17 Glass Worker Interview Questions and Answers

The art of working with glass is both ancient and ever-evolving. Modern glassworkers use a variety of techniques to create everything from stained-glass windows to scientific beakers. No matter what type of glasswork you do, you can expect to be asked some combination of the following glassworker interview questions.

An interviewer will want to know if you have the necessary skills for the job, as well as whether you’re familiar with the company’s products. He or she will also want to gauge your creativity, problem-solving ability, and work ethic. Prepare for your interview by coming up with thoughtful responses to the sample questions below.

Are you familiar with the different types of glass and how to work with them?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to see if you have experience working with different types of glass. Glass is often made from silica, soda ash and limestone, but it can also be made from other materials. Knowing the different types of glass and how they’re made can show that you have experience working with them. In your answer, explain which type of glass you’ve worked with in the past and what you enjoyed about each one.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different types of glass throughout my career. I enjoy working with lead crystal because it’s so beautiful when it’s finished. It’s also very durable, making it perfect for use as a wine decanter or vase. I also really enjoy working with stained glass because of its unique colors and patterns. When I’m done creating a piece of stained glass, I love seeing how it looks when it’s installed.”

What are some of the most important safety precautions you take when working with glass?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to keep yourself safe while working. They want to be sure that you are committed to your own safety and the safety of others around you. When answering, think about what you do in your current job or any other time you worked with glass. Make a list of all the precautions you take when working with glass.

Example: “I always wear protective eyewear when I work with glass. It’s important to protect my eyes from flying shards of glass. I also make sure to wear closed-toe shoes so if there is an accident, I don’t cut my feet on broken glass. I am careful not to leave tools lying around where someone could trip over them. I also never eat or drink anything while working because it can lead to spills.”

How would you describe the process of working with molten glass to someone who has never seen it before?

This question is a great way to test your ability to explain complex processes in simple terms. It also shows the interviewer that you can communicate clearly and concisely, which are important skills for any role in the workplace.

Example: “Molten glass is an extremely hot liquid substance that’s made from sand, limestone, soda ash and other ingredients. When I’m working with molten glass, I use specialized tools like blowtorches and furnaces to heat it up until it becomes soft enough to work with. Then, I shape it into different forms using metal molds or by hand-blowing techniques.”

What is your process for cleaning and storing glass products before they are shipped to customers?

This question can help interviewers understand your attention to detail and organizational skills. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you ensure glass products are clean, organized and ready for shipment.

Example: “I always start by inspecting the glass product for any defects or damage before cleaning it with a soft cloth and water. I then dry the glass thoroughly and place it in its original packaging. Finally, I label the box with the customer’s name and address so that our shipping team knows where to send it.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your creativity to come up with a solution for a customer who needed a custom glass product.

Employers ask this question to see if you have the creativity and problem-solving skills needed for a job as a glass worker. Use your answer to show that you can think outside of the box when it comes to creating unique pieces of glass.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who wanted us to create a custom piece of glass with their family’s crest on it. The crest was very intricate, so we knew it would be difficult to replicate. However, I decided to try anyway. I used colored glass to recreate the crest in miniature form. Then, I placed the glass into a larger piece of clear glass. When the customer saw the final product, they were thrilled.”

If you could only use one tool to work with glass, what would it be and why?

This question is a test of your knowledge about the tools you use in glass work. It also tests how well you can prioritize and make decisions under pressure. Your answer should include a description of the tool, why it’s important to you and an example of when you used it successfully.

Example: “If I could only use one tool, it would be my grinder because it’s so versatile. Grinders are great for removing excess material from glass, but they’re also useful for polishing and smoothing surfaces. In my last position, we had a rush order that needed to be completed by the end of the day. We were all working as fast as we could, but there was still some rough edges on the pieces. I took over the grinding process and got everything smooth enough to ship.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker using glass that was damaged to create products for customers?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are willing to speak up if you see a coworker doing something that could put customers at risk. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to address the situation and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “If I saw a coworker using damaged glass, I would first approach them in private to let them know about my concerns. If they didn’t understand why it was dangerous or refused to stop, I would report them to management so they could handle the situation. As an employee, I want to do everything I can to protect our customers from any potential harm.”

How well do you pay attention to detail when working with small pieces of glass?

Attention to detail is an important skill for glass workers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to work with small pieces of glass and ensure that you don’t lose any while working on a project. When answering, explain how your attention to detail helps you complete projects efficiently.

Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail when working with small pieces of glass. I use my hands to feel for smaller pieces of glass so I can pick them up without breaking them. This allows me to keep track of all the pieces of glass I’m using during a project and ensures that none are lost or damaged.”

Do you have experience using software to track inventory and create reports on glass usage?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with specific software programs and how you use them to complete tasks. Use examples from your previous job or explain what type of software you would look for if you were unsure which one to use.

Example: “I have used a few different types of inventory tracking software in my past jobs, but I prefer using GlassWare because it’s easy to navigate and has all the features I need to track glass usage by color and size. It also allows me to create reports on glass usage that are easy to read and understand.”

When would you use annealed glass and when would you use tempered glass?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different types of glass and how they’re used. You can answer this question by giving examples of when you’ve worked with each type in the past.

Example: “Annealed glass is typically used for windows, while tempered glass is usually used for doors. Annealed glass is softer than tempered glass, so it’s more likely to break if something hits it. However, because it’s softer, it’s also easier to cut and shape. Tempered glass is stronger than annealed glass, but it’s harder to work with. It’s often used as safety glass or in places where it needs to be strong, like storefronts.”

We want to increase our use of recycled glass in our products. How would you go about finding sources of used glass to recycle?

This question can help interviewers understand your ability to find new sources of recycled glass and incorporate them into the company’s products. Use examples from past experience or explain how you would research potential recycling locations.

Example: “I have worked with a few different companies that use recycled glass in their products, so I know there are many places where people recycle glass. In my last position, we used a local recycling center for our supply of recycled glass. However, if I were looking for more options, I would search online for nearby facilities that accept glass recycling.”

Describe your process for cleaning used glass before melting it down to make new products.

This question can help interviewers understand your attention to detail and how you approach a task. Your answer should include the steps you take, any tools or materials you use and why you choose them.

Example: “I start by cleaning the glass with an alkaline detergent that’s non-flammable and safe for hot surfaces. I then rinse it off in water to remove any excess soap before drying it with a lint-free cloth. Next, I inspect the glass for cracks or other defects before placing it into a furnace at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit to melt it down.”

What makes borosilicate glass unique?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the material you’ll be working with. Borosilicate glass has unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications, so knowing about these qualities can help you perform your job more effectively.

Example: “Borosilicate glass is made from boron oxide and silica sand. It’s resistant to thermal shock, which means it doesn’t break when exposed to sudden changes in temperature. This makes it ideal for use in laboratory equipment like flasks and test tubes because it won’t shatter if they’re heated or cooled too quickly. It also resists acids and bases, making it useful for chemical storage containers.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in as a glass worker?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your experience as a glass worker. They may ask this question to see if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in their industry. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description to find out which industries they are hiring for. Prepare an answer that highlights your experience working in those industries.

Example: “I have worked primarily in construction and automotive repair. I am very familiar with the safety precautions needed when working around heavy machinery and vehicles. In my last role, I was responsible for creating custom windshields for cars. I also had to replace broken windows on trucks and other large vehicles.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of safety when working with glass?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in a glass shop. They want to know that you will follow all safety protocols and procedures when working with their team. In your answer, explain what you think is most important about safety and why it’s so vital. You can also share an example from your previous experience if you have one.

Example: “Safety is definitely my top priority when I’m working with glass. It’s such a delicate material, and even the smallest mistake could lead to serious injury or damage. When I was working at my last job, we had a new employee who didn’t seem to understand how important safety is. He would often rush through his work, which led to several mistakes. Eventually, he learned to slow down and take more time with each piece.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your tools and equipment to ensure they’re working properly?

This question can help interviewers understand your attention to detail and how you care for the tools you use in your work. Your answer should include a specific example of when you maintained your equipment or tools, what you did and why it was important to do so.

Example: “I perform maintenance on my tools and equipment at least once per month. I clean all surfaces that may have dust or debris on them and make sure all moving parts are lubricated properly. This helps me ensure that my tools are working well and ready to be used when needed.”

There is a higher demand for a specific type of glass product than the supply you have on hand. What is your process for this situation?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for how you would handle this situation, including the steps you would take to ensure that customers are served in a timely manner while maintaining quality standards.

Example: “If I had more orders than glass on hand, I would first determine which customer needs were most urgent. Then, I would start working on those projects immediately. While I am working on these urgent orders, I would begin ordering additional supplies of the type of glass needed so that when I finish the urgent orders, I can continue with the rest of the work.”