Typical Engineering Job Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

The eight engineering job interview questions in this article are the ‘go to’ questions for many interviewers. Give yourself a good chance of impressing by preparing for these typical interview questions asked during engineering job interviews.

It can be difficult to know where to start when preparing for an engineering job interview. Not knowing what the interviewer is going to ask and whether you are going to be able to answer succinctly can be nerve-racking and can cause you to not perform as well as you can.

However, there are several interview questions that have become the fall back questions asked at job interviews; you might not get all of them, but it is likely you’ll get some. If you prepare for these, you’ll find that for at least some of the interview you can take control.

8 TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1#: TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF

This is usually the first question in the interview and can set the tone for the rest of the meeting. When interviewers ask this, you need to ensure that you keep your answers succinct and completely work related. This is not an invitation to tell them your life story. Make sure you know what the requirements of the job are and talk about your experience on those points.

2#: WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

This is an opportunity to show them how well suited to the role you are. You need to show that you have researched the company and why you can meet their company’s specific needs. It’s important to approach this question with confidence. Do not be too modest, but equally don’t come across as arrogant.

3#: WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?

This is the question that most candidates worry about. Answering this question with a small weakness that is not a massive deterrent to the interview is key. It is also important to show how you are taking steps to improve upon this weakness. Whatever you do, do not say something like “I work too hard”. The interviewer will see right through this.

For more on answering this question, read our blog on What Are Your Weaknesses?

4#: WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?

The interviewer is trying to find out what your motivations are. Be complimentary in what you like or have heard about the company and say why that is enticing to you. Areas such as working environment, great projects or development in the job are nice topics to talk about. Do not say you are motivated by the money as this will give the impression that you may be gone as soon as a better offer comes along.

5#: WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Be as honest as you can with this question. If it is your decision to leave your current role, tell them why and how you think their company is attractive because of this. If you were let go, do not try and dodge the question as you will be found out. Just be honest and explain what you learned from the experience and what you would do differently.

6#: DESCRIBE A DIFFICULT SITUATION AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT

You can prepare for this question in advance. Using the STAR technique you can give a succinct answer:

Situation– Describe the situation

Task– What was the task in hand?

Action– What direct action did you take?

Result– What was the outcome?

This technique will enable you to structure your answer properly and ensure your point comes across clearly.

7#: WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN X YEARS?

This is another question that is designed to trip you up. Interviewers are looking for someone who is ambitious but not deluded. Always make sure the answer is work and role specific, as answers like ‘I want to be in the Bahamas with a cocktail’ isn’t going to cut it.

8#: DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?

Always have questions prepared! Not asking any questions shows you are not really engaged and overly interested in the role. If you find that your questions are being answered during the course of the interview, try to think of other questions that will be suitable. Asking questions around company culture and what the team is like are generally safe bets.

If you need any help with preparing for an interview or looking for a new role in the building services please get in touch with us at Energi People.