Electrical Improver Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Electrical Improver interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Electrical Improver interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What qualifications are you working towards, and how far along are you?

Why they ask: They need to know your training stage so they can supervise you at the right level.

2. How would you carry out a first fix on a new-build house?

Why they ask: First fix is core improver work and they want to check you know the process and standards.

3. What test equipment have you used, and what is GS38 about?

Why they ask: They want to know your practical testing exposure and your attitude to safe test practice.

4. Your supervisor is off site and you realise the circuit you were told to work on is still live. What do you do?

Why they ask: Safe working at improver level depends on stopping when something is wrong.

5. What is the difference between a radial and a ring final circuit, and where would you use each?

Why they ask: It checks you understand basic circuit design that you will be installing every day.

6. Tell me about a time you made a mistake on site or in your college work and what you did about it.

Why they ask: They want honesty, learning and a safe attitude to errors from an improver.

7. What are the different earthing arrangements, such as TN-S, TN-C-S and TT, and why does it matter to the installer?

Why they ask: It shows whether you understand the supply you are connecting to.

8. Why do you want to become a fully qualified electrician, and what does a good improver look like?

Why they ask: They want commitment to completing training and an understanding of the stage you are at.

A sample answer to question 1

What qualifications are you working towards, and how far along are you?

I'm working towards my Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems, and I've completed the Level 2 and the college units. I hold the City and Guilds 18th Edition qualification, now on the current amendment, and I'm currently collecting portfolio evidence from site, with my supervisor signing it off. The plan is to take the AM2 assessment once the portfolio is complete, which should get me the ECS Electrotechnical Certification card at the Installation Electrician level. At present I'm on the Improver grade, so I work under supervision and can't sign off my own work. I also want to take the Inspection and Testing qualification, probably the 2391, after the AM2. I keep a log of the jobs I've done, so I always know which areas of the NVQ I still need evidence for.

Common mistake to avoid: Being unsure what the AM2 is; implying you can work unsupervised

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Electrical Improver interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.