| 1 | Describe a time when you successfully serviced, repaired, or tested a machine or device that operates mainly by mechanical principles. |
|---|---|
| 8 | Tell me about a recent experience you’ve had working with your hands. |
| 9 | Tell me how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work. |
Episode 56 – How To Interview For An Apprenticeship – WHAT IF I HAVE NO TOOL EXPERIENCE?
Have you ever removed electrical hazards when repairing power lines?
Hiring managers might want to know whether you have performed this type of task if the available position requires the removal of electrical hazards occasionally. Typically, interviewers want to determine the safety precautions you take when handling these materials. You can answer this question by discussing past experiences or how you might handle this situation if youve never experienced this before.
Example: “In my previous experiences, Ive removed electrical hazards from sites before implementing repairs. Typically, I approach removing electrical hazards by safely placing them a safe distance away from the power line site. I also dispose of them properly to help prevent potential misuse of dangerous electrical materials. I then alert my supervisors and clients of these materials and ensure that I maintain a record of this process for each time this situation arises.”
How do you typically prioritize your work assignments?
Interviewers may ask you about your prioritizing abilities to better understand how you manage tasks. This can be especially important if a lineworker position requires you to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. When answering this question, consider referencing your process for deciding the order in which you complete tasks.
Example: “Typically, I prioritize my work assignments by evaluating the urgency of each task and their listed deadlines. I find it helpful to review these criteria frequently to ensure I resolve power line issues as quickly as possible for my companys customers. Any customer-based task usually takes precedence for me, and I focus on other tasks when Im not helping customers.”
What methods and techniques do you use to inspect and test power lines?
The methods and techniques you employ while inspecting and testing power lines are essential components of lineworker work. This information might be important to employers in their selection process if a lineworker position requires periodic inspection and testing duties. In your answer, consider sharing multiple methods and techniques you use for these types of tasks.
Example: “When inspecting and testing power lines, there are many methods and techniques I use because some may work better for certain lines than others. Some specific methods and techniques I use include analyzing power grids and transmission lines to ensure their operability. In my experiences, this has allowed me to identify areas for improvement before challenges arise. Specifically, my use of this technique decreased the number of power outages my former employer experienced by 10%, as many lineworker wouldnt take the time to perform this step.”
What Is Your Attitude Toward Safety?
Apprentice interview questions and answers typically address approaches to safety. A “safety-first” attitude is a nonnegotiable requirement for an apprentice lineman. Failure to follow proper procedures may result in damaged equipment, bodily injury or death from electrocution, as noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Questions about comfort working in confined spaces, elevated heights and inclement weather conditions assess readiness to brave potentially dangerous conditions.
Questions may also ask about proper lifting, balancing and climbing techniques. Questions designed to test reactions during stressful situations, such as misplaced rubber work gloves, help identify methodical, levelheaded thinkers.
What Equipment Can You Operate?
Apprentice linemen routinely operate heavy machinery and power equipment to complete their duties. Questions about familiarity positioning bucket trucks and diggers and experience working with hand drills, wire tuggers and voltmeters identify competent equipment handlers. Expressing willingness to train on unfamiliar equipment can indicate a desire to develop relevant skills, which can benefit the entire team.
Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I’m interested in the role because I believe my abilities and expertise would be useful in your company’s expansion. I would like to be a part of your growth. I admire your company’s stellar reputation. Besides, this position seems to be an excellent opportunity for me to gain the skills I want to acquire in my career. Your company is also in an industry that I’m very passionate about. I will be able to hit the ground running and contribute quickly to your team’s efforts. This is so because I’ve been performing this exact work for the past three years in the same industry.
FAQ
What questions will I be asked in an apprenticeship interview?
- Tell us a bit about yourself. …
- Why have you applied for this apprenticeship? …
- What skills can you bring to this role? …
- What would you say is your biggest weakness? …
- Is there anything that you would like to ask us? …
- Dress well. …
- Turn your phone off. …
- Maintain eye contact.
How do you prepare for a lineman interview?
How do I prepare for an apprenticeship interview?
- Find out exactly where your interview will be and when it is. …
- Practice speaking up in group situations. …
- Research the employer. …
- Have a go at some practice interviews. …
- Plan out your interview attire. …
- Have questions ready.
How do you answer why do you want to be a lineman?
- Adventure. If you like to get outside, roll up your sleeves and work with tools and equipment, a lineworker job could be a great fit. …
- Be a Hero. …
- Opportunity for Advancement. …
- Excellent Pay and Benefits. …
- Join the Georgia Power Family.
