are fit for long duty or not. However due to some illness he could not make it to the place
of duty, now I was the next senior most, so I assumed the leadership of my team, briefed team members about
the task and time available to complete the task. We completed our work and I submitted the inspection report
to the authorities.

How do you approach problems and resolve problems?

My way of resolving problems is in 3 steps:- Analyse the problem, Check options available and Choose best
course of action.

Name 3 improvements you made in your most recent position?

1. List of Fast Moving Spares. 2. Handed over list of UNSV and deficient tools to the Supervisor.

Time when you worked under Pressure?

It always happens during festival seasons during October to December as lot of employees go on leave and
load of vehicles increases, so I am used to work under pressure, Best way to handle pressure is to Prioritize
your work, plan and act accordingly.
How do you handle change?
I believe that only thing which is constant in this world is Change, Change is unavoidable and generally things
change for betterment, to grow in life one has to adapt new things otherwise life will be very boring.

Have you ever been lied about, how did you handle the situation?
Yes once my colleague told me that your Annual leave application to go home has been rejected and this year
you won’t be getting any leave due to work load, I was very depressed as I had made lot of plans, but if leave
is not sanctioned it’s my luck leave will be encashed, Other team members also joined him in this prank and
empathised with me, later in the evening I came to know that it was prank and my leave has been sanctioned.
To get Information from someone who was not very responsive? What did you do to overcome it?
In the initial years of my service it was very difficult to take out of information from my seniors on repair of
vehicles, they always used to tell me don’t be in hurry, hold your horses, you will learn it over a period of time,
but I wanted to learn repairing vehicles as early as possible, I made use of repair manuals to overcome this
problems and only whatever I could not understand from Repair manual I used to ask my seniors.

How much salary are you expecting?

I am expecting Salary as per company rules.

Your choice station / location,

My choice is ABC. However I am available 24x7 for any place.

Hobbies: Listening Music/ watching technical videos on you tube.

Strengths: Discipline, sincerity and punctuality.

Weakness: Being a vehicle mechanic finding fault in everything.