What To Wear For An Electrician Interview

Your electrician training has led you to a new job opportunity. Your resume looks great and an interview has been requested. But it can be difficult to determine what attire is appropriate for your interview as a blue-collar worker. You may be used to a very casual outfit for your daily jobs, but you’ll need to step it up to impress a potential employer. 

Show Practicality 

During an interview, you want to show that you understand the demands of the job – squatting, bending, sometimes twisting yourself into tight spaces. That’s why you’ll typically wear comfortable gear. During an interview, you’ll want to show that you are comfortable in your role and have practical sensibilities. However, it’s also essential to show your professional side.  

Professionalism 

For an electrician interview, we want to help you strike the balance between practiced tradesperson and professional potential hire. This means close attention to detail and knowing your audience. A more casual outfit is acceptable, to an extent. Skip the suit! To display your formal side, consider a comfortable button-down shirt with a clean shirt underneath. Slacks that look clean and pressed are advisable. Polished shoes and neat overall appearance are also recommended. We want to encourage a look that has casual pieces, but is ironed and cleaned to an extent worth of an interview setting. 

Prepare for Your Location 

Note the area you may be asked to work in. Many industrial electricians may want to wear more lightweight attire due to a hot factory or warehouse environment. You may need to include steel-toed boots into your wardrobe decision. If you’re not sure what you’d need, ask the hiring manager or do a thorough review of the company website to obtain as much information as possible.  

Job interview tips and advice for electricians

1) Research
Make sure that you do your research on the company before attending the job interview. For example, find out as much as possible about the products and services they offer so you are in the best position to sell yourself, and why you would be a good fit for the company.

2) Preparation
Create a personal portfolio to include your Curriculum Vitae, electrical qualifications, references, pictures of example work and anything you may think will help you stand out from the crowd. It is also important to prepare some questions in advance to ask at the end of the interview to demonstrate your confidence, initiative and interest in the role.

3) Dress to Impress
Make sure that you dress accordingly for the role you are applying for. For example, as an electrician no employer will expect you to arrive in a suit but at least wear a smart, ironed shirt and trousers with suitable shoes. Jeans and a t-shirt or smelly work clothes are definitely a “no no”.

4) Timekeeping
You must not be late for an interview under any circumstances so ensure that you leave with plenty of time to spare. Even if you do arrive early it gives you time to compose yourself and do some additional planning, plus it shows enthusiasm to your potential employer.

5) Enthusiastic
On first meeting the interviewer it is important to make a good first impression as they will make their initial judgement on you within the first minute. A good firm handshake, a warm smile, eye contact and speaking confidently will all work in your favour.

6) Listen Carefully
Everyone who goes for an interview is bound to be nervous but it is extremely important to listen to the questions that are being asked so you are in the best position to answer them correctly. If you are not completely sure of the question seek further clarification and if you do not know the answer be honest and ask to come back to it later. Be sure to stay concise and on topic.

7) Give Examples
When relevant, give specific examples to highlight your past successes or triumphs. It will be demonstrative of your potential to your employer and show them what situations you are capable of handling.

8) Close the interview
The end of the interview is a good time to ask questions about the role or company that you prepared beforehand and reiterate your interest in the job. Thank the interviewer for their time, and contact them soon after the interview to say that you enjoyed meeting them and learning more about the company. This will show genuine enthusiasm on your part and also put you fresh in the interviewers mind.