How do you prepare your equipment before starting work?

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Linemen take great care in preparing their equipment before starting work to ensure their safety and the safety of others. They begin by inspecting their tools and equipment to ensure everything is in working order and free from defects or damage. They also check the condition of their safety gear, including their helmets, gloves, and harnesses, to ensure that they are in good condition and will provide adequate protection in case of an accident. Once everything has been inspected and deemed safe, linemen will carefully pack their equipment and load it onto their trucks or other vehicles, ready to head out to their job sites and get to work.

The interviewer wants to know that you take the time to determine what equipment is needed before going on the line and that you check all of your equipment before starting work. Proper planning and having the right work tools will ensure that you optimize time and safety. Let the interviewer know what steps you take to prepare your equipment before starting your work day.

"Organization is important to ensure that I am always working safely and efficiently. Before I start a new job, the foreman and I will review the job at hand, lay out all of the required equipment, and test that equipment for readiness. Then, each day before starting my shift, I inspect my safety equipment and tools to ensure I have everything and it's all in good working condition."

Anonymous Answer

"Having a tailboard before the job is very important to me. Knowing what tools are needed and making sure equipment is functionally correctly before starting our task."

Stephanie's Feedback

Good response! It sounds like you go into each work day well-prepared.

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Anonymous Answer

"I always try to keep everything organized to keep things safer and simpler. First I would inspect the equipment for safety and make sure they are all up to date for maintenance/testing."

Kevin's Feedback

Great--it sounds like you have the experience to ensure you can do your job safely! However, you want to contrast yourself from the other candidates by highlighting your process in a way that sets you apart.

"I am a stickler when it comes to productivity. I’ve known too many others in my field that end up making runs for things they didn’t anticipate they’d need on a job, or hadn’t ensured they had everything they needed at the onset. So I have a clipboard with a full inventory of my equipment, and different lists for different jobs. It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. So, in addition, I keep everything organized to ensure I can take a quick inventory, know exactly where everything is, and never lose time, or end up distracted fishing for something. I make sure my tool belt is loaded, and I prioritize simple safety above all. That’s why I also inspect the equipment and make sure everything is up to date for maintenance/testing. As I always say, always pad the job."

How to Answer: How do you prepare your equipment before starting work?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Lineman job interview.

28. How do you prepare your equipment before starting work?

What You Need to Know

Written by Krista Wenz on August 31st, 2023

Answer Example

Written by Krista Wenz on August 31st, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Having a tailboard before the job is very important to me. Knowing what tools are needed and making sure equipment is functionally correctly before starting our task."

Stephanie's Feedback

Good response! It sounds like you go into each work day well-prepared.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I always try to keep everything organized to keep things safer and simpler. First I would inspect the equipment for safety and make sure they are all up to date for maintenance/testing."

Kevin's Feedback

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