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INTERVIEW PROCESS

Congratulations on Your Upcoming Interview!

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We understand, interviews can be intimidating. Below are some FAQs to help you better prepare. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Christina Henzen directly at apprenticeship@ibewjatc.org 

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Punctuality is key! Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Even though we conduct a committee meeting prior to interviews, it is still important to show that you are taking this process seriously! 

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Where do I go for my interview?

Interviews for the Waterloo Inside Wireman program are held at the Black Hawk Labor Temple (1695 Burton Avenue in Waterloo). Individuals will proceed through the front door as and down the stairs to our waiting area. Christina or an associate will come get you for your interview. 

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Interviews for the Mason City Inside Wireman program are held at the Mason City Labor Temple (124 W State St. in Mason City). Once you arrive you will be shown to a waiting area. Christina or an associate will come get you when it is time for your interview.

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Who will I be interviewing with?

Interviews are held before the Waterloo & Mason City Electrical JATC Committees. The Committees are made up of representatives from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). While interviewing in front of a Committee may be intimidating, we do our best to make the experience as stress-free as possible. 

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What should I bring to the interview?

Just bring yourself! There is no need to bring a resume or letters of reference. The Committees will have your application and any other supporting documentation that you submitted with your application.

 

How long do interviews typically last?

Interviews for both the Apprenticeship program and the Pre-Apprenticeship program are between 15 - 20 minutes long.

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What should I wear?

There is no need to dress up for interviews. Remember, this is the trades industry that you are interviewing for! Jeans and a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or button down shirt sufficient.

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What kind of questions will be asked?

Prepare by making sure you understand the program that you are applying for. While this might seem like common sense, it is always a good idea to review the Program Information page on our website.

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The majority of questions asked will focus on YOU the applicant. This is our opportunity to get to know you as a person. Don't focus on trying to give a perfect example or perfect response. Instead, focus on trying to answer the question to the best of your ability as fully as possible.

 

I just interviewed. What happens now?

The application process for both the Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship can sometimes be a lengthy one.  Interviews take place monthly for the Apprenticeship program and August through November for the Pre-Apprenticeship. While we do not release an individual's ranking, applicants are welcome to reach out to apprenticeship@ibewjatc.org for their overall interview score. 4-year Apprenticeship interview scores are valid for a period of one year from your interview date. Pre-Apprentice interview scores are only valis during the application period.

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I didn't receive a very good score. Can I interview again?

Yes, candidates can interview again for the 4-year Apprenticeship 90 days from their last interview date. Because we have a shorter application window for the Pre-Apprenticeship, unfortunately candidates are only able to interview once a year.

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I interviewed but haven't heard anything. What should I do???

It is important to remember that you are pursuing a career, not a job. Individuals that interview for the 4-year Apprenticeship are placed on a ranked list. It is from this list that we select Apprentices. When an Apprentice request comes in from a contractor, we will select individuals from this list. We will start by selecting the highest-ranked candidate from the list, and if they are unavailable or decline, we will proceed to the next highest-ranked candidate, continuing down the list until the Apprentice request is filled. 

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Pre-Apprentice ranked lists are only valid until the window for application closes in November. Individuals that are not selected for the Pre-Apprenticeship are welcome to reapply next year.

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I interviewed for the 4-year Apprenticeship. Can I still interview for the Pre-Apprenticeship?

Yes! Individuals are encouraged to do so!! There is no need to resubmit an application. We utilize the one application for both programs. Pre-Apprenticeship interviews are conducted beginning in August and closing in November.

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I interviewed for the Pre-Apprenticeship, but now I also want to pursue the 4-year program. Is that possible?

If you interviewed for the Pre-Apprenticeship and would now like to pursue the 4-year program, please contact apprenticeship@ibewjatc.org to select an aptitude test date (if you have not tested already). If you interviewed and were accepted into the Pre-Apprenticeship, you can still take the aptitude test and interview for the 4-year program at any time.

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How will I find out if I got in to the 4-year Apprenticeship or the Pre-Apprenticeship?

You will be contacted directly if you are selected for either program. It is important to remember that an application does not guarantee acceptance. 

 

If you have specific questions regarding your application please email apprenticeship@ibewjatc.org. Due to the volume of calls received, questions regarding your application will be answered via email only. All applications for the Apprenticeship and the Pre-Apprenticeship are handled by the Waterloo & Mason City Electrical JATC. 

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