Were you attracted to the job posting because the company culture was enticing? Did they suggest an irresistible compensation package? Perhaps you know about the company's reputation and it prompted you to apply. Tell the hiring manager how you felt when you initially saw the job posting.
Electrical Technician Interview Questions
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1.
What attracted you to our job posting?
Rachelle's Answer
"I was really excited when I first saw your job posting because I have had an eye out for openings in your company for quite some time. Your organization has a very strong reputation and when I read the posting, it described the exact role I have been looking for. I applied immediately and am thrilled to be here interviewing with you today."
Rachelle's Answer
"One of my professors suggested that I apply here because of my strength in mathematics and schematics. He knew of your hiring history and told me that you take a keen interest in promising new graduates."
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2.
Tell me about your electrical related on-the-job training.
As an electrical technician, you have likely had a great deal of on-the-job experience combined with your education. Tell the hiring manager about the most valuable lessons you learned during your training.
Rachelle's Answer
"I received extensive on-the-job training in my first position right out of university. I had a powerful mentor who allowed me to work by his side every day for six months. The most valuable lesson I learned during this on the job training was the blueprint and schematic reading and analysis."
Rachelle's Answer
"I recently completed a three-month practicum with a local maintenance group. I was able to train under a seasoned technician, which I feel so grateful for. One of the most significant points I learned was how to troubleshoot maintenance issues quickly. Now, I look forward to working with another strong technician but also carving my way as an electrical technician."
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3.
Are you applying for any other electrical technician positions?
It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager, if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position. Tell the interviewer about your search so far.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am keeping an eye out for viable positions. Although I am not in final stages with any other company, I am actively seeking a new position."
Rachelle's Answer
"I just graduated with my Associate's Degree in Electrical Technology and have been actively seeking a new position for a couple of weeks now. I have two other first interviews booked for this week, and a second interview in a couple of days."
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4.
Do you see yourself a leader? When have you led a team?
Perhaps you have been a coach for a youth sports team or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. You should always be prepared to show the interviewer that you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display to the interviewer that you are capable of handling the responsibility that comes with being a leader and mentor.
Talk about your desire to be a leader. Share with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be a face of the organization when challenges arise.
Rachelle's Answer
"In my current position, I love that I have the opportunity to encourage employee engagement while being a positive influence on the workplace culture. I am a natural leader because I start with leading by example. As a leader, I make myself available to others who need mentorship, a bit of assistance in adjusting to their role, or just a listening ear when they've had a tough day. I am confident in my leadership abilities and look forward to joining your team in a leadership role."
Rachelle's Answer
"I have taken a course in leadership recently as well as bring some light leadership experience from my most recent role. When my supervisor takes time off, I am asked to step into his shoes to be a leader to the new staff. I am eager to take on a bigger leadership role shortly."
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5.
What equipment are you most comfortable working on?
Although this equipment may be listed on your resume, the interviewer would like further detail on your level of exposure to this equipment. Walk the hiring manager through your experience and rate yourself as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced tech when it comes to each type of equipment. This is an excellent time to ask the interviewer what kind of equipment they work on the most.
Rachelle's Answer
"I have worked on a variety of equipment including X, Y, and Z and would rate myself as an advanced tech in those pieces of equipment. I am confident in my ability to work on any equipment successfully. Could you share with me the most common types of equipment that you work on here?"
Rachelle's Answer
"I am new in my career as an electrical technician, so I have not worked on a large range of equipment. During my post-secondary training, we had a great amount of focus on DC/AC machines and electrical installations. I look forward to furthering my exposure."
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6.
What type of PPE are you familiar with?
The interviewer would like to know if the safety gear (PPE: Personal Protective Equipment) you are accustomed to working in is similar to what they are currently using. Briefly give a list to the hiring manager of the safety gear you currently work in, and what you are most familiar with.
Rachelle's Answer
"I currently wear a variety of safety gear including steel-toed work boots, a hard hat, protective glasses, and fire resistant coveralls. Are there any other forms of PPE that I should be familiar with?"
Rachelle's Answer
"I have been taught the importance of wearing personal protective equipment. I will come prepared with my steel-toed work boots, hard hat, fire resistant coveralls, and anything else you may require of me."
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7.
Why are you leaving your current job?
The interviewer would like to know your motivation for leaving your current position. When discussing your current job be sure to stay in a positive mindset and keep the conversation light. There are many legitimate reasons for leaving a job. Be sure to be clear about your reasoning, and be honest. Stay away from any negative response! That is a complete interview killer.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am looking for a new position as the volume in my current role has decreased significantly, and I am facing a potential layoff."
Rachelle's Answer
"I currently work in a practicum placement, as a requirement to complete my degree. This practicum will be coming to an end this month which is why I am now seeking a full time, permanent opportunity."
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8.
Are you confident in your ability to interpret any electrical diagram and repair most equipment in safe manner?
TAssure the hiring manager that you are confident in your ability to interpret electrical diagrams and repairing equipment safely. Keep your response brief and remain confident in your reply.
Rachelle's Answer
"I am very confident in my ability to interpret electrical diagrams. This is one of my stronger suits in my current role and I have a lot of experience doing so. When it comes to repairing equipment, I always think of safety first. I have taken additional safety courses as well."
Rachelle's Answer
"My educational training well prepared me for interpreting electrical diagrams and safe equipment repair. I am very pleased with my level of training and cannot wait to put my knowledge into action."
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9.
What can you do for us that other electrical tech candidates cannot?
The interviewer would like to know what sets you apart from other candidates. Be confident that you can confidently answer the hiring manager. What do you feel you can do better than anyone else? What sets you apart? This is not the time to be humble!
Rachelle's Answer
"I feel that what I can offer you that other candidates cannot is my degree in mathematics. I have stellar math skills which allows me to complete jobs quickly and more efficiently."
Rachelle's Answer
"When I started with my current company, I was the youngest graduate they had ever hired. That didn't stop me from becoming the most productive electrical technician in the company within six months. I am dedicated to my craft and engaged in this industry to the point where I commit myself to taking at least one technical development or electrically related workshop every business quarter. I am a competitive achiever. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."
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10.
Do you have experience developing programs for maintaining new equipment?
The interviewer would like to know if you have experience with writing equipment maintenance programs. If you do, tell the hiring manager about the experience. Better yet - bring the work with you if you can! If you do not have experience in developing programs for maintenance equipment, be sure to talk about your interest in doing this, and discuss your stellar writing skills!
Rachelle's Answer
"I have written two programs in my career so far, and have brought them with me for you to view. Are you looking for someone to rewrite some programs, in this role? I am happy to do so. My writing skills are strong, and this is a skill that I can teach as well."
Rachelle's Answer
"I do not have experience in developing programs for maintaining new equipment. However, I have assisted my current supervisor in doing so. I am confident that this is a task I could perform with minimal training."
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11.
What was the most difficult repair job you have done?
The interviewer would like to know more about the complex repair jobs you have worked with before. Tell the hiring manager the details of a complicated repair job you have worked on in the past. If you are new to your career as an electrical technician, perhaps you had a challenging cast study while completing your degree.
Rachelle's Answer
"The most difficult repair job I recall doing was on an ancient A/C machine. The equipment was not acting how it should despite everything appearing to be properly wired. I had to call in my supervisor to assist. We ended up getting it figured out but it was a very challenging experience."
Rachelle's Answer
"I am new to my career as an electrical technician so, at this point, I have not been the lead tech on any challenging repair jobs. While completing my internship, I worked under a senior technician and assisted him on a difficult DC installation. I was able to learn a lot from him, which I am grateful for."
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12.
Do you have experience in manufacturing?
Tell the hiring manager about any manufacturing experience you have. Bring your resume to life for the interviewer but avoid talking on and on. Pick out the best of your knowledge and highlight that. If you do not have experience in manufacturing, let the interviewer know that you have some form of understanding of the manufacturing industry.
Rachelle's Answer
"My last two employers were both manufacturing related so yes, I have approximately six years experience within manufacturing. Both of these employers were manufacturers of pneumatic valves and automation."
Rachelle's Answer
"I am familiar with the major aspects of manufacturing and fully understand the importance of efficient equipment, and a safe environment, within manufacturing."
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13.
How comfortable are you with reading complicated electrical blueprints?
Tell the hiring manager about your level of comfortability with reading electrical blueprints. Include how long you have been performing this task and any post-secondary reference that may be applicable. To make your level of experience more relatable, you can also refer to your skill level as a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or even expert!
Rachelle's Answer
"I am very comfortable reading electrical blueprints and would consider myself advanced in this skill. Blueprint reading was one of my stronger suits in university, and I perform this particular task on a regular basis, in my current role."
Rachelle's Answer
"As I am new to my career as an electrical technician, I will play it safe and say that I am a beginner and intermediate skill level when it comes to blueprint reading. I excelled in related coursework while obtaining my associate's degree; however, my real-life experience is limited. I look forward to expanding my skills in this area."
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14.
How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
The interviewer would like to see that you are planning to make this move, a long-term career move. Tell the hiring manager if you are looking for a long-term fit, and why you think their company would keep you around for years to come. If you have strong tenure in your work history, be sure to lean on that.
Rachelle's Answer
"If hired, I would like to work for you as long as possible. I am a very loyal employee and know that once I find the right fit, I am going to stay long term. You can also see from my resume that I have strong tenure in my other roles."
Rachelle's Answer
"This is the start of my career as an electrical technician, and I plan to stay here for a very long time. Training and onboarding is a time consuming and expensive effort, so I fully understand the importance of loyalty."
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15.
Why do you want to be an electrical technician?
The interviewer would like to know why you chose this as a career path. Your answer can include a little bit of personal touch when you tell the hiring manager about your path to becoming an electrical technician.
Rachelle's Answer
"Growing up, my father was an electrical technician, and I knew it was the path that I wanted to take from early on. I like to be in a hands-on role, and this was a natural choice for me."
Rachelle's Answer
"I have a strong interest in electrical work and equipment maintenance but did not have an interest in going into engineering. I recently completed my 2-year associate's degree and am eager to get some hands-on experience."
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16.
Electrical work can be difficult. How do you handle stressful situations?
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17.
What is your ideal workplace culture?
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18.
What post-secondary education do you have? What would you change about your academic experience and what was the biggest positive for you?
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19.
Tell me about your favorite class while obtaining your post-secondary education. Why was is your favorite?
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20.
If you needed something immediately and your supervisor was unavailable, what would you do?
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21.
What have you done in the last year to improve your knowledge as an electrical technician?
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22.
What are your salary expectations?
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23.
Would you be willing to work over 40 hours a week?
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24.
Do you have any questions for me?
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25.
Successful projects need smooth communication. Rate your communication skills from 1-10.
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