How to Ace a Trades Interview in NJ

There’s no doubt that applying and interviewing for jobs in New Jersey can feel intimidating, and thinking of the number of candidates you’re competing against only makes the process seem more overwhelming. When it comes to the job search, standing out in the crowd is the best way to land the job of your dreams. Knowing the top ways to make your skills shine during an interview could mean the difference between landing a job and going through another round of applications. Check out the tips below to help you during your next interview.

Dress Professionally

While it’s true that jobs in the energy and HVAC industry involve work that’s a bit dirtier than white-collar gigs, you’ll want to show future employers that you’re professional, reliable, and that you take the job seriously. Consider dressing in “smart casual” or “business casual” to show your interviewer that you’re serious about the job and that they can trust you to represent their company to customers.

Be Prepared for Questions

In trade job interviews, you can likely expect situational interview questions. These questions present a hypothetical situation that you must solve with your experience and knowledge. Essentially, it comes down to how you would handle certain situations as a tradesperson. When answering these questions, you should draw on past experiences, whether from past employment or something you learned from school. Your interviewer has an interest in your problem-solving skills and how you’d confront challenges.

Leave Soft Skills On

The trades industry has a lot of varying requirements for education, certifications, and licensing, so fleshing these out on your resume can make you stand out. Many job candidates leave soft skills off their resumes, but this can be a mistake. Adding soft skills as a focus can demonstrate to hiring managers how you stand out from the crowd. In blue-collar work, soft skills are a rare find, so remember to include them on your resume when you apply.

Be Honest

Make sure that your actual job experience matches up with your resume. Remember that employers do their research, and you wouldn’t want to lose out on an opportunity for something like dishonesty. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills and explain your background thoroughly. It’s up to you to prove to the hiring manager exactly what you claim to know.

Find Work in NJ with Generation NEXT Energy Pros

Hopefully, these tips from Generation NEXT Energy Pros will help you prepare for your next interview and land that next job in NJ. Keep browsing interested employers right on our website today by logging into your profile or creating an account in seconds.