20 USIC Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And when you’re interviewing for a job with USIC Locating Services, Inc., you’ll want to be prepared to answer questions about the company, its history, and its services.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common USIC interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence. We’ll cover questions about the company’s history, its services, and its place in the industry. We’ll also give you some tips on how to answer each question.

So whether you’re interviewing for a job as a locator or a customer service representative, read on for everything you need to know to ace your USIC interview.

USIC Interview Process

The interview process at USIC is pretty straightforward. You will meet with the supervisor, answer some questions, and discuss expectations. The interviewer will also ask if you have any questions. Overall, the experience is pretty casual and relaxed.

If you are offered a position, you will be placed in a training class of approximately 14 people. The training class is paid and lasts for 3 weeks. After the training, you will be In field for a week. Once you complete the training and pass the test, you will receive a work truck.

1. Do you have reliable transportation?

USIC is a nationwide company, and employees may be required to travel for work. The interviewer wants to make sure you have reliable transportation that can get you to your job on time. If you don’t currently own a car, explain how you would get to work if hired.

Example: “I do have my own vehicle, but I also take public transportation. I know the bus schedule very well, so I could still get to work even if I didn’t have a car. I’m always early to work, so it wouldn’t matter much either way.”

2. What is your availability for work?

USIC is a 24-hour operation, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can work nights and weekends. They also want to know if you have any scheduling conflicts that would prevent you from working overtime or on holidays.

Example: “I am available for work anytime, including nights and weekends. I understand this is a 24-hour operation, so I’m prepared to work as needed. My only scheduling conflict is my son’s soccer games on Saturday mornings. However, I will be happy to work extra hours to make up for it.”

3. Can you provide a copy of your driver’s license and social security card?

This is a standard question that many employers ask to ensure you are legally allowed to work in the United States. It also helps them confirm your identity and avoid fraudulent applications.

Example: “Yes, I have copies of both documents with me today.” You should always bring multiple copies of these important documents to an interview. If you forget, it’s best to call ahead and let the employer know so they can make arrangements for you to get them before your scheduled time.

4. Are you willing to travel out of town if needed?

USIC is a national company, so you may be asked to travel for work. If this is the case, it’s important to let your interviewer know that you’re willing to do so. You can also mention any past experience traveling for work or how you plan to handle the situation if you haven’t had much experience with it.

Example: “I am more than happy to travel out of town if needed. I have driven across the country before and am prepared to do so again. I’m looking forward to working for a company that has locations all over the nation.”

5. How physically fit are you, can you lift 50lbs?

USIC is a physically demanding job that requires employees to be in good physical condition. The interviewer wants to make sure you are capable of performing the necessary tasks for this position. In your answer, explain how you stay fit and healthy. Share any experience with physical labor or other types of exercise.

Example: “I am very physically active and have been since I was young. I play soccer twice a week and go to the gym three times a week. I also enjoy hiking and biking on my days off. I can lift 50lbs without much effort at all.”

6. Do you have experience using CATV locators?

USIC is a leader in the underground infrastructure industry, and they’re looking for candidates who have experience using CATV locators. This question allows you to show your knowledge of USIC’s services and how you can contribute to their success.

Example: “I’ve used CATV locators before when I worked at my previous company. The equipment was expensive, but it allowed us to find problems with underground cables quickly. It also helped us determine where we needed to dig so that we didn’t damage any existing lines. I’m excited to use this technology again because it makes our jobs easier.”

7. Will you be able to take a drug test within the next week?

This question is a common one for employers to ask. They want to make sure you are able to pass the drug test and start working as soon as possible. If you have any doubts about being able to take the test, it’s best to let them know before they hire you.

Example: “Yes, I am clean of drugs and will be happy to take the test within the next week.”

8. When would you be available to start?

This question is a great way to determine if the company’s hiring timeline aligns with your own. If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position, it’s likely that you’ll start within a few months of accepting the job offer. However, if you’re applying for a managerial or executive role, you may need more time to prepare and transition out of your current role.

Example: “I’m available to start as soon as possible. I’ve been looking for a new opportunity for quite some time, so I’d be ready to begin my new role immediately.”

9. Can you pass a background check?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and whether you have any criminal history. If you do, explain what happened and how it has positively affected you since then.

Example: “I was arrested for shoplifting when I was a teenager. My parents were disappointed in me but they helped me get through the situation by paying my fine and hiring an attorney. Since then, I’ve learned that stealing is wrong and I would never do it again. I also understand why my parents wanted me to work at USIC Locating Services, Inc., because it’s such a reputable company.”

10. Would you consider yourself mechanically inclined?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the necessary skills and experience to work in this role. If you are not mechanically inclined, it’s important to explain how you would learn these skills or find someone who could help you with them.

Example: “I am not particularly mechanically inclined, but I do know how to use basic tools like screwdrivers and wrenches. I also understand that USIC has an extensive training program for new employees, so I would be willing to take advantage of those opportunities to learn more about mechanical repairs.”

11. Have you ever worked outdoors in extreme weather conditions before?

USIC is a national company that provides underground services to clients across the country. The interviewer wants to make sure you’re prepared for working in all kinds of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Example: “I have worked outdoors in extreme weather before, but I’m always ready to adapt to new environments. In my last position, we had to work outside in below-freezing temperatures. We were able to use our equipment to keep ourselves warm while still completing our jobs. I also used extra layers of clothing to stay warm.”

12. Can you read maps or plans?

USIC requires its employees to be able to read maps and plans. This is a basic skill that most people learn in school, but it’s important for the interviewer to know if you have this ability. If you don’t have experience reading maps or plans, you can explain how you would learn to do so.

Example: “I’ve always been good at reading maps and plans. I remember when I was younger my dad used to take me out on jobs with him, and he’d show me where all of the underground lines were. He taught me how to read maps and plans, and I still use those skills today.”

13. Are you comfortable working around power lines?

USIC is a company that works with power lines, so it’s important to know if you’re comfortable working around them. If you have experience working near power lines, explain what your previous job entailed and how you handled the situation. If you don’t have any experience working near power lines, you can still answer this question by explaining why you feel confident in your ability to work safely around power lines.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly with power lines, but I am very comfortable working around high-voltage equipment. In my last position, I was responsible for maintaining underground cables, which required me to climb poles and towers to access the equipment. I always made sure to follow all safety protocols when climbing these structures.”

14. Can you commit to traveling up to 80% of the time?

USIC is a national company that requires its employees to travel extensively. This question helps the interviewer determine if you are willing to make this commitment and how it may affect your personal life. In your answer, explain why you feel comfortable with this requirement and highlight any experience you have traveling for work.

Example: “I am excited about the opportunity to join USIC because of its reputation as America’s leading underground utility locating service provider. I understand that working for such a large company means extensive travel, but I am prepared for this challenge. Throughout my career, I have worked in several different states and can adapt quickly to new environments. I also have an RV that I use when I need to stay on-site for extended periods.”

15. Are you looking to work full-time hours?

USIC is a full-time employer, and the interviewer may want to know if you’re willing to work those hours. If you are, they’ll likely be more likely to hire you. If you aren’t, you should explain why in your answer.

Example: “I’m looking for a full-time position because I enjoy working with a company that values its employees. I am committed to my career and would love to work here.”

16. Are you open to relocation?

USIC is a growing company that offers excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement. If you are interviewing with USIC, it’s likely they will ask this question to determine if you’re willing to relocate to one of their many locations across the country. When answering this question, be honest about your willingness to move. Explain why relocating would be beneficial to you and how you plan to make the transition as easy as possible.

Example: “I am open to relocation. I have always wanted to live in California, so working for USIC would give me the opportunity to do so. I know there are plenty of resources available to help me adjust to my new location. I also understand that moving can be stressful, but I’m confident I could handle the change.”

17. What do you know about USIC?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company you’re interviewing for. It’s also an opportunity to show that you’ve done some research on the company and are familiar with its history, values and goals.

Example: “I know USIC was founded in 2003 by two brothers who wanted to make it easier for people to find underground utilities. The company has grown significantly since then, and now employs over 1,000 people across the country. I’m excited to be part of such a successful organization.”

18. What type of experience do you have with underground utility locating?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the experience and skills necessary for this role. If you don’t have any experience with underground utility locating, consider talking about other relevant work experiences.

Example: “I’ve worked as an underground utility locator for over five years now. I started out working for a small company where I learned how to use all of the equipment needed for this job. After two years there, I moved up to a larger company where I was able to learn from more experienced professionals. This helped me develop my skills even further.”

19. Tell me about a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

USIC is looking for employees who are passionate about their work and want to provide the best service possible. This question helps them determine if you have that drive and desire to succeed.

Example: “I once had a customer call me in tears because they were worried we wouldn’t be able to find their dog, which was lost somewhere on our property. I assured her that we would do everything we could to locate him and even offered to send out an extra crew to help search for him. We found the dog within two hours of searching and she was so grateful. She told me how much it meant to her that we went above and beyond to make sure he was safe.”

20. Why should we choose you over other candidates who apply?

This question is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and highlight your relevant skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer back to the job description and discuss how you meet each of the requirements listed.

Example: “I am passionate about working in construction because I love seeing projects come together. In my last role as an underground technician, I was responsible for locating utilities before construction began so that we could avoid damaging them during our work. This helped me develop my communication and problem-solving skills, which are two important qualities for this role.”