29 Electrician Interview Questions for Hiring Top Talent [2024]

Electrician Soft Skills Interview Questions

• Why do you want to work in the electrical industry?

• What do you know about our electrical company?

• Why are you looking for a new job?

• What previous experience and/or training makes you qualified for this particular electrician job?

• Why did you leave your previous job, and why do you want to work with us?

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

• Can you email us a list of references?

• Why are you interested in this specific position?

• Why did you decide to become an electrician? 

• Do you have any additional certifications?

Common electrician interview questions typically cover the soft skills needed for any trade, such as punctuality, communication, work ethic, and career goals. 

In an electrician job interview, it’s crucial to assess an applicant's attitude or personality to determine whether they're a good fit for your company. Remember, your new hire will represent your business in the field, so it’s important to ask the right questions and ensure the candidate fits your business and company culture.

Ask these general electrician interview questions to assess a candidate's soft skills (and goal mindset):

1. Why do you want to work in the electrical industry?

Interviewers typically ask open-ended questions to gauge how a job candidate reacts and communicates when put on the spot. Look for a candidate who maintains good eye contact and displays confident body language. These skills offer a strong indication of their communication skills, and provide a glimpse of how the tech will engage with customers.

2. What do you know about our electrical company?

How did they hear about the position? Did they do their homework and research your company before applying? Hiring managers tend to consider applicants more seriously when they clearly demonstrate they've made an effort to learn more by scouring your company website, visiting social media sites, and talking to your current or past employees. It’s also a good indicator of the candidate’s interest in working for your business.

3. Why are you looking for a new job?

Make sure to ask about a new hire's motivations to determine whether their long-term career goals mesh with your company's core values. Maybe they’re early in their career and want experience with a reputable company or are advanced and looking for a company that engages with the local community. 

4. What previous experience and/or training makes you qualified for this particular electrician job?

This question often elicits a multilayered answer with details about on-the-job experience, classroom training, electrician apprentice training, licensure, national certifications, etc. While applicants usually include this information on their resume and cover letter, you can uncover additional skill sets, such as specialty certifications or a knack for customer service. You can also ask what industry blogs and podcasts they follow. 

5. Why did you leave your previous job, and why do you want to work with us?

Job applicants who were recently terminated or frequently hop from job to job should raise a red flag. Give the electrician job candidate the opportunity to articulate their reasons for leaving to determine whether the same issues could be problematic at your company.

Understand their motivations for wanting to work for your business, and then use their answers in the future to recruit top talent and build a strong pipeline of electrician candidates. You may even discover additional benefits or perks you can implement to retain existing employees and stand out from your competition.

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

Your technicians who work on electrical equipment must drive to customers' homes in your company trucks, so a valid driver’s license is paramount. Most electrician apprentice programs and licensing agencies require electrician technicians to hold a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

7. Can you email us a list of references?

You can assess an applicant's written communication skills, as well as the ability to follow directions, by asking them to email a list of at least three references. You can also gauge their interest in the position by how quickly they email their references. Ask them to explain their relationship to the reference, how long they’ve known them, and provide current contact information for each.

8. Why are you interested in this specific position?

More than just whether a candidate wants to work in the electrical industry or at your company, you want to assess whether the applicant is right for the specific position they applied for, whether that be an electrician apprentice or maintenance electrician. The answer to this question can help uncover the candidate’s motivation and fit for the job.

9. Why did you decide to become an electrician? 

Use this question to find out what motivates a candidate. 

“In asking this question, I'm trying to understand what's the spark to their flame, what that motivational facet is, and ultimately to get a better understanding of their why,” says Joshua Chakra, co-founder of YellowStone Local, a recruitment and branding company. “Why are you looking to take your career to the next level? Why would you leave your job and go to the competitor down the street? I’m just making more of that human connection.”

10. Do you have any additional certifications?

A candidate’s certifications can be an asset to your team, and they also show a commitment to continuous learning and growth. You may even find someone has a specialization your company doesn’t yet offer. A candidate should succinctly list any relevant additional certifications they hold, emphasizing how these certifications have augmented their electrical skills and knowledge. If they don’t hold any additional certifications, it’s not a deal-breaker. Just make sure they’d be open to it if requested.

Behavioral/Situational Electrician Interview Questions

1. Describe a specific electrical job where you sacrificed safety for speed. 2. In previous electrical jobs, did you ever turn an unhappy customer into a satisfied customer? 3. A customer expresses anger or frustration over a bill. How do you respond? 4. What safety violations do you see most often, and how would you prevent them? 5. Here's a specific electrician job scenario. Explain your process for handling the call. 6. What would you do if you were given incomplete instructions for a job?

Behavioral or situational job interview questions give 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, following safety precautions, and their overall comfort with using technology on the job.

Today's electricians utilize technology on the job to streamline operational efficiency by deploying smartphones, mobile tablets, and electrician field service management software. 

1. Describe a specific electrical job where you sacrificed safety for speed.

While posing this question might seem like a trick question—since electrical safety should never be compromised for speed—the types of responses you glean can be very telling. Not only can this question weed out electrician candidates who don’t hold safety in high regard, it provides a measure of their honesty and integrity.

2.  Give an example where you turned an unhappy customer into a satisfied customer.

Electricians who emphasize customer service and support play an important role in creating customer satisfaction. Happy clients turn into repeat clients, often via follow-up calls or word-of-mouth referrals. Techs who listen to customers and show empathy, clearly explain the process, and educate them on all available solutions provide better customer service than those who don’t.

Bonus points for candidates who are familiar with customer experience software, which helps exceed customer expectations. ServiceTitan lets you send appointment reminders and technician bios via text so customers know what and who to expect when your truck arrives. In addition, it gives customers the ability to text questions and a link to track the truck in real time.

3. A customer expresses anger or frustration over a bill. How do you respond?

How an applicant responds to this question reveals a lot about their personality, attitude, customer service style, and ability to work under pressure. The ideal candidate should take the time to clearly communicate all of the steps and associated costs involved with the service, but not throw your company under the bus. A negative customer experience will cost you money in lost business and unsatisfied customers.

4. What safety violations do you see most often, and how would you prevent them?

Safety plays a critical role in all electrical work, whether it means following proper safety protocols in a customer's home or business, or preventing injury while on the job. Assess an applicant's knowledge for electrical safety, then ask how the candidate would address common electrical safety violations on the job.

5. Here's a specific electrical job scenario. Explain your process for handling the call.

Electricians work with their hands and gain specialized training. Give them a specific electrical job task and ask them to explain their step-by-step process for diagnosing and fixing the problem. What questions do they ask the customer? What resources do they need? What safety measures do they take? Does the customer require a follow-up visit? 

Remember, this is your opportunity to gauge how they would perform on the job, from start to finish, to get a clear understanding of their strengths and potential weaknesses.

6. What would you do if you were given incomplete instructions for a job?

This question assesses a candidate’s communication and critical thinking skills. Look for someone who is capable of identifying missing information in instructions and asking clarifying questions to gather that information. You also want someone who can improvise and think on their feet, since electrical work is sometimes unpredictable.

Technical Electrician Interview Questions

1. What are the differences between a fuse and circuit breaker? 2. Do you have any experience troubleshooting a programmable logic controller (PLC)? 3. Do you have experience working with or servicing a transformer? 4. What’s your familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE)? 5. How would you prevent over-lamping? 6. What’s the difference between low-voltage and high-voltage wiring? 7. Can you please describe the troubleshooting process of an electrical system?

A hiring manager can assess an applicant's technical ability and know-how from educational degrees, certifications, past experience, and other electrician training listed on their resumes.

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

1. What are the differences between a fuse and circuit breaker?

An electrician candidate must understand the unique roles fuses and circuit breakers play in protecting electrical systems and preventing fires and shock. While both interrupt the flow of electricity, fuses melt when they detect too much heat, while circuit breakers trip when they detect unsafe surges of electricity.

2. Do you have any experience troubleshooting a programmable logic controller (PLC)?

PLCs translate user commands for electronically controlled machines. Common reasons why PLC control systems fail include module failure, loss of power, moisture, overheating, and bad network connections. A knowledge of PLCs is important for electricians working in commercial and industrial settings.

3. Do you have experience working with or servicing a transformer?

If your business serves factories or industrial settings, electrician candidates must have experience inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing transformers. A transformer uses mutual induction to transfer electrical current from one circuit to another while maintaining a constant frequency.

4. What’s your familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE)? 

Electricians utilize a variety of PPE while working on electrical systems. From non-conductive protective helmets to flame-resistant clothing and insulating gloves, electrical contractors must ensure their technicians understand safety procedures and have convenient access to necessary PPE.

5. How would you prevent over-lamping?

Over-lamping occurs when you place a high-wattage light bulb in a lower-wattage fixture. It causes arcing and often starts fires. Electrician interview candidates must understand how to spot over-lamping while inspecting an electrical system or fixture, and offer solutions.

6. What’s the difference between low-voltage and high-voltage wiring?

Ensure the interviewee is able to explain the technical differences between low-voltage and high-voltage wiring, and apply the differences to real-world situations. For example, a technical explanation notes low voltage is typically defined as 50 volts or less, while high voltage is typically defined as 1,000 volts or more. But an application would note low voltage is used for doorbells, while high voltage is used for power lines. 

7. Can you please describe the troubleshooting process of an electrical system?

Electrical problem-solving is an essential competency for electricians, as they are typically called upon to pinpoint and address electrical issues in residential and commercial settings. By asking this question, the interviewer can assess the candidate's ability to think critically and solve problems.

Technology and Tools Questions

1. How do you view mobile technology and its role in the future of the electrical industry? 2. What is your experience with using mobile technology on the job? 3. After diagnosing the problem, what tools have you used to explain options to a customer?

While interviewing electrician candidates, make sure to ask about previous on-the-job experience with CRM technology and other electrician tools. Today’s electricians utilize field service technology to increase efficiencies, enhance communication, and grow ticket sizes. 

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

Electrical contractors increasingly rely on technology to streamline business operations and boost technician efficiency. How an applicant responds to this question tells you a lot about their knowledge of current technology and industry trends. If your business uses electrician software, asking about technological skills can help you determine whether the candidate is a good fit.

2. 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. Electricians often provide estimates, communicate with dispatch, and collect payments from their mobile devices through a field service app. 

ServiceTitan Mobile lets technicians view detailed job histories before servicing a customer. Once on site, they can build professional estimates in just a few taps, and even close sales right from their device. 

3. After diagnosing the problem, what tools have you used to explain options to a customer?

While in the field, electrician technicians need to clearly articulate the problem and all available solutions. Modern electrician software helps techs present varying levels of service, such as good, better, and best, so customers can understand their options and make an informed decision. 

ServiceTitan proposal software quickly calculates pricing with job costs broken down by time, materials, and profit margins, then presents the options in a polished proposal. Upon acceptance, the electrician can accept payments right from their device.

A lack of hands-on experience shouldn’t automatically disqualify a candidate; it just means you’ll need to provide additional training. You’ll likely realize new recruits have experience using technology and want to work for a forward-thinking company.

Payroll Interview Questions

1. What are your wage expectations? 2. Have you ever worked for a company that uses performance-based pay? 3. What are your expectations for bonuses or spiffs?

Most applicants don't feel comfortable asking about pay upfront, but salary expectations matter a great deal when considering one job applicant over another. As a business owner, you need to be prepared to pay competitive salaries and offer enticing benefits to attract top job candidates and reduce costly turnover rates.

For example, if your company offers performance pay versus hourly rates, candidates need to understand how your commission and bonus structure affects the position. If you expect electricians to sell more services on every call, be sure to make that clear.

The simple payroll questions above will help you compete in a highly competitive job market, where it's important to separate the casual job seekers from the serious electrician candidates. Asking the right questions from the get-go can help you identify new recruits worth investing your time and money in, who will stick around and grow, as you scale your electrical business. If you’re new to hiring electricians, consider hosting a mock interview with members of your team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still want more tips to enhance your hiring process? Check out these FAQs.

What are the basic interview questions for electricians?

While the questions compiled above provide an excellent starting point, tailor your questions to the open electrician position. For example, consider how senior the position is (apprentice, journeyman, master electrician), what services your company offers, and whether you serve residential or commercial customers. Basic questions should help the interviewer understand the candidate's background, previous work experience, traits, technical skills, and situational awareness.

What qualities should an electrician have?

Along with being mechanically inclined, a great electrician should be flexible and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What questions should I ask in an electrical apprenticeship interview?

For an electrical apprentice, you don’t need to spend a lot of time assessing their experience and technical skills. Instead, look for someone who is eager to learn and grow. Check out this full list of electrician apprentice questions.