The Engineering Interview: 15 Tips for Engineer Candidates | Arya College

 Prepare Thoroughly

•           Research the company, its products/services, and the engineering role you are interviewing for

•           Review the job description and identify how your skills and experience match the requirements

•           Prepare examples of how you have applied your technical skills to solve problems in past projects

•           Practice explaining your achievements and passion for engineering concisely

•           Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company

Demonstrate Technical Competence

•           Be ready to discuss your engineering skills, software proficiency, and recent learning

•           Explain your problem-solving approach and how you catch mistakes in your work

•           Describe a challenging engineering project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles

•           Discuss a time you used logic and creativity to solve a design issue

Highlight Soft Skills

•           Provide examples of when you demonstrated leadership and teamwork abilities

•           Explain how you handle negative feedback and difficult situations with clients/colleagues

•           Describe your ideal manager and work environment

•           Share unique information about yourself and your interests beyond engineering

Make a Great Impression

•           Dress professionally and be aware of your body language

•           Arrive on time and bring a notebook and pen

•           Use the STAR method to structure your responses

•           Answer the specific question asked and ask for clarification if needed

•           Be assertive, and positive, and highlight your unique strengths

•           Avoid exaggerating or sharing salary expectations upfront

•           Send a thank you email after the interview reiterating your interest

Ask Insightful Questions

•           Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities

•           Inquire about the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the engineering team

•           Find out what success looks like in the role and how it is measured

•           Ask about the next steps in the interview process

The key is demonstrating your technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and fit for the role and company through thorough preparation, clear communication, and thoughtful questions. With practice and the right mindset, you can ace the engineering interview.

 

What are some advanced techniques to prepare for behavioral questions in engineering interviews

Here are some advanced techniques to prepare for behavioral interview questions as an engineering candidate:

Identify Key Competencies

Review the job description and identify the key skills, qualities, and experiences the employer seeks. Common competencies for engineers include problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Prepare stories that demonstrate these competencies.

Use the STAR Method

Structure your responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Describe the specific Situation you were in, the Task you needed to accomplish, the Actions you took, and the positive Results. This ensures your answers are clear and concise, and provide concrete examples.

Maintain a Story Bank

Compile a list of 10-15 stories from your work experience that showcase your engineering skills and fit for the role. Practice telling these stories out loud until you can relay them smoothly. Be ready to tweak the details to suit different behavioural questions.

Anticipate Common Questions

Research typical behavioural interview questions for engineering roles, such as:

•           Describe a time you had to solve a complex technical problem.

•           Tell me about a project where you had to work on a team. How did you contribute?

•           How do you handle receiving constructive feedback on your work?

•           Give an example of when you had to think creatively to overcome an obstacle.

•           Describe a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Come up with insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, and role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the opportunity is a good fit. Good questions could cover the engineering challenges at Arya College of Engineering & IT, company culture, or professional development opportunities.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Role-play behavioural interview questions with a friend or mentor. Record yourself and review your responses. Identify areas for improvement in your storytelling, body language, and tone. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll be. The key is to thoroughly prepare relevant stories that highlight your engineering skills and fit for the role. By using the STAR method and maintaining a story bank, you can provide compelling, well-structured responses that impress the interviewer.