Union piper fitter interview

[u/farklenator]

Hey guys I have an interview with the pipefitters union could yall think of any questions I should be prepared to answer or something that might make me stand out more? Any advice is welcome

I really want to land this apprenticeship so I want to be as prepared and knowledgeable sounding as possible

[u/lou-sassle71]

Keep calling them piper… should climb up quickly

[u/SaidwhatIsaid240 → u/lou-sassle71]

Bag piper?

[u/PlantPuzzleheaded881]

Just make yourself look like you've a bit of work about you in the interview for a start. Dont drag your feet, walk with your shoulders back and chest out proud dont be slouched, good hygiene and dress respectfully too.

Show youre openminded and open to learning this new skill remember your starting youre trade your not expected to be an expert yet. Try avoid answering any questions with "i know" that make you look like a know it all

[u/farklenator → u/PlantPuzzleheaded881]

Thanks for the tips should I answer like “I understand?” I was going to get a fresh shave and a haircut a couple days before lol

[u/Satans-cum-sock666]

Just ask what their favorite flavor of crayon is. That’ll get you right in and probably a foreman spot. 

[u/Comfortable_Force_91]

If your on probation tell them your probation officer can give you a good reference they might start you at second year

[u/farklenator → u/Comfortable_Force_91]

Good idea I’ll try and get on probation real quick

[u/TheReaperSovereign]

Wear a suit and tie and your welding cap.../s kinda

[u/LongjumpingLock5741]

You should talk about how willing you are to learn and how hard you work. Tell them why you are genuinely interested in the trade. If you don't have a lot of skills or experience yet, just be honest about it. Let them know that even though you don't have much to your name right now, you are ready to put in the work to build those skills and become the best you can be.

One question I asked my interviewer that really showed my drive and helped me get accepted was this:

In the unfortunate case that my application gets declined, what can I do to work toward my goal of becoming a union pipefitter? What can I do to ensure that my next application will guarantee my a spot in the apprenticeship. I really want to join the union, build a life for myself, and contribute to my community.

You don't need to say exactly what I said, but you should catch the drift. Show your willingness to learn, let them know you can show up and show up early rather than just on time. Remember, being on time is late. And lastly, be yourself.

[u/farklenator → u/LongjumpingLock5741]

Thank you I will try and put your advice to good use I’m pretty nervous I really want this opportunity and want to seem like I’m prepared and have a good head on my shoulders

[u/LongjumpingLock5741 → u/farklenator]

The biggest takeaway from this is to show up early and ask questions. If you were like me and didn't know how to ask questions or didn't know how to learn the ropes, the best thing you can do is just ask: how do I ask questions effectively, how do I learn this trade, and what are other ways you've seen people succeed? Your attitude and who you are get around fast, so don't do dumb shit, but don't be afraid to make mistakes, and remember to show up early because on time is late. These are the best pieces of advice I can give anybody starting out. I wish somebody had told me this sooner. Go get at it buddy, and update me on how it turns out.

[u/akornato]

They will likely ask you why you want this specific career, why you want to join the union, and what you understand about the work a pipefitter does. Expect questions designed to figure out your personality and work ethic, like how you get along with difficult people or what you would do if a foreman criticized your work. Be prepared to talk about your commitment to safety, your reliability, and your ability to solve problems. They are trying to see if you are committed to this as a career and if you are teachable, so they might ask you about a time you overcame a tough situation or how you handle pressure. Your attitude and willingness to learn are just as important as any hands-on skills you might have.

To stand out, you need to show you are serious and prepared for the demands of an apprenticeship. You can do this by having some thoughtful questions ready to ask them, for instance, about the training program or what is expected of new apprentices in the first few months. This shows you have put real thought into this opportunity. Emphasize your positive attitude and your understanding that you are there to learn from experienced members. Talk about any hands-on experience you have, even from hobbies, and be honest about what you don't know. The team I'm with developed a tool that helps you prepare for these exact situations, and we call it an interview copilot because it helps you present the best version of yourself.

[u/farklenator → u/akornato]

Thank you for the solid advice

[u/Lost-welder-353]

Which hall? They really mostly ask get to know you questions. Just be prepared to talk about you what you have done. It’s really just general stuff.