LIKELY QUESTIONS
- Can you walk us through your experience over the last 3 years in Electrical Engineering roles, especially work comparable to Engineer II level?
- Describe a project where you interpreted electrical diagrams and symbols to carry out advanced electrical works. What was the task and outcome?
- How do you test alternator relays, armature resistance, and continuity, and what faults are you typically looking for?
- Tell us about your experience repairing large battery charging plants and maintaining battery systems.
- What methods do you use when examining batteries for faults such as sulphation and slugging?
- Describe your experience repairing electrical components of machinery and plant equipment, particularly in utility, water, or industrial environments.
- How do you ensure safety, compliance, and accurate documentation when performing electrical testing and repair work?
- CWWDA requires proficiency in computer applications. Which engineering and reporting tools have you used, and how have they improved your work?

BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS
- Tell us about a time you diagnosed a difficult electrical fault that others had not resolved.
Model approach: Situation - critical plant or equipment had recurring electrical failure; Task - identify root cause quickly and restore reliable operation; Action - reviewed diagrams, inspected components, ran resistance/continuity tests, isolated fault systematically, repaired/replaced defective part, documented findings; Result - equipment restored, downtime reduced, repeat fault prevented.
- Describe a time you had to work under pressure to restore essential equipment or service.
Model approach: Situation - urgent breakdown affecting operations or water service continuity; Task - respond safely and restore equipment within tight timelines; Action - prioritized safety, coordinated with operators/technicians, troubleshot methodically, escalated where needed, completed temporary or permanent fix; Result - service restored promptly, safety maintained, lessons captured for future prevention.
- Give an example of when you explained a technical issue to non-technical colleagues or supervisors.
Model approach: Situation - management or operations team needed to understand an electrical fault or repair plan; Task - translate technical findings into simple business/operational impact; Action - used clear language, diagrams, risks, options, costs, and timelines; Result - faster decision-making, approval obtained, smoother implementation.
- Tell us about a time you improved maintenance, testing, or record-keeping in your department.
Model approach: Situation - testing or maintenance process was inconsistent or poorly documented; Task - improve reliability and accountability; Action - introduced checklist, digital logs, preventive maintenance schedule, and standard test reporting; Result - fewer repeat faults, better traceability, improved audit/readiness and team efficiency.

SMART QUESTIONS TO ASK
- What are the main electrical systems and plant equipment this role will support across CWWDA facilities?
- How is success measured for an Engineer I (Electrical) in the first 6 to 12 months?
- What are the most common electrical reliability challenges currently affecting your plants, generators, batteries, or control equipment?
- How is the engineering team structured, and how does this role work with mechanical, operations, and maintenance teams?
- Does CWWDA support continued professional development toward EBK progression, specialized training, or utility-sector certifications?

RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
- Vague answers about the actual equipment, sites, or reporting line, which may suggest unclear scope or poor role definition.
- Signs that safety procedures, maintenance planning, or spare parts availability are weak, leading to reactive firefighting.
- No clear mention of training, supervision, or engineering standards despite the technical and public-service nature of the work.