Why pre-screen electricians before the interview
The qualifications can be checked in a phone call. What cannot is whether someone proves dead every time or only when it is convenient, and whether they will hold that when a customer is pushing to get power back on. Electricians worth hiring answer without hesitation because they do not treat it as a judgement call. A short screen asks what they do when someone asks them to skip a step.
What actually matters when screening Electrician candidates
- 01
Hands-on competence
Check what they wire day to day: three-phase distribution boards, SWA terminations, containment runs, EV charge points, emergency lighting. Ask which qualification they hold (2391, 18th Edition, ECS card).
- 02
Safety discipline
Probe safe isolation step by step: proving unit, lock-off kit, GS38 test leads, permits. Ask about work near live parts and how they handle asbestos or unsafe existing wiring.
- 03
Fault finding
Test diagnosis of intermittent faults: nuisance RCD tripping, high Zs readings, borrowed neutrals. Ask which instruments they use (MFT, clamp meter, insulation resistance tester) and how they narrow it down.
- 04
Reliability and conduct
Look for evidence of finished paperwork: EICs, minor works certificates, EICRs with correct C1 to C3 coding, plus punctuality on site and conduct in occupied homes.
Pre-screening questions to ask Electrician candidates
12 questions grouped by what they test. Ask the same set in every screen and score answers on a consistent scale, or send them as an async video screen and compare answers side by side.
Work they have done
3 questions01What types of electrical projects have you worked on?
Listen forSpecific installations and their scope, distinguishing what they carried out from what they assisted on.
Work described in general terms, or scope claimed beyond what their qualification permits.
02Can you handle both domestic and commercial electrical work?
Listen forThe differences understood, including three phase, distribution and the different certification requirements.
Commercial work claimed with only domestic experience, or three phase experience overstated.
03Have you worked on a complex electrical system, and what was involved?
Listen forA real installation with the design or fault detail described, showing understanding beyond the routine.
Complexity described by size alone, or an inability to describe the technical detail.
Isolation automatic
3 questions04What steps do you take to ensure safety on the job?
Listen forIsolate, lock off and prove dead described as an unvarying routine, with a proving unit used every time.
Safe isolation described as situational, or testing for dead without proving the tester first.
05Are you experienced in handling emergency electrical call-outs?
Listen forUrgency handled without shortcuts, with the installation made safe before anything is restored.
Power restored before the fault is understood, or safety compromised to reduce downtime.
06How do you handle unexpected issues during an installation or repair?
Listen forPre-existing dangerous conditions reported rather than covered over, with the customer informed clearly.
Existing faults left unreported, or work completed on an installation known to be unsafe.
Faults diagnosed
3 questions07Have you performed electrical diagnostics, and how do you approach them?
Listen forTesting in a logical sequence with instruments used correctly, and readings interpreted rather than compared.
Components replaced until the fault clears, or test instruments carried but rarely used.
08What steps do you take when conducting an electrical inspection?
Listen forInspection and testing sequence followed properly, with results recorded and coded honestly.
Inspections shortened for time, or observations coded down to avoid difficult conversations.
09Are you comfortable reading and working from electrical drawings?
Listen forDrawings read confidently, with discrepancies between drawing and installation raised rather than assumed.
Work carried out without reference to drawings, or discrepancies resolved by guesswork.
Certified properly
3 questions10How do you keep up to date with current standards and wiring regulations?
Listen forCurrent edition of the regulations known and applied, with updates followed as they are issued.
Working to a superseded edition, or standards knowledge that stopped at qualification.
11What electrical qualifications and registrations do you currently hold?
Listen forQualifications stated precisely with any scheme registration current, and testing qualifications named.
Registration lapsed, or certification claimed for work they are not qualified to sign off.
12Do you have experience with routine maintenance and periodic testing?
Listen forTesting carried out to schedule with results recorded properly, and remedial work quoted honestly.
Certificates completed without full testing, or remedial work recommended beyond what is needed.
How to score responses
Score every candidate on the same four criteria immediately after the screen. At this stage you are shortlisting for panel interviews, not making the final call.
Hands-on competence
35%5Names specific installs with cable sizes and board types, holds current 18th Edition plus inspection and testing qualification, references BS 7671 naturally.
Safety discipline
30%5Recites safe isolation sequence without prompting, refuses live working, describes stopping a job over an unsafe consumer unit or missing earthing.
Fault finding
20%5Walks a real fault to root cause using measured values, explains split-load or circuit-splitting logic, quotes test results rather than guesswork.
Reliability and conduct
15%5Produces complete certification without chasing, arrives ready with own tools and calibrated instruments, leaves clean sites and cites repeat client work.
Qualifications are checkable in a phone call; habits are not. A one-way video screen asks what they do when asked to skip a step.
Try it on HirevireScreening FAQ
Process basics
How long should a pre-screening round for this role take?
Ten minutes across eight questions, answered async. Enough to establish the work they have done, test isolation and fault finding discipline, and check standards knowledge.
What must be verified alongside the screen?
Qualifications, competent person scheme registration where relevant, and insurance in full. The screen shows working habits; those checks confirm someone is legally able to certify work.
Evaluating answers
What is the strongest signal when screening this role?
Refusing to skip isolation under pressure, without hesitating. Electricians with sound habits answer immediately. Anyone who describes it as depending on the situation is a serious risk.
How do I judge their fault finding?
Ask about an intermittent fault they traced. Real answers describe testing in a logical order. Anyone who replaced components until it worked will cost you parts and callbacks.
Go deeper on this role
Sanat has been hiring since 2012 and watching the recruitment industry change up close ever since, and turned that screening process into Hirevire's video screening platform. LinkedIn
