20 Electrician Job Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re seeking electrician jobs, you’ll need to prepare yourself for job interviews. A great way of doing this is to study the most common electrician job interview questions and prepare your answers.

In this guide, we cover 20 common electrician job interview questions and provide example answers. Study these questions and use our job interview tips to give yourself a better chance of succeeding with your job interview.

Interviewers ask this question to break the ice and learn a bit about your background as an electrician. Your answer should also give the interviewer insight into your skill set.

When answering this question, be concise and keep your answer short, but try to tell the story of your career. Try to connect your answer to why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. You could do this by touching on your experiences, skills and accomplishments.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'I’ve been an electrician for over eight years. I started my career as an apprentice electrician in 2013, and since then I have gone onto to lead major projects across London.

Most recently, I managed the installation of new electrical systems on the London Underground, a project that lasted over four years. My role involved leading large teams of electricians and managing budgets.

Having recently delivered this project, I am now eager to commence a new challenge, which I why I was excited when I came across this role.'

This may seem like a trick question, but it isn’t. Interviewers ask this question to see if you understand what it takes to perform the role of electrician and possess the necessary skills.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'Electricians need problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset to diagnose errors and implement the appropriate repairs. They should also have the necessary technical skills to maintain, repair and install electrical systems.

Electricians also need be safety-minded. Having been employed as an electrician for over ten years, I am aware of the dangers facing electricians on sites. For this reason, I always follow health & safety standards and ensure adherence to such standards.'

This question is designed to see if you are aligned with the company’s values. It also indicates if you have specifically targeted the company.

Research is very important for this question. By conducting research into the company, you can find out why you’re a good fit for the company and convey this in your answer.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'I want to work for your company because I have heard about the company’s opportunities for internal promotion and professional growth. As someone who is passionate about professional development, I am excited to work for a company that rewards it.

I am also an admirer of the strides your company is making to promote diversity & inclusion. During my career, I have championed diversity in the workplace, so it would be great to work for a company whose values match my own.'

This question gives you a great opportunity to stand out from the competition. You can explain to the interviewer in no uncertain terms why you are the best person for the job.

Don’t just highlight your skills and experiences, explain how you match the company’s values and culture. Avoid generic answers and overly boastful answers. They won’t make you stand out and could have a negative effect.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'Having researched the requirements for this role, I am confident that I possess all the necessary skills and experiences to excel in this job. I realise that your company is specifically looking for a safety-focused electrician. I always employ a safety-centric approach on sites, and I have even taken additional training recently to improve my knowledge of safety standards.

I also possess over five years’ experience in a supervisory role, a requirement I noticed in the job description. I consider myself an effective leader who is capable of getting the most out of teams and leading them to performance objectives.'

This may seem like a strange question. How can you talk about your weaknesses in a job interview?

Interviewers ask this question because they want to see if you can identify your weaknesses and take steps to improve on them. They want to see that your weaknesses don’t prevent you from doing your job.

For this reason, you would be wise not to talk about a major weakness that would have a negative impact on your role as an electrician.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'One of my biggest weaknesses is speaking to large numbers of people. I am quite a shy person and I get nervous when delivering speeches or communicating with large groups of people. Over the last few months, I have joined a local public speaking club to combat this weakness and I will be taking part in a public speaking competition in early 2022.'

When recruiting electricians, employers want to know they can perform your job safely. There are many hazards involved in electrical work and safety is a big issue.

If you can show the interviewer that you’re aware of safety standards and capable of mitigating risk on sites, you’ll make a positive impression.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'When working as an electrician, safety is at the forefront of my mind. I am aware of the importance of safety regulations on sites, and I ensure these are adhered at all times.

I follow the British Electrical Safety standards while working on electrical projects. I also comply with ISHCCO standards to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of all personnel on sites.'

All jobs involve conflict of some sort. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your conflict resolution skills. They want to see that you can face conflict in the appropriate manner and are prepared to make an effort to resolve conflict.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'While employed in my most recent job, two electricians were quarrelling over the correct way to install an electrical system. I asked them both to remain calm and refrain from insulting each other. I then referred them both to the official manual of the system. After speaking to both employees individually, they agreed to shake hands and forget the issue.'

Interviewers want to know if you will be motivated to perform the job. They want to know what drives you and see if you’re excited about the prospect of joining their company.

You could respond to this question with various answers. You may be motivated by results, teamwork, customer-service etc. Try to tie your enthusiasm for the role you’re interviewing for into your answer.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'I am motivated by results. I am most effective as an electrician when I have specific objectives that I can work towards. Having noticed that you are looking to employ someone who is driven by results, I feel that I am aligned with your company’s values and would be highly motivated working in this role.'

Interviewers ask this question to learn about your key skills and what you could offer them as an employee. This question gives you a chance to stand out from the competition by demonstrating the skills you can bring to the table.

Do some research to find out what the essential requirements for the job are. For example, you could research the job description to see what skills they are looking for in candidates.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'My biggest strength is problem-solving. I approach problems systematically, identifying the most effective approaches to problems, before generating solutions and implementing corrective action.

I demonstrated my problem-solving skills while employed in my previous job. While managing a project to install electrical systems in London tube stations, I realised that we were overspending on materials and parts. I spoke to my manager about this issue, and I was given the greenlight to source and negotiate new materials. The new materials I sourced saved the company over fifty-thousand-pounds.'

Interviewers ask this question to learn about your long-term goals and to find out if you’re looking to stay with their company for years to come. Many companies want to recruit people who they think will stick around.

If you’re not looking to stay with the company long term, it would be a good idea to avoid mentioning this.

Here is an example answer to this question:

'In five years’ time, I hope to worked my way up the ladder within your company. One of the reasons I targeted this role was because of the opportunities for professional development, so I would like to believe that my work ethic and expertise will be rewarded with promotions.'

Interviewers ask this question to find out if your salary expectation matches theirs.

Don’t give the interviewer a specific number. Instead, give them a range, such as between thirty-thousand pounds and forty-thousand pounds. This way, you have room for negotiation if you want it later on.

At the end of job interviews, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. Always respond to this by asking at least one question. By saying no, you would indicate that have little interest in the job.

Questions that you could ask the interviewer include:

- What do people enjoy most about working at your company?

- Could you tell me about the opportunities for professional growth at your company?

- What career paths do you see for people who are employed in this role?

We hope you have found this guide to electrician job interview questions helpful. When pursuing electrician jobs, you’ll need an effective CV. View our free guide to preparing a great electrician CV, which includes two electrician CV templates.