Interview advice please.

Deleted member 109422 · Feb 6, 2019

Hello there people.
I have an interview on Friday for a job at a local hospital. The hospital is now moving premises and the job entails PPM work and Reactive Maintenance. Thanks to the help from others here on this forum I understand about PPM and Reactive Maintenance, I feel I do have the skills to do most of these tasks (although I think I may fail with the fire alarm bit).

If anyone here could help out with what to expect during the interview or has advice then I really would appreciate it.

I have the 2391 qualification but haven't used it for years.
I have worked briefly in a prison environment as a maintenance electrician (that was awful).

I have some experience with the maintenance of a large zoo.

As a trainee I worked on a boat yard, assisting with the maintenance of workshops and the dry dock.

All advice would be greatly received as I really need this employment, my children have holes in their shoes.

Thanks.

Silly Sausage · Feb 6, 2019

I would read GN3, then read it again, then, if you've still got any will left, read it again.

Interview wise, the best advice I can think of from all the ones I've suffered the torment of experiencing, is, just be yourself. Don't wind yourself beforehand about it, think of it as just meeting your mate down the pub or something.

Good luck, fella!

Deleted member 109422 · Feb 6, 2019

Thanks Archy.
I do have a copy of GN3. I will attempt to read it tomorrow.
I am sure Health and Safety is a big issue on such a large site and I do have a SSSTS certificate. I have also completed an asbestos awareness course so hopefully that will show I am half sensible.

The job is only for around 3 or 4 months whilst the hospital moves premises. Some how I doubt much testing will be involved.

Thanks for the reply and well wishes, all the best mate.

Spoon · Feb 6, 2019

Archy Styrigg said:
think of it as just meeting your mate down the pub or something.

I'd get kicked out.
My greeting is usually "Hi, you ugly bast@rd. What you been up to?". While giving them a big man hug...

Deleted member 109422 · Feb 6, 2019

Spoon, it is a shame you are not interviewing me as we would probably laugh and have a pint.
Job sorted!

DPG · Feb 6, 2019

A few general interview tips from me below:

Forget trying to relax - everyone is a bit nervous at interviews, and you will stress yourself out more trying to force yourself not to worry.

Know your weaknesses as well as your strengths - this is often asked by interviews, and people rarely have anything ready.

Have a couple of questions ready to ask them. This avoids the awkward silence when they say 'is there anything you' d like to ask us? ' and shows interest on your part.

And always remember, they are trying to recruit you, just as much as you are trying to get the job. It's a 2 way street.

Good luck!

Midwest · Feb 6, 2019

Most interviewers follow the same proforma questions, just slightly adapted for the particular job or role.

So apart from the technical questions, think of some scenarios or situations you've been in, in the past that would answer them. A bit of poetic licence is allowed.

Like; give an example of when you have taken the initiative, tell about a time when you had a conflict with another individual and how you resolved it.

Then; what are your key strengths/skills, what are your weakness and what do you do to combat them.

Don't make a big thing of them, just have a broad picture of them, so when your asked, you not sat there racking your brains, trying to think of an answer.

You might what to think of your reply, if the temporary job turns into fulltime employment.

As others have said, be yourself and above all try to be relaxed as hard as that is being interviewed.

Good luck.

Shoei · Feb 6, 2019

Good advice from Archy, be yourself is always best but can be difficult under pressure. Don't underplay your experience, you've got plenty to draw on and I'd have thought working in a zoo would have a few anecdotes and examples of best practice to break the ice and show professional work.

A hospital will be similar to most large buildings for electrical work but the Department of Health produces a set of 'Health Technical Memoranda' which set out best practice for health facilities. It may be worth a quick look at one or two and mentioning them in the interview to show enthusiasm. I'd check out these two..

Electrical safety guidance for low voltage systems (HTM 06-02)

Fire safety in the design of healthcare premises (HTM 05-02)

Don't get bogged down with the detail, just have a skim-read but if you let them know you're aware of the guidance it could give you an edge.

Good luck with it, I hope it goes well.

Gavin John Hyde · Feb 6, 2019

My sister works in a large hospital on the business side doing contracts and stuff. the NHS work to a worse case scenario so they often plan for the worse ie everything stops so that if only something stops they are more than prepared. from major incidents with lots of injured people to building things such as loss of power or water etc.. so. So can always ask them about how the process es work in that hospital and would you be given time to or help to get to grips with the site procedures etc.. might help to explain how you have dealt with similar things before, maybe in the prison? imagine if things go wrong there you have lots of angry cons without a tv and missing eastenders or no playstations to keep them entertained. so working under pressure and speedily ,safely, methoodically etc.. in a hospital loss of power or something can bring operations to a halt or risk patient safety.

FatAlan · Feb 6, 2019

Are there any clues in the job spec in respect of roles and responsibility? Will you be part of a team? Apart from the technical side of things I’m sure they’re likely to ask questions re health and safety and also throw in stuff on diversity / discrimination in the work place ... all the PC type stuff that the public sector go overboard on. Good luck

Spoon · Feb 6, 2019

DPG said:
Know your weaknesses as well as your strengths - this is often asked by interviews, and people rarely have anything ready

The below is not recommended...

[ElectriciansForums.net] Interview advice please.

littlespark · Feb 6, 2019

Wear matching socks, don’t pick your nose, and don’t watch football/ golf/ tennis on your phone while they’re asking questions
If you don’t come across as an know-it-all egomaniac, you’ll be fine.

Hospital job = subsidised cafeteria = cheap breakfast everyday

Deleted member 109422 · Feb 6, 2019

Cheers guys.
I do actually give a F*ck what you all think. (Spoon..you made me laugh!)
These are the questions I have come up with to ask the people who are going to interview me...

1. I am going to ask about Asbestos. I have completed an asbestos awareness course.

2. I am going to ask about Risk Assessments (I have a SSSTS certificate).

3. I am going to ask "who is going to assist me"? "How many other Electricians will I be working with"? (I got caught out on that one with my prison experience!)

4. What will be the biggest challenge I will face with this job?

5. Are there any skills or experience you would like me to have to make me fit better into this role? (I will be buying the 18th edition of the Regs next week).

6. What are the next steps in this application process?

if you have ideas, or think I should change the above questions then please let me know.

Cheers. I think I need a beer,