Mechanics have extensive expertise in diagnosing and repairing issues and performing regular maintenance on machines or motor vehicles. Most mechanics specialize in a particular field and are experts in working in that field, such as a collision repair technician, small engine mechanic, diesel mechanic, motorcycle mechanic or auto mechanic. 

Mechanics may be employed by a repair shop, dealership or other company whose employees work regularly with machines. They may work in a garage, or in an office setting.

If you’re applying for a mechanic position, knowing how to structure your resume and what you should list and highlight, including education, skills and objectives, can help your resume get noticed and selected and an interview scheduled. 

How to structure your mechanic resume

When formatting your resume for a mechanic position, you should include:

1. A summary/career objective

2. Education/certifications

3. Apprenticeship (if applicable) 

4. Relevant work history, including the company, dates worked, and a brief description of the duties performed

5. Relevant skills for the role

When creating your resume, you’ll want to carefully read the job description to ensure you include all relevant keywords, skills, and experience that shows you are the best candidate. By tailoring your objective and resume to the job description, it’s more likely it will make it through any applicant tracking system software and to the desk of the hiring manager.

Mechanic job description

Exact day-to-day tasks for a mechanic can vary depending on their specialty, location where they are working, and company they work for. Generally, mechanics perform repairs and diagnostic tests, as well as regular maintenance and upkeep, on the machines they specialize in.

Specifically, they may be asked to:

• Perform routine maintenance on a vehicle or machine

• Check machine computers and electronic systems to ensure proper and efficient working order

• Repair or replace broken parts, engines, or other pieces

• Provide quotes for work, including parts and labor

• Keep comprehensive records on work completed 

• Ensure tools and equipment are functional and in good condition 

• Order new parts and keep track of inventory and stock

• Train other mechanics and provide mentoring and coaching when necessary 

• Ensure customer satisfaction by completing services efficiently and effectively 

Mechanic education

The minimum requirement for a mechanic is typically a high school diploma or GED, though some employers prefer to hire someone who has completed a certification or degree in automotive technology or a related field. 

An ideal candidate has also pursued formal education or training in a specialized field if applicable. 

You’ll want to outline all relevant education or certifications on your resume in a way similar to the following:

Education

XYZ College

City, State

Associate’s degree, automotive technology

XYZ High School

Diploma

When listing your education, here are a few tips:

• Consider leaving off the years you attended school or your graduation date. Typically, that’s not as important unless you’re still pursuing your degree. In that case, be clear your education is in progress. For example,

Associate’s degree (automotive technology); anticipated completion May 2022

• List the order of your education as the highest level first. For example, if you have an Associate's degree and high school diploma, list the Associate’s degree first, followed by the diploma.  

• If you have additional certifications or training applicable to the role, list them in their section with the heading “Additional Certifications.” Include the organization that provided the certification, the title, and the date of completion or renewal. 

• If you completed an apprenticeship as a mechanic, be sure to list that in its section as well. Document where you completed the work, the dates of the apprenticeship, and any specialty work you did.

• Unless you’re a recent graduate or it’s a requirement for the role, you likely don’t need to include your high school education.

What to include on your resume for a mechanic

Typically, a mechanic’s resume will list the education or formal training you have that makes you most qualified for the role. 

Then, in the work experience section, you’ll want to include duties related to the job description, such as:

• Provided strong leadership and mentoring to junior mechanics and appetence and retained shop employees at X% 

• Led service and repair shop in achieving nationally recognized service excellence awards for the quality of service and commitment to customers

• Maintained dedication to quality repairs and customer service while maximizing accuracy and efficiency 

• Demonstrated ability to quickly and accurately diagnose mechanical failures and propose a solution without overcharging the customer

• Managed day-to-day operations of the dealership repair shop while maintaining focus on quality work and customer service, reaching a customer satisfaction rating of X%

The experience and skills you list should be relevant to the job you’re applying for. If possible, try to go beyond simply listing duties you’ve performed, and instead show both duties and achievements with examples or numbers to support the statements. 

Mechanic skills and traits for a resume

There are many skills and traits you could list on your resume for a mechanic position. Here are a few to choose from to get you started

• Mechanical knowledge (be specific)

• Administrative skills

• Technology/computer knowledge 

• Detail-oriented

• Problem-solving skills

• Organization

• Communication

• Time management

• Efficiency

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Customer service

• Dedication to continuous learning

• Motor technology repair

• Diagnostic skills

• Work ethic

• Active listening

Many mechanics start with an internship or entry-level position to start gaining experience. Once you’re hired, many companies require you to spend time as an apprentice before you start working on your own. You’ll also likely be given specialized training depending on the machine you’re working on and the location you’re in. The longer you work, the more experience and knowledge you’ll gain and the more you’ll be able to perfect your skills.

Action verbs to include on a mechanic resume

• Analyzed  

• Fixed

• Diagnosed

• Explained

• Inspected

• Identified 

• Maintained

• Repaired

• Serviced

• Tested

• Replaced

• Installed

• Recorded

Should I include references in my mechanic resume?

Your resume is a professional representation of your career qualifications and skills that make you an ideal candidate. As a general rule, avoid including references in your resume unless they are specifically asked for. This is information that tends to distract hiring managers from the information you want them to see, and it can take up valuable space on the page. 

If references are requested, you can include them on your resume or as a separate document. Be sure to list the name, job title, company, email address, and phone number for each reference. 

Mechanic resume objectives

A career objective, also known as a resume objective or summary, is a brief statement toward the top of your resume that explains your professional goals and intentions for applying to a job. In 1 to 3 sentences, you should mention the job title, add a couple of key skills, and share what you’re hoping to achieve in the job.  

Correct Examples:

• Small engine mechanic with experience performing maintenance and repairs on a variety of vehicle makes and models, both new and old. Seeking a mechanic position with XYZ company. Completed training in automotive mechanics and have X years in the field.

• Auto mechanic with X years of experience working in auto dealerships on new and used vehicles, seeking a position with XYZ company. Completed tasks from routine maintenance to rebuilding engines and replacing or repairing other parts to ensure optimal performance. 

• Diesel mechanic with X years of experience inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the machinery in diesel engines to ensure smooth operation. Applying for a mechanic position with XYZ company to bring quality, process, and efficiency to the role while providing exceptional customer service.

Incorrect Examples:

• Mechanic looking for a position with XYZ company. 

This is too short and doesn’t include enough detail about your skills or intentions. Be sure to list a couple of key skills that make you the best for the role, and share your desire for being hired. 

• Experienced mechanic seeking a position with XYZ company. Can perform a variety of maintenance and repair.

Naming particular skills and years of experience can be essential to creating quality, eye-catching objectives. In this example, list specific maintenance and repair tasks you’re able to perform that apply to the job you’re applying for. Be detailed about what expertise you bring to the table, and highlight the key skills, knowledge, or metrics that help you stand out. 

• Seeking a position as an entry-level mechanic. Excellent communication, organization, and technical skills will allow me to be successful in this role. 

Consider adding your years of experience for the hiring manager to see at a glance. Additionally, highlighting your specific expertise in the objective will ensure the hiring manager feels confident in your ability to excel in the position. Be more detailed about why your skills will make you successful, and provide a measurable example if possible. For a personal touch, reference the company you’re applying with.