5 Tips for Answering Welding Interview Questions

A career in welding requires specific skills and training. The Welding Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) can help prepare individuals for a career in welding.¹

If you enjoy working with your hands and are looking for an in-demand career, it might be the path for you. Total welder employment in the United States is expected to exceed 437,000 by 2032, making it an in-demand career.⁵⁰

As graduation nears and you feel prepared thanks to your experience and education, you’ll likely be ready to start applying for jobs. Before applying for jobs, it is important to put together a professional resume and cover letter and to prepare for interviews. Being proactive in the job search, such as looking for jobs before completing the program, can provide real-world experience and credibility.

To prepare for a welding job interview, it is important to study the job description, research the company, practice answers to common interview questions, dress appropriately and bring any necessary materials. Keep reading to find out more about welder interview questions, the process and to get some tips to prepare!

Why It's Important to Prepare for a Welding Interview

Doing research about the potential employer and practicing your answers to interview questions is a great way to review your resume and can give you a better understanding of the company’s culture and values. This is a great way to see if you’re a good fit for a job or company!  

Being prepared for an interview can also show employers that you’re willing to put in the extra effort to help yourself succeed. It’ll also help you be ready to answer outside-the-box questions. Practicing what you’ll say during an interview can also prepare you to showcase your skills and why you are the best candidate for the job!

Being Proactive

To be ready for a career in welding, it’s important to get the hands-on training you need. UTI’s Welding program teaches students the four major types of arc welding methods that are used across a range of industries.

Before graduation, you should take time to consider where you might want to apply. Taking steps early and even looking for jobs before completing the program can make a difference.

According to Sandra Walker, director of Student & Career Services at UTI Houston, “Welding employers are like a secret society. Students must start the career search earlier in the program (and be) open to securing a nonrelated position in a welding company while attending UTI.”

Long story short: If you’re still attending UTI, getting hired for jobs when you’re in school can help give you real-world experience early on. You just need to be willing to apprentice or work in a different role at first until you gain some credibility with the company or graduate.

Sandra adds, “Inform management that you’re attending UTI, and communicate future goals of advancing into an industry-related position.”

Having a willingness to learn and work your way up, especially when you’re still in school, can make a big difference and impart a good first impression on an employer.

5 Welding Interview Tips

There are several things you can do to prepare for a welding job interview. While you may find that you’re nervous and under a lot of pressure, following these steps may help alleviate some of your worries:

1. Study the job description

It’s important when applying to any kind of welding job that you understand what is being asked of you in the role. Study the job posting and ensure you are familiar with the welding processes that are mentioned. This can help you be prepared with stories of how you’ve been able to utilize the techniques and processes for the role.

2. Research the company

Familiarizing yourself with the company you’re applying to join is extremely important. Preparation and research will help calm your nerves and allow you to answer questions about what the company does and how your role as a welder fits into the picture.

3. Practice your answers

Taking time to rehearse answers to a handful of interview questions that might be asked can help you feel prepared. While you might not know exactly what will be asked, knowing how you’ll respond to questions like, “Tell me about yourself” or “How has your training prepared you for this role?” can help you feel prepared and confident.

4. Dress for the job

An office job interview might be the place to wear business attire, but for what to wear for a welding interview, you need to dress the part. Wearing work gear like heavy-duty pants, a long-sleeve shirt and work boots is more appropriate, especially since you’ll likely be tested on your welding skills as part of the interview.

5. Bring needed materials

When you’re scheduled for an interview, you’ll most likely be told whether you need to bring your own welding gear to be tested or if it will be provided for you. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure — or bring it just in case!

Taking these simple steps before the interview can make a world of difference when it comes to how confident and prepared you feel.

Common Interview Questions and Answers for Welders

What to expect during a welding interview? Here are some common welding job interview questions and how to answer them!

What type of training or certifications do you have as a welder?

The answer to this question might vary, depending on whether you’ve graduated from UTI yet or not. However, it’s a pretty easy one to answer! Just talk about the program you’re currently enrolled in, or if you’ve graduated, explain the different courses and training you’ve received with arc welding types.

Welding certifications can be obtained after graduation. The Welding Technology program at UTI prepares students with the skills they need to test for these certifications. Be sure to mention these if you have them!

What types of welding methods do you have experience with?

Employers are going to be very interested in the types of welding processes you know. This is where you can elaborate a bit on each method you have experience with (and you might be asked for a demonstration).

Students in UTI’s welding program are taught four major types of arc welds used in the industry. These include gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).

How do you practice safety on the job?

One of the most important aspects of a welding role is the ability to adhere to safety protocols. Be prepared to describe the steps you take to follow these guidelines and what you do to ensure you are welding safely and correctly.

How do you manage your time, and what factors do you consider when starting a welding project?

As a welder, you are responsible for your portion of work in a process that involves many other steps and likely other skilled trade workers. Being able to state your role in a larger project and how you manage your time effectively is important so employers know they can rely on you.

What are your career goals?

Having an idea of where you want your career in welding to take you will help you answer this question. Do you have the end goal of being a welding inspector or specializing in a specific type of welding? Let the interviewer know and be confident in your responses.

During the Interview

Now that you’re prepped and familiar with some potential questions, it’s time for the actual interview! There are some things you can do during the interview that can help make a good first impression with the interviewer and other staff members:

• Arrive early: Not only will arriving 10 to 15 minutes early make a good first impression, it will also help ensure you’re not stressed about making it there on time. Consider mapping out how you’ll be getting there beforehand or doing a practice run to ensure you’ll leave on time.
• Bring copies of your resume: You might not think an interviewer is going to want a paper copy of a resume, but you’d be surprised. Many employers like to reference your resume as they interview you, so being prepared with paper copies (at least five) will help you appear prepared and professional. It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook and pen.

• Be friendly and respectful: This goes without saying, but you’ll want to make a good impression with everyone you meet. Saying hello or giving a smile to other staff members at the company can be especially helpful if an employer ends up asking them for feedback.
• Pay attention to body language: Be aware of how you’re presenting yourself, being as self-confident as possible. Sit up straight with your shoulders back and look the employer in the eye during the interview process.
• Keep your answers focused: It’s important to address an employer’s questions fully, but be sure you are mindful of their time and keep your answers as concise as possible. Preparing before the interview can help with this to ensure you don’t ramble or lose the main point.

  Sandra adds that some of the best interview tips are to “show passion, own your abilities and effectively communicate the skills obtained at UTI, as well as any other accolades that will stand out to an employer.”

After the Interview

The interview may be over, but it’s not time to sit back and relax just yet. Doing a few things after the interview can help you further your connection with the employer and improve how you interview in the future.

It’s important to ask the interviewer what the next steps are before leaving. This way, you’ll know the estimated timeframe for when a decision will be made. Knowing this allows you to send a follow-up message.

One thing you should do within 24 hours of the interview is send a thank-you message or email. Taking the time to thank the person who interviewed you with a letter and reiterating why you’re the right person for the job can help make you stand out from the candidate pool.

This letter should be concise and to the point so the employer doesn’t have to take too much time to read it. Be sure to customize the message and proofread it before sending it.

An example thank-you letter might look something like this: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/tips-for-writing-a-job-interview-thank-you-letter-2058788.

Remember to be patient while a decision is being made. Taking the time to write down key points from the interview and going over how you might improve can help you down the road if you end up doing additional interviews. You can always learn something from an interview!

Get the Welding Training You Need at UTI

Pursuing a career as a welder means getting the training and education needed for the hands-on role. The Welding Technology program at UTI can help you graduate confidently and be prepared to pursue an entry-level role in the industry in less than a year.

You can find out more about the Welding program and how you can get started on the path toward a career you’re passionate about by requesting more information.