Interview Qualified???

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Strahan

Strahan

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Location
Watsontown, PA
I have recently been asked to sit in on an interview for a plant electrician. Our plant is very lacking at electrically qualified individuals in the management department; so they have no idea who to hire; thus the reason for asking someone who knows the field and is doing the work. We can all get a feel when talking to someone if they have a knowledge in the feild but I'm looking for something concrete to show our management team if this person is or is not qualified. I have made a list of questions to throw at this person but was wondering if someone could help give me some ideas for questions to ask. This is obviously my first time involved with an interview process and I want to make sure it is done proffesionally and fair, because at the end everybodys safety and well being will be on the line. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Strahan said:
I have made a list of questions to throw at this person but was wondering if someone could help give me some ideas for questions to ask.
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Lets see what you have so far.
 
Its to suggust what can be added to the list...CK

I'm sure you have on that list, what is the person going to bring to the job!

My question is to what measures over-all is the company going to alot for the conditions with-in the plant ?
 
Of course the obvious questions are on the list experience, education, willing to learn etc.. The company will give a 6 week training period for a new hire which is only to accompany themselves with the surroundings where things are located etc... This is a very fast paced plant when lines breakdown there is alot of pressure to get them running again. You can ask someone how they perform under pressure but until they have the oppurtunity to prove it you really don't know. I know there is nothing I could throw at someone that would answer all the questions it comes down to proving themselves. I'm just looking for something that when the interview is over I can feel good about my part. The management team will make the ultimate choice but my influence will play a great part in that choice.
 
Have them bend a 3 point saddle and draw how to hook up a 3way-4way-3way with a switch leg at the end and a center point feed. If they cant handle that then you have to wonder what true experience they have. I know being a plant electrician is a little different depending on what is in the plant but the basics should come easy.


Rick
 
Since you are doing the work and are interviewing the candidate why don't you get the job? You can interview this guy to take your place on the floor instead of "hiring your own boss".
 
I could not tell from your wording if you are sitting in on the interview to get a feel for the guy or are being asked to help or lead the interview. If your are leading the interview, find out his past exeriences (schooling, training, past job positions, crew leader, helper, etc.) and find out what makes him want to be there, both with your company and in the trade. Based on our last few hires, I am not sure I am the most qualified to give advice here (neither guys are still with us). :roll: :grin: But, then again, based on "live and learn," that may make me thouroughly qualified. :) Lastly, I would say, "References. References.References!" Godd luck.
 
elvis_931 said:
Since you are doing the work and are interviewing the candidate why don't you get the job? You can interview this guy to take your place on the floor instead of "hiring your own boss".
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This guy is applying for a plant electrician job my job is plant control technician a few pay scales up the ladder and yes I still go out and perform the work on a daily basis but my job involves much much more. The reason for the concern is when the guys on the floor have problems figuring things out they call me. I love helping them out but the more qualified they are the more time I have to work on other things my job requires.
 
360Youth said:
I could not tell from your wording if you are sitting in on the interview to get a feel for the guy or are being asked to help or lead the interview. If your are leading the interview, find out his past exeriences (schooling, training, past job positions, crew leader, helper, etc.) and find out what makes him want to be there, both with your company and in the trade. Based on our last few hires, I am not sure I am the most qualified to give advice here (neither guys are still with us). :roll: :grin: But, then again, based on "live and learn," that may make me thouroughly qualified. :) Lastly, I would say, "References. References.References!" Godd luck.
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I'm being asked to sit in on the interview but within our management team there is not one qualified electrician (I know its sad but true) so in another aspect when it comes to asking questions pertaining to the job I will be leading. Thanks for your suggestions. This will be an experience hopefully I will learn from and make wise decisions.
 
here is a good one for you


what is diode , rectifer , invertor .............. etc
what is Nand , OR Gate ........................... etc
 
Have them wire a simple combination starter with a stop/start station 2 locations from scratch on a plywood board to a light. Draw the components on the plywood and give him a pile of material and a 1/2" bender to assemble it. Then throw a reversing contactor at him and have him wire it to a 3 phase motor stop start forward reverse. This would be a good test. It could get very ugly though.
 
Interview Qualified

Interview Qualified

First I always see what tools he has
I've had people in the past tell about there experience and have no tools
In my opinion any good electrician has his own small tools
Just ask him ten or so questions of the most needed problems you have to correct on a daily bases
Any good electrician can usually pick up on other problems as time goes by
Semper Fi Buddy
 
When I interview for a plant elec, we have resume in hand ahead of time, check references, etc. Then we sched the interview.

Part 1 breif chat for intros and general chit chat, then plant tour and a review of dwgs, from 1 line to motor control and drives.

Part 2 is a conversation with HR about benes, working conditions, etc.

Part 3 is 1 to 2 hrs on resume, work history, experience and typical production problems with dwgs on the table.

Not only does this person need to know his craft and be willing to learn, he also needs to be a good fit for the people he will be working with. One other thing i always try to get a feel for is the type of supervision he prefers, or who was his favorite supervisor and why. Good luck.
 
quogueelectric said:
Have them wire a simple combination starter with a stop/start station 2 locations from scratch on a plywood board to a light. Draw the components on the plywood and give him a pile of material and a 1/2" bender to assemble it. Then throw a reversing contactor at him and have him wire it to a 3 phase motor stop start forward reverse. This would be a good test. It could get very ugly though.
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Get real, the guy is not employed by your Company.

Who would pay his insurance if he gets injured while doing what you asked from him?
 
billsnuff said:
When I interview for a plant elec, we have resume in hand ahead of time, check references, etc. Then we sched the interview.

Part 1 breif chat for intros and general chit chat, then plant tour and a review of dwgs, from 1 line to motor control and drives.

Part 2 is a conversation with HR about benes, working conditions, etc.

Part 3 is 1 to 2 hrs on resume, work history, experience and typical production problems with dwgs on the table.

Not only does this person need to know his craft and be willing to learn, he also needs to be a good fit for the people he will be working with. One other thing i always try to get a feel for is the type of supervision he prefers, or who was his favorite supervisor and why. Good luck.
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The above is how most professional interviews, are conducted.
 
The above is how most professional interviews, are conducted.
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I believe that is an accurate statement. I am not looking for a laborer, I am in fact looking for a professional, with credentials and experience and I am trying to match that against our needs.
 
Personality personality personality.

1) Why are you looking for a job.
2) Find a way to see if he can read blue prints.
3) I sat in on a few exams. I found out some terminology is different than what I say. so be prepaid for guys like me :)

You might not be able to get qualified guys in because of pay. Most of the good guys in PA should be on a prevailing wage job. I get calls from the Pittsburgh area for $18-$22/hr. I don't roll out of bed for anything under $30 and I honestly don't think I'm that good of an electrician. I just know what I am worth :)

Hey here is a crazy thought. Have you looked at a Tech school such as Triangle Tech in PA? They are green but you can mold them your way. They should have a class finishing up in Oct.

Billsnuff has a good one.
 
khixxx said:
Personality personality personality.

1) Why are you looking for a job.
2) Find a way to see if he can read blue prints.
3) I sat in on a few exams. I found out some terminology is different than what I say. so be prepaid for guys like me :)

You might not be able to get qualified guys in because of pay. Most of the good guys in PA should be on a prevailing wage job. I get calls from the Pittsburgh area for $18-$22/hr. I don't roll out of bed for anything under $30 and I honestly don't think I'm that good of an electrician. I just know what I am worth :)

Hey here is a crazy thought. Have you looked at a Tech school such as Triangle Tech in PA? They are green but you can mold them your way. They should have a class finishing up in Oct.

Billsnuff has a good one.
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As far as pay our company is one of the highest paying in central PA and yes we have in the past year hired some Triangle tech grads and yes as expected needed some further training but they all worked out well. Another area we are very interested in and also have hired some guys from is PA college of technology my experience attending this school was a very good one all the text book material along with lots of hands on and all the instructors are very intelligent and professional. Thanks for the advise this has definitly been a huge help.
 
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