Prepare for your Electrical Technician interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard for electrical safety in the United States. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the knowledge and experience necessary to work safely on their projects. Before your interview, make sure you read through the NEC and highlight any parts that you’re familiar with.
Answer Example: "I am very familiar with the NEC. I have been working as an Electrical Technician for the past five years, and during that time I have become very familiar with all of the regulations and guidelines set forth by the organization. In fact, I have even taken several online courses that provide additional insight into the various sections of the code. My goal is to always ensure that projects are completed according to the highest standards of safety, which is why I make sure to thoroughly understand each section of the NEC."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills and explain why they are so important.
Answer Example: "The most important skills for an electrical technician are problem-solving, communication and math. Problem-solving is essential because it helps me identify the source of problems and find solutions. Communication is also important because it allows me to share information with others and collaborate on projects. Finally, math skills are vital because they allow me to calculate measurements and quantities needed for projects."
The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with different types of electrical systems. If you have, share what types of systems you’ve worked with and how you became familiar with them. If you haven’t worked with many different types of electrical systems, explain what steps you would take to learn about them.
Answer Example: "I am very familiar with the different types of electrical systems used in homes and businesses. I have worked as an Electrical Technician for the past five years, during which time I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of different systems. I am familiar with both commercial and residential wiring systems, including AC and DC power distribution, lighting, and control systems. I also have experience with fiber optic networks and video surveillance systems."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for an electrical technician and explain why they are important.
Answer Example: "The most important skills for an electrical technician are problem-solving, communication and organization. Problem-solving is essential because it helps me determine the cause of an issue and develop a plan to fix it. Communication is also important because it allows me to talk with other technicians and clients about projects and ensure everyone is on the same page. Organization is crucial because it helps me stay focused on tasks and keep track of my progress."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from past experiences where you successfully resolved a situation or helped a customer or client feel satisfied with your work.
Answer Example: "I once had a client who was very demanding and critical of my work. I tried to be as patient as possible with him, but eventually I had to tell him that I couldn’t continue working with him unless he stopped being so rude. He apologized and promised to be more respectful, so I continued helping him. In the end, he was happy with my work and we parted on good terms."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how it relates to the job you’re interviewing for. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important skills and qualifications, such as problem-solving ability, attention to detail and communication skills.
Answer Example: "I have extensive experience in electrical installation and repair. I have been working as an Electrical Technician for the past five years and have gained valuable knowledge of different types of wiring, circuits, and equipment. During this time, I have completed numerous projects ranging from small residential homes to large commercial buildings. My experience has allowed me to develop excellent problem-solving skills and an eye for detail."
This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example that highlights your critical thinking abilities, communication skills and attention to detail.
Answer Example: "In my last role as an electrical technician, I was tasked with installing a new lighting system in a large warehouse. The project required me to install more than 100 lights, which meant that I had to carefully plan out the best way to complete the installation without any errors. To do this, I used my knowledge of electrical wiring and circuitry to create a detailed diagram of where each light should go. This helped me avoid any mistakes during installation."
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your work ethic and how you prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list a few things that are most important to you as an employee. This can include things like customer service or teamwork.
Answer Example: "My top priority would be to ensure that all projects were completed on time and within budget. I also believe in providing excellent customer service, so I would make sure to communicate with clients regularly to ensure they are receiving the best service possible. Another priority would be to build strong relationships with my coworkers so we can all work together effectively."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle challenges and whether you have a commitment to safety. Use examples from your experience to show that you are willing to take action when necessary, but also highlight any steps you took to resolve the issue.
Answer Example: "If I noticed a safety issue while on the job, I would first try to resolve it myself. If this wasn’t possible, I would immediately notify my supervisor so they could take action. In my previous position, I noticed that one of our machines was leaking oil, which could cause an explosion if not fixed immediately. I took the time to shut down the machine and then cleaned up the oil until the maintenance team could arrive."
Electrical technicians must be able to communicate effectively with their team members and other professionals. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary for success in their company. In your answer, explain how you communicate with others and what steps you take to make sure everyone understands what you’re saying. Also, share an example of a time when you had to follow someone else’s instructions.
Answer Example: "I am an excellent communicator who always makes sure that everyone understands what I’m saying. I use simple language when talking to others and make sure to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. I also make sure to listen carefully when others are talking so I can understand what they’re saying. This helps me respond appropriately."
This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the job and company. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the role and whether it’s a good fit for you. When asking questions, try to focus on ones that show your interest in the position or company.
Answer Example: "I’m very interested in this position and would love to learn more about what an electrical technician does at this company. Are there any specific duties or responsibilities that you would expect me to complete on a daily basis? Also, what kind of training or education do you recommend for someone who wants to become an electrical technician?"
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of when it’s appropriate to call in a professional electrician. Your answer should show that you know when to seek out help, as well as how to identify when someone is qualified to provide it.
Answer Example: "I believe it’s always best to try and solve an electrical issue myself before calling in a professional. However, there are some situations where I would immediately call a professional electrician. For example, if I were working on a project and encountered an issue that I couldn’t figure out, I would call in a professional to help."
The National Electrical Code is a set of standards for electrical installations in the United States. Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with the National Electrical Code and how it applies to your work. In your answer, explain that you are familiar with the National Electrical Code and have used it in your previous roles.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am very familiar with the National Electrical Code. I have been working as an Electrical Technician for the past five years, and during that time, I have become very familiar with all aspects of the National Electrical Code. I understand the importance of following the Code’s guidelines when performing electrical work, as it ensures the safety of both the workers and the general public."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how you might fit into their company. Use this opportunity to highlight any specific skills or knowledge that align with the job description.
Answer Example: "I work with a variety of electrical equipment, but my favorite type is the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are used to prevent electrical overloads in a system by shutting off power when it reaches its capacity. They’re an essential part of any electrical system because they prevent fires and other dangerous situations. I also enjoy working with transformers because they allow me to adjust the voltage of electricity for different uses."
This question can help the interviewer determine your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to the job. Use examples from past experiences where you used your problem-solving skills to solve a circuit that was not working properly.
Answer Example: "I would first check all of the wires to make sure they are connected properly. If the wires are connected properly, then I would check the circuit breaker to make sure it is not tripped. If the circuit breaker is not tripped, then I would check the voltage of the power source to ensure it is within the appropriate range. If all of these checks pass, then I would look for any faulty components in the circuit."
Employers may ask this question to see if you have the necessary credentials for the job. They may also want to know if you plan on getting certified in the future. If you are not currently certified, consider explaining why you haven’t pursued certification yet. You can also mention any classes or training programs you plan on taking in the future.
Answer Example: "I am currently working toward my Certified Electrical Technician (CET) certification. I started taking classes for this certification about six months ago, and I plan on finishing the program by the end of the year. I am also working on getting my Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) certification, which I should have by the time I start this new position."
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for. Use examples from your past work experience to highlight your skills and knowledge in electrical systems.
Answer Example: "I have worked with many different types of electrical systems throughout my career as an electrical technician. I have experience working with residential wiring, commercial wiring, and industrial wiring. I also have knowledge of various safety protocols when working with these systems. In my last position, I worked on a project where we installed new electrical systems in a hospital. This experience helped me develop my skills as an electrical technician."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you adapt to new challenges and learn new things. Use examples from past projects where you had to learn a new system or program, and explain how you overcame any challenges associated with learning the new information.
Answer Example: "I would first read through the instructions provided by the manufacturer to get an idea of how the system works. Then, I would take time to practice using the system on a mock project before working on the actual project. This has helped me become familiar with the system and understand any nuances or quirks it may have. Once I am confident in my ability to use the system, I can focus on completing the project efficiently."
The interviewer may ask this question to determine your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is a collection of rules and regulations that govern the safe installation of electrical systems in the United States. It contains a list of color-coded wires that indicate their purpose and function. You can prepare for this question by reviewing the NEC prior to your interview.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am very familiar with the basic electrical wiring colors and their corresponding meanings. The color code for single-phase residential wiring is black, red and white. Black represents hot, red represents neutral and white represents ground. For three-phase residential wiring, the colors are blue, brown, orange and yellow. Blue represents hot, brown represents neutral, orange represents phase one and yellow represents phase two. For commercial buildings, the colors are black, red, yellow, green and blue. Black represents hot, red represents neutral, yellow represents ground, green represents alarm and blue represents signaling."
