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The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that HVAC professionals are in demand, with an expected 39,600 jobs to be added to the labor market between 2014 and 2024.1 However, without the ability to present a professional image during your interview, a positive job outlook will ultimately not translate to gainful employment. If your interview skills could use a little brushing up, check out these tips, which are tailored specifically to HVAC program graduates looking for trade industry jobs.
Choose Your Outfit Carefully
Wardrobe is one of the biggest points of contention among prospective HVAC employees. Like other trade industries, HVAC does not necessitate the same level of wardrobe formality as office jobs. Unfortunately, many aspiring employees use this as an excuse to dress informally for interviews. This is a huge mistake; employers recognize that everyday dress is fairly casual for trade professionals, but they still want to see that you take the position seriously. When in doubt, experts suggest dressing in business casual clothing for trade-based interviews.
Body Language and Confident Communication
Interacting with others is an important aspect of many HVAC jobs, so be prepared to show interviewers that you can communicate in a clear and confident manner. This means giving the interviewer a firm handshake at the beginning of the interview and maintaining eye contact while answering questions. Avoid fidgeting, as this makes you look nervous and untrustworthy. When you speak, do your best to sound natural and avoid excessive slang or other unprofessional language.
If you doubt your ability to present a confident image during your interview, practicing with a friend is essential. Maybe this friend will be somebody you met while obtaining your HVAC education who shares your professional goals.
Common HVAC Interview Questions
Certain questions tend to crop up in all interviews, regardless of industry. These include:
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- Background – previous jobs, skills gained
- Your future – where do you see your career heading
- Listing strengths/weakness
While it is important to prepare for these and other common interview questions, it is crucial to have a grasp on the HVAC-specific questions that are likely to be asked during your interview. These questions may involve technical HVAC terminology or focus on the customer service side of certain HVAC positions.
Be Prepared
Many interviewers will express curiosity regarding your work history. If you have no work background in HVAC, be prepared to speak extensively about your HVAC training and any internships. Without professional experience, it will be even more important for you to prove that you possess a thorough understanding of the industry. You may be asked about HFC reduction efforts or HVAC certification standards. Some employers may even require prospective employees to complete extensive quizzes that test their technical knowledge.
Do Your Homework
Interviews can entail more than just asking general questions and more specific questions about the HVAC industry. Many employers will ask you to share what you know about the company and the position for which you are interviewing. The interviewer may allow you to ask questions about the company or position. This could be your opportunity to gain a significant edge. Before your interview, be sure to look up the company’s website and social media profiles.
Interviewing for HVAC positions can be a nerve-wracking process, but with a preparation, you can show prospective employers that you are confident, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. Do your research and conduct several practice interviews before pursuing the real deal.
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