equipment mechanic practical test

brain55 · Dec 26, 2010

I am in the process of competing for a mechanics job with a local Parks and Recreation Department. I have made it past the first 2 rounds. The first was the application, resume, and questionnaire, second was the 150 question written test. They narrowed it down to 20 applicants with the application and now I'm guessing between 5 and 10 after the written test. After the practical test comes a 3 person oral interview panel a week later, and another interview 2 weeks after that.

I have the practical test in 2 weeks and have no idea what to expect. I've been given the impression that their equipment ranges from 10-wheel dump trucks down to string trimmers and a large variety in between. I plan on going to go by the office tomorrow to see if there is any way I can get an equipment list. I would imagine it would have to be public record, though I was unable to find it online. I have been a mechanic for 25 years and I am pretty confident about my skill level. I would just be more confident if I had more information.

I was hoping somebody here had experience with a practical test in this kind of setting. The letter I received said to expect an hour for the test. I'm real competent on diesel engine, power train, and hydraulics on tractors, and not real concerned about small engine equipment. What I consider my weakness in a time constraint situation would be my computer controlled vehicle diagnosis either on large trucks or passenger vehicles. One of the ladies from HR that was administering the written test, told us that the majority of their assets were equipment, so that plays in my favor. I have purchased the ASE certification study guides and have been reading those. If I get the job I will be required to get my brake, lamp, and smog licenses, also a class A drivers license with hazmat certification. The class A has to be done in the first 6 months, the others I will have a year to complete. This is a one mechanic shop with a part-time helper, so the person hired will need a broad base of experience. My last job was a great training ground. It seems like we had a similar diversity of equipment, but I had as many as 4 other full-time mechanics helping, and I was in more of a hands-on manager role for much of my time there.

If anyone has some insight I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Brian

teg · Dec 26, 2010

I'm pretty sure at this point they know you can do the job... my guess is that they will be looking at you... personality, how you handle yourself, attitude and what not...

brain55 · Dec 26, 2010

teg said:
I'm pretty sure at this point they know you can do the job... my guess is that they will be looking at you... personality, how you handle yourself, attitude and what not...

I'm thinking that too. More of a "not what you do" but "how you do it" deal. Or not so much about fixing it, as seeing your thought process.

Brian

milkman636 · Dec 26, 2010

I've been through a couple of practical tests in my lifetime. They revolved mostly around knowing procedures for routine type of operations. There was also a malfunctioning something or other that needed to be diagnosed. Most of these tests are designed to weed out the people who really are just good talkers. If you truly understand the work you are interviewing for, you shouldn't have a problem with the practical test.

It would be a good idea to know what they routinely do in day-to-day operations, but it will be nearly impossible to guess exactly what will be in the test. Getting too worked up before tests can make them seem harder. Trust yourself, if you have what they are looking for you should be successful.

brain55 · Dec 27, 2010

Thanks Milkman. In my opinion they will have a hard time finding one person that excels at all 5 of the disciplines involved. One would need to be a heavy truck mechanic, an automotive mechanic, an equipment mechanic, a small engine mechanic, and a shop manager. I have had to do all of these at one time or another, but the two I excel at would be equipment mechanic and shop manager. You are right that it comes down to what they are looking for and how good of a fit I am. I hope to do well enough on the practical to get to the interviews. I interview well, I'm very good at selling myself. The right amount of confidence just short of arrogant. If their need is weighted towards equipment I am the right guy for the job.

Brian

charlz · Dec 27, 2010

It will be interesting to see what the test consists of, considering that it is only an hour it can't be too complex. I would think it would be to make sure you are not just 'book smart' and actually know what tools are and how to use them.

Maybe take something apart and put it back together, possibly following some directions.

Maybe look things up in shop manuals "What is the torque value for the Ford F-250 lug nut?" things like that.

I would not expect it to be too complex as it likely is something that needs to be administered by a non-mechanic. But then again you never know

Just relax and have fun, personality goes a long way

Code54 · Dec 27, 2010

Good luck and it is very refreshing to see someone working so hard to get job and better himself! I have conducted interviews where the candidates were unaware of what the job entailed or even anything about what we do but claimed they are who we need.....
Best of luck

tcartwri · Dec 27, 2010

I've administered a couple of practical tests during a hiring process, and the results were very telling. Much more so than the interview or the resume would indicate. They were very simple practical problems, and the demonstration of the ability to read a manual, and identify components and systems. Really simple basic stuff. 80% of the applicants failed, and this was after the pre-screening process had already narrowed the field. In fact the last fellow we hired said after the fact that he almost didn't take the job because the test was 'lame' in his opinion. Then I showed him the failure rates and he was floored.

If you know your stuff, and you have experience, the practical test should be no problem.

jinman · Dec 28, 2010

My experience when interviewing was much like tcartwri. I would ask a few simple questions or ask somebody to show me something and they would often stumble. The ones who got the job normally just smiled and proceeded to explain to me as if they were teaching me about the process or equipment. Sometimes the most simple and lame of questions would trip up an applicant. My favorite to ask of people who supposedly had worked as technical writers or course developers on aircraft systems was, "What's the major difference between hydraulic and pneumatic systems?" I'm not kidding when I tell you that 90% of the applicants just gave me a blank stare and started mumbling something that made no sense whatsoever. I don't think you will have any problem Brian. Your expertise will come through and if you project an air of confidence and show great interpersonal skills, you'll get the job.:thumbsup:

charlz · Dec 28, 2010

jinman said:
My favorite to ask of people who supposedly had worked as technical writers or course developers on aircraft systems was, "What's the major difference between hydraulic and pneumatic systems?" I'm not kidding when I tell you that 90% of the applicants just gave me a blank stare and started mumbling something that made no sense whatsoever.

Reminds me of when we used to send the newbies to supply for a gallon of pneumatic fluid! :thumbsup:

LD1 · Dec 28, 2010

I agree with what everyone has already said.

The practical tests that I have taken have all been simple stuff. Usually not even related to the job persay. So IMO an equipment list isn't going to do you much good for THIS test, because there will more than likely be nothing on it that specific.

The tests that I have taken have all been more like aptitude tests. With basic math, some basic problem solving, and a little of reading directions and answering questions based on the info given.

Back in college, I took one of the best practical tests I ever taken.

The directions were simple, "Read the entire test before you start". The last line of the 50 question test said " You do not need to answer any questions. This test is to see who can follow instructions. Now put your name at the top and turn it in"

A class of about 25 and 3 people were done in about 3 minutes. The look on everyones faces still dilligently answering questions was priceless. Until they got to the end:laughing::laughing:

tcartwri · Dec 28, 2010

Our old boss used to ask prospective electronics techs to recite and explain ohms law. Staggering how many 'graduates' couldn't do that.

brain55 · Dec 28, 2010

You are probably right LD1 it probably won't be on a specific piece of equipment. I hate this limbo period. I have known for 2 weeks that I was going to be taking the practical test and still have nearly 2 weeks to wait. It is hard for me to get emotionally prepared for something where I have no idea what to expect. I think seeing the list or touring the facility and seeing what they have will just increase my overall confidence that I am the right person for the job. I feel I am as good as anyone mechanically, some may be stronger in certain areas, but I will be stronger in certain areas too. If there is an applicant that has worked in the same position for another district I would think he would have a leg up. I also think that a solid mechanic would be able to fix any of the equipment they may have, but I have seen automotive mechanics struggle making the transition to equipment. What I am hoping is that my management experience will be a plus, you can be a great mechanic but if you have never had to manage people, keep track of inventory, or manage a budget, you could be at a disadvantage.

Brian

jayste · Dec 28, 2010

charlz said:
Reminds me of when we used to send the newbies to supply for a gallon of pneumatic fluid! :thumbsup:

Haha! or muffler bearings!

Good luck Brian! Like I heard someone once say, "stand up, look 'em in the eyes and tell 'em what you know".

dex3361 · Dec 28, 2010

I wouldn't worry so much about the skills test(unless you know about a specific weakness), because you seem to have a good set of skills from the feedback that you have given on other posts. I would worry about the 3 person panel interview. I have been through a few of them and they can derail you. If you are a person that is able to talk you will do fine. If on the other hand you have trouble with being questioned by a group of people that may be a problem. They tend to ask questions like:
Have you ever disagreed with a supervisor?
Well if you say no you are probably lying. If you say yes then they may think you are a trouble maker.
The best thing to do is tell the truth. Because they sometimes drill down and ask for details.
If you have never been in a situation like they are asking then say so. they may ask what you would do if you were. This is the place where a talker can do well. If you are ready for this type of interview it goes better. Just a heads up because I have been there. I will pray for you that all goes well.

Code54 · Dec 30, 2010

A lot of good points were made - just a small one to remember is when you are asked about a weakness - give them one of yours but follow it up with how you are overcoming the weakness and making your self better.
Example
Please explain a weakness you have as a manager:

I am not the best person using a computer and sometime struggle with them a bit. To help over come this problem I been working on them in my spare time more and studying so that I am more proficient. Also if I get this job and need additional training I would be more than will to take training provider by my employer or even take a night class so that I can can do a better job.

I HATE when an applicant says "Im not good with computers" and just sits there - I hear "and I am not going to try and get better because I don't care"
If an interviewee explains things and shows he is trying it makes a panel feel he will try at any job he is given if he is not the best at it or needs to learn a new skill
Good luck

Craig Clayton · Dec 30, 2010

I work in the municipal field, study your health and safety regs, material safety data sheet.
1 what label do you put on a 2qt can of varsol that you are taking from a drum for
A only 3 hours ( )
B for the rest of the week ( )
2 what is max level of CO in a shop
A for 8 hours TIME waited Average
B for short term exposure STEL Short Term Exposure Exposure.
3 what is the LEL Lethal exposure limit
of gases.
4 19.2 % oxygen and 23 % oxygen refer to what.
5 if you are working on top of a large truck at what height must you use fall arrest equipment and how far can you fall.
Craig Clayton

Craig Clayton · Dec 30, 2010

Correction on LEL
Lower Explosive Limit
LD 50 is where 50% of the rats die due to the gas.
watch is a hot work permit?
how do you report an accident to .
what is a critical injury and what are the linjury causes,
Craig Clayton

Craig Clayton · Dec 30, 2010

I would suggest first aid cert. with CPR and AED ( automated electronic defibulator).
at least know that a AED is located in every major public building near the front entrance and it is almost ( fool proof ) and call 911 ,I have a 50 year old male down no pulse not breathing I have have started CPR 2 breaths with 30 compressions above the
zyphoid process, continue until relieved by trained other, or in the bush until you drop.
Craig Clayton