What is lockout tagout? Why is it important?

"When I worked at XYZ company, our lockout/tagout procedure involved at least two people. First, we made sure the component was completely shut down by following the procedural guidelines. Next, we marked it as tagged, and the second person verified that it had been done correctly. It was absolutely necessary that two people were involved to ensure the safety of others."

This question is designed to gauge your general experience, as LOTO should be common knowledge. Each company may have specific nuances that vary from company to company, but generally speaking, LOTO is the process of making sure a device is turned off/shutdown and tagging it in a way that clearly identifies that these steps have been taken. It is an important industry standard so that any employee or contractor can be safe on the job.

Have you ever worked in a refinery? If so, what type of work have you done?

"Although I have never been a direct employee of a refinery, I have worked as a boilermaker contractor at several different refineries. OR I have direct boilermaker experience, but not in a refinery setting."

Remember that this can include any work you've done as a contractor or as an employee in a refinery. It is ok if you have direct refinery experience, but it is also ok if you don't. Some employers would prefer to hire someone with little to no refinery experience so that any bad work habits aren't carried over from one company to the next. It is also sometimes easier to train someone who is new to the industry but has specific related experience. On the flip side, the employer might be looking for someone who has direct experience so that they don't have to start at square one acclimating you to the refinery environment. There is really no way to tell what the employer is looking for as far as experience, so don't second-guess that you have it all figured out. Just be honest and as specific as possible in your answer.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking of becoming a boilermaker?

"If I was giving advice to an up-and-coming boilermaker, I would first make sure they knew what the job was all about. There are certain mechanical skills that are necessary to be successful, such as welding. They would also need to know that it is a physically demanding job, often working in tight spaces and extreme heat. Physical strength is a necessity, as well as being comfortable working at, below, or above ground."

For this question, think about some of the primary skills involved in the job. Your answer could include skills that are necessary, or a prerequisite, as well as skills that can be learned during an apprenticeship. The interviewer is likely probing to make sure you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job.

Tell me about your experience and how comfortable you are using hand tools.

"I've found that there are several essential hand tools that I use as a boilermaker almost every day. Precision is key, so I keep a tape measure, engineer's chalk, and level ready at all times. I also find that I utilize a hammer and clamps pretty often, as well, to help with repairs. Other items that I keep nearby are a plumb bob, wedge, and angle grinder. I often work in tight spaces, so I might not keep these tools on my tool belt, but they are easily accessible at all times."

Be specific in your answer. Although some tool names/uses may vary, your answer should clearly state the names of the tools and can include a very brief summary of your experience using them. You don't need to give a solid 10 minutes of every tool you've ever used - stick to tools that are specifically used by boilermakers.

If you were a foreman, what types of things would you tell the workers in your craft about being safe? What would you do if they did not take you seriously?

"As a foreman, I would start with the immediate risks of the job such as being struck by an object, loud noise, vibrations, and extreme heat. There are strict safety protocols in place to help prevent issues with these risks, but they have to be implemented and followed at all times. If an employee did not appear to take me seriously or was found not following the protocols, there are several things I would do. First, I would remind him or her about the importance of safety on the job. I would offer a specific experience that I have seen or heard of where someone did not follow the safety protocols and the consequences of that. As a foreman, the most important thing I would do is personally follow all safety protocols as a model for others."

With this question, the interviewer is asking you to put yourself in the place of a foreman and summarize the safety hazards and protocols of working as a boilermaker, as well as how you would deal with employees not following the safety protocols. Your answer should demonstrate that you are aware of the general safety hazards of this type of work as well as give the interviewer an idea of how you work and deal with others. It is important to think about how employees respond to different types of personalities while still considering the importance of safety at all times.

How do you handle repetitive job tasks that must be done correctly?

"When I'm working on a repetitive job, I try to find interesting ways to keep my brain focused so that I am adhering to all protocols, especially in regard to safety. I might sing a song in my head, talk to myself, or say the steps I'm taking out loud as I do them to keep myself alert and focused."

Working as a boilermaker can often entail doing the same repetitive jobs over and over, regardless of whether you are in a refinery or another industry setting. With this question, the interviewer is specifically looking for ways that you deal with boredom in order to make sure you stay alert, safe, and are following proper protocols.

Tell me about a time when you prevented a dangerous situation. What was going on? Why was it dangerous? What exactly did you do?

"A few years ago in the plant, I saw a large spill that someone had already put cones around to prevent others from walking through it and potentially slipping. But I also noticed that several people were just going around the cones and cutting the corner because it was a faster route. Standard procedure indicates that I notify my supervisor immediately and seek guidance as to next steps. This is because I may be involved in the next steps or the supervisor may choose to contact the maintenance department to initiate next steps. He asked me to get a few more cones and block off the corner while he escalated the urgency for a clean-up with the maintenance department. He was happy that I didn't just cut the corner like the others, and that I brought it to his attention immediately."

Chances are that you have seen a situation that wasn't safe and helped remedy it in some way. Try to give a specific experience that includes what you saw, what was dangerous about it, and your role in fixing it or preventing the dangerous situation. It is important to note what the procedure is in that type of situation and how you specifically followed it.

What are some disappointments you have experienced on your previous jobs? Why did you feel this way?

"I was given a project to complete in a very short time frame. I voiced my concerns that I wasn't sure I would be able to complete it because of outlying factors - like ordering additional supplies and parts. I completed the project and everyone was pleased in the end, but I was personally disappointed that I wasn't able to complete it in the desired time frame. After talking this over with my supervisor, we agreed that in the future I would play a role in developing the timeline for the project so that all factors could be considered."

Be careful not to give a generic answer. Try to think of a specific situation in which you were disappointed, but be careful to not be pointing out your own flaws or weaknesses in your example. In explaining why, be sure you don't blame others and take responsibility for your part in the situation.

What type of co-worker do you find it most difficult to work with? Why? How do you handle situations when you have to work with someone like this?

"I recently worked with someone who I had a hard time getting along with. He constantly cursed on the job, and although it isn't that uncommon in my field, I don't particularly appreciate it. At first, I tried to make light of it by just making small jokes about it, but it was obvious that he didn't seem phased. Finally, I asked to talk to him privately and let him know that it upsets me when he curses so much. He was very receptive to me talking to him about it, and wanted to know if he needed to stop cursing all together or whether it was something in particular that was bothering me. We talked about it for a little while and he agreed to try and tone it down. He still cursed after that, but he definitely didn't do it as much as before. I appreciated that he was willing to make a change, and he told me that he appreciated that I spoke with him privately about it. After that, we worked just fine together and he even ended up being my supervisor for a while."

We all have things that upset us at work, and sometimes it is a coworker. The most important part of this question is your reaction to the situation. You cannot control the behavior or emotions of a coworker, but you certainly can control your own. Think of an example where you didn't get along well with another coworker, how you dealt with the situation, and how you successfully worked with them after that point. Don't give an example where you went above their head without talking to them first, or where you were not able to resolve your differences.

What is gas tungsten arc welding?

"This is the most common type of weld for stainless steel, but it can be applied to almost all metals. It is commonly referred to as GTAW and produces an exceptional quality weld."

This is a direct question to check your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Be honest if you do not know the answer or have a limited understanding of this type of weld. Your answer can be simple and to the point or can involve a brief example of when you've used this particular type of weld on the job.

Tell me about your experience reading a high-pressure steam chart/table.

"Reading steam tables is essential in my industry. I use them frequently to determine saturated steam temperature from steam pressure or vice versa. Depending on the need, I may use either the pressure-based or temperature-based table."

In this situation, you either have or have not had experience reading a high-pressure steam chart/table. If you have no idea what this is and have never used it, be honest with your answer. Otherwise, you can be brief with your answer in explaining what it is and why it is used. The interviewer is looking to determine whether you already have some basic field knowledge. If probed, you will want to give a specific example of using a steam table to gather information for the job you are working on.

If your task was to open the internals of a tower, would you feel comfortable being in an enclosed area with limited space? Please explain.

"I have worked on a project in a sump where I was definitely in an enclosed area with limited space. It is often difficult to maneuver and get my work done when I'm in the situation, but I found that the more I did it, the more comfortable I was in that particular situation. OR I have never had that specific experience, but I have worked under cars while trying to repair them, and I definitely was in an enclosed type of area with limited workspace. It helps to be systematic in my approach to working in that type of situation and have all materials prepared and a game plan in place for getting the work done."

Your answer would be that yes, you feel comfortable being in an enclosed area with limited space, if that is true. It is helpful to add a specific example from a previous job or hobby if you have no previous job experience.

Why do you want to work for our company?

"That's a great question. I have specific experience as a boilermaker, and I see that your company currently utilizes contractors for this work. I offer consistent and dedicated skilled labor. I am looking to settle down with a company for a career and not just a job."

This can be a tricky question. The interviewer is basically asking why you are leaving your current company while also probing to see what benefit you might be to their employer, as well as how much you already know about the company itself. Be careful in offering up too little information about how you would benefit the company. Be specific about how you can fill a need within their company based on your experience or expertise. If you do not know much about the company, try to be as thorough as possible and remember to research in more detail for future interviews.

Why do you want a career as a boilermaker?

"I've always had a technical interest, whether it was working on electronics at home or repairing my own cars. I got into this field as part of another job I was working on where it was necessary for me to learn some of the skills of a boilermaker. I met several influential people who were willing to help me get an apprenticeship, and I later moved on to working as a contractor for a local company. I find that this field gives me an opportunity to combine my technical interests as well as my desire to be working with my hands."

This question is often used to probe for information about your related work history, hobbies, and technical interest. Think about what initially prompted you to go into this field - a family member, a unique opportunity to work as an apprentice, or perhaps a side job that you learned out of necessity while working in another field.

Tell me about a time you had to work in a tight space and any issues you may have experienced.

"I have worked in many tight spaces and have never had any issues. It may not always be my preferred method of working, because most of the tight spaces I've worked in are dark, damp, and often poorly ventilated. Whether it is up high, at ground level, or below grade, most of the work I do can be found in tight spaces that require me to have all tools on hand and easily accessible."

You either have or have not worked in a tight space, so be honest with your answer. The interviewer is simply looking to gauge your industry experience. If possible, give a specific example of working in a tight space and any issues or complications you may have had. You can also mention whether the tight spaces you were working in were on the ground, below grade, or at extreme heights.

Give an example of working at height and any issues you may have experienced.

"I've worked on dams that are hundreds of feet off the ground. At first, I was pretty nervous, but I also knew that all safety precautions had been taken and that I would be safe. I also trusted the procedures that we used to ensure my safety. Although I may not prefer to work at great heights for long periods of time, I don't mind doing so in order to get the job done."

You have either worked at height or you haven't, so be sure to give an honest answer of your experience and any issues you may have had. It is ok to admit that you were nervous/scared at first or even for a while, but it's always a good idea to mention the safety protocols that were put in place in order to ensure your safety.

What is a Globe Valve?

"A globe valve is most often used for throttling in plant piping. It is a type of valve used for regulating flow or pressure in a pipeline, including complete shutoff of flow."

This is a direct question to check for your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your answer can be simple and to the point or can involve a brief example of when you've used this particular type of valve on the job.

What types of valves are used for throttling?

"The most common valve used for throttling is a globe valve, but you might also use a needle valve. Both of these allow you to adjust the amount of flow by adjusting the flow path through the valve."

This is a direct question to check for your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your answer can be simple and to the point or can involve a brief example of when you've encountered each type of valve on the job.

What rubs you the wrong way at work? What do you do when you feel this way?

"I find it annoying when people take breaks longer than they are supposed to. I know that this is a small thing, but it also means that we might not finish the job and have to leave it for the next shift to finish. I like to see a job through from start to finish. If this happens frequently, I talk to the person privately about how his behavior is affecting the job. OR I find it difficult when coworkers are repeatedly late for work. We often have to delay the start of a team meeting or safety huddle because of this. It also means that we might be standing around for an extra half hour when we could be starting the job. If this happens frequently, I would talk to the coworker in private first about how their tardiness affects the entire team."

Your first instinct might be to talk about how it upsets you when others aren't safe at work. While this may be true, it is also a pretty generic answer. Give a specific example of something that is slightly annoying to you, but doesn't go against safety policy or procedures. When discussing how you feel, be sure not to be too extreme one way or the other.

Have you ever had the opportunity to train someone? Do you have a specific approach that you use?

"A few years ago, I noticed a new contractor at my job who was having trouble welding some equipment. I asked him if he wanted some help and he said yes. Turns out, he wasn't quite sure what he was doing. He had been asked to weld with no formal training and was just helping someone out. I didn't mind using some of my downtime to help him learn this craft."

If you have never trained someone, be honest with your answer. Otherwise, think of a specific time when you offered to train someone without being asked. Be sure to include why they needed the training and how you were still able to handle your own job while helping someone else.

Tell me about a time when someone pointed out something you did wrong. How did you feel about it? What was the situation? What did you say?

"When I was an apprentice, I made a fair amount of small mistakes during the process of learning my trade. Once, I went into a boiler without first making sure it was clear because I saw my supervisor go in earlier. He saw me do this and immediately corrected me, saying that I can't assume it's still safe to enter just because it was safe earlier. That stuck with me; now, I don't make any assumptions. I always ask myself if I'm making an assumption about something or if I have evidence to support what I'm doing."

Sometimes it can be difficult to be corrected at work, but it's also a part of learning and growing in your field. Try to think of a specific example that happened where you made a small mistake that made a small impact. It is ok to admit that you made a mistake, as it happens to everyone. The interviewer is looking to see how you handled the correction and what you did as a result.

In general, do you think policies and procedures help your work or make it harder? Why do you feel that way?

"I think policies and procedures have been put in place based on first-hand experience with issues that have happened in the past. Although it might seem like they make my job harder by having to follow every precise step, it also means that it is being done correctly and safely."

You might see this as a trick question because, of course, policies and procedures help your work. However, sometimes those procedures actually do make more work for you in the long run, but it also means the work was done safely and correctly.

If you and a couple of other workers were given instructions to do a certain job one way but you knew that there was a better way to do it, what would you do?

"There have been times when my coworkers and I question why a task is being done a certain way and think we might have a quicker way to do it. When that happens, we speak to our foreman or supervisor and discuss our thoughts before we ever take action. There might be a serious reason why the procedure is being done one way and not the other - perhaps someone got injured in the past or it has proven to be unsuccessful in some way. I was digging a trench in the heat of the day one time and my coworker asked why we weren't using a backhoe instead of doing it manually. It sounded like a great idea - work smarter, not harder. When we talked to our foreman, he pointed out that there were gas lines all around where we were and that doing it manually was the only safe way to do it. We obviously didn't know this and were glad we talked with him first."

This question is getting at whether or not you are able to follow policy and procedure while still using your background knowledge to think for yourself. You definitely do not want to give the impression that if you know a better way, you just do it. Your answer should show that you are aware of the chain of command when you disagree with a procedure or have a new method for doing something.

Some people have a hard time taking instructions while others will do anything someone asks of them. Where do you fit on this dimension?

"I would say that I fall somewhere in the middle between those two extremes. I definitely want to listen and learn from superiors who have more experience than me, but I also want to make sure that what I'm being directed to do is safe and aligns with company policy. I strive to take what I've learned and apply it to new situations as much as possible, while also relying on the experience of others."

In this scenario, you are basically being asked whether you are going to resist company policy at every turn or blindly follow whatever your supervisor says, whether it is aligned with policy or not. You obviously want to fall somewhere in the middle between listening and following directives but keeping company policy at the forefront of your mind at all times.

When we contact your previous employers, what will they tell us about your job performance? If it were possible, would they hire you again?

"What they probably remember best about me is that I am dependable and a hard worker. In my most recent job, I worked closely with my supervisor to amend some of the current policies and procedures that had not been updated in quite a while to more accurately reflect current safety protocols and best practices."

It is common practice to contact your former employers to get a general idea of your work ethic and job performance. This isn't the time to make a joke about what a previous employer or supervisor might say, but rather a time to be introspective and think about your own past performance. Try to highlight areas that would stand out to your previous employers - such as how you saved the company time or money, or how you significantly contributed to a project.

Most people feel that they sometimes disagree with a policy or rule. Tell me about a time where you felt it was OK to go against a work policy or rule. What was it about this rule that you did not agree with? What did you do? What happened?

"There was an emergency situation at work, and a small fire broke out right in front of me where another contractor was working. The procedure in this situation is to immediately notify my supervisor, but he wasn't answering his radio. There was a fire extinguisher nearby, so I used it to put out the fire before it got any bigger. Technically, I went against policy because I wasn't able to reach my supervisor, but I found him right after and explained the situation, and he was very happy that I didn't wait for him to respond before putting out the fire."

Be thoughtful and specific with your answer to this question. Going against a policy or procedure is almost never a good idea, but there are situations in which it is necessary. Think of an example where the policy or procedure was outdated, not written down as formal policy, or wasn't feasible given the circumstances. Be careful if you give an example that goes against policy, but was given as a directive by your supervisor. This could prompt questions as to whether or not you blindly follow your supervisor even when you know it goes against policy.

Boilermaker Interview Questions

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1. What is lockout tagout? Why is it important?
2. Have you ever worked in a refinery? If so, what type of work have you done?
3. What advice would you give someone who is thinking of becoming a boilermaker?
4. Tell me about your experience and how comfortable you are using hand tools.
5. If you were a foreman, what types of things would you tell the workers in your craft about being safe? What would you do if they did not take you seriously?
6. How do you handle repetitive job tasks that must be done correctly?
7. Tell me about a time when you prevented a dangerous situation. What was going on? Why was it dangerous? What exactly did you do?
8. What are some disappointments you have experienced on your previous jobs? Why did you feel this way?
9. What type of co-worker do you find it most difficult to work with? Why? How do you handle situations when you have to work with someone like this?
10. What is gas tungsten arc welding?
11. Tell me about your experience reading a high-pressure steam chart/table.
12. If your task was to open the internals of a tower, would you feel comfortable being in an enclosed area with limited space? Please explain.
13. Why do you want to work for our company?
14. Why do you want a career as a boilermaker?
15. Tell me about a time you had to work in a tight space and any issues you may have experienced.
16. Give an example of working at height and any issues you may have experienced.
17. What is a Globe Valve?
18. What types of valves are used for throttling?
19. What rubs you the wrong way at work? What do you do when you feel this way?
20. Have you ever had the opportunity to train someone? Do you have a specific approach that you use?
21. Tell me about a time when someone pointed out something you did wrong. How did you feel about it? What was the situation? What did you say?
22. In general, do you think policies and procedures help your work or make it harder? Why do you feel that way?
23. If you and a couple of other workers were given instructions to do a certain job one way but you knew that there was a better way to do it, what would you do?
24. Some people have a hard time taking instructions while others will do anything someone asks of them. Where do you fit on this dimension?
25. When we contact your previous employers, what will they tell us about your job performance? If it were possible, would they hire you again?
26. Most people feel that they sometimes disagree with a policy or rule. Tell me about a time where you felt it was OK to go against a work policy or rule. What was it about this rule that you did not agree with? What did you do? What happened?

Boilermaker Interview Questions

1. What is lockout tagout? Why is it important?

2. Have you ever worked in a refinery? If so, what type of work have you done?

3. What advice would you give someone who is thinking of becoming a boilermaker?

4. Tell me about your experience and how comfortable you are using hand tools.

5. If you were a foreman, what types of things would you tell the workers in your craft about being safe? What would you do if they did not take you seriously?

6. How do you handle repetitive job tasks that must be done correctly?

7. Tell me about a time when you prevented a dangerous situation. What was going on? Why was it dangerous? What exactly did you do?

8. What are some disappointments you have experienced on your previous jobs? Why did you feel this way?

9. What type of co-worker do you find it most difficult to work with? Why? How do you handle situations when you have to work with someone like this?

10. What is gas tungsten arc welding?

11. Tell me about your experience reading a high-pressure steam chart/table.

12. If your task was to open the internals of a tower, would you feel comfortable being in an enclosed area with limited space? Please explain.

13. Why do you want to work for our company?

14. Why do you want a career as a boilermaker?

15. Tell me about a time you had to work in a tight space and any issues you may have experienced.

16. Give an example of working at height and any issues you may have experienced.

17. What is a Globe Valve?

18. What types of valves are used for throttling?

19. What rubs you the wrong way at work? What do you do when you feel this way?

20. Have you ever had the opportunity to train someone? Do you have a specific approach that you use?

21. Tell me about a time when someone pointed out something you did wrong. How did you feel about it? What was the situation? What did you say?

22. In general, do you think policies and procedures help your work or make it harder? Why do you feel that way?

23. If you and a couple of other workers were given instructions to do a certain job one way but you knew that there was a better way to do it, what would you do?

24. Some people have a hard time taking instructions while others will do anything someone asks of them. Where do you fit on this dimension?

25. When we contact your previous employers, what will they tell us about your job performance? If it were possible, would they hire you again?

26. Most people feel that they sometimes disagree with a policy or rule. Tell me about a time where you felt it was OK to go against a work policy or rule. What was it about this rule that you did not agree with? What did you do? What happened?