Tips for applying to work as a Mechanic...

I have been working as a tech for about a year now. I switched careers in my late 30s. (I'm 40 now) I was in the printing industry for 15 years and it was going nowhere so I decided to pursue what I love, which was cars.

I went to school and 'got all A's' yada yada yada. School only gives you a basic knowledge of automotive systems but does not necessarily prepare you to be successful in the field. Some shops/dealers will hire you as a 'helper' with a school background but as stated above, be prepared to do about a million oil changes, tire rotations and 'multi-point inspections'.

Don't even think about going on flat rate until you've got at least a solid year of working everyday doing b-level stuff. It will be tough to make any sort of 'good money' until you can beat the clock on jobs like timing belts etc. Oil changes generally pay about .2/hr, so you need to do a lot of them to have it be profitable.

ASE certs are all fine and good but not necessary - I have 5 but they don't do anything for me. I can put a plaque up on the wall, that's about it. Independent shops value them a little more than dealers because dealerships like you to have factory training. Like any other job, work experience is the best. it's a tough situation to be in where you have no experience while trying to get a job. Does your school have a job placement deal? Mine did but I never got anything through it.

I got my job on my own, just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I was also willing to do grunt work and low level jobs for as long as it took to get to the next level. I was paired with one of the best techs in our shop as a helper. In turn for him being able to 'put his number' on the jobs I do, he's basically taught me the ropes. I've learned more at work than I could have ever hoped to learn at school. Turns out I'm making him some good money. I basically just work on my own and ask him for help/pointers only if I really need to. I've been lucky to be in this situation, it's been invaluable. The Chrysler Academy (factory training) is my next step to making 'real' money.

You will absolutely need a basic set of professional tools and a box, you will be lost without that unless the shop you apply to is willing to let you use what they have. (not likely) There are some guys who will happily lend tools, there are some who won't unless there's something in it for them. You don't want to be the guy who keeps asking for an oil filter wrench, impact gun or torque stick. You'll learn quickly what you can't get by without and will buy accordingly when the tool guys come around.

If you get a job, be punctual and don't goof off - a cell phone is not a tool for fixing cars. Show energy and go about your work in a methodical manner and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Hope that helps. :-D