blue collar interview questions

Blue Collar Talent Scouts-Interview Tips

Blue-collar jobs differ from white-collar jobs in that they typically require more manual labor, specialized skills and technical know-how. They often involve irregular schedules, traveling and physical exertion. A job seeker who interviews for a blue-collar job will be expected to provide answers appropriate for the position for which he is applying. Here are some tips about what to say in a blue-collar job interview.

Blue-collar jobs require workers to engage in manual labor and possess specialized skills, such as the ability to operate heavy equipment, lay bricks or wire electricity in a home or business. Extensive training and technical know-how are skill sets required for many jobs, such as auto mechanics, welders and plumbers. Blue-collar jobs have a strong presence in the American work force and produce pay comparable to many white-collar jobs. Manual labor jobs usually pay workers hourly wages, with overtime being a staple on many workers paychecks. According to Careerbuilder.com, many blue-collar workers earn more income than the average American worker.

A prepared job seeker arrives at his interview having already done some research about the company and the position for which he has applied. Learning the basics about a company — such as what it produces, how long it has been in business and how many people it employs — can give an applicant a better idea what to expect from the company and the interview. Reviewing the position description — especially the qualifications portion of the description — can help a job seeker collect his thoughts about how he can fill the position, which special skills he possesses that make him an ideal candidate and how his experience qualifies him for the work.

Negative comments about any previous or current employer should be left out of any conversation during a blue-collar interview. Workers compensation disputes shouldnt be discussed with a hiring manager. Also, questions about a jobs salary or benefits should be avoided at the beginning of any blue-collar interview.

Vicki Wright, writing and editing professionally since 1996, has extensive business management, marketing and media experience. Wright has a Bachelor of Science in socio-poltical communication from Missouri State University and became certified as a leadership facilitator from the Kansas Leadership Center in 2010.

Blue Collar Job Interview Questions:

  • Without a doubt, this will be the first question you face during your interview. This question is mostly used as an icebreaker and will allow you to get comfortable with the interviewee. The best way to answer is by giving a quick background of yourself and what led you to the position you are applying for.
  • Question 2: What did you do at your old job

  • Since you just spoke about your background the interviewee will most likely ask you about your previous job. They want to get to know how your experience in the field relates to the job they have posted. They may also ask you why you left your last position. Here is where you can be honest about your past work and name the reasons why you left your job. Do not bad mouth your former employer or co-workers.
  • Why Has the Situation in the Job Market Changed Towards More Power for the Employees?

    Ki-Won: Because on the one hand, you don’t have a comfortable situation anymore that there are enough people. When you are unemployed, you have a very different motivation to find a new job. You are willing to go through all the very long and complicated HR platform registration processes from the companies. And you are also ready to make a new CV even though it takes a few hours when you are not very firm with Microsoft Word, for example.

    That is the reason why you have to rethink recruiting. Until a few years ago, the whole approach was very company centered. But today, you have to make a candidate-centered approach. You can learn a lot from eCommerce best practices as they do a lot of customer-centricity.

    FAQ

    How do you interview for a blue-collar job?

    Top Tips for Securing that Blue Collar Job
    1. Do your Research. …
    2. Expand on your CV. …
    3. Be Authentic. …
    4. Be Aware of Your Body Language. …
    5. Dress the Part. …
    6. Ask Questions. …
    7. Practice Questions for Interview.

    What should a woman wear to a blue-collar interview?

    As a rule of thumb, choose smart-casual attire. For men, consider wearing your best collared shirt, paired with a well-fitted jacket. Ladies can opt for a smart blouse, trousers or calf-length skirt, and a trendy pair of dress shoes.

    Should I wear a tie to a blue-collar interview?

    Men who don’t want to wear a suit to an interview for a blue-collar job can usually get away with a sport coat and slacks or a pair of slacks, sweater, shirt and tie. Even if you don’t wear a jacket or sport coat, always wear a tie. Dark or neutral color slacks are the best color for interviews.

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