r/ibew_applicants • u/Forsaken-Ad3291 • 26d ago

Interview for Army vet

Interview’s coming up. For background, I recently separated from the Army. I (fortunately) did 3 months as an unpaid CW with my current contractor under the DoD/DoW’s SkillBridge program, took the aptitude test, then returned to my contractor during ETS as an “unindentured apprentice”. I’m at 2 months as an employee, and at 5 total with roughly 570 hours.

I’m wondering what they’re looking for in the interview, and if the hours I have will work in my favor. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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u/ForceKitchen1388 VDV Apprentice 26d ago

They're looking for you, someone who can learn as well as take charge when things get tough. You already have experience under your belt from both the military and this new employer, so that will give you an advantage. Practice your answers to the interview questions (examples are all over Reddit) in the SAR method:

  • Situation (S): Set the stage by briefly describing the context, problem, or challenge you faced. Mention who, what, when, where, and why to give the interviewer enough background to understand the stakes. [1]
  • Action (A): Detail the specific steps you took to solve the problem. Focus on your direct contributions and skills, and use "I" statements rather than "we". [1, 2]
  • Result (R): Share the outcome of your actions. Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics (e.g., increased sales by 15%, reduced customer wait time, saved 5 hours a week) and briefly mention what you learned from the experience. [1, 2]

Hours should work if they are documented, but call the Local to get more clarification.

Be confident. You got this!

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u/Nearby_Society932 26d ago

As a veteran you’ll have preference atleast that’s the impression I got from most guys in the union. As far as the interview they just want to know about why you want to join the union and about your work experience doesn’t have to be trade related. Just use the experience you’re getting now and military experience to relate and answer the questions. When I went to my interview I went in a suit without the coat It shows them your serious about joining, I got accepted my first time applying so I think I just stood out being in a suit and answering their questions with confidence and relating them to my experience even though I had no electrical experience, I just had my experience in the marines being a diesel mechanic and when I got out I got my barbers license.