17 Elevator Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Elevator technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators. They work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, hospitals, and private homes. Many elevator technicians are employed by elevator companies, while others work for general contractors or building maintenance companies.

Elevator technicians must have a strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems. They also need to be able to troubleshoot problems and think creatively to find solutions. If you’re interested in becoming an elevator technician, you’ll need to ace an interview.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample elevator technician interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in tight spaces?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are comfortable with working in tight spaces and can use your problem-solving skills to complete tasks. You can answer this question by explaining how you feel about working in tight spaces, but also include a specific example of when you worked in a tight space and what steps you took to complete the task successfully.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in tight spaces because I have done it many times throughout my career as an elevator technician. For instance, I once had to replace a motor on an elevator while it was still operating. It was challenging, but I used my tools to remove the paneling around the motor and then replaced the motor. The client was happy with the work.”

What are some of the most common issues you encounter when repairing an elevator?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience and expertise. Use examples from your previous job to highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities.

Example: “The most common issue I’ve encountered is when an elevator’s safety sensors are damaged or malfunctioning. This can be dangerous for passengers because it means the elevator may not stop at all floors or may stop at the wrong floor. Another common problem is when the elevator’s brakes fail to engage properly. If this happens, the elevator may move too fast or even fall. These are just two of many issues that I have encountered in my career as an elevator technician.”

How would you handle an emergency situation while working on an elevator?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and how you react under pressure. Use examples from previous experiences where you faced an emergency situation while working on an elevator, and describe the steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “In my last job as an elevator technician, I was repairing a broken elevator when suddenly the power went out. The backup generator also failed, leaving me in total darkness with no way of communicating with anyone outside. I used my cell phone light to find the flashlight that I always keep in my toolbox, and then I started looking for the fuse box. After finding it, I replaced the fuse and restored power to the elevator.”

What is your experience with electrical systems and machinery?

Elevator technicians must have a basic understanding of electrical systems and machinery. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have the necessary skills to complete the job successfully. Use your answer to highlight any experience you have with electrical systems or machinery. If you don’t have much experience, explain what steps you would take to gain that knowledge.

Example: “I’ve worked on several machines that use electricity in my previous position as an elevator technician. I understand how to troubleshoot issues with electrical systems and machinery. However, I am always looking for ways to improve my skills. To do this, I regularly read up on new techniques and technology.”

Provide an example of a time when you solved a complex problem at work.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a time when you used critical thinking and reasoning to solve a complex issue at work.

Example: “At my last job, I was working on an elevator that had stopped between floors. The client reported the issue, so we went to check out the situation. After inspecting the elevator, I found that one of the sensors wasn’t functioning properly. This meant that the elevator couldn’t detect if someone was inside or outside of it. To fix the sensor, I needed to remove the entire panel from the side of the elevator. It took me several hours to complete the task, but in the end, I solved the problem.”

If an elevator cable broke, what would be your immediate response?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of elevator safety. An interviewer may ask you this question to see how well you understand the importance of following proper procedures when working with elevators and their cables. In your answer, try to explain what steps you would take to ensure the safety of everyone in the building or structure where the elevator was located.

Example: “If I noticed that an elevator cable had broken, I would immediately stop all movement of the elevator car. Then, I would call my supervisor to inform them of the situation. Next, I would make sure no one was inside the elevator car before beginning repairs. If someone was inside, I would wait for them to exit before starting work on the elevator.”

What would you do if you noticed unsafe working conditions while inspecting an elevator?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your safety awareness and commitment. In your answer, emphasize that you would report unsafe conditions immediately so the company can take action.

Example: “I would first document the unsafe condition in my inspection notes. Then I would inform my supervisor of the issue as soon as possible so they could address it with the building owner or manager. If the problem persisted after multiple reports, I would continue to document the unsafe working conditions until the situation was resolved.”

How well do you communicate with other professionals in the construction industry?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills. They want to know how you interact with others and whether you can communicate effectively in a team setting. To answer, think of a time when you worked well with others on a construction project. Explain what steps you took to ensure that everyone was on the same page.

Example: “I have experience working as part of a large construction crew. I am used to communicating with other professionals like architects, electricians and plumbers. In my last role, I had to work closely with an elevator company to install new elevators at a hotel. The elevator company sent over their best technician to help me with the installation. We communicated regularly throughout the entire process so we could make sure everything went smoothly.”

Do you have experience working with hazardous materials?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience working with dangerous materials and how you handled them. If you have worked with hazardous materials in the past, describe what they were and how you managed them safely. If you haven’t worked with hazardous materials before, you can talk about your ability to work under pressure and prioritize safety when handling potentially dangerous situations.

Example: “In my previous role as an elevator technician, I encountered a situation where I had to handle hazardous materials. One day, while performing routine maintenance on one of our elevators, I noticed that there was a leak from the hydraulic system. After inspecting the rest of the elevator for other leaks, I determined that it was only the hydraulic system that needed replacing.

I notified my supervisor immediately so we could take precautions to ensure the safety of everyone who used the elevator. We shut down the elevator until we could replace the hydraulic system. While waiting for the new part to arrive, I trained another technician on how to perform repairs on the hydraulic system.”

When inspecting an elevator, what are some of the things you look for?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of elevator safety and maintenance. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some specific things you look for when inspecting an elevator. You can also include a time when you found something that could have been dangerous or harmful to someone using the elevator.

Example: “When inspecting an elevator, I always make sure all the cables are in good condition and properly tightened. I check the brakes and emergency brake system to ensure they’re working correctly. I also inspect the floor sensors to make sure they’re functioning properly. If any of these systems aren’t working as they should be, it could put people at risk. In my last position, I once found a loose cable during an inspection. This was before anyone had gotten on the elevator, so we were able to fix it before anyone got hurt.”

We want to ensure our elevators are always up to code. How would you stay informed about industry regulations and standards?

An interviewer may ask this question to understand how you stay up-to-date on industry regulations and standards. This can be an important part of the job, as it ensures that your work is safe for customers and employees. In your answer, try to explain how you would find out about these regulations and standards and what steps you would take to ensure you’re always following them.

Example: “I have a subscription to several elevator technician forums where I can read about new regulations and standards. I also attend conferences and seminars to learn more about best practices in my field.”

Describe your process for completing a routine maintenance check.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you complete tasks. To answer, think of a time when you completed a routine maintenance check for an elevator or escalator. Explain the steps you took to ensure that you were completing the task correctly.

Example: “I always start by inspecting all of the safety features on the elevator or escalator I’m working on. This includes checking the brakes, emergency stop buttons and other important components. Next, I make sure that the elevator’s power is off before I begin any repairs. Then, I inspect the cables and tracks to make sure they are in good condition. Finally, I test the elevator or escalator to make sure it’s operating properly.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on highlighting your most impressive credentials and explaining why they are important in this position.

Example: “I have five years of experience as an elevator technician, which is more than any other candidate applying for this job. I also hold a certification from the National Elevator Technician Association, which shows my commitment to elevators and safety standards. My previous employer also gave me a recommendation, which speaks to my reliability and ability to work well with others.”

Which elevator models have you worked with in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level. If you have worked with a variety of models, you may be more qualified for the position than someone who has only worked with one or two types of elevators. Try to list as many elevator models as possible that you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “I’ve worked with all major brands of elevators including Otis, Schindler and ThyssenKrupp. I also worked on several different models within each brand, so I’m familiar with most common issues these companies face.”

What do you think is the most important skill for an elevator technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities that are most important for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a skill that is in your job description or something that you feel would benefit an elevator technician.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills for an elevator technician is problem-solving because there are many different issues that can occur with elevators. I am always looking for ways to solve problems efficiently so that I can get the elevator back up and running as quickly as possible. Another important skill is communication because technicians often work on projects with other professionals. It’s important to me to communicate clearly with others so we all understand what needs to happen.”

How often should an elevator be inspected?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of industry standards and practices. Your answer should include a specific time frame, such as monthly or quarterly, along with the reasons why these inspection periods are important.

Example: “In my previous role, I inspected elevators once per month. This was due to the fact that we had many buildings in our portfolio, so it made sense to inspect them all at once rather than on a building-by-building basis. However, if there were only one or two buildings in my current position, I would inspect them more frequently, like every three weeks.”

There is a learning curve to becoming an elevator technician. How far along are you in your training?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience level and how much training you need. If you are new to the field, explain what steps you have taken to prepare yourself for an elevator technician role. If you already have some experience, share what skills you’ve developed in your previous job that will help you succeed in this one.

Example: “I am just starting my career as an elevator technician. I completed a two-year program at a technical college where I learned all of the basics of being an elevator technician. I also worked part-time at a local elevator company while I was in school, which helped me gain valuable real-world experience.”