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Questions to practise
What kind of welding have you done, and which methods do you know?
She wants to know your skills and if they match the jobs in her workshop.
Name the methods you use, the metals you work with and the type of jobs. Give one short example, like a frame, a pipe or a repair. Be honest about what you know well and what you are still learning.
How do you prepare the job before you start a weld?
Good preparation stops many bad welds. She wants to hear real steps, not general words.
Talk about checking the material, cleaning the metal, and checking the fit-up (how the parts are placed together). Say you check your machine settings and gas. Say them in order: “First I clean the metal, then I check the settings.”
How do you stay safe before and while you are welding?
Safety comes first in a workshop. She wants to know you work safely the whole time.
Name your PPE (safety gear like gloves, helmet and boots), good air flow or the fan, and fire risks near you. Mention a hot work permit (written OK to do work with fire or sparks) if your site uses one. If something feels unsafe, stop and tell your supervisor.
How do you check the quality of your welds?
She wants a welder who checks their own work before it goes to a customer.
Name real checks: look closely for cracks, porosity (small holes in the weld) or undercut (a groove at the edge of the weld). Measure size and length. Say you check against the drawing. Use words you know well.
Tell me about a weld that failed. What did you do?
Everyone makes mistakes. She wants to see that you are honest and know how to fix a problem.
Choose a real example. Say what was wrong, how you found it, and what you did. For example, you ground it out and redid it. End with what you learned or what you do differently now.
A customer found a bad weld on one of our jobs. How would you stop that from happening?
She wants to see how you think about quality and stopping problems before they reach the customer.
Talk about checking every weld before you pass it on, following the drawing, and asking when you are unsure. You can also say you would tell your supervisor if you see a problem, even on someone else’s work.
How do you read a drawing before you start a job?
Mistakes in reading drawings cost time and material. She needs someone who reads them carefully.
Explain your steps: you look at sizes, materials and weld symbols first. Then you check the fit-up (how the parts are placed together) against the drawing. Say that you measure twice before you weld.
What do you do if a drawing or weld symbol is not clear?
She wants to know that you will ask, not guess. Guessing can mean a bad job.
Say clearly that you stop and ask your supervisor or the person who made the drawing before you start. This shows good sense. Give an example if you have one.
How do you work with fitters and supervisors?
Welding is part of a team job. She wants someone who communicates well and helps others.
Give an example of working with a fitter or supervisor. Talk about checking the fit-up together, sharing problems early and listening to instructions. Say you are happy to ask questions and to help.
Do you have any questions for me?
Good questions show interest in the job and the workshop.
Prepare one or two questions. For example: “What kind of jobs does the workshop do most?” or “How do you check welds here before they go to the customer?”
Let me think of a good example from my work.
Clara
AI coach
Leo
AI coach
Lines to try
Let me think of a good example from my work.
Before I start a weld, I always check my area and my gear.
If a drawing is not clear, I ask before I start.
I check for cracks and small holes (porosity) before I pass my work on.
If a weld fails, I grind it out and redo it.
Could you say that again, please? I want to be sure I understand.
Common questions
What if I do not know a technical word in English?
That is okay. Describe it in simple words or show with your hands. You can say, “I am not sure of the English word, but I mean…” Hiring managers care more about your real steps than perfect words.
How long should my answers be?
Aim for about 30 to 60 seconds. Give your main point, then one real example from your work. If she wants more, she will ask. Short, clear answers with real steps are better than long, general ones.
Is it bad to say I would ask for help?
No. In welding, asking when a drawing is not clear shows good sense and care. Saying you would ask your supervisor before you guess shows that you protect quality and safety.