20 Xcel Energy Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Xcel Energy, one of the best ways to prepare is to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are commonly asked in interviews for this company.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Xcel Energy interview questions, along with sample answers to help guide you in your preparation. Whether you’re interviewing for a position in customer service, engineering, or another area, these questions will give you a good sense of what to expect.

Xcel Energy Interview Process

The interview process at Xcel Energy can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two rounds of interviews. The first round will usually be with mid-level managers and will focus on behavioral questions. The second round will be more conversational and will focus on your qualifications for the role. The process can take several months, and HR may not be very responsive. It is important to follow up after your interviews and express your interest in the position.

1. What do you know about Xcel Energy?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its operations. It also allows you to show that you have done some research on the organization before applying for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include information about the company’s history, locations or recent news.

Example: “Xcel Energy was founded in 1907 as Northern State Power Company. The company changed its name to Xcel Energy in 2001 after merging with other energy companies. Today, Xcel Energy has more than 3 million customers across eight states. In 2017, Xcel Energy announced plans to invest $3 billion into renewable energy sources by 2020.”

2. Tell me about a time when you had to work with difficult people, how did you approach the situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to work with others.

Example: “In my last position as an account manager for a marketing firm, I had a client who was very demanding. They would often call me multiple times per day asking for updates on our progress. While it was difficult to manage this client’s expectations, I used my active listening skills to make sure they understood that we were working hard on their project. This helped them feel more comfortable and eased some of their concerns.”

3. How would you handle an angry customer?

Customer service is an important part of any job, and Xcel Energy wants to make sure you have the skills necessary to help customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give a specific example from your past experience.

Example: “In my last position as a customer service representative for a large retail store chain, I had to handle many upset customers on a daily basis. One time in particular, a customer called me because they were unhappy with their purchase. I listened to them explain what happened and apologized for their inconvenience. Then, I offered to replace the item or refund their money. They agreed to the replacement and seemed satisfied with our resolution.”

4. Do you have experience working as an engineer?

Xcel Energy is a large company that requires its employees to have extensive knowledge of engineering. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working as an engineer and how your previous work experience compares to the job requirements. In your answer, explain what type of engineering you’ve done in the past and highlight any specific skills or qualifications you have.

Example: “I’ve worked as an engineer for five years now. I started out my career as an intern at a local engineering firm where I learned about all aspects of electrical engineering. Since then, I’ve been promoted twice and am currently working as a senior electrical engineer.”

5. What is your knowledge of electrical engineering and power systems?

Xcel Energy is a large company that requires its employees to have extensive knowledge of electrical engineering and power systems. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to list your educational background in electrical engineering or any other relevant experience you may have with the field.

Example: “I graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. While I was there, I took several courses on power systems and how they work. In my last job, I worked as an engineer for a small startup company where we developed new ways to generate renewable energy.”

6. Why are you interested in interning at Xcel Energy?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and company. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of Xcel Energy that you are excited about or how you learned about the internship program.

Example: “I am interested in interning at Xcel Energy because I have always been fascinated by renewable energy sources. As someone who grew up near wind turbines, I’ve seen firsthand how they can power homes and businesses. I would love to learn more about how Xcel Energy uses renewable energy sources and what steps the company takes to ensure its customers’ safety.”

7. What are some skills that you think you could contribute to Xcel Energy?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a good understanding of what Xcel Energy does and how your skills could help them achieve their goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific skills or experiences that are listed in the job description.

Example: “I think my communication skills, problem-solving abilities and attention to detail would all be beneficial to Xcel Energy. I am also highly organized and efficient, which I think would allow me to get work done efficiently and effectively.”

8. What would you do if you saw another employee doing something unsafe or illegal?

This question is a good way to assess your compliance with company policies and procedures. It also helps the interviewer understand how you would handle conflict or disagreements with other employees. Your answer should include steps for reporting violations, as well as an explanation of why it’s important to report unsafe behavior.

Example: “I would first try to speak with the employee about their actions. If they didn’t seem receptive to my concerns, I would report them to my supervisor immediately. Reporting unsafe behavior is essential because it allows supervisors to address issues before they become more serious.”

9. If hired, what kind of impact do you think you can make on our company?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and how you can contribute to the company’s success. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what skills you have that will help you succeed in the role and how those skills might benefit Xcel Energy.

Example: “I am passionate about customer service and believe I would make a positive impact on the company by helping customers resolve their issues quickly. In my previous job as a customer service representative, I helped many customers solve problems with billing or account information. I also helped some customers who were having trouble connecting to the internet or other services.”

10. Describe your experience working in team environments.

Teamwork is an important skill to have when working for a company like Xcel Energy. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you interact with others in the workplace. Use your answer to highlight your ability to collaborate with others, communicate effectively and solve problems as part of a team.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed working in teams because it allows me to work with other people who are highly skilled at their jobs. In my last position, I was on a project team that worked together to create a new marketing campaign for our client. We each had different strengths and were able to use them to come up with a successful plan.”

11. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a plan for your career. They want to know that you are motivated and driven, so they can be sure you will stay with the company for some time. When answering this question, make sure you show them that you are ambitious and willing to work hard to achieve your goals.

Example: “I hope to be working in an even more senior position by then. I would like to be managing my own team of employees, as I think it is important to lead by example. I also hope to have completed my MBA by then, as I am currently enrolled in night classes.”

12. What is your knowledge of construction management?

Xcel Energy is a large company that requires construction management skills. The interviewer wants to know if you have the necessary experience and knowledge of this field. If you do, share your previous experience with construction management. If not, explain how you would learn about it.

Example: “I worked as an assistant manager for a construction company in my hometown. I was responsible for managing projects from start to finish. This included hiring employees, ordering materials and supplies, scheduling work hours and ensuring all safety procedures were followed. It also involved communicating with clients and making sure their needs were met.”

13. What is your experience with project management?

Xcel Energy is a large company that requires employees to manage multiple projects at once. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with project management software and how you prioritize tasks. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or techniques you use to stay organized and on schedule.

Example: “I have worked in the construction industry for five years, where I managed many different projects at once. For example, when working on a new home, I would be responsible for managing the electrician, plumber, landscaper and other contractors who were hired to complete their part of the job. To keep track of all these projects, I used a project management software program that allowed me to assign tasks to my team members and monitor their progress.”

14. Give us an example of one of your goals and how you achieved it.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific goal you had in the past and what steps you took to reach it.

Example: “In my last position as an account manager for a marketing firm, I wanted to increase our client base by 10%. To do so, I met with each of my team members to discuss their roles in reaching that goal. We then created a strategy to implement new strategies and tactics to attract new clients. After three months, we reached our goal.”

15. Have you ever worked with customers before? In what capacity?

This question is a great way to determine if you have experience working with customers. If you do, the interviewer will likely want to know how you handled customer service issues and what your overall approach was.

Example: “I worked as a sales representative for a small business that sold home improvement products. I would often speak with customers on the phone or in person about their projects and help them find the right supplies for their needs. It’s important to listen carefully to each customer so you can understand exactly what they need and provide them with the best solutions.”

16. What is your experience with sales?

Xcel Energy is a sales-oriented company, so interviewers may ask you this question to learn about your experience with selling. Use your answer to explain what kind of salesperson you are and how you’ve helped others in the past.

Example: “I have worked as a sales representative for five years now, and I love my job because it allows me to meet new people every day. In my current position, I work on commission, which motivates me to do my best at all times. I enjoy helping customers find solutions to their problems and providing them with information they need to make informed decisions.”

17. We want our employees to be innovative. Give an example of a time where you were creative in achieving a goal.

This question is an opportunity to show your potential employer that you are a creative and innovative person. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you were able to solve a problem in a unique way or come up with a new idea.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with finding ways to reduce the company’s energy costs. After researching different methods for reducing our energy usage, I found that we could save money by switching from fluorescent lighting to LED lighting. This would also help us meet our sustainability goals. I presented my findings to management, who agreed to make the switch.”

18. What do you like most about Xcel Energy?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its values. It also gives you an opportunity to highlight something specific about Xcel Energy that may not be obvious from their website or job description.

Example: “I love how committed Xcel Energy is to renewable energy sources. I’ve been following the company for years, and it’s always exciting to see them expand their solar power offerings. I think it’s important to support companies that are making positive changes in the world.”

19. Are you comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions?

Xcel Energy is a utility company that requires its employees to work outdoors in all weather conditions. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working outside and how comfortable you are with this type of environment. If you do not have outdoor experience, explain what steps you would take to gain the necessary skills for this position.

Example: “I am very comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather. In my previous role as an electrician, I worked on many projects where I had to work outside in cold or hot temperatures. I always made sure to dress appropriately for the weather and took breaks when needed. I also brought along snacks and water to stay energized throughout the day.”

20. Do you have any experience operating heavy machinery such as backhoes, bull-dozers, etc.?

Xcel Energy may ask this question to determine if you have experience operating machinery that requires a commercial driver’s license. If you do, include the type of machinery you operated and any relevant skills or training you have.

Example: “I’ve worked as an equipment operator for five years now. I started out working with backhoes and other small construction equipment before moving up to larger machines like bulldozers and dump trucks. I am familiar with all types of heavy machinery and can operate them safely.”