Tips to Writing a Resume for Automotive Technicians
Written by Kevin O’Connor
If you’re an automotive technician considering a shop change, one of the first things you should do is update your resume. Here are some easy tips to land that interview through your resume!
Hiring managers are more likely to interview you if you are currently doing the job that they have posted. For example, if you are currently working as a Ford technician for a Ford dealership, and the position you’re interviewing for is for Ford technician, then you are likely guaranteed an interview. Service managers and shop owners don’t overthink it – it’s that simple. So keep that in mind as you layout your resume.
Start with an honest and positive mission statement that tells the hiring manager your story and why you’re applying. Most managers do not like to invest time in recruiting someone if they believe that there is a low probability of you coming to work for them. So, if you’re moving from New York to San Diego because let’s say…., you just inherited a beach house, then your mission statement should read something like…
“I’m an experienced automotive technician looking to relocate from New York to San Diego so I can enjoy the new beach house that I recently inherited.”
This may sound silly, but a hiring manager now knows that you have the means and motivation to make a relocation possible.
We understand that most people are not looking to relocate. We simply suggest that you are honest yet positive in your mission statement. If you are unhappy at your current shop and really dislike your current supervisor, say something like…
“I’m an automotive technician with more than 5 years of experience looking for a shop that gives me the autonomy and consistent hours that allow me to improve my skills as a technician.”
Another important section is your employment history. Your employment history tells the hiring manager everything they need to know about your professional background. Try your best to include the following with each position:
- Weekly hours billed.
- Number of cars repaired weekly.
- Any specialty skills that the shop relied on you to do (ie…transmission, diesel work, etc.).
- Brief description of the shop size and customer makeup.
Below an example of an easy resume template to get you started.
If you need help building your resume, please give us a call at 602-788-5890. We are here to help you navigate this process.