20 American Electric Power Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, American Electric Power (AEP) is always looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join its team.

If you’re interested in working for AEP, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific questions about the company and the electric utility industry. In this article, we’ll give you some examples of American Electric Power interview questions so you can start preparing for your interview.

American Electric Power Interview Process

The interview process at American Electric Power can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two interviews- one being a phone screen and the other being an in-person panel interview. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

For some positions, like the Quantitative Risk Analyst role, you may be asked technical questions during your interviews. However, for other positions, like the Engineer role, the majority of the questions will be behavioral.

Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with most candidates finding the interviewers to be friendly and professional. However, some candidates have found the process to be very long and drawn out, taking several months to complete.

1. What is your experience with developing electrical infrastructure?

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who have experience with electrical infrastructure and can help the company develop its own. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that relate to this role.

Example: “I’ve worked on several projects where I was responsible for developing electrical infrastructure. In my last position, I helped design a new power grid in an area that had been damaged by a hurricane. This project required me to work with other engineers to ensure we were building the right infrastructure while also meeting budget requirements.”

2. How do you think renewable energy will impact the future of power infrastructure?

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who are knowledgeable about the future of power infrastructure. This question allows you to show your knowledge and interest in this field by explaining how renewable energy will impact American Electric Power’s business.

Example: “I believe that renewable energy will continue to grow as a viable option for electricity production. As more people become aware of the benefits of renewable energy, I think we’ll see an increase in investment in these types of companies. In fact, I’m currently enrolled in a program where I can earn my certification as a solar panel installer. I hope to work with American Electric Power so I can use my skills to help build out their renewable energy portfolio.”

3. Why do you want to work at American Electric Power?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the company and its values. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of American Electric Power that you admire or something about the company’s history that interests you.

Example: “I want to work at American Electric Power because I am passionate about clean energy and reducing our carbon footprint on the environment. Your company has been investing in renewable energy for decades, which is impressive. I would love to be part of this forward-thinking team.”

4. Tell me about a time that you had to deal with conflict between employees, how did you handle it?

American Electric Power is looking for someone who can handle conflict in the workplace. This question helps them determine how you would react to a situation like this and if you have any experience with it.

Example: “I had an employee once that was very outspoken about their opinions, which sometimes led to arguments between other employees. I met with the employee privately and asked them to be more mindful of what they said around others. They agreed to do so and we haven’t had any issues since.”

5. Describe a project you have worked on and what its status was when you took over the project.

This question is a great way to show your ability to take on responsibility and complete projects. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the project you worked on and what its status was when you started working on it. Then, explain how you helped improve or finish the project.

Example: “At my previous job, I took over an important client’s account that had been neglected by another employee. The client was upset with our company because they were not receiving their monthly reports in a timely manner. After taking over the account, I immediately began sending out monthly reports as promised. I also followed up with the client after each report to make sure they were happy with the service.”

6. If hired, how would you make sure that projects stay on budget and meet timelines?

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who can manage projects and keep costs down. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have experience with project management software or other tools that help you stay on budget and meet deadlines.

Example: “I’ve worked in construction before, so I know how important it is to use the right software to track budgets and timelines. I would make sure all employees were using a program like Microsoft Project to keep up-to-date on their progress. This way, we could identify any issues early and find solutions.”

7. Do you have any experience working in a team environment?

American Electric Power is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. They want to know if you have experience working in teams, as this can be an important part of the job. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects.

Example: “I’ve worked in a team environment for most of my career. I started out as a graphic designer at a small firm where we all collaborated on projects together. At my current position, I’m part of a larger design team that meets regularly to discuss our projects and how we can improve them.”

8. Are you comfortable traveling for weeks or months at a time?

American Electric Power is a global company that requires its employees to travel for extended periods of time. The interviewer wants to know if you have the ability to be away from home and how you handle being in different places for long periods of time.

Example: “I am comfortable traveling, but I prefer shorter trips rather than longer ones. However, I understand that sometimes it’s necessary to go on longer trips. In my previous position, I was required to spend two weeks at a time out of town. While I missed my family, I got used to the routine and made sure to stay connected with them as much as possible.”

9. Give an example of a large scale project you have managed.

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who have experience managing projects that involve a large number of people and resources. This question allows you to show your ability to manage complex situations, which can be especially important in an investment firm like American Electric Power.

Example: “In my last position as a project manager at XYZ Construction Company, I was responsible for overseeing the construction of a new power plant. The project required over 100 subcontractors and thousands of employees working on-site. My team and I had to ensure all aspects of the project were completed according to schedule while maintaining quality control standards.”

10. What are some things you look for before taking on a new project?

This question is a great way to show your attention to detail and how you plan out projects. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list the steps you take when planning out a project or task.

Example: “I always make sure I have all of the necessary information before starting on a new project. First, I read through any documents that are given to me by my supervisor or manager. Then, I look over any notes I took during our meeting about the project. After that, I check in with my team members who will be working on the project with me. Finally, I make sure I am prepared for the start date.”

11. How many people were on the team you were managing during this project?

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who can work well with others and manage a team. When answering this question, it’s important to mention the names of your colleagues and how you worked together on the project.

Example: “I was managing a team of five people during my last project at Green Energy Solutions. I had two developers, one designer and one quality assurance specialist. We all met once a week to discuss our progress and any issues we were having. This helped us stay organized and productive.”

12. What are some of your favorite skills that you use as a project manager?

American Electric Power is looking for a project manager who can use their skills to help the company achieve its goals. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your favorite skills and how you’ve used them in previous roles.

Example: “I think one of my best skills as a project manager is my ability to delegate tasks effectively. I like to meet with each team member before projects begin to understand what they’re most comfortable doing and then assign them tasks based on those preferences. This helps me create an effective workflow that allows everyone to feel valued while also completing projects efficiently.”

13. Do you prefer working alone or on a team?

American Electric Power is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. Your answer to this question should show the interviewer you are willing to work with others on projects, assignments or tasks.

Example: “I prefer working in teams because I find it more efficient than working alone. However, I am also comfortable working independently if necessary. In my previous position, I worked as part of a team to complete an assignment for our marketing class. We each had different roles within the group, so we were able to learn from one another and help each other out when needed.”

14. What tools do you use to manage your projects?

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who can manage their projects and tasks effectively. When answering this question, it’s important to mention the tools you use to plan your work and how they help you stay organized.

Example: “I use a project management software called Trello that allows me to create different boards for each of my projects. I have one board where I keep track of all of my current projects, another where I store ideas for future projects and a third where I organize my daily tasks. This tool has helped me become more organized in my work and I find myself completing projects ahead of schedule.”

15. When a group member has an idea that you disagree with, how do you handle it?

American Electric Power wants to know that you can handle conflict in the workplace and still work well with others. Your answer should show your ability to compromise or find a middle ground when needed.

Example: “I believe it’s important to listen to all ideas, even if I disagree with them. If someone has an idea that I think is not feasible, I will ask questions about why they feel this way. Sometimes, there are ways to implement their idea differently or change some of the details so that we can use it. When working as part of a team, everyone needs to be heard and valued.”

16. What is the most important thing to remember when dealing with an unhappy client?

American Electric Power is looking for candidates who can handle customer service and problem-solving. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have the skills necessary to help customers with their problems and keep them happy.

Example: “The most important thing when dealing with an unhappy client is to listen to what they have to say. I find that many times, clients are just frustrated because they haven’t been heard or understood. Once I’ve listened to their concerns, I try to offer solutions to their problems. If there isn’t a solution right away, I will follow up with them as soon as possible.”

17. Would you be willing to travel often if necessary?

American Electric Power is a company that requires its employees to travel often. If you are interviewing for an administrative position, it’s likely that you will be required to travel at least once or twice per month. When answering this question, make sure to mention the amount of traveling you would be comfortable with and how much you enjoy being on the road.

Example: “I am happy to travel as long as I have access to Wi-Fi and can get some work done while I’m in transit. I find that I am able to stay productive when I am on the road because I don’t have any distractions. I also love meeting new people and learning about different cultures.”

18. How do you define success?

This question is a great way to learn more about the values of American Electric Power and how you can fit into them. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest and specific.

Example: “Success for me is being able to achieve my goals while also helping others succeed. I believe that when we all work together toward common goals, we can accomplish anything. In my last role, I was tasked with increasing sales by 10% in one year. We ended up exceeding that goal by 5%, which allowed us to hire five new employees.”

19. Who is someone who inspires you?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer and the culture of the company. It also allows you to share something personal with the interviewer, which can help them get to know you better. When answering this question, it’s important to choose someone who has similar values as American Electric Power.

Example: “I have always been inspired by Elon Musk because he is so dedicated to making the world a better place through his work. I admire how passionate he is about his projects and that he is willing to take risks in order to make them happen. He is an excellent example of someone who works hard and follows their dreams.”

20. What is something you wish there was more of in the world?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s values and beliefs. It also helps you understand what motivates them in their work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of something that would make your life easier or improve your community.

Example: “I wish there was more kindness in the world. I believe if we all took a moment to show compassion for others, we could create a better society.”