Career Advice

Mechanic Resumes

• Scrutinize the job listing to determine the abilities, skills and level of experience needed to apply for the job. Each individual vacancy will require different capabilities so always read it thoroughly.
• Write down all of your qualifications and skills. Are they relevant to the heavy equipment mechanic vacancy you’re applying for? If not, leave them out and concentrate solely on the others.
• Now build on the list you have created by adding details of any relevant experience you have. Don’t forget to mention your achievements and emphasize your capabilities in this field, as this will demonstrate that you are qualified to carry out the job.
• Your qualifications, your experience as a heavy equipment mechanic, and your relevant skills will make up the majority of your resume. Remember, you want to stand out from the other applicants so make sure your resume doesn’t sound dull. Add some interesting information like your plans for the future, what you expect to achieve within the company and how your future employer will benefit from hiring you.
• State your career goals at the beginning of your resume and customize these to the heavy equipment mechanic position you’re applying for. This is essential and will grab the employer’s attention immediately.
• Add information on how this heavy equipment mechanic position will allow you to further your career goals. Explain the advantages to be gained not only for the employer but also for yourself, if you are successful with this job application.
• Don’t forget to include your contact information on your resume. You’d be amazed by how many people fail to do this! Ensure the information is up to date and includes several options such as mailing address, email address, home telephone number and cell phone number. All contact details should be clearly visible when looking at your resume; don’t make the employer search for it.
• Give the names and contact information of two people who are willing to provide you with a reference. You should always ask their permission in advance. Choose references who will give a positive evaluation of your character and skills.
• Use a suitable and easy-to-read font in an appropriate size and make sure to format everything well. Keep the content relevant and to the point. First impressions are important so the overall appearance of your resume should be appealing.
• Use a spellchecker to search for any spelling, grammar or typing mistakes. Finally, read over your resume several times to ensure there are no errors and it reads perfectly. Ask someone else to read it just in case you’ve missed any errors. Potential employers don’t like to see careless mistakes and will probably throw your resume in the bin before looking at it any further, no matter how qualified you are. Don’t let this happen to you. Finally, good luck with your search for a heavy equipment mechanic job!

Standard Resume Formats

• How to Format your Resume VIEW TIPS
• Mechanic Resume TEMPLATE
• Senior Management Resume TEMPLATE
• Chronological Resume TEMPLATE

Resume Resource Links:

• Sample Resumes: Find the right resume sample. Get info on resume services: www.freeresumesamples.org
• Resume: Publish your resume online and have your own web page. Offering resume writing tips and examples: www.myresumeonline.org

Before the Interview

Research the job and the organization. Gather information about the position that you are applying for and the company. Ask if a written job description is available, communicate with employees or visit the company’s website for details. If you have been given or directed to print any materials, be sure to read them. It is not necessary to memorize the information, just have a firm grasp on what the job entails. It is important to be informed and knowledgeable. Anticipate the questions and practise. The majority of the questions asked during the interview will pertain to you. For instance, your goals, skills, work attitudes, education, and expectations. Practising your answers before the interview can be give you a confident edge during the interview. Answer all questions honestly, with poise and clarity. It is very important to be clear and concise; directly responding to the questions. Be specific. Specific evidence is necessary to back up any claims you may make during an interview. Companies may also be interested in specific attributes and values, such as teamwork. In this case you may also be required to provide specific details of your work, and the role you played in, for instance, a group project. Providing specific details can often help to avoid aggressive and intense questioning. Behavioural interviews stress specific experiences you've had. Think of examples that reveal your best qualities. Tie them to past employment situations, where possible. If you are thinking of examples that demonstrate a situation where you were able to save an employer money or where you demonstrated excellent customer service or great judgement, you are on the right track. This is what interviewing is all about. Be specific. Don't fear technical questions. For some jobs, you may be asked technical questions. These questions are asked to see if you are familiar with a particular technique or process required by the job. Questions of a problem-solving nature are often asked to determine the process by which you reach your answer. Usually, that is more important to the employer than the accuracy of the answer. This type of question is not typical and doesn’t merit a lot of anxiety on your part. You are better off concentrating on this list of common questions. They are far more likely to be asked and far more likely to cause you to stumble.

• Review a Common List of Technical and General Questions asked in an Interview. Click Here

During the Interview

Even though you have thoroughly prepared, you can still expect nervous tension. You’re on the spot, so it’s natural to feel a little uneasy. It doesn’t have to mess up your interview. Just keep these tips in mind. First impressions count. Be on time and look sharp. The employer is already employed and has the luxury of being late. Tardiness will be taken as a sure sign that you will always be late for work. Dress in a professional manner, as you would if you were on the job; perhaps even better. It’s almost impossible to err on the conservative side and easy to go astray by being too casual. If you are a bit over-dressed, the worst that will happen is that the employer will assume you are trying to impress her. Start strong. As stressed above, research proves that it’s important to begin on the most positive note possible. Be on the alert for that predictable open-ended, beginning question, "Tell me about yourself." Don’t interpret it as an icebreaker. It’s the real thing; the interview has begun. Begin with your main strength and provide proof. It is important to get a strong start to your interview. Send the right behavioural signals. To the greatest degree possible, relax and be yourself. Aim for a demeanour that is attentive but moderate. If you normally use hand gestures, go ahead, just in moderation. Make sure to establish eye contact, this shows self-confidence. Communicate carefully. Interviews are all about communication and talking, however, there is no need to rush or talk continuously. Choose your words carefully and proceed at a slower pace. This will help your interviewer understand and comprehend everything you have said. If you need clarification on anything, take the time and ask. It is also fine to pause and reflect before giving your answers. If you know you speak with an accent that others sometimes find difficult to decipher, you’ll naturally want to do your very best to speak as clearly and intelligibly as you can. Be especially alert for speaking too softly or too rapidly. Adjust your pace and your volume accordingly. If necessary, ask if you were understood. Be enthusiastic. Projecting low energy or being flat in your voice or demeanour can be devastating. These impressions are drawn from your expression and your tone of voice more than the words you speak. If you know that you tend to have low affect or speak in a monotone, it’s advisable to use a little trick. Raise your eyebrows when talking. It may sound odd, but our voices tend to follow our expression and raised eyebrows put liveliness into your voice. It is also important to smile every so often. Participate, don’t dominate. Let the employer set the tempo. The interview will move briskly along and you’ll be surprised when it has ended. You can expect to do at least half of the talking. Some interviews though, may move along rather slow. The employer may take their time and pause a lot. Do not let this get to you; your task is still making a good impression. Perhaps the most difficult situation is the employer who converts the interview into a monologue. It’s awkward, but you need to occasionally find a way to interrupt the droning and make a few points of your own. Look for pauses and use "That reminds me…"as a beginning for your own comments. Mostly, though, you can expect to do a lot of listening. Ask questions. At some point in the interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions. It is a good idea to have a few prepared, that way you avoid looking disinterested. Some of these questions can be general but others should reflect the research you did on the company. You can always begin a question with the line, "I noticed on your website…" or "Your annual report indicated that…" and then ask for an elaboration. The point won’t be missed. Use the closing. The closing minutes of the interview are kind of a wrap-up. Don’t ask about salary. Never leave an interview with an uneasy "I wish I had said…" feeling. If there were omissions, get them in now. Likewise, never leave an interview without knowing when you can expect to hear from the employer. Most will make a point of telling you, but if they don’t, ask. The best way to end your interview is the same way you started it. While shaking hands, thank the employer for the interview, restate your interest in the position and cite your primary qualification as a reminder of how good an employee you would be. If you weren’t offered a business card, ask for one. Salary. Salary should not be addressed in the interview. Do not volunteer this information if possible, avoid pinpointing an amount as it may overprice, under price you, or completely rule you out. Simply state, “I would be interested in entertaining your strongest offer” or “I am aware of the range for the position and am quite happy with it”. Emphasize the issue of the opportunity as opposed to the dollars. Employment Offer. Be decisive at the time of an offer. At this point, you should be armed with enough information to make your decision. Keep in mind that your decision to accept or not accept their offer is the first decision you will make on behalf of that company. Hesitation and procrastination reflect negatively and can ruin a good situation.

After the Interview

Hiring decisions can be extremely difficult. Often, our clients must make a tough choice between two or more closely matched candidates. Give yourself the edge after the interview. Keep notes. As soon as you can after the interview, jot down some notes to yourself. Record the date of the interview. What are your impressions of how the interview went? Did you learn something new and important about the position? What should happen next and when? Were there any weak spots or points that you failed to make? Keep these important notes in an orderly fashion. You need to stay organized and have this information at your fingertips. Contact your consultant with any issues or concerns. Write a thank you note. It is standard advice, but only about ten percent of all job seekers follow it. A few well-phrased words of gratitude, as well as a reaffirmation of your interest, can make you and the interview more memorable. Unless you are given an email address, it is best to send this note through the postal service within 24 hours of the interview. Ask your consultant if it is appropriate for this position. They may be able to pass it along for you. Stay in pursuit. If the interviewer or your consultant suggested that you take additional steps such as calling later, or talking to others, take the advice seriously. It was given for a reason and if ignored, it could cost you the offer. Don’t wait too long. If you were told you would hear by the end of the week and you haven’t, give your consultant a reminder call. It’s reasonable and will underscore your interest. Remember though that, under no circumstances are you allowed to make direct contact with a client until permitted by your consultant. Doing so is a direct breach of protocol and has, in the past, through no fault of our own, caused the applicant to lose the position. Although it is always recommended to keep in touch with the employer, in this case the employer is your consultant. Our clients use this service for a reason and often it is due to lack of time and/or resources to commit to a direct search themselves. Maizis & Miller Consultants appreciate your understanding and cooperation in regards to this matter. 7 Steps to a Perfect Interview

• Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat.
• Your clothes and accessories should be conservative, and appropriate for the job.
• Nonverbal communication sometimes conveys a stronger message than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether sitting or standing, you're saying volumes about you and your confidence level. Make sure to sit up straight and stand up tall.
• Eye contact and smiles indicate a confident and optimistic attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for enthusiasm and energy. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills, as well as your excitement about the opportunity for which you're interviewing.
• The handshake sends a strong tactile message. A firm handshake reflects a confident personality.
• Your voice and volume of the speech make a strong impression. You should speak with enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your confidence.
• Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with people, especially those you have not met before. The words you choose will say something about you, as well as your knowledge of the industry.

Steps for Mechanics on Conquering Those Interview Nerves

Have a nerve-racking heavy equipment job interview coming up? Being nervous during an interview is normal. Being nervous for your interview is actually a good sign. It shows that you care about your potential new job. The best advice for conquering those pesky interview jitters is to be fully prepared before stepping into the process. Knowing what you are going to say during the interview and practising aloud will help you in overcoming your interview nerves. Think about possible questions you could be asked during the interview and practise the answers. Also make sure you get a good night's sleep before the interview. 

To be interviewed means to let someone see “into you”, and that can make anyone feel vulnerable. Try to view the interview as a challenge you are about to conquer and you might just find yourself relaxing and enjoying the interview process, forgetting all about those interview nerves. Remember, you must be prepared not only to answer questions, but to open yourself up to the interviewer and to manage the physical tensions and emotional anxieties that happen when you are being evaluated or questioned. The following steps, prepared by expert Sandra Zimmer, will show you the proper techniques for dealing with interview nerves. These steps will help change the way you think about the interview process, prepare you to share your experience and expertise as a heavy equipment mechanic and show you how to handle your tension and anxiety.

• Be there to help. Don’t think about an interview as an audition or test. Thinking this way puts you in the position of being judged, which will trigger tension and anxiety. Instead, think about your interview as an opportunity to help the interviewer. Remember that the interviewer needs help. He is looking for someone to hire because his company needs someone to help them be successful.
• Detach from the outcome. Evaluate your expectations and really look at what you think needs to happen in the interview. Be willing for it not to happen the way you want it. This puts you in neutral energy where you can feel open to more possibilities. Turn your results over to a higher power and ask that the outcome be for the highest good of all concerned.
• Determine likely interview questions. List on paper the questions that your interviewer will most likely ask you to answer. Be sure to include the really hard interview questions that you are afraid to answer. And also include, “Tell me about yourself.”
• Write and practise your answers. For each of the questions, write your answers on paper. Then, practise them aloud until you can share your answers fluidly. You may be tempted to skip the practise, but don’t. Vocal expression is different from the thought process. You must speak your answers out loud for fluid expression.
• Decide how to sell yourself. List on paper the important points that you want to communicate to the interviewer about your background, abilities, qualities, experience and expertise.
• Illustrate the key points with stories. For each important point you want to make, write down the things you want to share and an example (story) that backs up the point. For instance, if you say you managed a team effectively, tell a story about a challenging situation that happened that proves you managed the team well. Then, practise sharing your points and stories aloud until you can speak them fluidly.
• Warm up your body. Before you go to your interview, do enough physical exercise so that your body is loose and flowing. Make sure you stretch fully and that you elevate your heart rate so that blood is pumping. Most people don’t realize how much physical tension impairs their ability to communicate freely. Actors and athletes know the power of warming up. You should too.
• Ground yourself in your body. Get out of your head and into your body. Learn to relax your mental attention down into your body all the way to your feet. Imagine you melt energy out of your head and let it flow down through your body until you fill your entire body. Grounding clears your head and creates a sense of physical strength and emotional safety. You can think on your feet when you are in your feet, and you can speak from your heart when you have attention in your heart area. This is the most effective antidote to performance and presentation anxiety I know.
• Breathe. After you ground yourself, take deep breaths, fast breaths, and slow breaths until you relax. Breathing helps your brain oxygenate and relaxes your body. Focus on breathing for 10 minutes an hour before your interview. When you have finished these steps, you will feel ready to interview. Instead of feeling dread, you will be eager to get to the interview so you can share yourself. You will feel like an athlete who is ready to take on the current world champion.

Heavy Truck Mechanics: Preparing for the Interview

Once you have applied for a new job as a heavy truck mechanic, the next stage is preparing for the interview. It’s a good idea to think about the questions you will likely be asked during this interview and have your answers already prepared. This will give you time to consider the best possible responses you can give in order to increase your chances of landing the job. Think not only about general interview questions you will be asked but also ones specific to the heavy truck mechanic vacancy you have applied for.

Typical Interview Questions for Mechanics

During the interview, you will also be asked questions relating specifically to the heavy truck mechanic job you have applied for and these may include the following:

• Describe the mechanical tasks you carry out each day in your current post.
• As a heavy truck mechanic, what training have you been given with brake, transmission or engine diagnostic equipment? This can include classroom based or on the job training and you should detail whether it was software or computer based.
• Have you used the diagnostic equipment described above in your current job? What was your actual involvement?
• Describe your skills, knowledge and experience of air brake systems. How much do you know about heavy truck and anti-lock suspensions?
• Give your skills and experience in working with the bodies of heavy-duty trucks, vans, school buses and pick-up trucks.
• Describe the necessary skills and experience you have in working with medium or heavy-duty gas or diesel powered engines and van or pick-up engines.
• How much computer experience do you have? Are you very literate, meaning you use computers regularly both at home and at work; are you somewhat computer literate, meaning you only use them at home; or are you not computer literate, meaning you never use a computer, either at home or at work?
• Do you have experience or skills relating to parting out vehicles? This includes recycling chassis, body, transmission and engine parts taken from off-line vehicles and placed in on-line ones. Describe your involvement in these tasks.
• Give your professional opinion on whether it is operationally and cost effective to use a part-recycling program in a quality maintenance plan.
• Give an example of a social or work situation you have been in, involving a group of people, where you came up with a solution to a difficult task. Explain how you convinced the rest of the group to proceed with your idea. Would this ability be useful when working with other heavy truck mechanics?
• If a colleague were disagreeable on the best way to accomplish a task, how would you deal with it, particularly if it is important that you work as a team on finding a solution?

General Interview Questions and Answers

Q. Tell me something about yourself. A. Here you can describe some of your best characteristics. Tell the interviewer of your qualifications, your career as a heavy truck mechanic and the skills you have acquired. Emphasize anything that is particularly relevant to the job you are being interviewed for. Q. What are your achievements to date? A. Here you can choose a recent achievement that is related to your current employment as a heavy truck mechanic. Pinpoint the skills used in this accomplishment and how it benefited your employer. Q. How happy are you with your career? A. The answer to this should be extremely positive and include information on what it is about your career that makes you happy. If you feel your career is not moving on as much as you would like, state this and explain why you feel this is so. Interviewers use this type of question to judge your confidence and career goals. Q. Explain a difficulty you have faced career-wise and how you dealt with it. A. This question is asked in order to find out what you define as difficult, to discover your problem solving abilities and whether you use a logical approach when faced with a challenge. Choose a work situation that wasn’t your fault and that you can describe quickly. Show yourself in a positive light by stating how you realized there was a problem, what options were available to you, why you chose the solution you did and how it ended. You should always finish up positively. Q. Is there anything you particularly like about your current job? A. Ensure your answer to this relates to the required skills for the job you are being interviewed for. Show some enthusiasm and express interest in your current duties but don’t go overboard - you are looking for a new job, after all. Q. Is there anything you particularly dislike about your current job? A. Think carefully before answering this one. Don’t go into too much detail or focus on any weaknesses you may have as this may affect your chances. You might like to describe a feature of your current employer such as the size of the business or their failure to act quickly when making decisions. Always answer as though you don’t take any irritations and problems to heart and can act efficiently to resolve them. Q. Describe your strengths. A. This is one question that you’re almost certain to be asked in any interview, so have your answer well prepared. Focus on three or four characteristics you consider to be your main strengths such as your drive to succeed, your positive attitude, your people skills or your ability to overcome problems. The interviewer may ask you to give some examples so have these ready. Q. Describe your weaknesses. A. It’s vital here that you don’t say you haven’t got any as this may lead to problems in the future. There are two ways of answering this question, the first by stating your lack experience in an area of mechanics that isn’t crucial to the job. The second way is to give a professional or personal weakness that may also be considered a strength, such as your heavy truck mechanic colleagues regarding you as too demanding. You can say that you do tend to push your staff but you’re improving at using the carrot rather than the stick. Q. What are your reasons for leaving your present employer? A: You may like to state here that you are seeking a new challenge, looking to gain more experience, want more responsibility and welcome a change in working environment. Never give any negative reasons for wanting to leave and it isn’t appropriate to mention money as the main reason for changing jobs. Q. Why did you apply for this heavy truck mechanic vacancy? It’s vital you show you understand exactly what this mechanic job entails and how your role fits in with the company. You should also demonstrate a good knowledge of the business and the particular interest you have in working for them. The interviewer will want to find out if you are suited to this particular vacancy, that your skills are suitable and that you will actually enjoy doing the job and working for the organization. He will also want to ensure that this vacancy enables you to continue with your long-term career goals.

Other Questions

Finally, there are other questions you may be asked at your heavy truck mechanic interview. These are designed to find out more about you as a person, your character and whether you are considered suitable for the position.

• What part do you play within the company?
• What do you particularly like about the mechanic industry?
• Describe a situation where you worked under severe pressure.
• What type of people do you enjoy working with?
• Has your work ever been criticized and how did you react?
• Describe a work situation when you felt angry. How did you deal with it and did it affect your ability to perform well?
• Are there any types of people you find difficult to work alongside?
• Have you ever had to deal with a conflict of interest during your career?
• Have you ever disagreed with your supervisor and how did you deal with it?
• Describe a situation where you were in disagreement with colleagues.
• Do you prefer working in a team or alone? Why?
• Do you think you will fit in with this company, particularly as it differs greatly from your present employer?
• What do you look for in an employer?
• Do you measure your personal performance? If so how?
• Describe what type of pressure you have faced at work.
• Would you describe yourself as a self-starter? If so, give examples.
• Have changes within your workplace caused you any difficulties? If so, why?
• Are you agreeable with working overtime, long hours and weekends if necessary?
• Have you ever felt out of your depth at work? Give examples.
• Do you regard yourself as having failed at anything?
• What do you have to offer this company?

Networking 101 for Mechanics and Management

Networking is an essential part of job-seeking today. Whether you’re a heavy truck mechanic, a builder, a medical worker or a business professional, networking will play a vital role in your career. No matter which industry you happen to be involved in, the idea is the same - to use networking to your advantage and further your career, so it’s important to learn how to do it properly. Finding valuable networks, knowing how to network online and successfully brand yourself will all be beneficial in furthering your career as a heavy truck mechanic and setting yourself apart from the competition. Fortunately, networking has never been simpler than it is now with the rise of online social media and the ease of communication.

Networking via colleagues

One of the best ways of networking successfully is by using all the resources you have available and marketing yourself to find many job prospects you would otherwise have never heard of. Sign up to the various online social media sites, such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. These are rapidly growing in popularity as a means of networking and currently have over 200 million users. Look around for old friends or colleagues from your previous mechanic jobs and get in contact with them. Ask about their current jobs, their employers and the industries they are involved with. You will often find out about heavy truck mechanic vacancies this way or companies who may be requiring new mechanics in the near future. This can often give you a head start over your competitors by learning inside information on the business and showing potential employers you have initiative and enthusiasm for the job. Networking isn’t difficult and should be regarded as an important part of job seeking when looking for a new heavy truck mechanic job.

If you are searching for a new job, it’s important to let your contacts know you are available. Mention to them your qualifications, your experience and skills, and the particular type of mechanic work you are looking for. Write up a list of family and friends who are currently employed, past and present colleagues, management you have worked under, and even teachers who taught you at school or college. Once you have your list begin contacting them one by one by either letter, email or phone. Keep it simple and informal and use this opportunity to ask questions such as:

• How can I get a heavy truck mechanic job with x company?
• Do you know of anyone I should speak to regarding jobs as a heavy truck mechanic?
• Can you think of anyone who employs heavy truck mechanics?

Using a Recruiting Agency to Network

By joining a recruitment agency, you will be given access to a massive network of employers with whom you can seek work. For more opportunities, it's best to find an agency that specializes in your particular line of work, in this case one that focuses on heavy truck and equipment mechanics and management related positions. These agencies will be able to liaise directly with the human resources departments of various companies in order to sell your experience and skills. Often the recruitment agency’s reputation will rely upon your qualifications and suitability for the job in order to gain them credibility and increase their presence within the industry. To find out just how good the agency is, have a look at the jobboard to discover how many heavy truck mechanic vacancies are available. If they truly are reputable, they will have a high number of current jobs available within the mechanics industry.

When you have chosen the agency you want to join up with, write to them asking for advice. Tell them specifically what type of job you are looking for, whether it’s a general mechanic or a heavy truck mechanic and offer to send them a current resume, which they can then use as a marketing tool. This is an excellent chance to network, so use the opportunity to your best possible advantage and get as much information as you can.

How to Obtain and Use References and Recommendation Letters

When you’re looking for a new job as a heavy equipment and truck mechanic, it’s essential you have several references and recommendation letters. However, depending on how good or bad these are, you can find yourself either as a potential top candidate for the job or with your application in the bin. Give yourself the best possible chance of landing the job by managing your references and using them to your advantage.

Who are potential good references for Heavy Equipment and Heavy Duty Truck Technicians and Management?

• Shop Foremen
• Shop Supervisors/Managers
• Executive Management/Directors

This may seem a little obvious but it’s vital to ask only those who will provide you with good letters of recommendation to be your references. You’d be amazed at just how many people receive poor references, which could have been avoided by choosing people guaranteed to give them a good review.

It’s a good idea to use an indirect form of communication when asking for a reference rather than speaking to the person face-to-face. This allows the other person the chance to refuse much more easily, which is actually what you want if they aren’t willing or able to provide a great letter of recommendation. If you’re unsure as to whether a potential referee will give you a glowing reference, judge the situation by asking if they feel they know your mechanical skills sufficiently to provide one. If they say no, you’ll almost certainly feel angered, but don’t be. You should be thankful they have been honest. After all it’s a quality reference you want - anything less you can do without. If they had given a letter of recommendation that wasn’t glowing or that said they didn’t know you very well, this could have damaged your chances of winning that heavy equipment mechanic job you so wanted.

As you change jobs throughout your career ask as many bosses and co-workers as possible for letters of recommendation that you can keep on file for future use. Vacancies have a habit of being snapped up quickly, often before you’ve had a chance to organize references, so it’s important to prepare well in advance. Each time you are working your notice period as you prepare to move to a new heavy equipment mechanic job, ask around for as many letters as you can possibly get. These can be stored on file and used for the next job you apply for, when they will be ready to send immediately. As well as having recommendation letters from bosses you should also have some from your co-workers and from anyone who has worked for you.

Another great idea when asking for a reference is to ask each person to focus on a particular skill or area. You might ask one to concentrate on your leadership qualities, another on your team skills and yet another on your ability to work on your own initiative. By doing so you will have recommendations tailored not only to your skills as a heavy equipment mechanic but also to your ability to adapt within other areas. This is useful if the job post asks for specific qualities.

Mechanic Supervisors and Managers: Writing a Cover Letter

Companies are always on the lookout for highly skilled and efficient supervisors and managers, capable of bringing out the best in their heavy equipment and heavy truck mechanics. Organizational, managerial and supervisory skills are viewed extremely favourably in this as well as any other industry. When writing your cover letter, it’s essential to highlight these abilities along with your experience and results to give you the best possible chance of landing your dream job.

• Why you are the ideal applicant for the vacancy.
• How many heavy equipment mechanics you have responsibility for.
• Any difficulties you have successfully overcome in your career as a heavy equipment mechanic.
• Results, backed up with facts and figures, you have achieved that improved company profits.

Keep your cover letter short and to the point. It should be well-structured, beginning with an explanation of which mechanic vacancy you are applying for and when and where you saw the advertisement. Don’t forget to mention the full title of the heavy equipment mechanic job and any reference numbers. Try to avoid repeating the information given on your resume.

If the job advertisement states an extensive cover letter is required, then adhere to this. Read the advertisement carefully and give any information you have been asked to supply such as your current salary.

Give a brief summary of your current employment situation and include your qualifications and any academic or professional training you have received. Personalize the information you give so it is particularly relevant to the company or the mechanic vacancy you are applying for. Include a short paragraph on why you wish to leave your current mechanic post but ensure you aren’t derogatory toward the job or your employer.

It’s always a good idea to show your potential employer that you have researched their company and know a little about the business they are involved with. Tailor this to your skills and the mechanic post you are applying for and explain why you would like to have them as your employer.

It’s important to highlight what you can bring to the company and why they should want to employ you. Point out your skills as a heavy truck or heavy equipment mechanic and why your qualities in particular will be advantageous to the business. Mention your versatility, your career achievements and exactly what you can contribute to the organization. You might also like to discuss certain character traits that are relevant to the mechanic job you are applying for, however, don’t be too subjective with these.

Your cover letter should flow smoothly and while it's important to include everything that has been asked for in the job advert, don’t make this too obvious by writing it point by point. Never mention anything that could be viewed as negative, either in your cover letter or your resume. Your aim is to give the interviewer a positive impression of yourself and convince him to regard you as a valuable asset to his company.

When finishing up your cover letter, express your interest in further communication. State politely you would welcome the chance to discuss your skills, experience and suitability for the post by attending an interview and you look forward to receiving their response.

Heavy Truck and Equipment Technicians: How to Approach Resignation Meetings

It doesn't matter if you are a manager, shop foreman, truck or equipment technician - it's never an easy decision when you choose to resign from your job. Before going ahead, you should be certain it’s the right route for you to take at this time in your career and always think things through carefully before committing. It's essential that you’re absolutely sure this is what you want to do as changing your mind could result in a very costly mistake.

Think about it this way: in your position as a heavy truck mechanic, you’ve been a valuable member of staff. Your employers won’t want to see you leave and once they hear you’re handing in your resignation, they are likely to make you a counter offer. This will be an incentive, such as an increase in salary or improved terms and conditions, designed to make you change your mind about leaving.

However, research has shown that employees who accept this counter offer are much more likely to experience difficulties in their career while they remain with their current employer. Only very few of the heavy truck mechanics who have accepted the incentives have found them to be beneficial in the long run, so no matter how tempting the offer may seem, think carefully about it before proceeding.

When a heavy truck mechanic resigns from his job, it reflects poorly on his manager and on the business as a whole. This negative image is increased even more if the mechanic is a key member of staff, so management will try their hardest to ensure the employee remains with the company. Companies are well aware of how stressful moving jobs is so they will use this to their advantage when persuading the heavy truck mechanic to stay. By making the right offer, they believe the employee will change his mind about leaving.

However, before jumping in to accept what seems like an offer you can’t refuse, think about these widely accepted facts:

• Regardless of what management may say, the fact is your commitment to the company will always be called into question. Be prepared to be considered disloyal and find yourself feeling somewhat left out from the inner workings of the business.
• If you decide to remain with the company for now, management will be well aware that the chances of you resigning in the future are high. For this reason, any counteroffer they make is regarded as a temporary measure designed to keep you with them until they can find a successor to your role.
• The reasons you wanted to leave your job will not change and these are likely to resurface again in the future. Any improvements made with the counteroffer are unlikely to last long term.
• Well-run, leading businesses never make counteroffers. Their terms and conditions are regarded as fair by the management, who will not allow themselves to be drawn into counteroffer blackmail.

Refusing a counteroffer made by your employers will only serve to make the relationship even more strained than what it already is, so you should offer your resignation firmly and in a way that will make it clear that any incentives will not be accepted. Be confident and firm when stating you intend to resign and that your decision is not up for negotiation. A half-hearted approach that doesn’t state your intentions firmly will give the impression that you are only trying to see what improvements management will offer.

To avoid misinterpretation of your intentions, always hand in a written letter of resignation. Use a computer and keep it short and to the point. In the letter, state firmly your intention to resign, thank the company for the time you have spent with them and give a definite date of leaving. It’s also a good idea to say you’re willing to help in any way you can.

If your boss mentions anything that remotely sounds like it is leading to a counteroffer, interrupt immediately and state firmly your intention to go ahead with your decision and your mind cannot be changed. Repeat the last paragraph of your letter, reaffirming your willingness to help the company through your notice period.

Be prepared for the reaction of your boss during this meeting, which may be anything from making you feel guilty, reacting angrily, or even expressing congratulations on your new job offer. No mater what the reaction turns out to be you should always remain professional and keep your calm. Remember, you haven’t done anything wrong and are under no obligation to answer any hostile questions. Simply apologize for any upset they are feeling and again offer your assistance during the transition.

It’s vital that you remain polite and professional throughout your resignation meeting. Remember, you will no doubt be looking for a reference from this company so don’t give them any reason to criticize your behavior. The impression you make now will be a lasting one so if you anger your employer there’s a good chance you won’t get a good reference from him now or any time in the future.

You should expect your employer to ask why you’re resigning from your post as a heavy truck mechanic. It may be tempting to launch into a lengthy speech that includes everything you’ve found a problem with in the past but this really isn’t a good idea. No employee yet has ever managed to cause significant changes within an organization because of his angry resignation speech. The only thing that will happen is the company calling your professionalism into question. As far as your boss is concerned, nothing is wrong with your job or the company, you have simply been offered a new job that you will not turn down.

Other members of staff will also be curious as to why you are resigning and they’re bound to ask questions. Don’t be tempted to launch into an attack on the company or the bosses. Keep it simple and tell them the same as you told management in your resignation meeting. Anything else will undoubtedly make its way back to your employers and give them a bad impression of your honesty and intentions.

Last of all, it’s vital to carry out your normal duties to the best of your abilities during your notice period and remain professional throughout. Don’t let yourself become uninterested in your day-to-day tasks or consider them unimportant now that you’re leaving. Treat your job just as you would always have done and put in the effort right until the moment you leave. You won’t regret it.

By following the advice given above, you will resign from your job as a heavy truck mechanic without destroying your reputation and with your professional character intact. Never underestimate just how important it is to remain polite, calm and above all, in control throughout your resignation meeting and notice period.

How to Handle Your Manager

People don't quit their jobs, they quit their managers. That's what we hear every day from dissatisfied mechanics who come to us looking for a new job. "It's rarely the nature of the work that frustrates people, or the long hours, or even the low pay. More often than not, it's the candidate's manager that sends them running.
"If you've ever had a bad manager you'll have your own (vehement) views on the subject, but the most common complaints include: poor communication; unrealistic demands; bad listening skills; and lack of support. In the worst cases, a combination of all of these factors. The good news, however, is that it's normally within your power to improve the situation.

Most problems in the workplace stem from bad communication. Therefore, if you can improve the communication flow between you and your boss, you're on your way to a much happier time at work. The fact of the matter is that most managers could be better communicators. But they are not always aware of it. They are under the impression that their expectations and goals 'trickle down' to their staff. This is seldom the case, and many employees are left without a clear idea of what they are working towards. If this is the case, try asking your manager for the information you should be receiving, but be diplomatic. This need not be an unpleasant undertaking. Most managers will be flattered to think that you want to have a clearer idea of the company and where you fit into it. It's often best to schedule a proper appointment and to state why you're there and what you want to achieve. If your productivity improves as a result of this communication, your boss may have learned a useful lesson.

Scheduling a meeting should probably be your first move, whatever problem you're experiencing with your manager. This is particularly true if your boss is making unrealistic demands on you. If this is the case, it's probably because he or she is unaware of what you're doing. Explain the projects you have, together with a time estimate for each, and ask your manager to help you prioritize what you have to do. If you're feeling unsupported by your manager, bear in mind that he or she may not be aware of what your role entails. Of course, they could never admit this, because they should know! But if this is the case, ask your manager to set you some goals. At the very least, this will be a good starting point for establishing his or her conceptions about your job role.

Bad listening skills are often cited as an annoying trait of managers. It's not that they don't communicate, rather that the communication is one way. In this case it is particularly important that you plan what you are going to talk about before going ahead with a meeting. And don't leave the meeting until you have established what you want to say. It may help to have notes visible to which you can refer, thereby affirming that you have considered the meeting and areas of discussion. Why not give your boss a copy in advance of the meeting so there are no surprises. It will be a good sign if he/she has taken the trouble to read it!

So far we have talked about your manager changing, having seen the light. But what if, despite your best efforts, nothing happens? In this case, provided you really would prefer to stay where you are, you will have no choice but to change yourself. Are you willing to learn different techniques and prioritize things that don't come naturally to you? Only you can make that evaluation. It can sometimes be easier to get another job than another working style. If you've really lost all hope of improving your relationship with your manager, sticking with your job could damage your self confidence. If you think you've reached the point of no return, we will be happy to talk to you about your options, just give us a call.

Relocation Information

Relocating? Call Maizis & Miller Consultants to find out how to obtain job offers before you move!

We specialize in placing Heavy Truck and Equipment technicians up to and including Management related positions such as Shop Foreman, Lead Hand, Fleet Manager or Fleet Directors. All of our positions offered are permanent roles all across Canada and the United States. Let Maizis & Miller Consultants help to make your career move as easy as possible.

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Immigration Information

We are often asked if there are ways to speedup the processing of an application for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.
There are.

Work Permits and Arranged Employment are two of the ways to reduce processing times of Permanent Resident applications under the Skilled Worker/Professional category of Canadian Immigration. There are some similarities between the two concepts but there are also some significant differences between them.

WORK PERMITS Require a job offer from a Canadian employer.

Are temporary in nature, but can sometimes be extended from inside Canada.

May or may not require the Canadian employer to demonstrate that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position.

May be issued in a matter of weeks.

Once they have been issued, can be converted to Arranged Employment if the Canadian employer extends a permanent job offer to the Work Permit holder.


ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer.

Must be for a permanent full-time position of indeterminate length.

Does not require the Canadian employer to demonstrate that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position.

Can be applied for at any time during the Canadian Permanent Residency application process.


The main advantage of a Work Permit is that it allows the holder, and immediate family members, if applicable, to come and work in Canada prior to the issuance of the Canada Immigration Visa. And this can be accomplished very quickly. The disadvantage of a Work Permit is that in some instances the Canadian employer must demonstrate Canadians cannot be found to fill the position.

The main advantage of Arranged Employment is that it greatly reduces the delays inherent in the Permanent Residency application process. However, the applicant cannot come to live and work in Canada until the Canada Immigration Visa is issued. Another advantage to Arranged Employment is that the Canadian employer does not have to demonstrate that efforts have been made to hire Canadians.

Depending on your particular circumstances, both Work Permits and Arranged Employment can be utilized to get you to Canada sooner rather than later.

Important: The current Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) indicates that an applicant must prove their language proficiency at the time of submitting the application for federal permanent residence with an approved test (this does not apply to the Quebec program).

The only tests approved by the Immigration department (CIC) are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for English and the Test d'Evaluation de Francais (TEF) for French. These tests can be taken periodically throughout the world. For more information about the test click on the appropriate link.

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