Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from an electrical and instrumentation technician, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.
In a world that’s increasingly reliant on technology, the role of electrical and instrumentation technician is more important than ever. These technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic equipment in a variety of settings, from factories and power plants to hospitals and schools.
If you’re looking to become an electrical and instrumentation technician, you’ll need to be prepared to answer a range of questions in your job interview. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common electrical and instrumentation technician interview questions.
The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with the National Electrical Code. The National Electrical Code is a set of regulations that govern how electrical systems are installed in buildings and other structures. Your answer should show that you understand what the code entails, including its purpose and some of its most important rules.
Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the National Electrical Code. In my last position, I was responsible for ensuring all projects met the requirements outlined in the code. This included checking plans for compliance and making sure any materials we used were up to code. If they weren’t, I would notify my supervisor so we could find an alternative.”
This question helps the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight your technical, communication and teamwork skills.
Example: “The most important skill for an electrical and instrumentation technician is problem-solving because it allows us to find solutions to issues that arise during a project. Another important skill is my ability to communicate with clients and other technicians on a team. This skill helps me share information about projects and collaborate with others to solve problems. Finally, I think it’s essential to be organized because it helps me stay focused on tasks and ensures I complete them by deadlines.”
This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and challenges. It is important to be honest in your answer, but also show that you are willing to learn from mistakes.
Example: “I would first try to find out what the client’s concerns were. I would then apologize for any inconvenience or dissatisfaction they had with my work. If there was something I could do to fix it, I would offer to make amends by fixing the problem at no cost. If there was nothing I could do to improve the situation, I would explain why this was the case and offer a refund.”
Hazardous materials are a common part of the electrical and instrumentation technician’s job. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with handling these materials and how you would approach working with them in their facility. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of safety procedures when working with hazardous materials and any training or certifications that you have for working with these materials.
Example: “I’ve worked with hazardous materials before, although I haven’t had much experience with it. However, I am familiar with the proper safety equipment and procedures for working with hazardous materials. For my previous employer, I was responsible for maintaining the company’s hazmat certification. This included regular testing and inspections to ensure we were following all safety protocols.”
Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation that involved troubleshooting an electrical issue and how you solved it.
Example: “At my last job, I was working on a project with another technician when we noticed some of the equipment wasn’t functioning properly. We started by checking all the connections and making sure everything was plugged in correctly. After doing so, we still had issues with the equipment, so we decided to check the circuit breaker. Once we did, we realized there was a short in one of the wires. So, we replaced the wire and were able to finish our work.”
This question helps employers determine how you plan to use your skills and abilities in their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific project or task that you would like to work on. This can help the employer understand what you value most about working for their company.
Example: “I believe my greatest strength is my ability to troubleshoot problems with electrical systems. I enjoy finding solutions to complex issues and helping others solve problems. If hired, I would love to focus on solving some of the more challenging problems within the company. For example, if there was an issue with one of the power plants, I would love to help find a solution.”
This question can help interviewers understand how you apply your knowledge of electrical wiring to ensure the safety of those around you. Use examples from past experiences where you noticed unsafe wiring and what steps you took to correct it or report it to a supervisor.
Example: “In my last position, I was working onsite at an office building when I noticed some of the wiring in one of the offices wasn’t up to code. I notified my supervisor immediately so they could address the issue before anyone got hurt. They had me fix the wiring while they contacted the company that installed the wiring to come out and inspect it.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how well you work with others and your communication skills. Showcase your ability to communicate clearly, listen actively and collaborate with other team members.
Example: “I pride myself on my communication skills because they are so important when working in a team environment. I always make sure that I am clear and concise when speaking with other technicians or engineers about projects or tasks. When collaborating with other professionals, I also try to be as helpful as possible by listening carefully to their instructions and questions and providing them with any information they need.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using software to complete projects. If you have experience using electrical design software, share what type of software you’re familiar with and how often you used it. If you don’t have any experience using electrical design software, explain that you are willing to learn new programs if necessary.
Example: “I’ve worked in a few different facilities where we used AutoCAD for our electrical design work. I’m comfortable using this program to create diagrams and schematics for wiring systems and other electrical components. I also use Microsoft Excel to organize data and information about project costs.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach a large project and whether your organizational skills are strong enough to handle working in an industrial setting. Use examples from past experience to show that you have the ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks effectively.
Example: “In my last role, I worked on several projects at once, including installing new equipment and repairing existing systems. To stay organized, I used a calendar system to keep track of all due dates for each task. This helped me ensure that I was completing each task by its deadline and not falling behind. When prioritizing work, I first look at any urgent or emergency situations that need to be addressed immediately. Then, I focus on larger projects that require more time to complete.”
Interviewers may ask this question to assess your commitment to safety and how you would implement changes within the company. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure that employees are following electrical safety standards.
Example: “I believe it’s important for everyone in the workplace to understand their role in maintaining a safe environment. I would start by creating an employee training program where we discuss best practices for staying safe while working with electricity. Then, I would hold monthly seminars on different topics related to electrical safety so that employees can learn more about these issues. Finally, I would make sure all new hires complete the seminar before they begin work.”
This question can help interviewers understand your testing process and how you apply it to various situations. Use examples from previous experience to describe the steps you take when testing outlets and switches, including what tools you use for each step.
Example: “I start by checking the voltage of the outlet or switch with a multimeter. If I notice that the voltage is low, then I know there’s an issue with the wiring. Next, I check the continuity of the circuit using my voltmeter. If the circuit has no continuity, then I know there’s a problem with the wiring. Finally, I test the grounding of the outlet or switch by connecting one lead of the voltmeter to the ground terminal.”
Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as an electrical and instrumentation technician. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates applying for the same position. When answering this question, think of a skill or quality that you have that others may not. Try to choose something that is relevant to the job description.
Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented. I always make sure to document all my work in a way that’s easy to understand. This helps me stay on track with projects and ensures that I don’t miss anything important. In my previous role, my organization and attention to detail helped me complete tasks quickly while maintaining high standards.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how much you know about electrical systems. You can answer this question by naming a few electrical systems that you’re familiar with, such as low-voltage or high-voltage systems.
Example: “I’ve worked mostly with low-voltage systems in my previous role, but I also have some experience working with high-voltage systems. In my last position, I helped install a new power grid for an entire city, which required me to work on both low-voltage and high-voltage systems. I’m comfortable working with all types of electrical systems.”
This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what your thoughts are on this career. It can also show them how you might handle challenges in the workplace. When answering, it can be helpful to think about some of the most challenging aspects of being an electrical and instrumentation technician and explain why they’re challenging for you.
Example: “The most challenging part of being an electrical and instrumentation technician is working with live wires. I’ve always been someone who’s cautious when it comes to electricity, so having to work with it all day long can be stressful. However, I have learned ways to overcome my fear by focusing on safety precautions and following proper procedures.”
This question can help the interviewer determine how often you perform preventative maintenance on your tools and equipment. Preventing problems with your tools or instruments is an important part of being a technician, so employers may want to know that you have experience doing this. In your answer, try to explain what types of preventative maintenance you do and why it’s important.
Example: “I usually perform preventative maintenance checks every six months. I find that this frequency allows me to catch any issues before they become major problems. It also helps me remember to clean my tools and equipment regularly, which prevents small issues from becoming larger ones.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and complete projects. Use examples from previous experience to show that you know how to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Example: “In this situation, I would first make sure all safety precautions were in place before starting any work. Then, I would start with the most important task of testing the electrical system. Next, I would move on to calibrating sensors and monitoring equipment. Finally, I would finish up by checking for any errors or malfunctions.”