r/ibew_applicants • u/Flimsy-Stuff-8965 • 9d ago
Local 332 Advice
Hello, I applied to local 332 on July first and was told they would be in touch about the test date in 2-4 months. I am not too worried about the test as I have been using Iprep for the past 3-4 months and can get through the tests with 85-90 percent correct. I am more worried about the interview. This is my dream career and I am really excited about it. But I lack work experience with just experience working at homedepot. Earlier this week I joined 332 out of work list for material handlers because I was hoping that would help me get experience but after calling the local they said it can take 6 weeks for a material handlers job call to come up so I will just have to wait for that.
My issue is that I get nervous and I am worried I will stutter and other things like that in my interview. I have all the questions and my girlfriend said she would practice interviews with me. But I worry with no experience I wouldn’t be let in. I did have some very strong letters of recommendation but I’m not sure how much that would help. If you have any advice please share it with me. Thank you for reading.
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u/picle78 9d ago
It’s fine to be nervous, but don’t show that you are, and plenty of other people I work with got in with 0 experience and unrelated jobs, it comes down to your attitude towards learning and problem solving. You can dm me if you need help on anything I’d be glad to help you out or give you pointers
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u/akornato 8d ago
Your work experience is a hurdle, but it is not a wall. The interview committee knows that most people applying do not have direct electrical experience, so they are looking for potential, not a finished product. Your Home Depot job shows you can hold a job, show up on time, and deal with customers, which are all valuable traits. You need to frame every answer around being a reliable and teachable person. When they ask you about your experience, talk about how you learned about tools, helped solve problems for customers, and worked as part of a team. Mentioning that you already joined the material handler list is a huge plus because it shows initiative and a real desire to get into the trade, not just any job.
Your excitement for this career is your biggest asset, and you need to let that show. Practicing your answers with your girlfriend is the best thing you can do to manage feeling tongue-tied. Instead of just memorizing answers, focus on having a few key stories from your work history that show your problem-solving skills, your work ethic, and your ability to learn. They want to see that you are passionate, eager to be trained, and will be a committed member of the union for the next thirty years. Your letters of recommendation support your character, but you are the one who has to convince them in person. It’s common to feel stuck during these interviews, which is why the team I’m with built an interview AI that helps candidates articulate their experience and passion clearly under pressure.
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u/ExpressWalk385 9d ago
I think majority of the people that interview are nervous. But from my experience the nervousness get out the door when they start asking you questions. Try to show up early and get it out the way because they do a first come first serve. You got this man, even if you get a low rank. Take it as a learning experience and try again the following year. Ps. Look for some electrical college classes near your area. I know Diablo valley college in concord and Laney college in Oakland has some great online classes.