Finding a New Auto Repair Job The Interview

[@BG-gg9pl]

Awesome video! It’s right on👍

[@braol]

You definitely learn what questions to ask after working in crappy shops. I've had some terrible interviews to.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, this video came from experience :(

[@braol]

How about a video on continuing training for existing techs?

[@prevost8686]

My attitude is so bad from lying service managers/owners. My last interview the owner explicitly said”we’re swamped...we can’t get the cars done” well he was right except he forgot to mention that those cars were all comebacks from the revolving door of parts cannons that were there before me. After three weeks of cleaning up the garbage it’s deader than 4:00am. My best advice to a young guy is to expect to be lied to and you’ll rarely be disappointed. There are a few exceptions but the run of the mill shop is run by dubious individuals just looking to pay themselves.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

The best thing to say in an interview as a mechanic is lack of advancement. Some guys are too honest in interviews. I had one guy tell me he hated the guys he worked with and he told me he had a county job interview the following week and would be busy on a certain day. He showed up late and also was not presentable. At least wear a never pair of jeans and a nicer shirt. Just because we are blue collar does not mean you wear your Carhartt 2nds with holes from welding. My place is short 2 guys and have to overlook a few things since we have a huge shortage in the field. Even if you have been wrenching under 5 years. As long as you are upbeat and polite you will get the job. I have seen to many pissed off guys show up for interviews lately. We all have been in shops we all have not liked. I finally got promoted to Shop Foreman at 45. It took me 19 years to land it. I worked in shops where guys would not retire on time or were far from it. If you don’t like your shop. Leave! The ball is in your court as a mechanic with the shortage. My current shop even told me they want me happy and do not want to piss me off. Nice video.

[@Tyronetrinity]

I swear your channel is the best videos for mechanics and techs. Good stuff

[@NewLevelAuto]

Oh Mike you need to come visit me here my friend. You'll be amazed at how many shops here will have a brand new alignment machine , new tire machine , new scan tool, but zero sources of service information

[@flatratemaster]

+New Level Auto lol, that is why I mentioned, asking about info systems. I do not understand how a shop cannot have an information system they are really not even that expensive for 1, we have 2 all data and indentifix, and I know several that have 3 or more

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@flatratemaster We use ProDemand and Identifix in our shop, last place I worked we had just AllData and while it was great, I really like having two options at the shop I am at now and ProDemands wiring Diagrams usually are much better than AllDatas were in my experience!

[@wysetech2000]

Most of the equipment in our shop came on "Noah's Ark". Every time something breaks down i tell the boss there must be another one somewhere to get parts from. Seriously, our equipment is old but it still gets the job done, usually. They recently replaced the shop computer. The old one was windows XP and was so slow you had to start looking up information before you drove the car into the shop. I told the boss if he didn't mind paying me to source information for 15 min instead of 2 min, it was fine with me. He finally decided i was right. In a flat rate shop a slow computer could be a killer.

[@flatratemaster]

I used to carry my laptop to the shops I worked at and log in to info at my toolbox to save time. I do not understand have old slow computers, they are so cheap now, but what do I know:(

[@wysetech2000]

I would take my laptop to work but that's another story. {:>)

[@bigg4454]

Yeah, I heard those ones........"Our top guy made $1200 last week!" , of course we forgot to pay him the for last two weeks! You look out in the shop and there two guys out there haha! In ground lifts with water comin' out the ground! Leakin' transmission jack, air compressor runnin' constantly because the air hoses (all over the floor that been run over countless number of times) have multiple fuel line clamps on 'em as they hisssssss!. Floor jacks that "creep" down! Outdated equipment that was "used" when purchased! I've just about seen it all. Yes, "just about" now. I know times have changed, but I just wanted to throw a few "highlights" out there haha! I survived though. Great vid as always FRM!

[@flatratemaster]

BTDT too, that is where most of this info came from:(

[@illadelphh5296]

Also if you have a chance to do a walk through by yourself, try and talk to a tech and ask him/her some questions about the place. Don't straight up ask if it sucks here but try and feel them out and see how negative or positive their vibe is towards the place.

[@kurtiscal3msetccdwell618]

Drama probably covers this but I leave places that make me feel unwelcome. I can tell you right now that the main issue with the tech shortage in this country probably is not money. It's the attitudes that people have to work with, the unwelcoming, the drama, the whispering behind people's backs out right lieing about good hard working technicians. The fact that the shop favorite can openly curse anyone out and threaten to hurt them and nothing is done. This field is a trash can and the one's running it who can do something about it refuse to get rid of the bad ones so they let all the good ones leave and then cry to the sky "oh please where are all the good technicians". I wish I could find a shop that it would work out for me in but it's looking like i'm just not cut out to work in a shop and it aint got a thing to do with the work itself it's got to do with the filthy and nasty behavior I have to be near. I dont want to hear about how many chicks some dude has screwed in his life. I dont want to hear about how so and so's third baby momma is killing him on child support. I dont want to be near that and I'll put money on it that nobody else worth anything wants to either. I'm sick of it and I hate it. I have never once in my 5 years in this field been told "good job" or "i'm so glad you're here" but I have been told many times "Hey stupid we dont have to clean where the valve cover gasket goes it'll seal anyways" "You need to grow up and stop lubing slide pins" "You need to grow up and quick reading books about how cars work. If you need to know we'll tell you" I've been cursed and threatened and everything else for nothing but showing up to work and having a good work ethic. They really need to legalize fist fighting again because if some of these Billy Badasses and LoudMouth Larries of the world had to think "saying that and acting like that might get me beat up infront of everyone" they might stop acting that way.

[@chrischiampo8106]

Happy Labor Day Flat Rate Master May the Flat Rate Gods Be With You 👨🏼‍🔧👩🏻‍🔧👍🏼

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@cjayjayjay2973]

thank you for taking the time to do these videos

[@B91-o4y]

Look at the cleanliness of the shop too. Does there seem to be a hoarding problem? Are there piles and piles of crap everywhere or shelves full of broken parts that the boss just won't get rid of because he just "can't bring himself too".

[@flatratemaster]

Good points!

[@keithkapusinsky786]

Great video Mike! Even with my experience I have gotten stuck or forced to take a tech position that sucked and it's a terrible situation and can take a while to correct!

[@markferraro5250]

great info wish I had this info 30 years ago Mike thanks

[@flatratemaster]

Me too:(

[@glennharrell7275]

Great video. I would like to hear more about what a new starting tech should ask and look for on a interview.

[@flatratemaster]

Good idea!

[@thatmechanicguy8773]

Another great point to add onto starting out as a younger tech... If you have nothing to do, GO HELP the line techs! Stay off of your butt and your phone! The only way you will progress and learn is by helping the guys who already know. It is your responsibility to learn, nobody is going to hold your hand. If you knocked all of your work out and have nothing to do, go ask your manager if you can help the tech doing the timing belt, or the engine build, or the transmission swap. Maybe that tech is swamped with work for the day and doesn’t have time to rebuild that CV axle. Now you’re going to learn to build a CV axle while the tech is doing another job. The tech is getting paid still and is helping you do it, and you’re getting paid still. Your manager will appreciate your desire and willingness to be a team player. You’re helping that tech get the car out the door faster in some cases.

[@wyattoneable]

I think this video will help a lot of people. Good subject idea.

[@flatratemaster]

That is the hope!!

[@mikeeustice4452]

Great information another thing to consider is to go there when they r open and talk to the techs and maybes try and see what they drive that can tell a lot about what the employees own again great vid

[@flatratemaster]

I will be talking about that is the next video on this subject:)

[@khaledhaggali102]

Everything you said in the video is spot on. Im an experienced tech, shop owners do big their shops up and when you go its no where near what they said. Priceless info, thumbs up.

[@pospc2]

Gotta ask. What if it's a new shop that's just finishing up being built? Reason I ask is because in a couple days I have an interview with a new shop that is opening in a couple weeks.

[@flatratemaster]

They shop i am at, i started on day one of the shop, the big thing with a new shop is guaranteed income, when we started i had a guaranteed 37 hours a week no matter what i billed

[@pospc2]

@@flatratemaster thank you! This is helpful. Will be sure to bring this up.

[@gordonfreeman5434]

I got a job recently where the shop is badly lit, equipment from the stone age, and flagging system that is written. AND this is a dealership!! And on top of this a week after I got hired, they hired another flat rate apprentice - who gets guaranteed hours. I wish I got this video earlier!! sob sob.

[@pinkfloydscorpio]

Gordon Freeman our flagging is done on paper, and our SM inputs them in.

[@brucecolonna2142]

Good points on the equipment , so many shops won't invest in themselves , and lot of shops with bad management. I hope the younger guys are listening to your advice all important tips

[@robswrenches9501]

Good points FRM, especially a two way interview. Ask questions and listen with a purpose. 👍

[@davidcallahan5157]

Lol this is a great video ! It took me a few years to learn all of what you are sharing with KZbin.But this is so dead on .

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you, that is the hope! helping young techs get a leg up in this industry, without making the many mistakes the older guys have made over the years

[@mevsme6416]

Great video. Have no problem with asking "why are you looking for a tech?" because jobs never have problems asking "why do you want to work for us?" Lol

[@honda_doc6826]

Great video as always. Never be afraid to ask questions.

[@aaronconniff436]

Excellent videos, changing careers and you have been very helpful thank you.

[@haroldsegnitz7437]

Good advice and very true. Its difficult to find a good shop to work for, as well shops find quality employees to work for them. I had a chuckle when. You was talking about Devilles tore down in the shop. I done alot of work on them. I done alot of work on a 05 Deville. 03 Seville. and I maintain my 03 DHS ( Deville) I am one of the few who still work on Northstar. engines. I do have a lot of money invested in special tools to work on Devilles. I do make enough money to pay bills off of them.

[@kent570253]

Waiting for Part 2!!!!! Thank you for the tips. One more string to my arch.

[@fernandoaguila8901]

Could you possibly go over a pay scale. Or what pay to ask for. I know it varies by state. But I know when I interviewed I really didn't know how much pay to ask for. What to expect as a lube tech vs a heavy line tech or diagnostic tech. It would really help me out.

[@gus5424]

^What he said.

[@thatmechanicguy8773]

Lube techs can usually expect to make somewhere between minimum wage and $12 an hour in my area depending on their experience level. Line techs, it really varies by experience. C level techs can make between 12-14 an hour flare rate in both independent and dealer. B techs usually are making somewhere between 14-20 an hour flat rate depending on their experience and certifications. A techs usually make above 20 an hour depending on certification level, ability to diagnose PROPERLY, grind day in and day out on large complicated jobs, and their ability to help other techs in the shop. A really good certified Master Tech with years of experience under their belt will be above the $25 range in my area. They’re expected to be able to do everything that is thrown their way, and they are expected to mentor and lead. This may be rare though, because good techs are hard to find and most places aren’t going to offer this right off the bat until you’ve been there for awhile. In order to make the big bucks right off the bat, you have to be able to prove you’re capable. A good manager can tell when he’s being bullshitted. Do not under sell yourself. Only you know what you’re capable of and your value. That being said, do not oversell yourself either. A decent manager will see right through you in a month’s time if he feels he’s over paying you.

[@drphil5364]

The Yota Tech i make 14 Flag rate AT Nissan

[@frugalprepper]

May be some good pointers in here if you are looking for a good shop to take your car to as well.

[@flatratemaster]

:)

[@vwvrman]

Worse place I ever worked. And promised me a raise in 3 months. Six months later still doing only tires and oil changes. Yep. Time for a change. Most of all when the shops dead 5 outta 7 days a week. Learned that myself lol. And thank you for the other pointers FRM.

[@drphil5364]

vw2001vr6man nissian have 2 tech share bay

[@chryslertechnician3439]

Really liked this video

[@jeeperscreepers8834]

Lots of good Points here. Thanks FRM

[@whitetiger8652]

Appreciate the video!

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@vincescalise4821]

great video you know a great deal about the business end of the industry, as well as the repair end

[@JJ-iw7nh]

Excellent video. I wish I asked some of those questions. And I think a 92 Corolla would be a cake walk.

[@TheEricstaehlin321]

Great videos

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@BubbaAyers1969]

Great video 😄

[@Toolaholic7]

There are shops that won't hire techs that have drinking and driving conviction records.Liability issues are the reason why

[@asavage1576]

I annoy the hell out of people when I interview. I ask countless questions, your the shop, look at equipment etc

[@flatratemaster]

Better to ask to many questions, they not enough!

[@mrmurdx8956]

If the service manager interviews you and doesn't know how many hours there best techs are billing that's a huge red flag. That shows he dosen't care for much.

[@ghostwrench2292]

Great video! All true.

[@daveoneal5544]

Average car count vs R.Os written. Average annual income. If they are willing to share this with you.

[@flatratemaster]

That is the big thing most Shop owners will not share that info, but good to know if they will!

[@daveoneal5544]

Flatrate Master. If I'm gonna make the jump. The grass has to at least look greener lol

[@stefanBEAR98]

Good one. Thanks for sharing

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

Wait was that guy mouthing help me, and why are they all flinching when the boss walks by.

[@flatratemaster]

LMFAO!!

[@thetrain5785]

Steller points bud! Like u said it all depends what part of the country u live i live in ne washington state our bread and butter is the early model stuff still rebuilding carbs on the weekly lol try and find a tech that knows how to tune a non obd there lost !

[@flatratemaster]

lol, used to do all that stuff including feedback carbs etc, no thanks;)

[@drphil5364]

I love intro music

[@Wheat002]

love your videos...hope your not working this Labor Day..

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you, the only work I did on labor day was edit a video ;)

[@joehyundaitech7961]

this is a grate video. I really enjoyed this and I learned a lot . big turn over rate in a shop is a red flag I did not know this befor but I do now. to much bs politics and drama in a shop stealing is another reason. you have bosses who have never in there life touched a car or if they have it was a very long time ago like prior to obd11 but there bosses and know everything they wear a shirt and tie and sit in a office behind a desk all day either stering at you or there pc is he done yet how much longer how are you doing all day long this goes on in my shop the techs get nagged I could go on and on all day about the dealership BS . my shop goes though techs like I go though boots and underwear its insane its money and managment the two MM the bosses are clueless period they dont get dirty dont do any labor make a lot more then there techs do less and bitch and complain all day long they treat there techs like babbies

[@joehyundaitech7961]

on the interview the service manager will lie to you . he will tell you what you want to hear he is just like the service advisors and the car sales people its all bs and a game just to get you to take the job but when you get there boy does that all change after a while. another thing I hate is the servisors act like car techs or mechanics and I have heard some of the conversations they have had with customers and all i can tell you is they have no clue what there are talking about they promise this and that and give to much free stuff away waranty is though the roof recalls are in sane and you can really not keep up

[@YSDev]

Maybe check there reviews online if any also...nixxon era lol

[@ShotGun_Warrior1]

This video should’ve been made ages ago lol