Interview Tips for Engineers

Most engineering interviews now involve a mix of video calls, technical questions and site visits. Preparation is what separates the engineers who get offers from those who do not.

Before the interview

Research the employer properly. Look beyond the website: find out what they make or do, who their customers are, the size of the site, any recent investment or contract wins, and the equipment, processes or standards they work to.

Read the job description again and think about the technical questions you are likely to be asked. Prepare examples of problems you have solved, projects you have delivered and improvements you have made, with the result of each.

Woman on a phone call in a bright office

Know your technical detail

Expect to be asked about the equipment, systems, software and standards on your CV. If you list PLCs, CAD packages, quality standards or HV experience, be ready to talk through how you used them in detail.

Prepare your examples

Have four or five examples ready that show how you work: a breakdown you diagnosed, a project you delivered, a process you improved or a problem you resolved with a colleague. Explain the situation, what you did and the outcome.

Prepare your questions

Ask about the team, the plant or projects, the main challenges in the first six months, training and how success is measured. Good questions show you are thinking about doing the job, not just getting it.

On the day

For a video interview, test Teams or Zoom beforehand, find a quiet room with a plain background and keep your CV and notes to hand. Look at the camera when you speak.

For a site interview, plan your journey, arrive ten minutes early and bring a copy of your CV, a notepad and anything the employer has asked for. If there is a site tour, ask sensible questions and follow the site’s safety rules.

Let the interviewer lead, and answer the question you were asked. Be specific, and do not ramble or pad out your answers.

If you do not know the answer to a technical question, say so and explain how you would find out. Bluffing is easy to spot, and honesty counts for more than a guess.

Be positive about your current and previous employers, even if you are leaving for good reason, and build a rapport with the interviewer. They want to know what you would be like to work with.

How to close an interview

You: “I am very interested in this role. What is the next stage in the process?”

Interviewer: “We are planning second interviews next week.”

You: “Is there anything in my experience you would like me to expand on, or any concerns I can answer now?”

Asking about concerns gives you the chance to deal with any doubts before a decision is made. Do not put the interviewer on the spot or push for an answer, but do not leave without knowing the next step either.

Afterwards, call us straight away with your feedback. The sooner we speak to the employer, the better we can represent you.

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