Top 21 Electrician Interview Questions to Crack your Next Job

So, you’re interviewing for an electrical technician job.

You’ve been told the interview is all about selling yourself, but what does that mean? Should you lie? What if your interviewer asks questions that you have no idea about? We know that’s scary.

We believe there are ways to answer questions about yourself that clearly elaborate on who you are and why you’re fantastic without feeling like you’re selling out. 

This is the best time to prepare for your electrician interview, given that the U.S. Electrical Services Market value is expected to surpass USD 170 Billion by 2027.

We’ve collated 21 of the most common electrician interview questions for electrical technicians. So when the time comes, you will be able to focus on what’s important: presenting all the great things about yourself and your experience so interviewers will want to hire YOU!

List of Most Asked Electrician Interview Questions and Expected Answers

Following is the list of electrician interview questions with sample answers to benefit your following interview.

1. Question: What Sparked Your Interest in the Electrical Industry?

What they want to know: The interviewer will likely ask you this general question to begin the interview and get to know your background.

Sample: Science and technology have always piqued my interest. I have always been interested in how things function, especially in the electrical trade. This interest grew, even more, when I acquired the fundamentals of maths and science and could comprehend electricity theory. I used to work with an electrician friend’s father over the summers in high school. He inspired me to work in this sector.

2. Question: What Motivates You to Apply for This Position?

What they want to know: This is one of the initial questions to sort the wheat from the chaff. Your response will decide whether you are suitable for the post. As a result, market yourself and respond intelligently.

Sample: I followed your electrical business and was excited when a chance presented itself. I have five years’ expertise as an expert electrician. This is where my assistance will be most helpful. Having read the work description, I recognize that this job gives me the right level of challenge.

3. Question: What Function Do Fuses and Breakers Serve? Do They Relate?

What they want to know: The hiring manager would like to ask you about some of the equipment used in your work area and how comfortable you’re with electrical systems.

Sample: Fuses and breakers safeguard overloaded circuits by stopping the power flow. A breaker, however, has a switch that activates automatically in the event of an overload, while a fuse must be replaced when it melts down.

4. Question: What Do You See as the Most Critical Skills for Electricians?

What they want to know:  This question checks if you have the talent and experience needed for the job. 

Give examples of how you’ve used these talents, or explain why you don’t have the experience listed.

Sample to understand the critical skills:

• You must possess technical expertise, a broad knowledge base, and a strong work experience background.
• It’s essential to be good at math, too—especially algebra.
• Outstanding complex electrical problem-solving skills—finding solutions quickly and technical skills are required. These, combined with critical thinking skills, are your most vital traits.
• You are comfortable operating any kind of machinery.
• You need to possess soft skills in your personal life, like good communication skills. Without it, you will have trouble getting your job done and meeting other people’s needs.

5. Question: What Do You Expect to Get Paid?

What They want to know: This will definitely be on the electrician job interview questions list. They are trying to understand your salary expectations and how you value yourself. This is also a test of your confidence in your skills.

Sample: I’m making (x)$ right now. I am not looking for a lateral move. I want a job that will pay more and give me effective chances to advance professionally and financially.

6. Question: Please Describe Your Work Experience.

What they want to know:  Employers prefer long-term job contracts with few gaps in employment. If there are breaks in your work history, explain them. Also, focus on your most recent employment history and relevant experience for the position you’re applying for.

Sample:

• I have been employed at XYZ (insert company name) for n (insert number) of years, during which I have taken advantage of all available training opportunities and certification programs.
• I have experience working on (list types of equipment and machinery and existing electrical systems).
• Highlight any accolades or honors you have won for your work.
• Include any promotions you’ve received as well.

7. Question: Your Resume Shows That You Have Done Several Electrical Projects Over the Years. Which Have Been Your Favorite and Why?

What they want to know: By asking about the tasks they find most enjoyable, the interviewer hopes to learn more about your area of passion in electrical work. This might be useful when putting you on a team. Be truthful.

Sample: I enjoy working on home projects because I adore planning and architecture. I’ve been able to work on a few structures I never thought I’d step foot on. I also enjoy fixing electrical problems for homeowners since it makes them happy.

8. Question: What qualifies an Electrician to Manage Major and Important Projects, in Your Opinion?

What they want to know: The interviewer wants to see if you are aware of the requirements for a top-notch electrician. Persuade them that you have what it takes.

Sample: To reach the necessary degree of experience, electricians must spend years learning, practicing, and working on various projects. To get where I am, I had to acquire many (XYZ) skills, including accuracy and teamwork. Before I received my license, I finished school and an apprenticeship program. 

9. Question: Have You Got a License? Do You Consider It Important?

What they want to know: The interviewer is interested in learning if you adhere to legal standards. Before applying for a position like this, be sure you have a license.

Sample: Yes. Following the conclusion of my apprenticeship program, I was granted a license. I would be ineligible for employment without a permit. It’s crucial for someone in this position that they have completed the training and adhere to all electrical work-related requirements.

10. Question: How Would You Resolve a Difference of Opinion with a Workmate?

What they want to know: This question tests your interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and group collaboration aptitude. They expect you to affirm your ability to collaborate with others. Do not forget that a challenging project necessitates teamwork, which demands a great degree of tolerance. 

Sample: Conflicts frequently arise, mainly while working on initiatives that involve numerous individuals. If such a scenario occurs, I meet the coworker and hear their worries. Then, before I share my opinion, I will invite the guests to provide a few concrete suggestions. We will talk it over and decide.

11. Question: What Electrical Safety Measures Do You Take in This Role?

What they want to know:  The interviewer evaluates your awareness of safety measures and personal protective equipment. Be sure to persuade them that you understand what needs to be done.

Sample: I lock out and tag every circuit and equipment before I start working on them. Whenever I operate on electrical systems, I always wear safety equipment—protective gear, including the appropriate gloves and footwear.

12. Question: What Experience Do You Have With Programmable Computer Logic (PCL) Installation and Repair?

What they want to know: This one is another technical question that inquires about your knowledge of a particular electrical apparatus. If you know of this, you can explain it. If you don’t, you must be honest and say so, but you should also explain how you plan to get the education and skills required to operate that equipment.

Sample:  I’ve worked with computer logic devices before, but I’m not an expert. I know enough about how to set up and populate the chassis, where hardware should go, and how the chassis should be wired. Programming the hardware and procedures to follow in the event of a failure or defect are things I don’t understand well yet. But since I pick things up quickly, I’m sure I can learn what I need to learn to maintain these electrical systems.

13.  Question: What Common Flaws Exist in PCL?

What they want to know: The interviewer asks the same theme questions when they want to learn more about the subject or because they have specific questions they would like answered. Answers to follow-up queries are brief and direct, much like those to ordinary inquiries.

Sample: With PCLs, five typical flaws can appear. Input/output system failure is the most frequent one. Some additional issues are interference from electrical noise, memory corruption, power issues, or communication challenges. It doesn’t take time to diagnose all of them with the right testing tools, and we can resolve them by changing the broken PLC module or component.

14. Question: Why Would You Be a Good Hire?

What they want to know: The interview’s final section includes a question like this to determine if you’re the ideal candidate. If you believe you have something unique that wasn’t referred to or prompted during the interview, please express it here. Be careful not to overuse platitudes like “hard-working,” “quick learner,” or “gets along with others.” 

Instead of discussing how the position will benefit you, focus on what you can offer the employer in your response. Utilize the recruiting manager’s response to this question as an opportunity to sell yourself.

Sample:

• You are capable of doing the task.
• The abilities they are looking for in this position are the perfect fit for yours.
• You have a solid educational foundation and professional history that will help you meet the electrician’s job needs.
• You’re eager to advance in your career and learn new things.

15. Question: Which Safety Issues Concern Electricians the Most?

What they want to know: This question will gauge your safety concerns during the interview. They want to know that you know the dangers involved in your electrical work and how seriously you take safety.

Sample:

• The electric shock while working on an electrical system (or high voltage electrical systems) can be fatal is what worries me the most.
• The second is thermal and electrical burns, including potential electrical fires.
• I’m conscious of the risks associated with working near machinery and equipment to prevent falls. I also need to keep an eye on other things, like lead exposure and potential welding hazards.
• I must be constantly vigilant about unintentional errors or muscle strains because sometimes the job demands working in awkward or deformed positions to reach places that need repair.

16. Question: Do you follow any safety precautions to prevent mishaps when installing electrical equipment?

What they want to know: This question is to determine whether you are a seasoned electrician with current, up-to-date safety training.

Sample: Let them know you must comprehend the significance of shutting out and tagging circuits. Additionally, stress the need to wear safety gear and the need for concentration when working near overhead power lines. 

17.  Question: What Inspires You?

What they want to know: Hiring managers at an electrical company are trying to determine if you’ll be motivated to do the electrician job. They want to understand your motivations and gauge your enthusiasm about the possibility of working for them.

Sample: Results drive my motivation. When I have definite goals that I can strive towards, I perform at my best as an electrician. I see that you are searching for someone who is results-driven. Thus, I align with your company’s principles and would be very motivated for this position.

18. Question: How would your manager describe you at your current job?

What they want to know: They want to know what kind of an employee you have been all through your current job and what kind of feedback you receive from your current manager.

Sample: My current manager often appreciates me for being a hard-working and dedicated team player who believes in not giving up until the job is done. My manager would probably tell you of the times when we could have carried our tasks over to the next day, but I rarely ever went home with an unfinished task list. 

19.  Question: What is your procedure for completing an electrical task and ensuring it complies with the requirements?

What they want to know: Operational inquiries like these should receive a direct, concise response, just as technical queries. The interviewer is asking you to explain a method you employ to finish a task. The hiring manager will ask you a follow-up question if more information is required.

Sample: I follow a set of procedures to make sure the task was completed correctly, following the requirements, and with applicable codes. I studied the specs and confirm that all electrical components were installed correctly. Additionally, I check the circuits for shorts and other wiring issues. The circuit breakers are tested one last time to ensure good operation. I don’t approve the work until after that.

20.  Question: What Will your life look like in five years?

What they want to know: Interviewers ask this question to find out more about your long-term objectives and to see if you plan to remain with the company for a long time. Many electrical businesses seek to hire candidates they believe will stick around.

Sample: I intend to climb the corporate ladder at your organization during the next five years. The prospects for professional growth were one of the factors that drew me to this position.  My strong work ethic and advanced plus basic knowledge will serve me well as I progress in my career.

21.  Question: Have you maintained a good driving record and a valid driver’s license?

What they want to know: They ask this because a proper driver’s license is essential for technicians who service electrical equipment because they must travel to customers’ houses in company trucks. Most electrician apprentice programs and licensing bodies require an active driver’s license and a spotless driving record.

Sample: (Answer honestly in such a situation) Yes. I have maintained a good driving record and a valid driver’s license.

Conclusion

Interviewing for a job is the final step in the hiring process. You performed most of the work by submitting your CV and applying for the new job. It’s time to make a good impression and seal the deal by demonstrating to the potential employer how knowledgeable you are about the position and how hard you are willing to work.

To ensure you’re ready for the interview, you might want to use these soft plus technical questions and answers to perform a mock interview.