Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Auto Fundamentals 14 Developing Successful Work Practices and Skills After successfully searching, applying, and interviewing for an automotive technician job, the employer offers you the job and you accept. As with all careers, success depends on demonstrating that you are a reliable and valuable employee. The following list of work practices and skills are general rules that may seem like common sense but are often disre- garded, which creates problems for employers, customers, and fellow coworkers. Develop Good Work Habits Employers assign shop jobs based on their employees arriving on time to work according to a set schedule. Therefore, it is important to report to work 10–15 min- utes early every day you are scheduled to work. Arriving early to work will demonstrate reliability and, if needed, allow a little bit of time for unforeseen delays during your commute. If you must be late or absent, be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible ahead of time. Efficient auto shop routine depends on your readi- ness and enthusiasm to follow your employer’s directions and to do your best to accomplish the assigned tasks. Show initiative by beginning work at your assigned tasks without additional prompting from your supervi- sor. Carefully read and interpret repair instructions and other workplace documents to ensure you know exactly what they mean. Develop an organized work plan based on the vehicle’s repair order when necessary, Figure 1-15. Read instructions or ask an experienced technician for a demonstration when confronted with new shop equip- ment or tools. Ask questions when necessary. Make a habit of performing all work to the best of your ability. Make sure that all parts are reinstalled correctly, that all fasteners are installed and tightened properly, and that all tools are removed from the repair area. Do not assume or guess vehicle specifications, but look up specifications with your shop’s service information system instead. Protect the vehicle finish and interior at all times. Thoroughly clean the vehicle and work area after repairs are completed. Comply with the rest of your company’s service and workplace policies. Be a Life-Long Learner The automobile and the automotive industry are constantly changing, and new technology is introduced at an ever-increasing pace. If you wish to succeed, your training cannot stop after you are employed. Take every opportunity and use every available resource to gain an understanding of new technology and service techniques. Your efforts to increase your automotive knowledge regarding new emerging technology will be rewarded by making you a more valuable and skilled technician. Think Critically Personal qualities not normally associated with automotive service can be critical to your success in the automotive industry. An incoming service technician may not think that it is important to read and write well, but it is a vital set of skills in any workplace today. The complexity of modern vehicles makes it necessary for a technician to read and understand detailed technical information. Typically, the majority of manufacturer service informa- tion is presented in written form. Lopolo/Shutterstock.com Figure 1-15. As an automotive service technician, if you develop good work habits, such as working with enthusiasm, reading a repair order completely, and performing a visual inspection of vehicle systems, the quality and efficiency of your work will improve.