17 Glass Blower Interview Questions and Answers

The art of glassblowing is both ancient and ever-evolving. Modern glassblowers use techniques that have been passed down for generations, but they also use cutting-edge technology to create new and innovative designs.

If you’re interested in becoming a glassblower, you’ll need to have a strong foundation in the basics of the craft. You’ll also need to be able to answer glassblowing interview questions that assess your technical skills and knowledge.

In this guide, we’ll give you a list of the most common glassblowing interview questions and answers. We’ll also provide tips on how to prepare for your interview so you can make a great impression on potential employers.

Are you familiar with the properties of glass and how to manipulate it?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of glass and how it works. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills necessary to perform the job well. Before your interview, read up on some basic information about glass. You can also consider taking a class or reading a book that focuses on glass.

Example: “I am familiar with the properties of glass and know how to manipulate it. I took a class in college where we learned about different types of glass and how they work. We even got to make our own glass pieces. It was an amazing experience.”

What are some of the most common pieces of glassware you’ve blown?

This question is a great way to see if you have experience with the type of glassware that this company produces. If they ask this question, it’s likely because they are looking for someone who can produce high-quality pieces quickly and efficiently. When answering this question, make sure to mention some of the most common types of glassware you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “In my previous role as a freelance glass blower, I was often hired by companies to create custom pieces of glassware. Some of the most common pieces I made were wine glasses, champagne flutes, vases and bowls. I also frequently blew decorative items like candle holders, ornaments and sculptures.”

How do you determine the right temperature for the glass you’re working with?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your technical skills and knowledge of the craft. Use examples from past experiences where you used your expertise to determine the right temperature for glass, as well as how you communicated with other team members about it.

Example: “I use my senses to determine the right temperature for the glass I’m working with. For instance, when I was an apprentice, I worked on a project that required me to melt the glass at 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, once I added color to the glass, I needed to lower the temperature to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. To do so, I relied on my sense of sight and smell to ensure the glass wasn’t overheating or burning.”

What is the most challenging piece of glassware you’ve ever created?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your problem-solving skills and creativity. Your answer should demonstrate that you are willing to take on challenges, but also highlight your ability to overcome obstacles.

Example: “The most challenging piece I ever created was a glass vase with an intricate design of flowers and leaves. The challenge came when I had to add color to the glass without it mixing with other colors. It took me several tries before I got the right combination of color and temperature to make sure the colors didn’t mix. In the end, my efforts paid off as the vase looked beautiful.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a piece that wasn’t working as planned.

Troubleshooting is an important skill for glass blowers to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to solve problems and fix mistakes. Use your answer to explain a time when you had to troubleshoot something in the past. Explain what steps you took to figure out the problem.

Example: “At my last job, I was working on a piece that required me to use several different colors of glass. However, after I finished blowing it, I noticed that some of the colors were bleeding into each other. This meant that the design wasn’t as vibrant as I wanted it to be.

I started by taking a step back and looking at the piece from afar. Then, I realized that I hadn’t cleaned off all of the residue from the previous color before adding another one. After realizing this mistake, I fixed it by cleaning the piece again and then starting over with the new color. The final product turned out beautifully.”

If a customer wanted a specific design on their glassware, how would you approach the task?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a unique situation in the workplace. Use your answer to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work with customers.

Example: “If a customer wanted a specific design on their glassware, I would first ask them what they were looking for. Then, I would sketch out several different designs that matched their preferences. After showing them my sketches, I would take their feedback into consideration and create a final product that met their needs. This process helps me ensure that the customer is happy with the end result.”

What would you do if a batch of glass you were working with suddenly changed temperature?

Glass blowers often work with hot glass, so the interviewer may ask you this question to see how you would respond if a situation like this occurred. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure that you and any other employees working in the area were safe while also preventing damage to the batch of glass.

Example: “If I noticed the temperature of the glass suddenly changing, I would immediately stop all activity around it. Then, I would check on my coworkers to make sure they were okay and not in danger. After ensuring everyone’s safety, I would try to determine why the temperature changed. If there was no immediate threat, I would continue working until I could find out what happened.”

How well can you see through a piece of glass you’ve just finished?

This question is a test of your eyesight and how well you can see through the glass. Employers ask this question to make sure that you have good vision, which is important for working with hot glass. Before your interview, check out the company’s website to see if they list any specific requirements for their employees. If they don’t, then it’s safe to assume that they want someone who has 20/20 vision.

Example: “I have excellent vision, so I am able to see clearly through my pieces of glass as soon as I finish them. However, I do wear glasses when I work because I find that they help me focus on small details better.”

Do you have experience using a blowpipe?

This question is a good way to test your knowledge of the tools you’ll use in this role. Employers ask it to see if you have experience using one before and how comfortable you are with it. If you don’t have any experience, you can talk about what you’ve learned from watching others or reading about it.

Example: “I do have some experience using a blowpipe. I worked as an apprentice for two years at my previous job, so I got plenty of practice. However, I would like to continue practicing on my own time to improve my skills.”

When working with a team, how do you divide up the responsibilities for each step of the glassblowing process?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your teamwork skills and ability to collaborate with others. Your answer should demonstrate that you can work well with others, communicate effectively and understand the importance of each role in a team setting.

Example: “I believe it’s important for everyone on the team to know how to perform every step of the glassblowing process so we’re prepared to help one another when needed. I’ve worked with teams where some members only knew how to operate certain tools or machines, which made it difficult to complete tasks when someone was absent. In my previous position, I helped train new employees on all aspects of the job so they could learn as much as possible before starting their first shift.”

We want to increase our production capacity. Where would you set up your workstation to maximize output?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of production capacity and how you can increase output. It also shows the interviewer that you have experience working in a team environment, as increasing production capacity often requires collaboration with other glass blowers.

Example: “I would set up my workstation next to another glass blower’s station so we could collaborate on projects. I’ve worked with many different glass blowers throughout my career, and I find that collaborating with others helps me learn new techniques and improve my own skills. In addition, it allows us to complete more orders per day.”

Describe your process for cleaning up after a finished piece.

This question is a great way to assess your attention to detail and organizational skills. Your answer should include the steps you take to clean up after finishing a piece, as well as how you ensure that all tools are properly stored for the next project.

Example: “I always start by cleaning my workstation before I begin working on a new piece. This ensures that I have plenty of space to complete my current task without worrying about where to put any tools or materials. After completing a piece, I use a soft brush to remove any excess glass from the surface of the object. Then, I place it in an oven to melt away any leftover residue. Finally, I store all of my tools and supplies in their designated places.”

What makes glassblowing such a unique art form?

Glassblowing is a unique art form because it requires the artist to work with molten glass. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your knowledge of the craft and how you feel about working in such a unique environment. In your answer, try to highlight some of the challenges that come with working as a glass blower while also emphasizing why you enjoy the job so much.

Example: “Glassblowing is a very unique art form because it’s one of the only mediums where artists can create three-dimensional objects from a liquid material. It’s definitely challenging to work with molten glass, but I find it rewarding when I’m able to create beautiful pieces of artwork using this method.”

Which other art forms do you enjoy and how do they influence your glassblowing?

This question helps the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your interests outside of work might impact your performance in this role. Your answer should show that you are passionate about glassblowing, but also have other interests that can help you be successful in this position.

Example: “I love all kinds of art, so I’m always looking for new ways to learn more about it. In my free time, I’ve taken classes on painting, sculpting and jewelry making. These classes have helped me understand different techniques and tools used by artists in these fields, which has made me a better glass blower.”

What do you think the future of glassblowing will look like?

This question can help an interviewer get a sense of your creativity and how you think about the future. Your answer should show that you have a passion for glassblowing, but also that you are able to look beyond what is currently popular in the industry.

Example: “I believe that we will see more innovation in the way we create glass art. I am excited by the idea of 3D printing techniques being used to make glass objects. This would allow us to create unique pieces without having to spend as much time on each one. It could also be a great way to recycle broken glass into new works of art.”

How often do you clean your blowpipe?

This question can help interviewers understand your attention to detail and safety. They may also want to know if you have experience with blowpipes that are difficult to clean. Your answer should include a specific time frame for cleaning the pipe, as well as any tools or techniques you use to do so.

Example: “I clean my blowpipe after every glass blowing session. I start by removing all of the molten glass from the pipe using tongs. Then, I dip it into a water bath to cool it down. Once it’s cooled, I remove the remaining glass from the pipe using a wire brush. Finally, I wipe the pipe down with a damp cloth.”

There is a small hole in the finished piece you’re working on. How would you fix it?

This question is a test of your problem-solving skills. It’s important to show that you can think critically and creatively when faced with challenges on the job. Your answer should include steps for identifying the issue, analyzing it and coming up with a solution.

Example: “I would first make sure there are no other holes in the piece by looking at all sides. Then I would use my torch to heat the glass around the hole so I could remove it. Next, I would reheat the area where the hole was and add more molten glass to fill it in. Finally, I would cool the piece down slowly to ensure the new glass stays intact.”