Now that you have completed the numerous apprenticeship hours needed to train as an electrician, you will be of course be looking for “actual” work.
While most electricians are hired by the company they have worked as apprentices for, some may opt to work at a different location.
In a situation such as this one, you will need to make sure that you build a compelling resume and cover letter so that you can get an interview.
Once you are at the interview stage, you need to start preparing. Interviews should not be taken lightly as they can start your career.
Both the training that you have attained and your book knowledge will come in handy at an interview.
To make sure that you are not intimated at an interview, you must prepare yourself for the questions you may be asked.
If you know your work inside out, you will have no problem in preparing.
Anticipating interview questions and preparing answers for them is the key to success here.
See also: Electrician Resume
Electrician Interview Questions and Answers
Why do you consider yourself qualified for the electrician job?
After completing 144 hours of electrician apprenticeship at Xcel Energy, I worked as an electrician for three years. I have experience using an assortment of professional equipment such as meters, conduit benders, oscilloscopes, and robotic arms and controllers. Additionally, I am aware of the state’s safety codes and protocols.
Why did you choose to become an electrician?
It was my inborn trait of curiosity, combined with awe for electrical appliances and devices that led me to choose this profession.
What are the general safety precautions an electrician must take while at work?
General safety guidelines issued for electricians by OSHA include never assuming that a wire is dead, wearing all appropriate PPE, not touching an overhead power line, always using color coding, avoiding contact with water or any conductor while dealing with an electrical appliance, using proper insulation methods and the like.
How do you take criticism?
Criticism is naturally upsetting, but I have learned to take it constructively since it is an opportunity to improve. I always accept criticism seriously and work my way on the criticized skill consistently to perfection.
How does your educational background support your career?
I have undergone proper vocational training to become an electrician, and my Class A electrician diploma along with hands-on experience with wiring and electrical equipment repair support me massively in my career.
Are you a detail-oriented person? Why is attention to detail important to succeed as an electrician?
Yes, I have excellent attention to detail. Being detail oriented is crucial not only to succeed but to survive as an electrician.
The nature of an electrician’s job is compassionate, and if instructions and safety guidelines are not followed to the book, there is a high risk of accidents.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an electrician?
The most challenging aspect I believe, is the constant progression of electrical technology. One has to remain updated regarding upcoming electrical technologies which are exciting but sometimes challenging to catch up.
Are you specialized in any particular area of electrical work?
The entire electric world fascinates me but handling wiring, and electrical systems interest me more than anything else. I took up specialized training in managing these areas, and I am often called upon to provide my expertise.
What is the most critical component of a tube light circuit? How does it work?
The starter is the most critical feature of a tube light circuit. In layman, when a tube light is given power, the choke and starter work together to light up the tube.
As an electrician, I am sure you often come across dangerous situations such as electric shock. Why does the human body feel electrical shock so severely? What do you do to keep from getting hurt?
Given the fact that the human body is an excellent conductor of electricity, if we wear rubber boots and gloves, the current does not flow through our bodies as it creates a high resistance path.
Share your experience about a challenging project you accomplished?
Last year I was allotted a project that comprised of rewiring of an old building. The task was complicated since the building was a museum, and its walls had to be preserved in their condition, which meant I could not do any external wiring.
After a lot of contemplation, I devised a way to replace the old fittings with modern ones using the same connections, replacing the wires where necessary.
What does PPE mean?
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It includes any equipment or protective gear worn to protect oneself from any workplace hazard, including electrical hazards.
Do you have any experience in interpreting blueprints?
We were working on a commercial building with the strict deadline two years back when my supervisor had to go on urgent leave. I translated the blueprint, made a sketch based on the same, and completed the work satisfactorily well before time.