mazdaspeed

I'm looking for a part time job while I'm in school (Mech E) and I want to work as a mechanic. I'm confident that at this point my skills are at least as good as an average mechanic, but I have no experience and I don't know how to make myself stand out. Ideas?

Infidel79

I guess you could list the specific skills that you're proficient with. Most shops that looking to hire a part time wrench with no experience probably want someone to work on basic repairs on inexpensive bikes, possibly new bike builds if you're reliable and fast. It won't matter that you claim to know how to install an integrated headset on a $4k carbon frame...you probably won't be touching those right off the bat.

Want to stand out? By all means, emphasize that you're an engineering student and have been wrenching bikes for X years. At the entry level, a lot of managers mostly want someone who will be honest, reliable and flexible...any skills you're lacking can be taught to you. Be enthusiastic. Excellent references will also be important. Keep your resume relevant, short (2 pages MAX, eyes drawn to most important info), and highly polished (no mistakes). You can convey both efficiency and attention to detail here. DO NOT forget to put complete contact information at the top of the first page, as well as contact info for references (give them a heads-up). Good luck.

mechBgon

The last time I gave a resume to a bike shop, I listed legible handwriting as one of my skills

Generally, they should want someone who's punctual and reliable, works well as part of a team, has a good customer-service attitude, and is self-motivating and low-maintenance. If you have relevant work experience where you demonstrated any of those, you can list that, even if it was janitorial work or something.

DCB0

Don't go in with the attitude that you think you know as much as the average mechanic - point out that you have worked on your own and friends' bikes and are willing to learn to bring your skills up to a professional level. It took me two or three years working in shops to realize how little I knew, and then the education began.
Spend a few months in a busy shop and you will see things that amaze you.

AltheCyclist

This is good advice. I'd just walk into a LBS at a slow time and ask to talk to the owner or manager and talk to them. Ask questions. Listen to the answers. Offer value.
Examples (you speaking):
>I really like your shop, are you looking for extra mechanic work?
>I've assembled and repaired over 50 bikes for my friends, I'd really like to learn more about mechanics, any suggestions?
>Oh, so you're not hiring. Could you use some "contract" help - like 3 weeks?
>I'd volunteer to help you repair bikes for a week, would you be interested in having some extra free help?

You get the idea..... offer something, it's minimal investment for you but likely gets your foot in door or at least a good rapport for the LBS. Good luck!

urbanknight

For one, I'd list my high school diploma and the college you're currently attending, along with the degree (since it kinds relates), then list all the bike related mechanic skills you have, and if you want to be considered for a salesman position, any skills you have related to that. Then, any previous jobs you held, and any clubs or organizations which you held leadership or significant roles in.

Times must be different. When I applied for a bike shop job, I just filled out the application which asked for my work experience, education, references, and any skills I felt I had which were relevant. Only managers and the head mechanic had submitted resumes.

gyozadude

Some questions/comments:

1) Do you have a specific shop in mind? Have you been there and met some of the people? Meeting and observing some of the staff and especially management will give you an idea of whether you want to work for these people and if you are willing to give you loyalty to that shop. You might also take a guess, based on customers, the type of repair or sales that the shop does and if the shop is on solid financial footing.

2) Be prepared for an on-the-spot interview. You may need to submit a resume or they may ask you fill out an application on the spot and interview you on the spot. When can you start? How long are you committed for? What are your job objectives short term (6 months) and long term (over 1 yr)? If they just want the resume and won't be interviewing you yet, you will need to be specific and articulate in your work objective. State concisely, if you're looking for a part-time position seeking expertise, willing to work for cheap, flexible time, and how long of a commitment.

3) On the resume, include any prior work experience, long term school projects, extra-curricular activities that you've been involved in (see other suggestions above). Be prepared to answer questions such as: Why did you leave those jobs? (it might be obvious in the resume - if not, you may want to specify that you've contracted with other jobs before.

4) if you are interested in sales and helping do front office as well, and have a winning personality (but of course!), then please do.

Best of luck!

Dan The Man

I've got a bike shop about 4 blocks from my apartment. I'm thinking of just going in and offering up wrenching services during the summer when they are busy. I figure that there will be times when I can come in during the evening and help out with the backlog of bikes, possibly for store credit at retail prices or something rather than min wage. Does this sound like a feasible plan.

wrk101

Need to rethink your comment about no experience. Of course you have experience, otherwise, how would you know how to work on bike. Number 1 trait sought for an employee is punctuality. Stress that you can work any time, any day, then prove it!

On experience, be ready to discuss the type of bikes you have worked on, along with the type of jobs. In the meantime, just post your services on the local CL and start working for yourself.

fietsbob

a Mechanical Engineering student in college? that should help..

working on the weekends is a natural.

though you may be competing with the Post Grads, that can't get any better gig.
Due to the Banksteer induced job drought.

operator

My one piece of advice - do some ****ing research for your cover letter before applying.

We do high end road only, and loads of people come in with boilerplate resumes listing 'hydraulic' service and other irrelevant mountain biking experience. That pretty much instantly gets your resume tossed.

Booger1

I've owned a machine shop for 40 years and hired many people.If you want a job in my shop,whether you know anything or not,you better pester me until I hire you or tell you to never come back.If you bother me enough,I know you REALLY want a job.