If you’re going through a skills assessment for a trade qualification in Australia, a technical interview is often a key part of the process. This interview is designed to test your practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of your trade in line with Australian standards.
Being well-prepared for your technical interview is essential. Here are the top tips to help you succeed.
1. Know Your Trade Inside and Out
The technical interview will cover tasks and knowledge specific to your trade. Be ready to talk about:
- Tools and equipment you use
- Common procedures and safety standards
- Troubleshooting and diagnostic methods
- Materials and measurements
- Industry codes and best practices
Tip: Review your day-to-day work processes and think about how you would explain them step by step to someone unfamiliar with your role.
2. Understand the Australian Standards
Even if you’ve been working overseas, you’ll need to demonstrate that your knowledge aligns with Australian industry expectations. Research the relevant standards, safety procedures, and work practices used in Australia.
Tip: Visit official websites such as Safe Work Australia or your trade’s regulatory body to familiarise yourself with local rules and codes of practice.
3. Be Ready with Real-Life Examples
Interviewers will often ask you to describe past jobs or projects. Be ready to:
- Explain what you did
- Describe the problem or task
- Detail the tools, techniques, and safety procedures you used
- Talk about the outcome
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
4. Practice Common Questions in Advance
Here are a few examples of the types of questions you might be asked:
- What steps do you follow when installing or repairing [equipment or system]?
- How do you ensure safety when working at heights or in confined spaces?
- Can you explain how you would diagnose a fault in a hydraulic system?
- What PPE do you use and why?
Tip: Practise answering these aloud or with a friend, especially if English is your second language.
5. Brush Up on your English
If English isn’t your first language, focus on learning key technical terms, tool names, safety phrases, and measurement units used in Australia (like millimetres, litres, or degrees Celsius).
Tip: Watching Australian trade videos or reading manuals in English can help reinforce this vocabulary.
6. Stay Calm and Confident
The interview is not about tricking you—it’s about confirming your real-world skills. Listen carefully to each question, take a moment to think, and answer clearly.
Tip: If you don’t understand a question, don’t be afraid to ask the assessor to repeat or explain it. That shows professionalism, not weakness.
Preparing for your technical interview is all about knowing your trade, understanding local standards, and being able to explain your experience confidently. With the right preparation, you can show assessors that your skills are not only valid but valuable in the Australian workforce.
Good luck—you’ve already come a long way. This is your chance to prove what you know and take the next step in your trade career. Contact us today to get started!
