interview advice

big danny · Feb 13, 2012

Hi guys, i think im in with the chance of a job as a mature apprentice with a local company(as a sparky obviously). although i never seen my time out the first time round im determined to do it this time. problem is ive never had to do anything technical for about ten years so i kinda dreading the interview as ive probably forgot more than i now know, any advice please. ive been doing lots of studying to help me out but fingers crossed. another thing can someone explain to me how e/stops are wired into control panels for large plant equipment as ive forgotten

Deleted member 9648 · Feb 13, 2012

Em stops are wired to break the contactor coil supply for the equipment to be stopped.
I'ts always tricky planning for an interview,as you have no way of knowing how it will pan out,but one bit of advise I would offer is make sure you know everything about the company you can possibly find out.....it looks good if you show an interest and know something about the company if asked....and when the difficult.."have you got any questions to ask us" bit comes up....you may well be able to use that knowledge.
Good luck!

Mr Mike · Feb 13, 2012

Good luck Danny, hope all goes well for you.

wildgoose · Feb 13, 2012

- Why do you want this job?
- What benefits will you bring to this company & why should we choose you?
- Give us an example of a technical problem you have had in the past. How did you resolve it?
- Are you a team player - do you consider yourself easy to get on with - discuss.
- Approx how many people do you think works for this company? (don't give a smart arse answer).
- What do you think is our most popular product/service?
- Do you know where the head office is located?
- Do you know how long the training period lasts?

The interviewers will almost certainly ask at least one of these questions !

mogga · Feb 13, 2012

DO your homework on the firm Check their website look at what they do No point going prepared for housing answers then being asked about commercial ect
Smart dress not suit nessarily ( Altho I allways wear one to interview even agency ones)
TURN YOUR PHONE OFF!!!!! nothing worse
have a wee list of questions appropriate to the firm ( how many holidays do we get isNOT one to ask)
take a note pad to take notes of pertenant stuff also for your questions
ask around friends pub ect see if anyone knows anyone who works there to find out a bit more about what they are like to work for
ask about career progression for future
"where do you see your self in 5 years time? " thats one question that Iv been asked n I got it wrong 5 yrs ago I didnt expect to be married 4 yrs n have 2 kids n moved house twice nor did I expect to be doing the job Im in now BUT hey ho

silva.foxx · Feb 13, 2012

Just listen carefully to the questions, think before you answer, try to relax and keep eye contact without staring!

If you don't know the answer, don't try to bluff them with bullshyt.

Good luck.

alarm man · Feb 13, 2012

as above really,as your going to be taken on as an apprentice the tech questions should be simple,learn about the company what they do how long they have been doing it etc,that way it looks as you want to work for them,not just want a job

big danny · Feb 16, 2012

thanks to all of you have replied,
i'll be sure to use the advice you have given, and i'll post in this thread and let you all know the outcome asap

mogga · Feb 16, 2012

What firm was the interview with Danny? it would be great knwing how you get on Keep applying tho as the more you get about the more chance you have Good luck

big danny · Feb 16, 2012

mogga said:
What firm was the interview with Danny? it would be great knwing how you get on Keep applying tho as the more you get about the more chance you have Good luck

sorry mogga, i cant say just now incase someone beats mi to the job,

i have tried a few companies though, FES in Stirling was the place i really wanted but nothing going there at the moment unfortunately

KFH · Feb 16, 2012

The advice given above is all very good stuff. They will form an impression of you in the first few minutes so make sure you are tidly dressed, appear confident, smile, shake hands with a reasonable grip (not a handbreaker and not a damp lettuce), remember and use if appropriate the names of the people interviewing. Keep your replies positive, don't knock any previous employeers. Ensure you answer the questions and don't be afraid of asking for clarification if you are not sure what they are asking. Make sure you can say why you want the job and what you can offer the company and how your experiances todate can be of benefit to them.

Good luck

big danny · Feb 18, 2012

Pfft that went great guys, i didnt even get the chance to go to the interview and the games a bogey, got a letter from the company stating very sorry blah blah blah the vacancy has been filled but we will keep you on file for future opportunities.
How Many times can one person be kicked in the teeth,
it seems to me that nobodies interested in a 27 year old apprentice, am i wasting my time trying????
i dont want to be a Electrical Trainee, i want on the job timed served experience and the apprentice papers to go with it.
ive sent so many cv's away costing mi a fortune on printer ink, envelopes and postage and made so many phone calls and when one finally comes my way with an interview i get shafted.

Anyone know of any electrical firms or sparkys in central scotland (STIRLINGSHIRE, WEST LOTHIAN, FIFE ETC) that would appreciate a mature adult who can put in a fair shift of work ???
I DONT THINK THERE ARE ANY :33:

KFH · Feb 18, 2012

Don't give up. It is hard for everyone everywhere and for the majority of firms times are tight so taking on an extra person is difficult. Sending out CVs is not always productive in these times. Some firms get so many that they cannot afford the time to reply to all of them. Try thinking differently and start a marketing exercise with you as the product. What are you offering, what are the benfits to someone employing you? Can you be flexible about employment? e.g. part time, on demand. Keep on trying, remember Robert the Bruce and the spider

big danny · Feb 18, 2012

KFH said:
Don't give up. It is hard for everyone everywhere and for the majority of firms times are tight so taking on an extra person is difficult. Sending out CVs is not always productive in these times. Some firms get so many that they cannot afford the time to reply to all of them. Try thinking differently and start a marketing exercise with you as the product. What are you offering, what are the benfits to someone employing you? Can you be flexible about employment? e.g. part time, on demand. Keep on trying, remember Robert the Bruce and the spider

thanks for your advice KFH but it does get you down when you keep getting knocked back, i understand its difficult for companies in the modern climate to take a chance on someone at there expense. but i have good qualities and im willing to graft for it

i=p/u · Feb 18, 2012

its not easy, i had to go self emplyed this week to get on a job but i have been in conversation with this guy for maybe 6 months...

when i dont have work , i get my big book out which my sexy filled out for me with all contractors in this area and further a field.. im only pulling data cables at moment for a irm in belfast which is 70 odd miles away everyday and 2391 at night 40 miles another direction, hectic but dont just try electrical contractors, theres fire alarms , data installers and loads of others which most are sparks...

the sparks running job im on at moment at 88 employees 3 years ago now they have 8 and just sub it out or bring in self employed... keep her lit