Starting a new job can be difficult. Even if it’s best for you in the long term, getting your feet wet in a new role can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you were at your previous company for a while.
Your first 3-6 months will be a transitional period as you learn your new workplace, get used to a refreshed commute and meet new people.
As a diesel technician, you’ll face some challenges other professionals might not. This includes learning the company’s safety protocols, specialty tooling, work systems and product lines.
You want to be as successful as possible at this new company. That’s why what you do right now is so important.
At RDO Equipment Co., we regularly hire service technicians. Over the years, many have become successful leaders in our organization. Often, how a technician enters a new company — and how they approach their first 6 months — can have an impact on their success.
This article outlines eight tips for starting a new job as a diesel mechanic, which will help you have a great start to your next career adventure.
Tip #1) Come in With Confidence and Work Hard
Your skills and background benefit your new organization. They hired you because you have the experience needed to do this new job well.
Keep this in mind as you enter your new role. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel underqualified, just know you’re not. Sure, you might need to spend some time learning new products and tools, but in time you’ll do great things.
Working hard will help you get there. Having a good work ethic is important in the diesel technician trade, no matter where you work. As you start your new job, go out of the way to do the little things and help out wherever you can. Not only will this help you fit into the team faster, but demonstrating a good work ethic from the start is a great way to advance your career as a technician.
Tip #2) Be Willing to Spend Time Learning
Learning will be a big part of starting any new job. As a technician, you’re familiar with mechanical, electrical and heating/cooling systems. You’re also familiar with the machinery you’ve worked on in the past. This might change at your new company.
If you’ve never worked on heavy machinery before and you’re starting at a dealership or manufacturer, for example, you might need to learn more about hydraulic systems and the make-up of these machines.
The best companies have training programs for their technicians, which help them get up to speed on the products they’ll be working on. Take advantage of these opportunities. Work with your manager to set aside time to do these trainings over your first year.
Even the most veteran technicians will need to spend time learning about the equipment they’ll be working on. Training, through online coursework, hands-on experiences and job shadowing, will play a big role in your success at your new company. Try your best to embrace it.
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Tip #3) Ask Plenty of Questions
When you first start with a company, a lot will be new to you. It’s impossible to ask too many questions over this period. If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask about it. Find a couple of colleagues who have been in the department for a while that you can go to with questions.
Your manager will also be a good resource here. They should help you find a couple of people to mentor you and answer questions you have. This is especially important as you familiarize yourself with new product lines and a new service environment.
No one expects you to come in knowing everything, everyone has been there. Don’t be afraid to lean into your “newness” by asking questions.
Tip #4) Familiarize Yourself With the Tool Room and Facilities
One of the first things you’ll want to do is to take time to learn where everything is located at your new workplace. While you should get a tour — and maybe even got one when you interviewed — now it’s time to familiarize yourself with your work area.
One of the most important things to start understanding is the tool room (if the company has one). Learn where it is located and how it works (where things are, how it is organized, etc.). This will help you be more efficient when the time comes to hunt down tools.
Tip #5) Don’t Wait to Do Your Onboarding Training
New hires typically do some form of onboarding training. This includes watching videos about the company, its benefits, safety protocols and other important resources created to keep you safe and happy at work.
Depending on your employer, these may take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days to get through. Try your best not to put these off. Set aside some time to get these done over your first 30 days. That way, you can get to work and start doing the things you’re passionate about sooner.
Tip #6) Spend Time Getting to Know Your Colleagues
This is a big one, but it’s not entirely on you. Your manager should spend time introducing you to people around the organization. This includes people in sales, administrative, parts and service roles.
After these introductions, try to spend some time getting to know each person when you have the opportunity. This will help you build relationships with people around the company and learn their strengths.
When you have a specific question or task you need help with, you’ll have a go-to resource.
Tip #7) Learn How to Use Specialty and Shop Tools
When you join your new company, learning how to use the specialty tools and equipment available is an important step in the first 3-6 months. This includes tools specific to performing work on a certain set of machines and the tools located in the shop — like overhead cranes, joists, lifts, grinders and welding tools.
Over time, you’ll learn each of these things. However, don’t be afraid to ask a mechanic who’s been there longer to show you how to use something if you have a question.
Tip #8) Set Your Ego Aside
One of the hardest things about starting a new job, especially as a veteran technician, is adopting a newbie mentality again.
While you’re not necessarily entering this new company from square one, there will be things you don’t know right away. To have a successful start to your career with a new company, try your best to take on a learner role.
Ask for help when you need it and look for advice from mechanics who have been there longer. Over time, this will help you build relationships with those around you and learn the ropes faster.
7 Things to Look For in an Employer
You have the skills and experience to be successful wherever you go. Beginning a new job is still intimidating, though.
When you start at a new company, working hard, taking initiative with your training, setting aside your ego, spending time learning and developing relationships with your coworkers will make you successful.
I hope you’re more comfortable with what’s ahead now.
If you’re still in the process of looking for a new job, here are seven things to think about when selecting a company as a service technician.
Join RDO Equipment Co. as a Service Technician
RDO is hiring service technicians — both in the shop and the field — in multiple U.S. locations. Learn more about these positions, including what you can expect in one of these roles.
As you know, your first few months can make or break your experience at a new employer. Here is exactly what you can expect during your first 90 days as a service technician at RDO.
Morgan Wray
Morgan has been with RDO Equipment Co. since 2023. In his role as ag service manager in Bismarck, Morgan loves solving customer problems alongside his talented team of technicians. Learning new things from his team is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job and it’s something he experiences every day as they partner with customers throughout the region.
