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Electrician Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Electrician interview questions and answers.

  1. Why did you choose a career as an electrician? See answer
  2. What skills and personality traits do you think are useful to an electrician, and which do you have? See answer
  3. What education and training do you have that prepared you for the role of an electrician? See answer
  4. Imagine your supervisor assigned a task with incomplete instructions. What would you do? See answer
  5. What safety procedures do you follow to keep yourself safe from electrical accidents? See answer
  6. What electrical projects did you complete in the past year, and which was your favourite? See answer
  7. How well do you work with other electricians? See answer
  8. How do you explain a technical concept to a non-technical professional? See answer
  9. How do you troubleshoot an electrical issue? See answer
  10. Do you have experience leading others? See answer
  11. Can you explain the difference between direct and alternating current? See answer
  12. What are the common types of cable for transmitting power? See answer
  13. How do you handle your mistakes at work? See answer
  14. Describe a situation when you exceeded performance expectations as an electrician. See answer
  15. What’s the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?
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Hire your next Electrician today.

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Hire your next Electrician today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Electrician Interview Questions and Answers

Why did you choose a career as an electrician?

This question helps you understand what interests acandidate and whether they're passionate about working as an electrician. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of an electrician's duties and responsibilities
  • Strong communication skills
  • Motivation, drive, and passion

Example:

"I became an electrician because I love instaling, repairing, and maintaining electrical fixtures, outlets, and wiring. I enjoyed working on electric motors, transformers and meters when I was a teenager. So, when it was time to choose a career, becoming an electrician felt right to me. I am confident I made an excellent choice, because I love what I do."

What skills and personality traits do you think are useful to an electrician, and which do you have?

This question tests whether a candidate knows what qualities successful electricians share. A strong response mentions both hard and soft skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Logical and ability to problem solve
  • Keen attention to detail
  • Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

Example:

"I believe an electrician needs strong communication, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and numeracy skills. From my experience, electricians develop these skills through both education and hands-on training. I look forward to applying and improving my skills in your establishment."

What education and training do you have that prepared you for the role of an electrician?

Electricians must meet your organisation's employment requirements. An ideal applicant has a trade certification from the regulatory body in their province or territory and a certificate that shows they completed an apprenticeship programme. This question also reveals whether an applicant specialises in an area, such as telecommunications or residential wiring. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Secondary school education
  • Relevant certifications for electricians in your industry
  • Desire to develop their skills

Example:

"I completed my secondary school education seven years ago. Two years later, I completed a four-year apprenticeship programme at Humber College in Mississauga. I have a trade certification from The Ontario Association of Electricians and a Red Seal endorsement. I love learning and continue to take courses on electrical concepts and related topics."

Imagine your supervisor assigned a task with incomplete instructions. What would you do?

The goal of this question is to determine whether a candidate has problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Proactive in problem-solving to produce the highest quality work
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Confidence in their abilities and when to ask for help

Example:

"If I received an electrical task with incomplete instructions, I'd assess whether I could complete it without further direction. Figuring out how to complete tasks independently is important to me. However, if I wasn't confident in my ability to do it correctly, I'd reach out to my supervisor for clarification."

What safety procedures do you follow to keep yourself safe from electrical accidents?

The goal of this question is to assess a candidate's safety knowledge and training. It also evaluates whether a candidate stays current with the changes in safety protocols. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of safety precautions for electricians
  • Understanding of the importance of following safety protocols
  • Evidence of relevant safety training

Example:

"I always wear personal protective equipment, such as safety shoes, face shields and flame-resistant clothing. I also lock out and tag out all electrical machines and circuits before closing for the day. When working with overhead lines, I follow the electrical safety guidelines set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)."

What's the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

A suitable candidate knows the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker. By asking this question, you can determine whether they have basic electrical knowledge for the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Clear definitions of a fuse and a circuit breaker
  • Explanation on when to use both electrical devices
  • Ability to understand and explain electrical terminology

Example:

"A fuse is a conductor that melts and separates into two to break a circuit during excessive current. A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that protects an electric circuit from damage because of excess current. Unlike a fuse, a circuit breaker is reusable."

What electrical projects did you complete in the past year, and which was your favourite?

This question assesses a candidate's experience as an electrician. It also reveals whether their previous roles would be valuable to your establishment. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Adequate work experience as an electrician
  • Experience completing successful projects
  • Desire to contribute to your organisation's goals as an electrician

Example:

"In the past year, I repaired a malfunctioning air conditioner for a property owner. I carried out the electrical work just before the summer weather arrived. The property owner was happy that I could help, and it was so rewarding to know I made a difference. I look forward to working on exciting electrical projects and helping your clients."

How well do you work with other electricians?

Depending on your organisation and the size of a project, an electrician may need to work as part of a team. This question determines whether a candidate is willing to collabourate with other professionals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Experience working with other electricians

Example:

"I work well with other electricians. In my previous position, I worked with six electricians and two mechanics to repair engines and generators for a manufacturing company. The project required long hours and working as a team motivated me to put in my best effort. I also enjoy teamwork because you can share ideas and learn from other professionals."

How do you explain a technical concept to a non-technical professional?

Electricians frequently have to explain their work to non-technical professionals and clients. By asking this question, you can evaluate a candidate's communication and interpersonal skills. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Patience and desire to help others
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to explain concepts in simple terms
  • In-depth understanding of technical concepts

Example:

"I start by defining all electrical concepts a layperson won't understand. Then, I explain the steps I took to instal, maintain, or repair the electrical fixtures, outlets, or wiring. Sometimes, I use analogies that a non-technical professional or client can understand. I once explained electrical voltage, current, and resistance using a water tank analogy. Charge represented the amount of water, current was the water flow, and voltage replaced the water pressure. It made everything clear to the client."

How do you troubleshoot an electrical issue?

Before an electrician can maintain or fix electrical systems, they must determine what's wrong with it. This question helps you assess a candidate's understanding of how to diagnose electrical issues. What to look for in an answer:

  • In-depth understanding of electrical issues and appropriate solutions
  • Logic and expertise in developing creative solutions to unfamiliar issues
  • Experience problem-solving and troubleshooting electrical issues

Example:

"I start by gathering information about the electrical system. This helps me understand the required maintenance or repair. Then, I examine the entyre electrical system. Once I identify the malfunctioning component, I take the necessary steps to fix it. Finally, I verify the repair to make sure the electrical system is in proper working condition."

Do you have experience leading others?

Depending on your organisation, an electrician may need to leador supervise technical employees such as a journeyperson and an apprentice. The goal of this question is to find out whether a candidate has leadership experience. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Collabourative
  • Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others
  • Experience leading and managing a team or an individual

Example:

"In my previous job, I was the lead electrician on several projects. I motivated my team to reach our target of 81% overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). We diagnosed various electrical issues and prevented electrical system failures. I'm eager to use my leadership skills to lead a team of technical workers at this organisation."

Can you explain the difference between direct and alternating current?

Electricians need an in-depth understanding of electrical terms and how components work together. By asking this question, you can determine whether a candidate understands, and can explain electrical concepts and theories. What to look for in an answer:

  • Expertise and familiarity with industry-specific terms
  • Retention of lessons and concepts learned throughout their training
  • Ability to express the difference clearly

Example:

"Direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) are types of electrical current flow in a circuit. The fundamental difference is that electric charge flows in one direction in DC and changes direction periodically in AC. AC is the safer option, but DC is more suitable for long distances."

What are the common types of cable for transmitting power?

This question also examines a candidate's understanding of electrical concepts and theories. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of various cable sizes and voltage capacities
  • Experience working with various power cables
  • Effective communication skills

Example:

"Manufacturers use the size and capacity of transmission power cables to categorise them. Defined by their capacity, there are three types: super-tension, high-tension and low-tension cables. Cables that can transmit 1,000 volts or less are low-tension cables. High tension cables carry between 1,000 and 22,000 volts. The operating voltage of super-tension cables is 22,000 volts to 33,000 volts."

How do you handle your mistakes at work?

An electrician's job requires keen attention to detail and hand-eye coordination. Accuracy is important due to the nature of the work and safety risks. By asking this question, you can determine how a candidate would handle a mistake at work. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Honesty
  • Ability to take responsibility and be accountable for their mistakes
  • Problem-solving skills to remedy any errors

Example:

"I understand my role requires manual dexterity. If I made a mistake at work, I would first acknowledge it and inform my supervisor. I would apologise to all stakeholders and find the best way to correct my error. When I determine the best way to correct the issue, I'd share my suggestion with my supervisor. I'd also create an action plan to prevent the electrical error from occurring again in the future."

Describe a situation when you exceeded performance expectations as an electrician.

A good electrician strives to meet and exceed performance expectations. Asking this question informs you whether a candidate can put in their best effort at work. What to look for in an answer:

  • Driven to meet targets and performance expectations
  • Passion for instaling, maintaining, and repairing electrical issues
  • Self-motivated and a strong work ethic

Example:

"In my last position, my supervisor assigned twelve electrical maintenance tasks to me. Her target was for me to complete them by the month's end. I knew the maintenance tasks were urgent, so I set a personal target to finish them before the third week of the month. Completing the electrical maintenance tasks ahead of time made my supervisor and our client very happy."

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