20 Ontario Power Generation Interview Questions and Answers

Ontario Power Generation is one of the largest electricity generators in North America. They produce about half of the electricity used by the province of Ontario, Canada.

They are a diverse team of more than 5,000 employees who work together to provide reliable, clean, and affordable power to their customers. Their success comes from working together and drawing on the unique skills and experience of each of their employees.

If you’re hoping to join their team, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Ontario Power Generation interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Ontario Power Generation Interview Process

The interview process at Ontario Power Generation can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one behavioral interview and one technical interview. The hiring process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

1. Describe a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a problem.

This question can help the interviewer determine your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to challenges. Use examples from previous jobs that show your ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to problems.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project with a team of five other people. We were all in different locations, so we had to communicate through video conferencing software. One day, our connection dropped out for about 20 minutes, which caused us to lose some work time. The next day, I suggested we use an online collaboration tool that would allow us to save our work as we went along. This way, if we lost our connection again, we wouldn’t have to start over.”

2. What is your experience working in the energy sector?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your experience is relevant to the position you’re applying for. If you don’t have direct experience in the energy sector, consider highlighting other work experiences that are similar.

Example: “I worked as a project manager at an engineering firm where I managed teams of engineers and technicians on projects related to renewable energy generation. In this role, I was responsible for managing budgets, ensuring deadlines were met and overseeing quality control measures. This experience has given me valuable insight into how large-scale projects like Ontario Power Generation’s should be managed.”

3. Tell us about a time where you had to make a difficult decision. How did you go about it and what was the outcome?

This question is a great way to see how you make decisions and what your thought process was. It also allows the interviewer to understand more about your personality, as they can learn if you are decisive or prefer to collaborate with others when making important choices.

Example: “When I first started my career in power generation, I had to decide whether or not to shut down one of our nuclear reactors for maintenance. This would have meant that we were unable to produce enough energy to meet demand, which could have led to rolling blackouts across the province. After speaking with several colleagues who had experience shutting down reactors, I decided it was best to do so. We worked hard to ensure that all safety precautions were taken before beginning the shutdown.”

4. Why do you want to work for Ontario Power Generation?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in working for this company. It also helps them understand what motivates you to work hard and succeed at your job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few specific reasons why you want to work for this organization. You can also include some of the skills or experiences that make you qualified for this role.

Example: “I have always been interested in renewable energy sources, so I am excited to learn more about how Ontario Power Generation uses these resources. I think my background in engineering makes me well-suited for this position because I enjoy solving complex problems. I would love to use my problem-solving skills to find new ways to generate clean energy.”

5. Do you have any experience working in a nuclear power plant?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your experience level and determine if you’re qualified for the position. If you don’t have any nuclear power plant experience, it’s important to highlight other relevant work experience that can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked in several different types of power plants, including coal-fired plants, hydroelectric plants and natural gas plants. I also have extensive knowledge about how nuclear power plants operate, which has helped me understand the operations of Ontario Power Generation.”

6. Have you ever worked on a team that was not performing well, how did you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you can help a team perform at its best. Your answer should include steps you took to improve the performance of the team, including specific examples from previous jobs.

Example: “In my last position as a project manager for a construction company, I had a team that was not performing well. The first thing I did was meet with each member of the team individually to find out what was going on. Some members were having personal issues that were affecting their work, while others felt they weren’t being given enough responsibility or feedback. After talking with everyone, I decided to change up some responsibilities and give more opportunities to those who wanted them.”

7. What are some of the challenges you see facing the energy industry in the next 5-10 years?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your knowledge and experience in the industry. Your answer should include some examples of challenges you’ve faced yourself, as well as how you overcame them.

Example: “One challenge I see facing the energy industry is the need for more renewable sources of power. As technology advances, we’re finding new ways to generate clean energy that’s both efficient and cost-effective. In my last position, I helped develop a solar panel system that was highly effective at generating electricity while also being affordable for consumers. This led to an increase in sales for our company.”

8. What qualities would you look for in a candidate if you were hiring someone for this position?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have an understanding of what qualities are important for this position. When answering, it can be helpful to list specific skills and traits that you think would help someone succeed in this role.

Example: “I would look for someone who has excellent communication skills, as well as strong problem-solving abilities. I also think it’s important to hire someone who is highly organized and detail-oriented. These three qualities are essential for success in any job, but especially one where there is so much responsibility.”

9. If hired, how would you contribute to our company culture?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific quality or skill that you have that you think will help you contribute to the company culture.

Example: “I am an extremely hard worker who is always looking for ways to improve my performance. I also enjoy collaborating with others and helping them succeed. These qualities are what led me to become a nuclear engineer, and they’re why I’m so passionate about working at Ontario Power Generation. I know that if hired, I’ll do everything I can to make sure our department continues to produce high-quality work.”

10. Are you comfortable working in an environment that has radiation?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your comfort level with working in an environment that has radiation. Ontario Power Generation works with radioactive materials, so it’s important that you feel comfortable working in this type of environment. Your answer should show that you understand the risks associated with working with radiation and are willing to take on these risks if necessary.

Example: “I am aware of the risks involved with working with radiation, but I’m also confident in my ability to work safely in this type of environment. In fact, I have worked with radioactive materials before, and I know how to handle them properly. I believe that as long as I follow all safety protocols, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

11. What kinds of software programs do you have experience using?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your computer skills and how you use them in your current role. If you have experience using specific software programs, describe what they are and how you use them. If you don’t have any experience with certain programs, explain that you’re willing to learn new ones.

Example: “I’ve used Microsoft Office for all of my projects at my current job. I also know how to use Google Docs and Sheets, which is helpful when collaborating on a project with other employees. I’m always open to learning new programs, so if there’s something else the company uses, I’d be happy to learn it.”

12. Can you tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you respond to challenges and learn from your mistakes. Use examples from previous work experiences where you faced a challenge, learned from it and improved your performance or skills.

Example: “In my last position as an engineer, I was working on a project that required me to create a new software program for our company’s computers. While I was creating the program, I realized I had made a mistake in one of the coding languages. Instead of trying to fix the problem myself, I notified my supervisor so they could send someone else to fix the issue. This allowed me to focus on other parts of the project while waiting for the coding error to be fixed.”

13. Would you be willing to relocate?

If you’re applying for a position with Ontario Power Generation, it’s likely that the company would want to hire someone who is willing to relocate. If you are not currently living in Ontario, this question can be an opportunity to explain why you’re open to relocating and what factors influenced your decision.

Example: “I’m happy to move if I get the job. My family and I have been looking at moving out of our current home for quite some time now, so we’re ready to make the transition. We’ve always wanted to live in Canada, so this opportunity seems like the perfect fit.”

14. What type of engineering degree do you have?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how it relates to this role. If you have an engineering degree, let them know what type of degree you have and if you don’t, explain that you have another relevant degree or certification.

Example: “I have a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from University of California Berkeley. I chose this major because I’ve always been interested in energy production and wanted to pursue a career where I could make a difference.”

15. How would you describe yourself as an engineer?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you are passionate about engineering and how it can benefit the company. Your answer should include a few examples of how you have used your skills as an engineer to solve problems or create solutions in previous roles.

Example: “I am very analytical, which helps me find creative solutions to complex problems. I also enjoy working with others to develop new ideas and concepts. In my last role, I worked on a team of engineers who were tasked with finding ways to reduce our energy consumption by 20%. We came up with several different strategies for reducing our energy use, including implementing more efficient lighting systems and using renewable energy sources.”

16. Describe a time when you had to learn something new quickly.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you adapt to new situations and challenges. Use your answer to highlight a time when you had to learn something quickly, but also show that it was not too challenging for you.

Example: “When I started my current position as an engineer, I learned about a new software program that we were using at work. At first, I found the program difficult to use because it was different from what I was used to. However, I asked my colleagues questions about the program until I felt comfortable with it. Now, I am able to use the program efficiently.”

17. What do you think are the most important attributes for an engineer to have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary for success in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest attributes and how they relate to the job.

Example: “I think one of the most important attributes for engineers is problem-solving ability. I am always looking for ways to solve problems or challenges, whether they are technical or interpersonal. Another attribute I believe is essential is communication. Engineers must be able to communicate their ideas clearly so others understand them. This skill helps me collaborate with my team members and share information with clients.”

18. What kind of research projects have you been involved in?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your academic background and how you apply it to real-world situations. Use this opportunity to highlight any research projects that were particularly challenging or rewarding, and explain what skills you developed from them.

Example: “In my last role as an engineer at a power plant in Florida, I was tasked with researching ways we could improve our energy efficiency. After conducting extensive research on different methods for reducing carbon emissions, I discovered that there are many new technologies available that allow us to reduce our carbon footprint while also increasing production. This led me to develop a plan for implementing these new technologies into our current system.”

19. What does your current supervisor like about you the most?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what makes you a good employee. It also helps them determine if your skills match those of the position you’re applying for. When answering this question, try to think about what your supervisor has said in the past that they appreciate about you.

Example: “My current supervisor likes how I’m always willing to take on new projects and challenges. She says she knows she can count on me to do my best work no matter what it is. She also appreciates that I am always honest with her when something isn’t going well or there’s an issue.”

20. What area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and interests. It’s important to show that you have an interest in engineering, but it’s also beneficial to mention which area of engineering you’re most passionate about.

Example: “I’m interested in all areas of engineering, however I am particularly passionate about renewable energy. I find it fascinating how engineers are able to create new ways to harness clean energy from sources like wind and solar power. I think this is one of the most important developments of our time.”