5 HVAC Job Interview Tips to Help You Reach Your Dream Job

It’s time. You’re nearing the end of your HVAC certification program, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or maybe you’re just ready to move to greener HVAC pastures. Your dream job is just ahead!

However, it’s no time to rest on your laurels. Your journey has just begun. It’s now time to land the right job with a promising HVAC company.

While there are plenty of HVAC positions out there, the best jobs are usually given to qualified individuals who come to job interviews prepared. Here are five tips to follow that will help you to ace your interviews with the best companies.

Do Your Research

While all HVAC employers do similar tasks, they all don’t operate in the same manner. Some companies focus on niche HVAC operations while others offer full service HVAC installations and repairs. You’ll want to target companies for interviews that match your interests and long-term career goals.

After identifying a list of desired companies that are hiring, find out about their operations. If they’ve recently been in the news for a new project, you should know about it. Learn about their customers. You’ll be able to use this knowledge during the interview to show your interest in a specific company and the people who pay its bills.

At the very least, read through their website as well as reviews on sites like Yelp and Google Maps. If you know the name of your interviewer prior to the interview, take a peek at their social media chatter. Finding out that you’re both avid cyclists is a great way to break the ice during an interview.

Get Extra Credentials

After researching your target companies, you may see that they have higher expectations for their new hires than you originally thought. Listings on job boards may show a preference for applicants who have specific certifications. Your HVAC degree is a definite positive, but having those extra certifications show that you’re a cut above the slew of other graduates who are staking claims on the same positions.

Consider earning these certifications before hitting the interview circuit.

Learn more about HVAC certification in our article How to Get Your HVAC Certification License.

Do Practice Interviews

Anxiety can leave even the most well-spoken technicians speechless. However, good communication skills are the very minimum criteria for getting hired with the best companies. Nothing calms nerves better than confidence, and conducting a series of mock interviews that include relevant questions builds that confidence. During an interview, expect to see a mix of questions that allow you to demonstrate your technical and leadership abilities.

Here are some examples of technical questions that interviewers ask HVAC technicians.

-What is a cooling or heating load? -What are factors that impact load? -How is a heat pump used in heating and cooling systems? -What are common coolant issues associated with Freon? -What’s the average lifespan of a heating furnace?

Here are some questions that reveal your leadership skills.

-What makes you a better fit for the position than others? -Tell about a time that you encountered a difficult situation involving a customer. How did you handle the problem? -In a hypothetical situation, a customer asks you to do something for which you aren’t qualified to do. How would you handle this?

Documentation and Accessories

While interview questions are designed to reveal your technical knowledge and expertise, there’s nothing like offering proof of your training and demonstrated proficiency in print. Prior to your interview, you’ll want to pull together a resume of your credentials to give to the interviewer. Here’s an example of an HVAC tech resume for reference. This includes any diplomas and professional development certificates. It could even include any outstanding test scores that you earned in difficult HVAC exams.

We live in the digital age, and many people shun hard copy documents in favor of digitized ones that can be accessed from their smartphones. However, you’ll give off a more professional vibe if you keep your phone out of sight and set to vibrate (or even better, OFF). Be prepared to hand your interviewer a hard copy of your resume, cover letter, and credentials for them to keep and write notes about your responses to questions.

The best job interviews allow for two-way communication. Asking questions and jotting down notes during the interview demonstrates a humble desire to learn more about the company and the industry that it serves. Invest in a zippered notebook portfolio. This office accessory lets you organize your paperwork and take notes throughout the meeting. It also shows you’ll be attentive to customers needs when on the job.

Dress and Appearance

Clean, casual work clothes are the norm for nearly all HVAC jobs, and they’re definitely what you should wear after you receive your offer letter. To get past the interview, many industry insiders suggest that you take a more formal approach to dress an appearance.

Consider wearing a suit, a tie, and a plain dress shirt. Women get the best response during interviews when they arrive in a conservative suit that isn’t too short or tight. Men who have beards should invest in a professional trim prior to the interview.

hvac tech gauge

Conclusion

Thousands of HVAC technicians graduate each year with the same credentials and desire to succeed. The good news is that the best employers aren’t just hiring a set of credentials and ambition. They want technicians who are relatable, customer focused, and passionate about the industry. When done right, the job interview is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from your peers and leave a lasting first impression.

Still have questions? Ask an HVAC expert directly via chat or phone.

Published on 2021-12-10 by Ben Travis

Last updated on 2021-12-10