Alcatel-Lucent Production Test Technician Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – My initial communications actually began with an incidental meeting with a friend working at the company whom I had not seen in some time. He knew of an opening I would qualify for and gave me the information of how to apply online. From there an interview was arranged by phone contact from the local Alcatel-Lucent HR representative. The interview consisted of three phases all on the same day. Phase one was a skills test encompassing basic electronics and circuit analysis, intimate knowledge and understanding of Ohms law was crucial to scoring well. Phase two was a 1:1 interview with an electrical engineer wherein we went over my test and I answered questions concerning relevant work experience and troubleshooting philosophy. Phase three was a 2:1 interview with two senior level technicians who focused on both technical and team concept questions. In all encounters I found the people welcoming (even when they posed the tough questions), the office environment positive, and the work culture upbeat.

Negotiation Details – When I received the call to negotiate the offer it was from an out-of-state Alcatel-Lucent HR negotiator. I sometimes have looked back on that conversation with the thought I could have negotiated a better salary to start with. I was being hired for a third shift position which included a shift differential. What I learned later was the negotiator had offered me a base salary 10% lower because in his mind the shift differential made up for that. Advice to others, if a shift differential is involved and the negotiator attempts to tell you that the shift differential is a consideration, remind them the shift differential is to compensate for what you will have to do in turning your personal schedule upside down for the benefit of the company and it is not part of the base salary. Make sure you are satisfied with the base salary in case you one day need to go to a shift where the differential does not exist.