Auto Mechanic Resume Example & Writing Tips [2024]
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There’s a mechanic shortage. It should be easy to get a job. Right? Sure. One that pays a flat rate, feeds you rust work, and makes you buy your tools at a markup.
Oh—You want a good mechanic job? One that pays well, in a good shop that treats you well? For that job, you’ll need an automotive mechanic resume that stands out like an Aston Martin on a go-kart track.
This guide will show you:
- A mechanic resume sample better than 9 out of 10 others.
- How to write a mechanic resume that gets more interviews.
- Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on an auto mechanic resume.
- How to describe your experience on a resume for a mechanic to get any job you want.
Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.
Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.
Considering other jobs in maintenance and repair, too? Maybe one of our guides will interest you:
- Mechanical Engineering Resume: Guide with Sample
- Technical Resume: Sample and Complete Guide
- Construction Resume Example
- HVAC Resume Example
- Automotive Technician Resume Example
- Maintenance Resume Example
- CNC Machinist Resume Example
- Handyman Resume Example
- Maintenance Technician Resume Example
- Professional Resume Examples
Mechanic Resume Example
Chad Letarte
Mechanic
(999) 999-9999
chadletarte@email.com
linkedin.com/in/chad.letarte
Summary
Certified Mechanic with 8 years of experience in the automotive service industry. Eager to join Gear Garage as a Lead Mechanic and use technical skills and knowledge to repair and maintain automobiles in top condition. Accomplished in diagnosing complex engine problems and identifying creative solutions for all types of mechanical issues. Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rating for the last 3 years at Tech Automotive.
Experience
Master Technician
Tech Automotive, Portland, OR
October 2019-Present
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Analyze and diagnose vehicle malfunctions to identify the most suitable repair solutions.
- Perform maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrication, filter replacements, wheel alignments, etc.
- Utilize the latest diagnostic equipment to assess vehicle performance.
- Supervise junior mechanics and delegate tasks accordingly.
- Train newly hired staff on safety rules and proper usage of auto tools and equipment.
Key Achievements
- Reduced total repair times by an average of 20%.
- Increased customer satisfaction rate by 15%.
Automotive Technician
Precision Auto Repairs, Portland, OR
July 2016-October 2019
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities
- Inspected vehicles for any signs of defects or other mechanical issues.
- Conducted preventive maintenance checks such as oil changes, tire rotation, balancing brakes, etc..
- Replaced broken parts with authentic OEM components in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
- Troubleshot electrical systems using multimeters and other specialized tools.
Key Achievement:
- Saved $20K by introducing innovative methods for troubleshooting wiring problems on high-end vehicles.
Education
AAS in Automotive Service Technology
Oregon State University, Portland, OR
August 2013-June 2016
Relevant extracurricular activities
- Participated in local autocross competitions.
Academic achievements:
- Achieved a 4.0 GPA.
Skills
- Car Maintenance & Repair
- Diagnostic Equipment Usage Auto Parts Replacement
- Troubleshooting Electrical Systems
- Team Leadership
- Time Management
- Interpersonal Skills
Certifications
- ASE Certified Master Vehicle Technician, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, 2017
Awards
- 2020, Professional of the Year, National Automotive Technicians Association
Memberships
- Member of the International Automotive Technicians Network since 2016
Languages
English – Native
Spanish – Advanced
Interests
- Building custom-made model cars
- Restoring vintage automobiles
1. What's the Best Format for a Mechanic Resume?
Who cares about mechanic resume format? Nobody.
Except the shop manager.
Since he’s the one who’s hiring, you care too. The good news? If you can dodge a wrench, you can format an auto mechanic resume.
Start with the best resume fonts so your resume won’t read like tech specs. Add big headings and lots of white space to keep it visual. The hiring manager will thank you.
Finally, save your auto technician resume as a PDF. Automotive mechanic resumes in Word format can drop a gasket in transit.
Pro Tip: Are PDF auto resumes compatible with the job offer? Make sure you read the offer. If it doesn’t say, “No PDF resumes,” you’re good.
Need a better options package when it comes to auto mechanic resume format? See our guide: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]
2. Auto Mechanic Resume Objective or Resume Summary?
The shop manager is answering three phones, smoking five cigarettes, and reading 130 auto mechanic resumes. How much attention do you think your resume will get?
You need to grab his focus like a Cherry Red Ferrari. Do that with a mechanic resume objective or resume summary.
Which is which? A resume objective shows passion when your experience doesn’t have a lot of miles. A resume summary shows experience if you’ve been around long enough to work on Pacers new. Load either up with measurable accomplishments.
These two master automotive mechanic resume examples demonstrate.
Mechanic Resume Examples [Resume Summaries]
The first of these mechanic resume examples has a knocking sound:
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Experienced mechanic with 5+ years of experience and ASE Master Automotive Technician certification. Responsible for lead mechanic duties and responsibilities at Abel Mulvey Honda, including car repair and maintenance tasks, some training and customer service. Skilled in communication and brake work. |
That’s not leaking-head-gasket bad, but it won’t roll out the interviews. Try something like the next of our mechanic resume examples instead:
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ASE Master Tech automotive technician with 5+ years of experience. Seeking to enhance customer experience at Ashby Honda. As lead mechanic at Abel Mulvey Honda, helped boost customer ratings 25%. Trained 5 techs and finished jobs 15% faster than company average. |
Fixed. With an auto mechanic resume summary like that, you could probably tune up an X-Wing fighter. Don’t have that much experience? See the entry-level mechanic resume examples below.
Two Entry-Level Mechanic Resume Objectives
Is your mechanic experience still packed in grease? Back in the classic car days, you’d fix that by showing passion. That’s what this sample mechanic resume objective does:
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Hard-working mechanic, skilled in diagnostic tools, auto body repair, electrical systems, and diesel engine repair. No actual work experience yet but I’ve worked on my own cars for years. |
The trouble with passion? Other applicants have that plus experience. So, add measurable achievements. The next of our mechanic resume examples does it right:
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Enthusiastic mechanic, skilled in diagnostics and auto body repair. Handled 500+ appointments in own home shop. Volunteer consult regularly to 20+ clients. Fix small engines in spare time 5+ hrs/week. |
That’ll make the hiring manager stop daydreaming about Chevy Small-Block V-8s. And if you have no experience? You’ve got experience. You just need to polish it up. I’ll show how, next.
Pro Tip: Don’t sweat the resume objective right away. Write the rest of your auto mechanic resume first. Then bolt-on the best 2–3 achievements from it.
Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.
When you’re done, our professional resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.
Want to churn out interviews like Ford turns out F-Series trucks? See our guides: How To Write A Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See AND +20 Resume Objective Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)
3. How to Describe Your Mechanic Experience
Do you know why writing a resume is so hard? Because you need to boil down years of work onto one sheet of paper. But there’s a real trick that makes it fast and easy.
Show your most recent job first. Then pick the right 3–5 bullet points, stuffed with accomplishments. Do that, and you’ll fit the job like an OEM part. See the professional mechanic resume examples below.
Mechanic Resume Examples [Experience]
Look at the first of these sample mechanic resume experience sections:
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ASE Master Tech and Lead Mechanic Abel Mulvey Honda 2016–2018
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You could get hired to do a valve job on the Death Star with an auto mechanic resume like that. But strip it down, and you get this lemon:
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ASE Master Tech and Lead Mechanic Abel Mulvey Honda 2016–2018
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Total breakdown. No achievements. Just responsibilities.
And if you don’t have experience? In that case, test-drive the next two entry-level mechanic resume examples.
How to Write a Resume for Mechanic with no Experience
If you want to be a mechanic, then you have experience. You just need to show it.
Have you ever:
- Worked on cars for money or fun?
- Volunteered as a mechanic?
- Filled in do do automotive work?
- Worked on your own car?
- Done hands-on auto work for school?
- Worked on any kind of engine?
- Done assistant automotive tech work?
Add any of those to an entry-level automotive mechanic resume and it’ll sing like Buick V6.
These two auto mechanic resume examples give the specs:
Two Entry-Level Mechanic Design Resume Samples [No Experience]
The first of these mechanic resume examples is strictly stock:
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Mechanic Experience: Haven’t actually had an official mechanic job yet. Other Experience:
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Yeesh. That’s the resume equivalent of a Pinto. So trick it out with details:
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Automotive Mechanic Experience 2017–2018
|
Cherry. With that auto technician resume, you may get hired to overhaul the Batmobile.
Pro Tip: How do you know what bullet points to list on a mechanic resume? If the job ad asks for a qualification, show you’ve done it in a bullet point.
Don’t make the hiring manager fall asleep at the wheel. Rev up your auto mechanic resume with action words. See our guide: 240 Resume Action Words & Power Words to Make Your Resume Shine
4. Is Your Education Section Totaled? It Might Be
Does education matter on an auto mechanic resume? Nope. Your experience matters a lot more. But it has to be there. If you don’t use it, it’s like having an Alfa Romeo V6 but only using it to run your home refrigerator.
Of course you’ll start with:
- School Name and Location.
- Years in School.
- Degree.
But then add achievements that matter to the mechanic job description. The two example auto mechanic resumes below show how.
Mechanic Resume Examples [Education]
Both these mechanic resume samples are for a shop that wants (1) a strong work ethic and (2) physical fitness.
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Penn Foster Auto Repair Technician Program 2012–2015
Adams Central High School 2008–2012
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That’s no slack-jawed wrench turner. That guy was born in Radiator Springs. He could do a brake job on the Starship Enterprise someday. But don’t do this with your auto mechanic resume:
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Adams Central High School 2008–2012
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Pro Tip: Don’t list your GPA in an auto mechanic resume unless it’s eye-popping. Use the space to lay down a more impressive achievement instead.
Want to make your automotive mechanic resume stand out like a Lotus Elise? So do we. See our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume
5. How to Put Skills on a Resume for an Auto Mechanic
If you have the right skills, you’re hired. But it’s hard to prove it in auto resumes. You can do it, but not with a laundry list of mechanic skills. You need to show the precise skills in the right way.
The good news? The hiring manager actually told you what he wants. It’s listed in the job description. Prove you’ve got those skills by installing them in your bullet points. And always pay attention to the job ad and look for more mechanic skills in postings from online job websites.
The next two mechanic resume examples show the dos and don’ts.
Mechanic Resume Examples [Skills]
Let’s say the shop owner wants (1) ASE Blue Seal status, (2) strong work ethic, and (3) customer service skills. Of course you’ll list them. But you’ll also show them in your auto resume bullet points, like this:
- (1) ASE Blue Seal mechanic in busy shop.
- (2) Zero sick days in 3 years.
- Filled in at (3) customer service desk approx. 3x per day.
- Received 22 customer emails commending positive attitude.
Do that, and you’ll get enough interview requests to fill a garage.
List of Skills to Put on a Mechanic Resume
Need some sample mechanic skills to start? Use the ones below. Find more in auto mechanic job descriptions online. They make great resume keywords too.
List of Skills to Put on Mechanic Resume
Soft Skills | Hard Skills |
Communication | Technical Aptitude |
Work Ethic | Diagnostic Skills |
Customer Service | Brake Repair |
Problem Solving | Auto Body Repair |
Leadership | Car Tune-Up |
Detail Oriented | Diesel Engine Repair |
Physically Fit | Oil Change |
General Engine Repair | |
Coordination | Diagnostic Tech |
Perceptiveness | Electrical Systems |
We’ve analyzed over 11 million resumes created using our builder, and we’ve discovered that:
- Auto Mechanics usually list 16 skills on their resumes.
- The most common skills for Auto Mechanics include replacing parts, system repairs, inspecting vehicles, hazardous waste management, and parts replacement.
- Resumes for Auto Mechanics are, on average, 2.9 pages long.
Need more help with what skills to put on an auto mechanic resume? See our guide: +30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)
6. How to Show Certifications on a Mechanic Resume
Have you got an ASE certification? Congrats! But make sure the shop manager sees it. Don’t bury it in just one place on your automotive mechanic resume.
Put it:
- By your name
- In your summary
- In your auto mechanic resume job descriptions
Then, add it in a special certifications section, above your work experience.
Certifications
- ASE Master Technician
- Honda PACT program certification
Does that seem like too much of a good thing? It’s not. Most hiring managers skim and won’t see them all anyway. Whatever certifications you show on an auto mechanic resume, make sure they match the job requirements. Do it, and you’ll pull down the big auto tech salary.
Pro Tip: Is an online class a certification? No. The only respected automotive mechanic certifications come from ASE.
Need other ideas for what to put on a mechanic resume? See our guide: What To Put On A Resume To Make It Perfect [Tips & Examples]
7. Add These Things to Make Your Mechanic Resume Turn Heads
What else does the shop manager want besides skills and experience? He wants to know how you’ll fit in.
In other words—
Do you care about the job? Will you break down after a couple months?
How can you prove he can depend on you? By adding “other” sections to your automechanic resume. See these two diesel mechanic resume examples.
Mechanic Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Don’t do this in a resume for mechanics:
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I’m sure that applicant is fun at parties. But I’m not sure I’d hire her to fix cars. But look at this auto mechanic resume example:
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Additional Activities
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That professional auto mechanic resume works like James Bond’s Lotus Esprit submarine. Your history probably has tons of extras like that.
Pro Tip: Have you written articles about cars? Spoken on a podcast? Been to conferences? Those make great additions to automotive mechanic resumes.
Not sure what “other” items to add to your auto technician resume? See our guide: +20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)
8. What About a Mechanic Cover Letter?
Ugh. Do I need to write a cover letter? Really? Yes. Almost half the hiring managers will toss a resume without one.
But don’t just say, “I’m applying for the auto mechanic job.” Use the shop manager’s name if you can find it. Our own names get our attention in a good way.
Then, show you understand the job’s needs like you plugged into the manager with a MaxiCOM. This short example mechanic cover letter does it right.
Mechanic Cover Letter Example
I’ve wanted to work for Ashby Honda since I moved into the area. Your dedication to real-time service inventory makes you a leader in the industry. During my visits to your shop, your waiting room is quiet and your techs are happy. I think I’d make a great addition to the team based on my success at helping boost customer reviews by 25% at Abel Mulvey. When I trained 5 other techs...
Close your cover letter with an offer. Try, "I’d really like to get the chance to talk about improving your customer ratings even more.”
Pro Tip: Always follow up on a mechanic resume and cover letter. Set a reminder for three days, and another for one week. Each follow-up is like an extra lottery ticket in the job search sweepstakes.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Want your automotive mechanic cover letter and resume to stand out like Lightning McQueen? See our guide: How To Write A Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps
9
9. Don't Add Contact Info to Your Resume Without This
How do you put contact info on a mechanic resume?
Start with:
- Full Name
- Updated Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
Like this:
William Gervasi, ASE Master Tech, billqgervasi@gmail.com, 812-564-1117
By "professional email address" I don’t mean FunGuyPartyTime13409@yahoo.com.
Use a pro address like firstname.lastname@gmail.com. Add a LinkedIn address or portfolio website too. These days, 87% of employers use LinkedIn when hiring, according to our HR statistics report.
A personal site or Instagram account can show off projects you’ve done, too. You can leave off the mailing address unless it shows you’ll have a short commute.
Pro Tip: Not sure how to assemble a good LinkedIn profile? Us our guide to LinkedIn profile optimization.
Need more help to make the best auto mechanic resume on the lot? Want more interviews? See our guide: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)
Key Takeaway
Here’s a recap of how to make a mechanic resume that gets more interviews:
- Get your best moments across fast. Put them in an auto mechanic resume objective or resume summary up top.
- Customize your automotive mechanic resume. Find the skills and responsibilities in the job description. Then craft your bullet points to match.
- Add “other” sections that show your love of fixing cars. List certifications, classes, conferences, and volunteer work.
- Add a mechanic cover letter. An auto mechanic resume without a cover letter stands a 45% chance of getting tossed.
Do you have questions on how to write a great resume for a mechanic? Not sure how to describe your skills or achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! Let's get the conversation rolling.
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