Tell me about a time an inspection failed or you found work that wasn't to code. How did you fix it?

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests electrical code knowledge. References code requirements correctly, explains permits and inspections, and fixes non-compliant work.
• What to bring out: Specific code issue, corrected it properly, communicated with the customer or inspector, and learned from it.
• Expect a follow-up like: How do you keep up with code changes each cycle?

Another way it may be asked: Maybe an inspector flagged something or you opened a wall and found bad work. What did you do?

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the electrical code knowledge you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

Related questions

• Before you work on a circuit, walk me through the steps you take to make sure it's safe.
• Can you explain what the hot, neutral and ground wires each do in a typical circuit?
• The job starts at seven and you're stuck in traffic. What do you do?
• A customer says a breaker keeps tripping. Walk me through how you'd find the cause.
• How do you use drawings and specs to lay out a job, and what do you do when the plans don't match the site?

Browse all questions