Hiring Diesel Technicians is incredibly difficult, especially for those of us that do not have a background as a Mechanic. Human Resources Reps and Recruiters can often get intimated when hiring for technical positions. It can be tricky to determine if the qualifications are going to match and what is important to look for. Making it even harder is that Diesel Mechanics are not often known for their excellent resume writing. Most techs consider the resume to be not particularly important and thus they do not spend a lot of time on it. There are precious few details included and a lot of what you want to know is missing.
Each position is unique and every company is looking for something different form their technicians but below is an overview of some of the things to look for when Recruiting for Diesel Technicians.
What Every Candidate Needs
These are the things not unique to hiring Diesel Mechanics, they apply to hiring anyone but often get overlooked. Don’t skip the basics when hiring a Truck Technician.
Job History – You want a candidate that has shown good longevity at each job they have been at. Someone who changes jobs every 6 months is not going to last. Training, Orientation, and Onboarding can be costly and time-consuming. Not something you want to have to do often. Hire someone who has proven they can last at a job.
Attitude – This can be very difficult to get a good read on, but dig deep. Do references and ask probing questions in the interview. You don’t necessarily need to hire the most optimistic person in the world but you don’t want to bring in someone who is super negative and brings that vibe with them to the shop.
Background – Make a Criminal Record Check part of your process. You may also want to consider Drug Screening and a Driving Record Check.
You can also check out our other blogs for more information on viewing candidates.
Specific For Diesel Mechanics
Candidates may not have all of these, in fact it is rare that someone will have everything but these are things to look for. The more a candidate has the more likely they will be a good long-term hire.
Training/Certification
- ASE – Automotive Service Excellence
- Most will not have these so it should not be seen as a deal-breaker
- Any completed and up to date ASE certifications should be considered is a big asset, it shows they are serious about their career, value training and wants to progress in their Career
- Factory/OEM Training
- Usually, you will find this from Mechanics who have worked at a dealership i.e. Peterbilt, International (Navistar), Mack, Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo, Western Star, Hino, Paccar etc.
- Dealer training is incredibly valuable as they know how to do the job the right way (as per the manufacturer) and if your shop is an authorized Warranty Repair facility these techs can handle warranty work
Education
- Look for techs who attended Trade School and achieved an Associates Degree for Diesel Technology
- Also good are those who served in the Military and received Military Mechanic Training
- There are many schools across the USA that offer good programs including
License
- Valid CDL A or B is an Asset and required by some shops
- Commercial Driver’s License
- At a minimum technicians should have a valid drivers license with a clean driving record
Experience
- Relevant Experience
- Previous experience as a Diesel Mechanic
- Does not have to be experience on the specific units your shop works on
- I.e. a mechanic with only experience working on Freightliner Trucks should have no problems taking on a job where most of the work is on Peterbilt Trucks
- Also working on a Bus and Diesel Truck while different is usually close enough and most techs make the transition easily
- Transferable Experience
- Previous experience as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic or Automotive Mechanic can often transition well
Inspection License
Many states including Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia require State Inspections to be completed. To be able to do this in house you need a tech with an Inspection License. If they do not have this it is not a deal breaker as they should be able to easily obtain one. Make sure they would qualify. If they already have the inspection license that should be seen as an asset.
Hopefully, the above helps when deciding which Diesel Technician to hire. If you are having a hard time finding Diesel Mechanics our Mechanic Division at Rockstar Recruiting can help. Give us a call at 1-833-937-3546 or e-mail at info@rockstarrecruitinggroup.com
