Electrician interview questions and answers
These Electrician interview questions will help you look for important skills among your candidates. Adjust them to fit your own company and position.
10 good electrician interview questions
- How do you know whether an outlet was grounded properly? What do you do to ground it?
- Walk me through your process of troubleshooting a blackout.
- How can you prevent high-voltage electrical systems from breaking down?
- What would you do if a coworker got an electric shock?
- If you had to install a new system at an entire floor of a building, where would you start?
- What’s your experience in a construction/industrial/commercial setting?
- What did you find most challenging during your apprenticeship?
- Are you familiar with the NEC (National Electrical Code)?
- What’s overlamping and why is it dangerous?
- Why would you use a multimeter and how?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. How do you know whether an outlet was grounded properly? What do you do to ground it?
This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of electrical safety and grounding procedures.
Sample answer:
“I would use a circuit tester to check if the outlet is grounded. If it’s not, I would turn off the power, open the outlet, and ensure that the grounding wire is properly connected.”
2. Walk me through your process of troubleshooting a blackout.
This question evaluates the candidate’s problem-solving skills and their approach to common electrical issues.
Sample answer:
“First, I’d check the main circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Then, I’d inspect individual circuits and use a multimeter to identify the source of the problem.”
3. How can you prevent high-voltage electrical systems from breaking down?
This question gauges the candidate’s preventive maintenance skills and understanding of high-voltage systems.
Sample answer:
“Regular inspections and maintenance are key. I’d also ensure that all components meet the manufacturer’s specifications and are in good condition.”
4. What would you do if a coworker got an electric shock?
This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of first aid and emergency procedures in electrical work.
Sample answer:
“I would immediately turn off the power source, if possible, and call for medical assistance. I’d also administer first aid if I’m trained to do so.”
5. If you had to install a new system at an entire floor of a building, where would you start?
This question assesses the candidate’s project management and planning skills.
Sample answer:
“I’d start by reviewing the blueprints and electrical codes. Then, I’d plan the wiring routes and calculate the materials needed before beginning the installation.”
6. What’s your experience in a construction/industrial/commercial setting?
This question helps to understand the candidate’s experience in different work environments.
Sample answer:
“I have three years of experience in industrial settings, focusing on machinery installation and maintenance.”
7. What did you find most challenging during your apprenticeship?
This question evaluates the candidate’s learning curve and how they handle challenges.
Sample answer:
“The most challenging part was learning to troubleshoot complex circuits, but I overcame it through hands-on practice and study.”
8. Are you familiar with the NEC (National Electrical Code)?
This question tests the candidate’s knowledge of electrical standards and regulations.
Sample answer:
“Yes, I am well-versed in the NEC and always ensure my work is compliant with it.”
9. What’s overlamping and why is it dangerous?
This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of electrical safety hazards.
Sample answer:
“Overlamping is using a bulb with a higher wattage than a fixture can handle. It’s dangerous because it can melt the socket and insulation, leading to a fire hazard.”
10. Why would you use a multimeter and how?
This question gauges the candidate’s familiarity with essential electrical tools.
Sample answer:
“A multimeter is used for measuring voltage, current, and resistance. It’s crucial for troubleshooting and verifying the integrity of circuits.”
What does a good electrician candidate look like?
A good electrician candidate should have a strong grasp of electrical concepts, be safety-conscious, and have good problem-solving skills. Experience in various settings and familiarity with electrical codes are also important.
Electrician Interview Questions
Electricians are the people you call when you have an electrical problem or want to install an electrical system. Hiring for one can be tricky since, apart from theoretical knowledge, you need people who respect safety precautions, work well in teams and possess an analytical mind.
Requirements will vary depending on whether you’re hiring for an apprentice, a journeyman electrician or a master electrician. Apprentices should be motivated and able to follow instructions to the letter. With other candidates, ask questions to determine the level of their technical expertise and ability to solve problems. Master electricians also need leadership skills and knowledge of regulations and processes (e.g. acquiring permits or building codes).
Role specific questions should be tailored according to the industry you operate in. For example, someone working in an industrial setting may need a different skillset than one who works as a service electrician. Additionally, electricians employed by construction companies will need specialized knowledge such as installing complete electrical systems from scratch. The following questions provide examples on how to assess candidates effectively.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- How do you know whether an outlet was grounded properly? What do you do to ground it?
- Walk me through your process of troubleshooting a blackout
- How can you prevent high-voltage electrical systems from breaking down?
- What would you do if a coworker got an electric shock?
- If you had to install a new system at an entire floor of a building, where would you start?
- If a master electrician yelled at you for something you had done wrong, what would be your reaction?
Role-specific questions
- What’s your experience in construction/industrial/commercial setting?
- What did you find most challenging during your apprenticeship?
- What’s your experience troubleshooting a PLC?
- What’s the most necessary piece of PPE (personal protective equipment) for an electrician?
- Are you familiar with the NEC (National Electrical Code)?
- What’s overlamping and why is it dangerous?
- When would you use 14/3 instead of 14/2 wires?
- Why would you use a multimeter and how?
Behavioral questions
- Tell me about a time you managed to motivate an apprentice
- Recall a time you offered excellent customer service as an electrician
- Describe a time you were given incomplete instructions about a project. What did you do?
- Tell me about the most challenging task you had to perform as an apprentice
- Have you ever made a mistake on the job? How did you correct it and what did you learn?
Pro tip: Licensure varies depending on location. Make sure you check the legal requirements and screen out candidates who don’t meet them. As this profession is often unionized, make sure you know of the union’s guidelines as well before you hire.