An interview for a trade, factory, driving or service job is often short and simple. Many employers also give a practical test: they ask you to show your work. If you prepare a little, you will feel calmer and do better. This lesson tells you how.
Before the day
- Confirm. Send a short message: *Thank you. I will come on Monday at 10 am to your address.* Check the place on a map and how long the trip takes.
- Plan the way. Leave early. Plan for traffic and for a late bus.
- Prepare your clothes. Clean, plain clothes. If you have work shoes or tools that you need for the test, bring them if allowed.
- Prepare your papers. A few copies of your resume, your certificates and licences, and your ID. Put them in a clean folder or a plastic cover.
- Rest. Sleep early. Eat something. Drink water.
- Practise your answers aloud, with a friend.
What to bring
- Your resume, 2 or 3 copies.
- Your trade certificates and licences, copies and, if asked, the originals to show.
- Your ID. Show it only to the employer when asked, and take it back.
- A pen and a small notebook.
- Your phone, on silent.
- Water, and money for transport.
On the day
- Arrive ten or fifteen minutes early. If you will be late, call or message and say so.
- Be polite to everyone, from the guard to the manager.
- Greet, smile, and give your name. Stand or sit up straight.
- Listen to the question fully before you answer.
- Speak clearly and not too fast. If you do not understand, ask them to repeat.
- Look at the person, if this is polite in your culture.
Common questions and simple answers
These answers are made-up examples. Use your own true words.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: My name is Sunil. I am an electrician with 6 years of work in
houses and shops. I like to find faults and finish work on time.
Q: Why do you want this job?
A: I want to work with a good team and grow my skills. Your company
does work that I know.
Q: What work have you done?
A: I wired houses in new buildings, fixed faults and fitted fans
and meters.
Q: What is your biggest strength?
A: I am careful and I check my work before I leave.
Q: Can you start soon? Can you work shifts?
A: Yes, I can start in one week. I can work day and evening shifts.Our page of interview questions has more to practise, and our guide to telling about yourself can help with the first question.
Safety questions
In many trade and factory jobs, the employer will ask about safety. It is a good sign. Safe workers are valued. Be ready to say what you do to stay safe: you wear helmets, gloves and boots, you check tools before you use them, you switch off power before repair, you ask if you are not sure. Do not say you never need safety gear. If you have safety training, mention it.
The practical test
- Listen to the task. Ask a short question if something is not clear.
- Check your tools first.
- Work safely and keep the place clean. Employers watch how you work, not only the result.
- Do not rush. A careful, correct job is better than a fast, wrong one.
- If you make a mistake, say so calmly and fix it. Honest people are trusted.
- Say thank you at the end, whatever happens.
Your questions to them
It is normal and polite to ask about the job. Ask clearly, near the end of the talk.
- What are the working hours and days, and is there overtime?
- What is the pay, and how and when is it paid?
- Is there a written agreement or contract?
- What safety gear and training do you give?
- Where will I work, and how will I get there?
- When will I know your decision?
After the interview
Send a short thank-you message the same day or the next morning. *Thank you for your time today. I am interested in the job. I hope to hear from you.* Write in your job list what was said and when they will decide. If you do not hear back by that date, follow up once.
Your task
- Practise the five questions aloud, with a friend, in your own true words.
- Prepare your folder with copies of your resume and certificates.
- Write five questions you will ask the employer about hours, pay and safety.
- Plan your trip to a place: how long does it take, and when must you leave?
How to check it worked
- You can answer the first question in about 30 seconds without reading.
- Your folder has copies of your resume and papers.
- You have your questions about pay, hours and safety written down.