I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Xcel Energy (Lubbock, TX) in Apr 2013
Interview
I applied online at Xcel.com for a job that read "Engineering Intern- Performance Testing Lab." I received a call from Minneapolis, MN 3 weeks later for a job in Amarillo, TX. That recruiter was from human resources. He set up a telephone interview the next day so that I could interview with a projection engineer by the name of Sean (last name withheld). He used STAR behavioral interview questions. As far as the technical side goes, he asked my level of expertise/skills on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. He also asked if I had any health issues and if I was afraid of heights in excess of 250ft. He also stated that this job would get your hands dirty as it was in the field. After that, we had a little personal talk about what the job was actually about. He said we would be testing power plants in the northern New Mexico - Texas panhandle area for thermal efficiency and make suggestions as to what measures could be taken in order to increase their efficiency.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Evaluate your thermodynamic and fluid mechanic skills.
The process was smooth, consisting of one phone interview followed by a panel interview with the hiring team and they were very clear about expectations and gave good insight into the work environment.
The interview process was standard. I had one interview and got offered the job that same day. I was with three other employees so I got to hear a little about their experiences.
I interviewed at Xcel Energy (Colorado Springs, CO)
Interview
STAR method questions were used in the interview, and there were about 5 different questions like this, then there were more casual questions about background and such. The overall interview was average and not too technical.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Hard situation you had to deal with, and the result.