Welder Interview Questions

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What was one of your most difficult welding experiences, and how were you able to overcome it? See answer
Have you ever faced a situation where you saw a coworker breaking safety protocol? What did you do to resolve the situation? See answer
Welders need to complete projects within set deadlines to aid construction projects. How do you manage your time and what factors do you consider when starting a project? See answer
What types of training and accreditation do you have as a welder?
Can you describe prototype tooling and what kind of role it serves in the long-term of a welding career?
What is your preferred welding process? Are you willing to adhere to new processes as required?
As a welder, you may be expected to perform team welding work in addition to individual projects. How would you rate your teamwork skills and what examples can you provide to support your claims?
Which types of welding equipment do you have the most experience using?
How do you test and evaluate your creations to ensure their quality? What examples can you provide from your previous experiences?
Can you tell me what the base metal is within a welding project?
How do you differentiate between Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and Gas Metal Arc Welding? How about Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Flux Cored Arc Welding?
You are in charge of welding metal beams to contribute to the support structure of a building. What methods do you use?
In your opinion, what is the difference between welding and brazing? How about welding and soldering?
What do you do during long workdays to stay alert and energized to perform your job duties as a welder?
You arrive to a welding job only to discover that important supplies won’t reach the worksite until the next day. What do you focus on to ensure your workday is still productive?

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6 Welder Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

What type of training and accreditation do you have as a welder?

A:

The more extensive the potential candidate’s training and accreditation are, the better. As a standard, you want your welder to be certified in order to avoid potential liability issues in the future. If the welder set themselves apart in their apprenticeship through their drive and skill, they can be extremely beneficial in your business. If you are looking for specific accreditations, make sure to ask about those as well.

What to look for in an answer:

Standard welding certification
Extensive apprenticeship experience
Specialized accreditation as an educator or as an inspector

Example:

“I have been asked to lead projects for several years in my previous employment, and I completed my certification exam as a welding educator.”

Q:

Describe prototype tooling and what kind of role it serves in the long-term of a welding career.

A:

Prototype tooling is a huge part of working with new welding designs and concepts, especially when new clients are involved. The potential employee should already have experience with this type of tooling, and if they are not able to clearly convey what it is or how important it is, you may want to move on to the next candidate.

What to look for in an answer:

A clear understanding of prototype tooling
Experience with the process itself
Experience speaking with clients about prototype tooling

Example:

“Prototype tooling is a simplistic part fixturing that is designed to provide clients with a general idea of what they will be working with.”

Q:

What was one of your most difficult welding experiences, and how were you able to overcome it?

A:

This question will allow you to learn more about how the candidate operates under pressure. A welding environment can quickly become difficult to manage. In addition to certain specific demands that will need to be met in emergency situations, a capable welder should also be mindful of their environment according to safety standards. Learning more about your potential candidate’s high-pressure experience can allow you to plan ahead for their role.

What to look for in an answer:

Ability to think clearly under pressure
Constant vigilance in a fast-paced environment
Ability to prioritize specific tasks and procedures

Example:

“Once we were called on to weld for thinner metals. It took some adjustment, but I was able to adhere to the new welding procedures.”

Q:

What is your preferred welding process, and are you willing to adhere to new regular processes as required?

A:

This question allows you to learn more about the potential candidate’s degree of expertise in their field. You want at least some preferred background in a specific type of welding, especially if you already work with that style as a specialization for the company. Asking about the welder’s flexibility when it comes to establishing different welding processes can allow you to see how they can fit into the workplace.

What to look for in an answer:

Understanding of different welding processes
Ability to adhere to different standards
Long-term vocational training in one welding process

Example:

“I enjoy working with TIG welding the most, but I have worked with other varieties in the past and am willing to switch as necessary.”

Q:

Have you ever faced a situation where you saw a coworker breaking safety protocol? What did you do to resolve the situation?

A:

This is an important question to ask because following safety procedures on the job can tremendously minimize legal liability and bodily injury. In a long welding career, any professional may be faced with potential OSHA violations. Knowing how your potential candidate will react in such situations is vital for minimizing long-term issues. Make sure that they answer with both knowledge on safety procedures and initiative to report potential violations.

What to look for in an answer:

Vigilance in their professional environment
Ability to report safety issues as appropriate
Proactive about staying on top of new safety codes

Example:

“When I noticed my colleague working without his safety gear, I contacted management and made sure that the issue was addressed before he got hurt.”

Q:

Welders need to complete projects within set deadlines to aid construction projects. How do you manage your time and what factors do you consider when starting a project?

A:

Welders are responsible for completing their portion of construction work so other important activities can occur. This question allows interviewers to gauge a candidate's ability to recognize their role within a larger project and their determination to uphold their schedule.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

Time management skills
Ability to anticipate challenges
Commitment to quality

Here is an example of a quality candidate answer:

Example:

"First, I review deadlines for specific welding activities. Then, I consider potential setbacks related to weather, lack of supplies and other factors. Based on these possibilities, I structure my schedule to complete tasks at least a week before the actual deadline. This gives me potentially five days of additional work time if one or more of these setbacks occur, which they usually do. It also allows me to devote more time to ensuring product quality."

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