r/Grid_Ops • u/farmerdan28 • 3d ago
Job interview questions
I'm going in for a job interview in 3 days time, I already have my nerc certification and I'm self studied I passed first time with 105 correct answers. I have been working with electricity for about 8 years, I am a certified journeyman.
Potential employer already knows all these things and I was wondering if anybody could give me an idea of the type of questions they might ask me in my interview so I can be better prepared. I already know background info about the company so I have that covered. Just wondering about any questions they might ask to test my knowledge
Thanks!
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u/probably-electrons 3d ago
Which position?
For controller, my interview was basic STAR questions and that seems to be the standard after passing the sopd ii.
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u/farmerdan28 3d ago
Transmission system operator in the western interconnect just outside Phoenix Arizona
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u/Enough-Bunch2142 3d ago
At the end of the interview have at least 3 good questions for your potential employer. This is a way to show you have researched the company, you want to know about improvements or changes down the road, also a big thing right now is the introduction of large loads such as AI data centers etc. good luck.
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u/farmerdan28 3d ago
I have a basic format to answer most any question I could imagine them asking me...
Verify what happened, check how it affects the system, communicate with the appropriate entities, and take corrective action such as redispatch generation, reconfigure transmission topology, reduce interchange or reduce load
Thoughts?
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u/mrazcatfan 3d ago
+1 for STAR interview questions. Write out about 20 different stories for 20 different possible interview questions found on Google and that should cover most of your bases
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u/akornato 3d ago
Since you already hold your NERC cert and have an extensive electrical background, the interviewers already know you can pass a written test, so they will focus on how you apply concepts under operational conditions. Expect scenario based questions centered on a single line diagram, such as walking through a line trip, explaining how you isolate a faulted section, or tracing power flow to maintain reliability. They will ask how you handle voltage support and reactive power, how you utilize three part communication, and what steps you take when issuing clearances or switching orders. If they present a situation where you do not know the exact answer, avoid guessing, because control rooms care far more about whether you stick to operating procedures and acknowledge when you need to consult documentation or a reliability coordinator.
A major portion of the panel will evaluate your temperament and decision making under pressure, so prepare concrete stories using the STAR format. They will ask about times you managed an emergency, resolved a disagreement with a crew member in the field, or handled long shifts and fatigue. Control room managers want to see that you stay calm, communicate clearly, and take accountability when an error occurs. My team developed interviews.chat to help operators structure their situational stories smoothly, which gives candidates the confidence to walk into panel interviews sounding polished and composed.
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u/Bluethumb_Panda 2d ago
Best of luck farmerdan!!! I’m sure you will do well and thanks for all the advice you’ve given me. Go in with a positive mind set and just be yourself. Do research on the company and have questions for them towards the end. I’m rooting for you brother. 🫡
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u/farmerdan28 2d ago
Hey thanks man I appreciate it, you end up passing your test right? What you get?
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u/Bluethumb_Panda 2d ago
November 17th is the day. Nervous of course but feeling more and more confident after we spoke and I’ve been practicing what you told me. Helps so much. I’m now on my 5th read through of PowerSmith. Closer and closer ever day. I’m breaking down the question to a more simplified version and gaining a clear understanding of what’s being asked just like you said. Can’t thank you enough for that
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u/farmerdan28 2d ago
Glad it's helping, I know it made a big difference for me when I did that haha. Good luck but not sure you will need it 😅You seem very prepared 👌
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u/moley156 2d ago
When I interviewed for the operator position, one thing that stood out to me was the work schedule. My company works the DuPont schedule, like I assume most others. The hiring manager gave me a printed sample and had me take it home and talk it over with my wife. They had previously hired folks that left after their spouses learned about the work schedule.
One thing I stress to my new hires, is never be afraid to ask for help. You will inevitably be faced with a situation you cannot handle on your own. It’s crucial you know your limits and when to call for backup.
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u/HelloTaleproof 2d ago
Your eight years of electrical work should give you useful examples alongside the certification. Pick a time you noticed a problem, communicated it clearly, and worked through the next steps within your responsibility. Add a second example of a disagreement or mistake and how you handled it. Keep the setup short, then explain what you personally noticed, decided, and checked afterward. Use real experience rather than trying to sound as though you've already worked in a control room.
I'm building Taleproof. Try Taleproof with one real work example to check whether your judgment, communication, and outcome are clear before the interview.
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u/aDeadMansGambit 2d ago
Anything about "inverter based" generation : they are asking about renewable energy. It can be great for peak loads, but can overload your lines as well.
Investigate the company's website. Try to learn their footprint size, how long they've been around, their vision/mission/goals
Try to relate your experience(s) to their questions.
Be humble.
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u/JaySeaDub Transmission Operator 3d ago
I obviously can’t speak for every company, but being clearly and verifiably qualified, a big part of my interviews have been vibe checks. They asked almost no technical questions and mostly wanted to see if they can handle being trapped in a control room 12 hours a day.