I applied through the veteran hiring initiative. I was nervous, as I was repeatedly told that there would be a technical portion and a behavioral portion to the interview. I studied for two weeks prior to the interview, focusing on recommended topics from the job description. I also practiced mock interviews with people who would provide constructive feedback.

Both preparation methods paid dividends, as they made the interview seem to go well.

The technical portion included a review of Ohm's Law, a detailed explanation of a system you are familiar with and have successfully troubleshooted, and drawing a flowchart for troubleshooting that system. Nothing was too difficult if you were familiar with the system you outlined to the interviewer. Remember, they are not critiquing your system knowledge but rather your process for diagnosing a problem and recommending solutions SAFELY.

The behavioral portion was standard fare:

• Tell me about a time you had an issue with a coworker.
• What is your five-year plan?
• What is your ten-year plan?
• What is your biggest accomplishment?
• What is your biggest failure?

Just be confident, speak well, and use plain English, and you should do well with this portion.

Draw a system you are familiar with, and tell me about a time you had to troubleshoot it.

Using a multimeter, what readings would you get from testing these points along a circuit?