The interviewer would like to know what your primary strengths were during your aircraft maintenance training. Your most successful subject will likely still be where your most significant aptitude is. Tie these education-based strengths in with your current strengths on the job.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Interview Questions
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1.
What subject, during your maintenance training, was the strongest?
Rachelle's Answer
"During my AMT training, my strongest subject was mechanical drafting. I have a great knack for drafting and still find it to be my strongest suit on the job."
Rachelle's Answer
"During my training, my strongest subject was pneumatic systems. I look forward to bringing my skills and knowledge in this area to you."
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2.
What is your aircraft maintenance specialty?
The interviewer would like to know what specialty you would bring to their organization.
Rachelle's Answer
"My maintenance specialty is within rigging and turbines. I have spent the past three years focusing primarily on these areas. With that said, I am strong in many other areas as well including marking and preparation of equipment for shipping."
Rachelle's Answer
"If you do not have a specialty: "At this point in my career, I consider myself a 'generalist' when it comes to my mechanical knowledge. I have a firm basis of training in test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment. Is there a particular specialty that you are looking for?"
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3.
Are you able to work outside in extreme weather conditions, if required?
As an aircraft maintenance technician, it is an expectation that you will be working in extreme weather conditions. Tell the hiring manager that you are able and willing to work in these circumstances. Now is the time to mention any restrictions that you may have.
Rachelle's Answer
"Yes, I can work in extreme weather conditions. I understand that this is a regular part of the job and I am happy to accommodate whenever necessary."
Rachelle's Answer
"I have no restrictions when it comes to the weather conditions that I work in. I will diligently perform my tasks, regardless of the weather."
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4.
How would you describe your work ethic?
When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific examples or keywords they can relate to. When you read the company job posting or job description do they refer to particular company ethics? Talk about their values and how those align well with your work values.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on your website that you describe your company as honest, transparent and you go the extra mile for your clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and come ready to work hard for my employer every day."
Rachelle's Answer
"Some characteristics you may want to use are:
- Determined/Driven
- Accountable
- Humble
- Respectful
- Dependable"View answer examples for this question >
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5.
Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?
In which manner do you prefer to communicate - written or verbal? Discuss your preference with the interviewer and support your answer.
Rachelle's Answer
"I prefer verbal communication because I feel that with written communication, a lot can be misread due to lack of tone, fluctuation, expression and body language. I will always choose a face to face conversation whenever possible."
Rachelle's Answer
"I like to leverage both methods of communications when dealing with business matters. Sometimes, situations call for verbal communications and other times, written. As a rule of thumb, I tend to practice verbal communications, with written follow up or vice versa. Utilizing multiple methods creates repetition and therefore, change."
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6.
How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
We all like recognition in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you want appreciation for your hard work. Through gifts? Financial perks? Public recognition? Kind words? Title promotions?
Rachelle's Answer
"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is seen."
Rachelle's Answer
"I am very simple. I do not require any formal recognition, but kind words from my coworkers and superiors will keep me motivated and working hard."
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7.
What is your current salary?
A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am currently earning a base salary of $58,000 and health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."
Rachelle's Answer
"As I am a recent graduate, I would like to be offered a fair salary that reflects my recent education. I am most concerned with joining an organization that will help me to grow my career as an AMT. Compensation is not my primary driver."
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8.
Tell me about your education and training.
Tell the hiring manager about your educational path thus far. Your resume will outline your education so use that as a guide, but expand on it. Discuss any awards, scholarships, and recognition that you have achieved as well.
Rachelle's Answer
"I love to learn, and I did well during my post-secondary education. My primary education in aircraft maintenance comes from the military. I am now FAA certified. If there are any additional courses that you feel I should take, I would be happy to do so."
Rachelle's Answer
"I recently graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Mechanics, finishing top of the class. I am proud of this accomplishment and, because of my excellent grades, I was able to land a great practicum with Air Canada."
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9.
How active are you in your job search?
The interviewer would like to know the specifics surrounding your job search. Help the hiring manager to understand the competitive landscape surrounding your candidacy.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am actively seeking a new position; however, your organization is my top choice. I like that your company puts their employees and safety at the forefront of everything you do. If offered a position here, I would be thrilled."
Rachelle's Answer
"This is my first interview since completing my education. It is important to me that my first position as an aircraft maintenance technician is in a company that will help me create a solid foundation for my career."
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10.
What aircraft inspections do you dislike doing?
The interviewer would like to know what you dislike the most as an aircraft maintenance technician. Tell the hiring manager if there are any areas of aircraft maintenance that you do not enjoy doing. Talk about why you dislike it as well and what you are doing to improve/change.
Rachelle's Answer
"I dislike working with navigation systems the most. It isn't my strongest suit, and I much prefer working on the electrical components. I can still perform these tasks but would benefit from additional training in the future."
Rachelle's Answer
"As I am newer with aircraft inspections, I have not yet found an area in which I dislike. With that said, some areas are more challenging. Those areas include electrical writing and anti-friction bearings."
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11.
Are you comfortable with heights?
The interviewer would like to know that you are comfortable working with heights. As an aircraft maintenance technician, you will be required to work in tight and high spaces quite frequently. Assure the hiring manager that you have no problem managing heights.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am very accustomed to heights and have no problem working in high spaces. In my current position, I am working in very high spaces at least 50% of the time."
Rachelle's Answer
"During my aircraft maintenance technician training, I spent a great deal of hands-on time in tight spaces and high spaces. I did not encounter any issues with either task."
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12.
How many days were you absent from work last year?
A part of being a diligent employee is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. It's great to even be 10 minutes early rather than just showing up right on the dot. Talk to the interviewer about your attendance.
Rachelle's Answer
"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick just 2, and those were accompanied by a note from my Doctor. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm, and I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."
Rachelle's Answer
"I cannot recall the exact number, but I think it was around three days total. All absences were excused and with notice."
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13.
What is the latest news you've heard about our airline?
Assure the interviewer that you are up to date on the public image of their airline. Before attending an interview always be sure to research the company and their public perception. Tell the hiring manager the positive press or reviews that you have come across. Avoid mentioning any bad media if you can.
Rachelle's Answer
"I have researched your organization a great deal and see that you were recently featured in the news for your charitable efforts this past holiday season. I enjoyed what I saw and would be proud to work for a company who puts philanthropic efforts at the forefront of what they do."
Rachelle's Answer
"Your airline is often in the news regarding your growth and community efforts. The last I heard about your company was the fact that you had another hiring spree in January 2018."
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14.
Why did you choose a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician?
The interviewer would like to know what brought you to be an aircraft maintenance technician. Talk to the hiring manager about what has influenced you to become an AMT. You can make the answer a touch personal but be sure to keep it concise.
Rachelle's Answer
"From a young age, I have always had a strong interest in airplanes. My father was a mechanic and saw the aptitude in me at a young age. The moment I realized that I could mix my love of aircraft and maintenance into one career, that became my goal. I love what I do and have never looked back."
Rachelle's Answer
"I initially enrolled in vocational school to become a computer scientist. After a couple of semesters, my admissions officer suggested that I specialize in aircraft electrical systems. This career path sounded fascinating to me. I am happy airline maintenance is the direction I chose to take."
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15.
What do you excel at as an aircraft maintenance technician?
The interviewer would like to know what you do best on the job. Highlight your best skill(s) to the hiring manager and let them know how you plan to take these skills and use them to benefit their company.
Rachelle's Answer
"As an aircraft maintenance technician, I feel that I excel most when it comes to my organization and documentation. I am very strict with myself when it comes to documenting everything that I do. This creates a safer and more productive work environment."
Rachelle's Answer
"During my training, it was often brought up that my math skills are very sharp. This helps me to make quick calculations which keeps the maintenance schedule speedy and accurate."
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16.
Do you have your own tools?
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17.
If you fail to do your job correctly, what are the consequences? Are you able to work under that kind of pressure?
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18.
What do you enjoy most about working on aircraft?
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19.
How well do you know your ATA codes?
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20.
When would you be available to start?
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21.
By this time in your career, you should have advanced further, what has slowed down your career progression?
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22.
When have you worked with a diverse group of people?
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23.
When have you shown great integrity at work?
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24.
When have you had to adapt your workload due to increasing demand from your supervisors?
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25.
What protective gear are you accustomed to wearing on the job?
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26.
Have you always had a strong mechanical aptitude?
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27.
Would you rather work for a commercial or private airline? Explain your answer.
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28.
How important is safety to you?
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29.
In what situation would you would work on an airplane without proper engineers authorization?
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30.
Would you ever consider skipping an inspection?
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