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What are Common Electrical Interview Questions?

David Larson
David Larson

Electrical interview questions one might expect to answer during a job interview may fall into three categories: education, experience, and certification. In addition, preparing for a job interview will generally entail having a current, well-prepared resume and demonstrating desirability as a potential employee. Electrical interview questions will depend upon the specific job within the field; an applicant for a job as a residential electrician will field different questions from an electrical engineer.

Presenting a well-prepared resume is one of the primary tips for a job interview. This document will form the basis for many of the interview questions addressed to the applicant. The resume should provide specifics about all pertinent past and current employment information as well as contact information, education, and work experience. Dates and duration of job experience and electrical training are typically a necessity.

Electrical interview questions will likely relate to the specifics of the project.
Electrical interview questions will likely relate to the specifics of the project.

If a job is being sought from a large employer, an applicant may have at least two interviews, one from a human resources (HR) representative and one from a qualified manager. Questions regarding general qualifications and references might be expected in an interview by the HR staff member. Electrical interview questions typically will be asked by a manager with electrical training and will often include questions about knowledge and skills directly related to the job at hand.

Electricians must have the ability to read different kinds of meters.
Electricians must have the ability to read different kinds of meters.

When applying directly to an electrical contractor, electrical interview questions will likely relate to the specifics of the project. An applicant for a journeyman residential electrician’s job will typically be asked to show current certification and, if appropriate, a current union card. The applicant will then be required to answer interview answers regarding electrical building codes for the job locale and perhaps be asked to demonstrate knowledge of installation techniques.

In the case of a large employer, the electrical job candidate may be interviewed by a human resources representative as well as by a qualified electrical systems manager.
In the case of a large employer, the electrical job candidate may be interviewed by a human resources representative as well as by a qualified electrical systems manager.

In the event that the applicant is seeking a job as an electrical engineer, questions pertaining to code may still apply. In addition, design questions may be asked and a request for examples of previous design projects may be presented. It is expected that the education level and depth of electrical knowledge would be substantially greater for an engineer than for an electrician.

Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as those about practical skills.
Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as those about practical skills.

While an electrical engineer usually has a university degree, an electrician may be well qualified with on-the-job training and the ability to pass a certification exam. To become an electrician, one must be able to read blueprints, understand principles of basic circuitry, and have the ability to utilize tools and electric meters such as an ohm meter, amp meter, or voltage meter. Electrical theory and code knowledge are available through course work at a college or technical school, and an exam is usual for certification.

A well-prepared resume should include information about education, certifications and related experience.
A well-prepared resume should include information about education, certifications and related experience.

Requirements to become an electrician in the United States vary from one state to another. International requirements differ as well, although some states and countries have reciprocity of certification. With a strong knowledge of the requirements for license or certification, any electrical interview questions should present no problem for a job applicant.

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    • Electrical interview questions will likely relate to the specifics of the project.
      By: sevaljevic
      Electrical interview questions will likely relate to the specifics of the project.
    • Electricians must have the ability to read different kinds of meters.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Electricians must have the ability to read different kinds of meters.
    • In the case of a large employer, the electrical job candidate may be interviewed by a human resources representative as well as by a qualified electrical systems manager.
      By: michaeljung
      In the case of a large employer, the electrical job candidate may be interviewed by a human resources representative as well as by a qualified electrical systems manager.
    • Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as those about practical skills.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as those about practical skills.
    • A well-prepared resume should include information about education, certifications and related experience.
      By: Marzky Ragsac Jr.
      A well-prepared resume should include information about education, certifications and related experience.
    • Some interviews may focus on experience with designing, building or testing electronics.
      By: Sergio Di Giovanni
      Some interviews may focus on experience with designing, building or testing electronics.
    • Electrical engineers need to be able to read blueprints.
      By: Vladimir Gerasimov
      Electrical engineers need to be able to read blueprints.