When interviewing for an engineering position you’ll be asked technical questions. Employers need to gauge your knowledge and experience of the work you’ll carry out.
You’ll also be faced with some age-old favourites. These are to assess your work ethic and ‘soft skills’, such as communication. Basically, they offer an insight into your personality.
To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of the top ten.
- What do you know about our company?
This is so interviewers can work out if you’re serious about the job. So, it pays to have done your homework and researched your role.
- Can you tell us about yourself?
One of the hardest to answer but very revealing. Stick to a quick run through of your career to date, focusing on your most recent job. Your karaoke skills or interest in mud-wrestling are not relevant.
- Why did you choose to specialise in this field of engineering?
Your answer gives an extra peek into your motivations and knowledge of the role.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Don’t be shy. Pick two or three strengths relevant to the role.
Knowing your own flaws also shows good self-awareness. The trick is knowing which faults to ’fess up to. Pick something that won’t be a deal-breaker and focus on how you work around it.
- Can you describe the most challenging technical report you’ve had to complete?
No tricks here, just a chance to talk about your experience in report writing – an important part of any engineering role.
- Can you describe a time when you failed?
Okay, we’re not talking ‘epic fail’ here, like that time you almost burned down the warehouse. Focus on a small-scale failure and give a detailed breakdown of what you learned to do differently.
- Can you give an example of working in a team?
The ability to work within a team is crucial in engineering. Lone wolves need not apply, so have a team project up your sleeve.
- Tell us about your greatest success in solving an engineering problem.
This is where you describe your problem-solving skills, such as having a logical and methodical approach.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Your interviewer is working out if you’re a long-term bet, so make your ambitions chime with the company’s opportunities.
- Why should we hire you?
This is your last chance to sell yourself. Don’t be too OTT. Bring together your three best selling points and underline your desire to work for the company.
Let’s make our top ten work for you with opportunities in Engineering at s1jobs