Top electrician skills to look for in candidates
1. Electrical experience
Included in 71.11% of electrician job postings
With the exception of an apprentice electrician, electrical systems experience and skills enable the candidate to reach full productivity faster and complete the work safely. Decide on the number of years of experience you expect based on the duties of your position.
Job description example: Completion of electrician apprenticeship and two years of electrical experience
Assessing the skill: Review applications to check for previous electrician roles, apprenticeships or electrical training programs or degrees.
2. Communication skills
Included in 20.44% of electrician job postings
Electricians need to be able to explain what they’re doing and help homeowners understand electrical issues. The electrician job description might also require the new hire to communicate with other electricians, especially if they work on jobs together. Effective communication improves the safety and efficiency of the work environment.
Job description example: Ability to explain electrical terminology clearly to customers and communicate effectively with colleagues
Assessing the skill: To assess communication skills, ask candidates how they would respond to client requests and inquiries through scenario-based interview questions.
3. Schematics
Included in 13.22% of electrician job postings
Strong candidates know how to read and use electrical schematics. The drawings help them understand specific electrical systems and identify potential problems. Effective use of an electrical schematic requires the candidate to understand the symbols and components. Include this in the electrician skills list if your new hirewill use schematics regularly.
Job description example: Familiarity with reading electrical schematics
Assessing the skill: Present candidates with an electrical schematic and ask specific questions about the diagram or ask them to explain it to you.
4. Electrical systems
Included in 12.82% of electrician job postings
If the new hire will work with specific electrical systems or equipment, list it in your job description. Highlighting both hard and soft skills related to electrical systems, such as circuit analysis, troubleshooting and communication, can attract candidates with the relevant expertise. Additionally, if you’re open to training apprentice electricians, mention your willingness to develop their skills in these areas.
Job description example: Knowledge of electrical systems
Assessing the skill: Ask situational interview questions to evaluate how well candidates know electrical systems. You can also create an online assessment based on electrical systems.
5. NEC
Included in 11.67% of electrician job postings
Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC) helps the candidate perform work that’s up to code. The set of national codes dictates how electricians should perform electrical work. Candidates with a solid understanding of the NEC are equipped to perform tasks safely. If local electrical codes are stricter, you might include local codes in your list of skills of an electrician.
Job description example: Knowledge of the NEC and ability to apply the NEC rules to electrical work
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to complete an online assessment with questions related to the NEC. You can also ask electrician interview questions related to the codes to assess their understanding.
6. Hand tools
Included in 11.44% of electrician job postings
Electricians use a variety of hand tools throughout the day. The types of hand tools you may want to include in your list of electrician skills may depend on the specific duties of the position. Consider looking for general knowledge of hand tools and ensure candidates know how to use them safely within an electrical setting.
Job description example: Experience using hand tool, such as pliers and cable cutters,to perform electrical repairs
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to perform trial tasks using hand tools or create an online assessment to determine if they know when to use certain hand tools.
7. Programmable logic controllers
Included in 10.74% of electrician job postings
Electricians working in industrial settings may need to know how programmable logic controllers work. Used for industrial automation, this equipment requires specialized experience. Include experience with programmable logic controllers in your list of skills for an electrician if you’re hiring for an industrial setting that uses the equipment.
Job description example: Experience working on programmable logic controllers
Assessing the skill: Ask interview questions related to programmable logic controllers.
8. Electrical wiring
Included in 9.66% of electrician job postings
Electrical wiring work is a common duty for all types of electricians. Strong candidates understand how wiring works and know how to connect wiring safely. This part of the job also requires that candidates know what types of electrical wires to use in different situations and how wiring needs to be completed to meet the minimum electrical code standards.
Job description example: Ability to install and repair electrical wiring to outlets, fixtures and other electrical components
Assessing the skill: Ask wiring interview questions, conduct an online wiring assessment or ask candidates to perform a simple wiring task during the interview.
9. Computer skills
Included in 9.41% of electrician job postings
Electricians may need to use a computer to receive work orders or document customer interactions and job details. Diagnostic tools and payment systems might also use computer-based software. Consider the amount and type of computer experience the candidate needs when writing your list of electrician skills.
Job description example: Comfort with technology, including electrical software programs
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to perform test tasks using the computer software programs they’ll encounter on the job.
10. Mechanical knowledge
Included in 8.62% of electrician job postings
Electricians often diagnose and repair machinery using various tools, making mechanical knowledge an essential skill. If the job requires a specific type of mechanical knowledge, specify it in the job description.
Job description example: Strong mechanical aptitude required
Assessing the skill: Require a mechanical aptitude test during the hiring process.
11. Customer service
Included in 8.27% of electrician job postings
Customer service is one of the essential soft skills electrician candidates need. Electricians spend a considerable amount of time in customers’ homes and businesses. They interact with them several times throughout the process, from explaining the problem to processing payments. Interacting positively with customers creates a positive impression of your business and can develop loyal customers.
Job description example: Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
Assessing the skill: Develop interview questions related to customer service scenarios and evaluate how each candidate responds.
12. Power tools
Included in 8.17% of electrician job postings
Some electrical jobs require the use of power tools. You can mention power tools in general or list specific tools in your electrician job description to attract quality candidates who can use power tools safely and properly.
Job description example: Comfort with using various power tools, such as impact drivers and hammer drills
Assessing the skill: Assess power tool skills through interview questions or ask candidates to demonstrate the use of various power tools to evaluate their skills visually.
13. English
Included in 7.59% of electrician job postings
If English fluency is required for the position, you may want to include this skill in your job description.
Job description example: Proficiency in spoken English
Assessing the skill: Evaluate English skills during the interview by administering a language test for all candidates.
14. Voltmeter
Included in 6.46% of electrician job postings
Voltmeters measure the voltage of various devices and are important tools for electricians. Candidates with extensive voltmeter experience know how to set up and use the tool correctly to get accurate readings. You might list certain types of voltmeters if you use specific models.
Job description example: Experience using a digital voltmeter
Assessing the skill: Have each candidate use a voltmeter as part of the evaluation process.
15. Construction
Included in 5.87% of electrician job postings
Some electricians work in new construction wiring for new buildings. This type of electrical work requires the candidate to understand how construction sites work and how to stay safe in that environment. It’s also essential to know how to work with other professionals, such as plumbers, who might be completing work simultaneously.
Job description example: Experience working in new construction electrical installation
Assessing the skill: Review each candidate’s resume for relevant construction experience, and also consider soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities.
16. Maintenance
Included in 5.58% of electrician job postings
For some positions, the electrician’s duties might include inspecting, testing and maintaining various electrical systems and equipment. Maintenance sometimes involves making repairs or replacing parts to keep the systems functioning properly and safely. Include this requirement to ensure candidates understand maintenance practices.
Job description example: Previous electrical maintenance experience
Assessing the skill: Review resumes for maintenance-related positions or job duties, and also assess soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving and time management. Ask candidates to share their experience with electrical maintenance tasks and how they prioritize and execute repairs to maintain system safety and functionality.
17. Manufacturing
Included in 4.77% of electrician job postings
Manufacturing electrician positions often involve working on large equipment with unique wiring requirements, so it’s helpful to hire someone who has worked on that type of equipment before.
Job description example: Experience working in a manufacturing setting
Assessing the skill: Scan resumes for positions within manufacturing environments, and also consider soft skills such as adaptability, technical problem-solving and teamwork. Ask candidates to discuss their experience with electrical systems in manufacturing and how they’ve handled challenges unique to that setting.
18. Ohmmeter
Included in 3.9% of electrician job postings
Electricians often use an ohmmeter to measure electrical resistance. Since these tools can be used in different ways, you want to ensure candidates have extensive knowledge of their use. Skills in using an ohmmeter allow the selected candidate to work efficiently and safely.
Job description example: Proficiency in using an ohmmeter
Assessing the skill: Set up a job skills evaluation where candidates perform specific tasks with an ohmmeter.
19. Leadership
Included in 3.83% of electrician job postings
Electricians who train new employees or supervise other electricians benefit from having leadership skills. This often applies to journeymen electricians or master electricians who train apprentices. Leadership skills allow new hires to take charge on the job site and ensure the work gets done properly.
Job description example: Demonstration of leadership skills
Assessing the skill: Evaluate applicants for previous leadership roles or ask leadership-based interview questions.
20. Automotive diagnostics
Included in 3.8% of electrician job postings
If diagnosing issues will be a large part of the job, include automotive diagnostics in your list of skills for an electrician.
Job description example: Experience with automotive diagnostics tools
Assessing the skill: Ask each candidate to perform an automotive diagnostics task.
21. High voltage
Included in 3.49% of electrician job postings
Experience with high-voltage electrical systems is vital to ensure candidates know how to work safely. If the workload for your position involves systems above 480 volts, you might list this requirement for applicants. While all electrical work comes with risks, high-voltage work is particularly hazardous. Familiarity with the work and the safety requirements prepares candidates for the job.
Job description example: Proficiency in working with high-voltage systems, with a strong emphasis on safety protocols and risk management
Assessing the skill: In addition to looking for high-voltage work experience on applications, consider administering an assessment focused on high-voltage safety practices to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and readiness for this specialized work.
22. Microsoft Office
Included in 3.38% of electrician job postings
Microsoft Office includes several programs, such as Excel, Word and Outlook. If Office is your primary software for these functions, consider including it in your job description. List specific programs or the Office suite in general. For example, you might use Word to create invoices or Outlook to communicate as a team.
Job description example: Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
Assessing the skill: Arrange office assessments that focus on specific functions the selected candidate will perform on the job.
23. Microsoft Excel
Included in 2.97% of electrician job postings
Spreadsheets made in Microsoft Excel support various functions for electricians, such as estimating jobs and performing various electrical calculations. If your electricians use Excel, include the level of proficiency you expect in your job description. You can list specific Excel functions, such as creating graphs or pivot tables.
Job description example: Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
Assessing the skill: Require job candidates to take a Microsoft Excel test or perform a task in Excel during the interview.
24. Industrial electrician experience
Included in 2.59% of electrician job postings
If you’re hiring an electrician to work in an industrial setting, you might require previous experience working with industrial equipment. The type of equipment and wiring varies significantly between environments. Industrial equipment is often more complex and uses more power than standard home electrical systems, so it’s important for candidates to be familiar with it.
Job description example: Previous experience as an industrial electrician
Assessing the skill: Ask interview questions related to specific industrial electrician tasks or equipment.
25. Management
Included in 2.54% of electrician job postings
Some electricians might supervise a team of electricians and handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling, training and payroll. It’s also possible for a master electrician to serve a dual role as a manager and an electrician. Include the amount of management experience you expect if the candidate will have a leadership role.
Job description example: Management experience within an electrical setting
Assessing the skill: Review the resume for managerial experience and ask management-related interview questions.
Other top electrician skills in-demand
Here are an additional 24 electrician skills that are common in electrician job postings on Indeed:
26. CMMS: Included in 2.42% of electrician job postings
27. Time management: Included in 2.29% of electrician job postings
28. Organizational skills: Included in 2.18% of electrician job postings
29. HVAC: Included in 2.12% of electrician job postings
30. Basic maths: Included in 2.1% of electrician job postings
31. Low voltage: Included in 2.07% of electrician job postings
32. OSHA: Included in 2.04% of electrician job postings
33. Industrial maintenance: Included in 2.02% of electrician job postings
34. Military: Included in 1.9% of electrician job postings
35. Analysis skills: Included in 1.87% of electrician job postings
36. Hotel experience: Included in 1.81% of electrician job postings
37. Ammeter: Included in 1.77% of electrician job postings
38. Commercial electrician experience: Included in 1.72% of electrician job postings
39. Cabling: Included in 1.69% of electrician job postings
40. Driving: Included in 1.66% of electrician job postings
41. Microsoft Word: Included in 1.64% of electrician job postings
42. Writing skills: Included in 1.62% of electrician job postings
43. Supervising experience: Included in 1.55% of electrician job postings
44. Residential construction: Included in 1.53% of electrician job postings
45. Welding: Included in 1.23% of electrician job postings
46. Bilingual: Included in 1.19% of electrician job postings
47. Carpentry: Included in 1.19% of electrician job postings
48. Commercial construction: Included in 1.12% of electrician job postings
49. Microsoft Outlook: Included in 1.1% of electrician job postings
¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023
