Diesel Mechanic Interview Questions & Answers


Diesel Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance and repair of diesel-powered vehicles.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Diesel Mechanic or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Diesel Mechanic position, these Diesel Mechanic interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Diesel Mechanic Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Diesel Mechanic interview questions.

  1. What are the most important skills for a diesel mechanic to have?
  2. What do you consider your greatest strengths? 
  3. What are your greatest weaknesses and how do you plan to overcome them?
  4. What relevant skills do you possess?
  5. Why would you perform a voltage drop test? How would you perform it and what would it tell you?
  6. What is the most difficult problem you’ve had to solve with a vehicle? Explain how you solved it.
  7. What certifications do you have?
  8. As you know, Diesel Mechanics are typically assigned based on their personal skills in specific fields. What fields are you most adaptable to working in?
  9. What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned in training or on the job?
  10. What challenges did you face when you started working as a diesel mechanic?
  11. If you heard a noise from the front of a vehicle, suspected a wheel bearing failure, and could not tell what side the noise was coming from, how would you diagnose which bearing it was?
  12. Can you describe a time when you made an error and how you learned from it?
  13. Describe a diesel engine reconditioning process. What does it consist of?
  14. If you had an engine miss-fire and had no test equipment to determine which cylinder was miss-firing, how could you diagnose this?
  15. What has been your greatest accomplishment so far as a diesel mechanic?
  16. How have you grown professionally?
  17. Describe an experience in which you implemented a new technology to solve a mechanical issue. What did you do?
  18. Explain what additional qualifications you have that you feel have made you a successful Diesel Mechanic?
  19. How would you diagnose a head gasket leak?
  20. What is your process for inspecting brake systems?
  21. What are the types of vehicles based on diesel engines?
  22. Are you comfortable performing a compression release?
  23. How have you used new technology in your previous roles?
  24. As a diesel mechanic, what in your field are you least comfortable working in?
  25. What would you first check for in an engine that has been kept in storage between seasons?
  26. What duties are part of a day's work as a diesel mechanic?
  27. What would you do if a coworker used your tools without asking?
  28. What is the most difficult aspect of being a diesel mechanic?
  29. What are some possible causes of black exhaust?
  30. How do you work under pressure?
  31. How have you adapted to changes in the industry?
  32. Describe a time when you made a mistake on the job. What was it, and how did you resolve it?
  33. Describe an experience where you erred in diagnostic analysis. How did you rectify your error?
  34. A client is unhappy with your work. How do you respond?

Diesel Mechanic Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Diesel Mechanic interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  2. Tell Me About Yourself
  3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  4. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  5. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  6. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  7. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  8. Why Should We Hire You?
  9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  10. Why Do You Want This Job?