IT INTERVIEW (Official)

How do you plan to make an impact during your internship? | What skills do you have that will help you excel at this position, and how do you plan to implement them? | What three words may a colleague use to describe you? | What is your greatest strength? | What are your best qualities? | Why do you think you're the right candidate for this job? | What strengths do you think are critical for this position? | What are your biggest strengths? | How would your friends, family and colleagues describe you? | Do you have unique skills that can benefit you in this internship? | Describe a time when you made a positive impact on someone in school or the workplace. | Why do you think you're the most qualified candidate for this internship? | Why did you apply for an internship at our company? What do you hope to learn from the experience? | Why did you apply for this internship? |

The most critical skills are being | My strengths are being | A good worker is | hardworking, dependable, detail-oriented, safety-minded, and quick to learn new tasks and apply them to the job. For example, on a recent commercial remodel, our operator was out and we were approaching a strict inspection deadline. It was on me to learn the scissor lift. I learned it quickly enough that it didn't cost us any time and we could keep ceiling work moving. I also made sure walkways and exits stayed clear of cords and debris. We hit the deadline, and my supervisor recognized me as someone he could count on when it mattered.

What do you expect to gain from this internship, and what are your work expectations? | How will this internship prepare you for your future career goals? | What are your long-term career goals? | What is something you would be excited to learn about? | Where are your life goals for the next five years? | What are your plans after completing this internship and graduating from school? | Where do you see yourself in five years? | Do you plan to continue your education?

In both of my previous jobs I noticed that the workers who earned the most respect weren't just skilled — they made the people around them better. That's the kind of worker I want to become. In the next 5 years my goal is to develop into a journeyman electrician who brings real value to every crew I'm on — someone who can be trusted with complex work and who helps less experienced workers find their footing. Long-term I'd like to grow into a foreman role because I want to be the person who keeps a job running smoothly and sets the standard for how work gets done.

Provide an example of a time when you had to take the lead in a group setting to overcome an obstacle. | Do you prefer team work or working alone? | What is your preferred type of work environment? | Do you prefer to work with a team or independently, and why? | In what type of work environment do you like to work? | Describe your previous experience working as part of a team. |

At the express car wash, rush periods could hit hard — sometimes 20+ cars backed up at once. One Saturday we were short-staffed in 115-degree heat when a big rush came in. My job was keeping the line moving: guiding cars in, checking packages, handling payments, and keeping the tunnel clear. I started speaking up whenever we were falling behind so everyone knew where to focus, and we switched roles as needed. For example, when a teammate got stuck, I moved to the vacuum area while someone else covered payments so we didn't fall behind. Once things cleared up, I moved back to payments. We cleared the rush without accidents or complaints. My manager noticed and started giving me more lead responsibilities on busy shifts. It showed me that staying calm and communicating clearly under pressure is exactly the mindset I bring to any job site.

Describe a time when you had to learn how to perform a brand new task. | Walk me through how you recently handled a challenging project from start to finish. | Tell me about the most rewarding project or assignment you’ve completed recently. | What's a new software or technology you recently worked with, and did you enjoy it? Were there any challenges you encountered? | Describe a time when you went above your duty to complete a project. | What is your greatest achievement in your career so far? | What are your hobbies and interests? | Describe a time when you overcame a challenge. |

Outside of work, I've spent a few years building computers as a hobby. On one build, my goal was to push the processor and graphics card faster than their factory settings without risking system stability. To do this, I had to teach myself voltage regulation, wattage loads, capacitor functions, and how power delivery affects a system's stability. Halfway through, the system ran into instability under heavy load. So I went back to the settings, adjusted the voltage, and improved the cooling setup until it ran stable under full load. I realized that the concepts I was exploring, like power distribution and load management, are the exact foundations of the electrical industry. That curiosity is what drives me. I want to understand electricity at a professional level, not just a hobbyist one, and an IBEW apprenticeship is the best way to turn that technical passion into a career.

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a professor or had a conflict with a peer. | Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. | Describe a situation where you had to make a tough decision. |

A manager told me to use an industrial cleaning chemical in a way that didn't match the safety label. I had to decide whether to say something knowing he was my supervisor and it wasn't my place to openly challenge him. I pulled him aside quietly and said "Hey I just want to make sure — the label shows a different dilution ratio than what we're doing. Want me to double-check it?" I kept it as a question not a correction and pointed to the label so it wasn't my word against his. He checked it confirmed the discrepancy and we adjusted. He thanked me for catching it. That's something I'll carry into this apprenticeship — if I have a concern about how something's being done I'll raise it respectfully and through the right channel.

How do you juggle multiple projects at once? | What is your approach to handling multiple deadlines? | Do you prefer service-oriented or batch-oriented solutions, and why? |

Mid-remodel we discovered a water-damaged subfloor after removing old fixtures. It had to be addressed before we could build on top of it, and suddenly I had several things to handle at once. It was on me to support the carpenter’s call to fix it right, adjust the work plan, and help communicate the delay honestly to the client. I helped document what we found so the client could see exactly why the delay was necessary, then shifted to other areas of the remodel while the carpenter handled the repair. The client appreciated the transparency and thanked us for catching it early. We finished four days past the original deadline, which they considered reasonable. It showed me that juggling priorities means doing the critical thing right and keeping everything else moving.

What is your greatest weakness? How do you compensate for your weakness?

I’d pick an area where I have the least field experience, such as reading electrical prints. I understand the basics, but haven't had significant field experience with them yet. I plan to address it early in the apprenticeship curriculum and supplement it with additional study on my own time. More broadly I want to absorb as much hands-on knowledge as possible from experienced journeymen — not just the technical skills but the professional habits and judgment that come from years in the trade. That's something a classroom can't fully teach and it's one of the main reasons this apprenticeship is the right path for me.

Have you worked with software vendors? How do you handle vendor relations? | What is your experience of interacting with customers or clients? | Can you give an example of when you provided exceptional customer service? | How do you handle a situation where you do not know the answer to a customer's question? | Describe a time when you turned a frustrated customer into a satisfied one. |

A supervisor pointed in a direction said "go handle that customer" and walked off. It was on me to resolve the issue professionally without overstepping my authority or leaving the customer waiting. I walked over introduced myself and listened until I had a clear picture. To de-escalate the situation I apologized, validated their frustration, and offered a rewash. within our standard process. For anything beyond that I checked in briefly with my supervisor instead of overpromising. The customer left satisfied and thanked me personally. The lesson I learned is: use your judgment on what you can handle and ask before you overstep on what you can't.

Do you have any other questions?

Yes, thank you. First, what habits or qualities separate the apprentices who do well in the Local 440 & 477 Inside Wireman program? And second, if I’m selected, what can I do before my first assignment to arrive better prepared and be useful from day one?

Can you describe the most innovative change you initiated and how you implemented the change?

At the car wash one of the vacuum hoses kept slipping off its connector during a rush. Replacing it properly would take time we didn't have so I needed a quick reliable fix to keep us moving safely until maintenance could do it right. I checked first whether we had a replacement hose or clamp on hand — we didn't. So I used a heavy-duty zip tie to reinforce the connection temporarily then logged it in the maintenance record so nothing got overlooked. The hose held for the rest of the day, we stayed on schedule, didn't lose customers, and maintenance handled the permanent fix after the rush. It showed me that when you're missing what you need the move is to find the safest most practical option available.

How do you ensure quality in your deliverables? | Can you tell me about a time you worked under pressure? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? | Do you have experience working under tight deadlines? | How do you set goals and complete them on time? | How do you handle stress and high-pressure situations? |

I slow down, weigh the options, and test before committing. For example, During a peak Saturday rush our conveyor belt sensor failed with 15 cars queued, the manager off-site, and a technician 45 minutes out. It was on me to get the line moving before the technician arrived. I let the customers know what was happening over the intercom then pulled the equipment manual to weigh my options. I could either shut down and wait, run cars through manually without the conveyor, or use a documented manual override mode. I chose the override because it was the most efficient safe path. I tested it with one car, confirmed the belt tracked properly, and brought the line back up at reduced speed. We only lost 12 minutes instead of 45 and no one left the queue. It showed me that when things break, the best next move is to look at your options systematically before acting.

Can you tell me about a time you experience failure? What happened, and what did you learn from it? |

At the car wash we were supposed to perform basic maintenance checks at closing time. My job was to inspect the drying bay equipment with another coworker. We missed one step because I assumed my teammate had handled it. I realized afterward that assuming instead of confirming can lead to mistakes. From then on I created a simple checklist and reviewed each item together before clocking out. The process took a little longer but it became reliable — and nobody had to double back to fix something that was missed. I’ve realized I'd rather be the person who slows down to verify than the one who caused a problem by rushing through.

What is your troubleshooting process? | Do you prefer to work unstructured or with a plan? | Can you describe your experience with troubleshooting hardware and software issues? | What steps do you take to diagnose a technical problem? | Name three steps to troubleshoot a customer internet challenge. |

My preferred method for diagnosing any mechanical or electrical problem is systematic—I always start at the power source and work my way inward. During a laundromat remodel our job site air compressor completely failed to start first thing in the morning with a full day of framing ahead of us. It was on me to resolve the issue quickly so the crew wouldn't lose the entire morning waiting on a rental. I checked the power source first. The outlet tested fine. I then moved inward to the thermal overload reset switch and realized it had tripped overnight from being stored out in the cold. So I reset the switch and let the motor warm up. We were up and running within fifteen minutes. It showed me that staying calm, starting at the source, and troubleshooting logically is always the fastest way to solve a problem.

What coding languages are you comfortable with or have the most experience using? How do you keep your IT skills current?

I’ve used Python, command line, etc.] through coursework and personal projects. I learn new tools quickly by reading documentation and practicing hands-on, and I’m eager to expand that experience here.

Give an example of a time when you had to take on the role of a leader. |

At the car wash one of my coworkers started feeling dizzy pale and had trouble breathing. I needed to get them help quickly while keeping the rest of the team safe and the work area calm. I immediately told another coworker to stop the conveyor belt. I asked my coworker if they needed an ambulance and as soon as they said "yes" I called 911 and followed the dispatcher's instructions. When another coworker nearby started to panic I told them to go find the manager. It gave them something to do and kept them from making the situation worse. Paramedics arrived quickly took the coworker to the hospital and later told us it was a mild heart issue. My manager thanked me for staying calm reacting fast and following the right steps.

Describe a time when you had to deal with a tense customer or client situation and how did you resolve it?

A supervisor pointed in a direction said "go handle that customer" and walked off. It was on me to resolve the issue professionally without overstepping my authority or leaving the customer waiting. I walked over introduced myself and listened until I had a clear picture. To de-escalate the situation I apologized, validated their frustration, and offered a rewash. within our standard process. For anything beyond that I checked in briefly with my supervisor instead of overpromising. The customer left satisfied and thanked me personally. The lesson I learned is: use your judgment on what you can handle and ask before you overstep on what you can't.

How do you provide feedback and constructive criticism to teammates? | Describe a time when you had to settle a dispute with a co-worker. | How do you collaborate with team members, especially when there are communication challenges or disagreements? |

A coworker had a habit of skipping steps in our pre-wash checklist which started causing problems and creating safety risks. We worked the same lane together every shift so I had to address it professionally without letting the safety risk continue. During a slower period I pulled him aside and explained that skipping steps put pressure on the whole team. And I also pointed out that some of those steps weren't just about efficiency. skipping them created safety exposure for the whole team. His habits improved. It showed me that most workplace friction comes down to a lack of direct communication.

Describe a time when you applied someone's criticism to improve your own work. |

S: My supervisor told me I was explaining service options too quickly, and some customers weren't fully understanding.

T: It was on me to slow down and communicate more clearly without holding up the line.

A: I explained options to customers in a consistent manner, and checked for questions before finishing each transaction.

R: Customers had fewer follow-up questions and the line ran smoother. It showed me that real efficiency comes from clarity and pacing, not speed.

Give me an example of a time when you helped someone.

A supervisor pointed in a direction said "go handle that customer" and walked off. It was on me to resolve the issue professionally without overstepping my authority or leaving the customer waiting. I walked over introduced myself and listened until I had a clear picture. I apologized validated their frustration and offered a rewash. within our standard process. For anything beyond that I checked in briefly with my supervisor instead of overpromising. The customer left satisfied and thanked me personally. The lesson I learned is: use your judgment on what you can handle and ask before you overstep on what you can't.

How do you ensure quality in your deliverables? |

How will [OR how do] you manage the stress and pressures of an apprenticeship? |

How do you handle tight deadlines and high pressure situations when working on electrical installations or repairs?

| What strategies do you use to stay calm and productive during stressful situations? |

I slow down, weigh the options, and test before committing. For example, During a peak Saturday rush our conveyor belt sensor failed with 15 cars queued, the manager off-site, and a technician 45 minutes out. It was on me to get the line moving before the technician arrived. I let the customers know what was happening over the intercom then pulled the equipment manual to weigh my options. I could either shut down and wait, run cars through manually without the conveyor, or use a documented manual override mode. I chose the override because it was the most efficient safe path. I tested it with one car, confirmed the belt tracked properly, and brought the line back up at reduced speed. We only lost 12 minutes instead of 45 and no one left the queue. It showed me that when things break, the best next move is to look at your options systematically before acting.

Do you prefer to work independently or with a team?

On a laundromat remodel the master carpenter gave me a choice: take on prep and painting in one room solo while he handled finish carpentry in another or stay and assist him directly. It was work I'd done before but I wanted to be honest with myself about whether I could deliver the quality the job required unsupervised. I told him I was comfortable working solo but asked him to walk me through expectations before he left. surface prep standard the finish he wanted and any areas to be careful around. Both rooms came in on the same timeline and he didn't have to correct anything. After that he started giving me more solo responsibilities. because I'd shown I could work independently but also that I wasn't too proud to ask the right questions.

- Ability to explain technical issues to a non-tech users. -story

• Ability to grasp technical concepts quickly and explain them to others

-Can you explain an IT concept in simple terms?

-Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex technical issue to a non-technical user.

-How might you explain a complex IT challenge to someone with limited subject knowledge?

I explain technical ideas without jargon, using simple comparisons. For example, I describe a network as a road system, with the router as the intersection directing traffic. I learn new concepts quickly by breaking them into small parts and practicing hands-on, then I check that the other person understands by having them walk me through it.

•Knowledge and experience with current government and industry standards such as NIST CSF, ISO27001, PCI and other related standards

I understand the basics of NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS: NIST CSF’s five functions, ISO 27001’s security management system, and PCI’s cardholder data protections. As a construction carpenter helper, I’m used to working under strict codes, safety standards, and inspections, and I’m eager to apply that discipline to security compliance.

Are you familiar with the various types of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, a virtual private network (VPN), and Domain Name System (DNS)? |

IP addresses come as IPv4 or IPv6, public or private, and static or dynamic. DNS translates domain names into IPs, and a VPN masks your public IP.

How would you handle a user who forgot their password or accidentally deleted important files?

For a forgotten password, I verify their identity and reset it securely. For deleted files, I check the Recycle Bin, then restore from backup or previous versions. I reassure the user and share tips to prevent it next time.

What are the differences between a router, a switch, and a hub?

A hub sends data to every device, a switch sends it only to the intended device using MAC addresses, and a router connects separate networks, like a home network to the internet, using IP addresses.

How do you recover data from a virus-infected computer?

I isolate the machine from the network, then copy the user’s files using a clean boot environment or a separate clean computer and scan them. After that I remove the malware or reinstall the OS, restore the clean data, and update the system to prevent reinfection.

How do you prioritize multiple support requests from different users?

I prioritize by impact and scope: how many people are affected and how badly their work is blocked. Outages and security issues come first, then individual blockers, then minor requests. I always acknowledge each request quickly and keep people updated.

How do you document support processes and solutions?

I record the problem, the steps taken, and the solution in clear language, then store it in a searchable shared knowledge base. I keep it updated so the team can resolve repeat issues faster.

What would you do if a customer is unhappy with the resolution provided?

I listen to understand what’s still wrong, acknowledge their frustration, and look for another solution. If I can’t resolve it myself, I escalate and follow up to make sure they’re satisfied.

Why did you choose to interview with this company for this position? | What interests you about this position? | What features about this internship interested you? | Why do you wish to work for this company? | What do you already know about this role and company? | What do you know about our company? | Describe your knowledge about our organization and the industry. | Why do you want to work with our company?

I’m excited about this internship because I can bring real technical groundwork to your IT team. I’m pursuing a B.S. in Information Systems and Technology, hold CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, and have built a Windows Server and Active Directory lab on my own. I’d love to put that to work supporting your employees and solving problems, while growing alongside experienced professionals at an established company that relies on dependable technology.

How do you assess the urgency of a support request?

I prioritize by impact and scope: how many people are affected and how badly their work is blocked. Outages and security issues come first, then individual blockers, then minor requests. I always acknowledge each request quickly and keep people updated.

How do you approach a situation where a user is resistant to following your troubleshooting steps?

I listen first to find out why they’re hesitant, then explain the purpose of the step in plain language. If they’re still unsure, I offer an alternative or guide them through it together. If it’s a security issue, I stay respectful but firm and escalate if needed.

Q’s I could ask (If there is time)

What is a typical day like in this position?

What tools and software does the team use?

Is there room for advancement or opportunities for further training and certification?

Are there any upcoming IT projects or major implementations?

What is the company’s approach to career progression and professional development?

Review both technical fundamentals (networking, troubleshooting, common software) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, stress management).

Can you describe your process for deployment to a production environment?

I test changes in a staging environment first, get approval, and deploy during a low-traffic window with a backup and rollback plan ready. Afterward, I monitor the system, verify it works, and document the change.

What tools do you use for identifying and solving user issues?

I use a ticketing system to track issues, remote tools like Quick Assist to view the problem, and built-in diagnostics like Event Viewer, Task Manager, ping, and ipconfig. I check the knowledge base for known fixes and document new solutions afterward.

Can you define authentication and authorization and the tools used to support them in an enterprise deployment?

Authentication verifies who you are, such as a password plus MFA. Authorization controls what you can access afterward. Enterprises use tools like Active Directory or Entra ID for identities, SSO and MFA for authentication, and role-based access control for authorization.

What recent industry trends do you think are important to address and why?

Cybersecurity and AI. Phishing and ransomware keep rising, so MFA and user training are essential. AI can automate routine IT work, but it also brings privacy risks and smarter scams, so it needs to be adopted responsibly.

Can you tell me about yourself? | How did you hear about this opportunity? | What technical websites do you follow, and why? | Are you in school and if so, what is your major and why? | Explain your work history. | How can you apply your previous experience to this internship? | What is your educational background? | Do you have any certifications? | What IT or other relevant certifications have you obtained? | Have you held an internship position before? |Describe your community service experience. How do you think you can apply this experience throughout the duration of the internship program? | Did someone refer you to this internship, and, if so, who? | What do you already know about our industry, and what are you excited to learn about it? | Why are you leaving your current role? | Tell me a little about who you are. | Why did you choose your university and major? |

I’m pursuing my bachelor’s in Information Systems and Technology at CSUSB after earning my associate degree with a 4.0 GPA. I chose IT because I enjoy troubleshooting and helping people.

I hold CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. In my home lab, I built a Windows Server 2022 Active Directory domain with four Windows 11 Pro clients and over 20 test accounts. I also taught myself ServiceNow and Microsoft 365. I stay current on security news by following Krebs on Security.

I currently work as a construction carpenter helper. Before that, I worked as a Guest Service Agent at Bliss Car Wash for about four years, where I learned how to be hardworking, dependable, detail-oriented, safety-minded, and quick to learn new tasks and apply them to the job. I’m leaving because I’m ready to move into IT.

This would be my first internship that I found through Handshake. I know that the banking industry relies on secure, dependable technology, and I’m excited to learn how banks handle IT support and security in a regulated environment.

One project I’m proud of is a home lab I built to get comfortable with Windows Server and Active Directory. I set up a Windows Server 2022 VM in VirtualBox, built an active directory domain with four Windows 11 Pro clients, organized them into Organizational Units, and applied security-focused Group Policy Objects to them.

I created foundational security policies in Active Directory, including password complexity, minimum length, expiration, and account lockout thresholds. I also managed over 20 user accounts and used security groups to give users different levels of access based on their role.

To practice help desk work, I reset passwords, locked and unlocked accounts, and set log-on hours for each user. I also taught myself ServiceNow and Office 365 along the way.

Outside of my home lab, I taught myself ServiceNow and Microsoft 365 using YouTube tutorials, Microsoft forums, and hands-on work. For the hands-on work, I did a ServiceNow install, a Microsoft 365 install, and I troubleshot real Office 365 issues as I came across them, which meant researching the problem, testing fixes, and figuring out what actually worked. That process taught me how to learn new tools independently and solve problems without needing to be micromanaged, which is a skill I think translates well to this role.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is one of the 12 regional banks in the Federal Reserve System. It serves Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia, and its mission is to supervise banks and research the economy to help keep it stable. I love that mission, and that’s why I applied for this internship. I’d like to start my IT career supporting an organization where reliable, secure technology matters, and I’d love to help keep it that way while learning how IT support and security work in a regulated environment.