15 Electrical Apprenticeship Interview Questions for Hiring New Recruits

General Electrician Apprenticeship Interview Questions

1. Why do you want to start a career as an electrician?

2. What do you know about our electrical company?

3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

4. Tell me about any previous work experience, including working with electricity.

5. Why did you leave your previous job?

6. Do you have a valid driver's license and clean driving record?

Common electrician apprentice interview questions generally cover the everyday skills needed for any job, including career goals, attendance and punctuality, communication, and work ethic.

It's also a prime time to assess an applicant's attitude or personality to determine whether they're a good fit for your company. Remember, your new apprentice will eventually represent your business in the field, so it’s key to ask thoughtful questions and ensure the candidate meshes with your business and company culture.

Ask these general interview questions to assess a candidate's soft skills and career goals:

1. Why do you want to start a career as an electrician?

In most states, apprentice electricians must complete several years of on-the-job training to become eligible to apply for an electrician license. By starting an electrician apprenticeship program, the candidate is essentially making a long-term commitment to working for your business. As the business owner, it’s important to ask the candidate about their long-term career goals to ensure they possess the drive and dedication to complete the necessary training. In a sense, this is more than a job interview; it's a career interview.

Make sure to ask open-ended questions (avoid “yes” or “no” questions) to see how the candidate responds and communicates when put on the spot — a skill that will surely come in handy at the jobsite. Additionally, look for a candidate who maintains good eye contact, offers a firm handshake, and displays confident body language. These skills provide a strong indication of their communication skills, and offer a preview of how the apprentice will engage with customers.

2. What do you know about our electrical company?

Ask how the candidate learned about your business, and why they chose your company for an apprenticeship. Did they do their homework and research your company before reaching out? 

Hiring managers tend to consider applicants more seriously when they clearly demonstrate a concerted effort to learn more by scouring your company website, visiting social media sites, and talking to your current or previous employees. It’s also a good indicator of the candidate’s interest in working for your business for the long haul. On the flipside, consider it a red flag if the candidate lacks knowledge about your specific electrical business.

3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

This question offers a glimpse into the apprentice’s long-term career goals. When you hire a new apprentice, you’re making a significant business investment, so you want to ensure the candidate feels committed to the career plan. Be wary of any candidate who mentions working in a different industry or doesn’t express interest in pursuing a life-long career in the electrical field.

4. Tell me about any previous work experience, including working with electricity?

Apprentice electricians may possess little to no electrical experience, and that’s okay. Of course, consider it a plus if the candidate has any applicable experience, such as working in the electrical department at a local hardware store. 

Make sure to ask about previous work experience, regardless of the field or industry, to uncover overlapping skills to help the candidate stand out. While applicants usually include this information on their resume and cover letter, you can often find additional skills, such as specialty certifications or a knack for customer service.

5. Why did you leave your previous job?

Job applicants who were recently fired or frequently bounce from job to job should raise a red flag. If applicable, give the electrician apprentice the opportunity to articulate their reasons for leaving a job to determine whether the same issues could affect your company. You don’t want to begin a long-term partnership with a candidate who shows a history of disciplinary actions or flakiness.

6. Do you have a valid driver's license and clean driving record?

Your apprentices not only need to drive to your shop or technical school, they’ll eventually drive to customers’ homes in your company truck while they perform on-the-job training. So, a valid driver’s license is paramount. Note, most electrician apprentice programs and licensing agencies require electrician apprentices to hold a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Behavioral/Situational Electrical Apprenticeship Interview Questions

1. Can you give an example of a time where you turned an unhappy customer into a satisfied customer? 

2. A customer expresses anger or frustration over a job. How do you respond?

3. How would you handle resolving an argument with a coworker?

Behavioral or situational electrician interview questions give apprentice applicants the opportunity for show-and-tell, with more emphasis placed on the "show" part of the equation. Interviewers need to assess an applicant's ability for problem-solving, overcoming interpersonal struggles, and their overall comfort with communicating on the job.

1. Can you give an example of a time where you turned an unhappy customer into a satisfied customer? 

Electricians who practice top-notch customer service and support play an important role in fostering customer satisfaction. Satisfied clients turn into repeat business, often via follow-up calls or direct referrals. Electricians who listen to customers, show empathy, clearly explain the job, and educate them on all available solutions provide better customer service.

2. A customer expresses anger or frustration over a job. How do you respond?

How an apprentice responds reveals a lot about their personality, attitude, customer service style, conflict-resolution skills, and ability to work under pressure. The ideal candidate should take the time to clearly communicate how they would address the customer’s concern, even if only in a hypothetical situation. Remember, a negative customer service experience will cost you money in lost business, and the customer will gladly hire one of your competitors.

3. How would you handle resolving an argument with a coworker?

Again, this question reveals how the apprentice candidate resolves problems with fellow teammates and coworkers. To truly run a successful electrical contracting company, you need your apprentices, office staff, and veteran electricians to work together in harmony. Petty arguments or employees who seek out conflict with others can decimate your company culture, making it harder to hire new candidates in a field already competing for top talent. 

Technical Skills Electrical Apprenticeship Interview Questions

1. Can you explain the difference between voltage, current, and resistance?

2. Do you have any experience working around electrical systems?

3. What does NEC stand for, and why is it important?

A hiring manager can assess an applicant's technical ability and know-how from educational degrees, certifications, past experience, and any electrical experience listed on their resumes. When interviewing an apprentice candidate, make sure to ask entry-level technical questions, as your apprentice may only possess minimal industry experience.

To get a good idea of an applicant's technical skill set, consider asking the following technical questions:

1. Can you explain the difference between voltage, current, and resistance?

Although extremely basic, these topics will shine a light on a candidate’s knowledge of the fundamentals of working with electricity. Again, your apprentice candidate may lack electrical knowledge or work experience.

2. Do you have any experience working around electrical systems?

Asking this question allows the candidate to elaborate on any related experience (or lack thereof), so you can gauge their true level of knowledge and experience. Make sure to ask about hobbies, such as working on cars or motorcycles or with stereo systems or musical equipment, as these hobbies often involve a basic knowledge of electricity.

3. What does NEC stand for, and why is it important?

All electricians need a strong knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Recognized across all 50 states, the NEC serves as “the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.”

You shouldn’t expect an electrician apprentice to recite the NEC, but demonstrating even basic knowledge of the code shows the candidate understands how safety plays a critical role in working around electricity.

Technology and Tools Electrical Apprenticeship Interview Questions

1. Can you give an example of how you used technology to solve a complex problem?

2. How do you view mobile technology and its role in the future of the electrical industry?

3. What is your experience with using mobile technology on the job?

While interviewing apprentice electricians, make sure to inquire about previous, on-the-job experience with customer relationship management (CRM) technology and other tools. Today’s electricians utilize field service technology to increase efficiencies, streamline communication, and grow profits. 

Use the opportunity to learn about the candidate’s experience, ask about specific tools and software, and understand their views on how technology enhances the workplace.

1. Can you give an example of how you used technology to solve a complex problem?

Ask the candidate to elaborate on previous experiences where they relied on technology to overcome a complex problem at home, school, or on the job, then play close attention to how they respond. Why did they decide to use technology? What were the results? How did they apply that learning for future challenges?

You’ll likely realize new recruits not only have experience using technology, but many want to work for a tech-savvy company.

2. How do you view mobile technology and its role in the future of the electrical industry?

Electricians increasingly rely on technology on the job, from quickly emailing an invoice to the customer to presenting good-better-and-best options complete with pictures and video for each and every job. How an applicant responds to this question tells you a lot about their knowledge of current technology and industry trends (or lack thereof). If your business currently uses electrician software, asking about technological skills can help you determine whether the candidate is a good fit.

3. What is your experience with using mobile technology on the job?

This question helps you understand a candidate’s previous experience, as well as their level of comfort using technology on the job. It’s also a good indicator of the amount of training the candidate requires. Electrician technicians often provide estimates, communicate with dispatch, and collect payments from their mobile devices.