In addition to being able to answer the common interview questions, professional engineers who can demonstrate insight into key factors that will shape the future of engineering will be the most coveted job candidates.
The continued globalization of engineering will require innovation and ethical leadership to provide solutions to complex problems involving public health and safety. Additionally, with the increased presence of technology in everyday life, it will be important to keep pace with rapid technological advancements through continuous professional development.
Be prepared to answer questions about maintaining a diverse and multidisciplinary focus inclusive of the increasing populations who are affected by technology.
There will be an increasing need for candidates who can demonstrate superior communication and collaboration skills when working with those without technical backgrounds.
QUESTIONS FOR ENGINEERS TO REVIEW BEFORE A JOB INTERVIEW:
- Tell me about a time when you were successful in building a long-term working relationship with someone outside of the engineering department.
- Have you contributed to any cost savings for your company? How so and how much was saved?
- Have you developed any processes that have improved safety?
- Talk about your field responsibilities.
- Have you ever lost your temper in the field?
- Do you have any patents for products that were sold internationally?
- Describe a time you successfully explained the societal impacts of a project to the stakeholders.
- Tell me about a successful presentation you have given. Who was your audience?
- What do you consider to be the elements of successful teamwork?
- Describe the step-by-step process you have when developing a project plan.
- How do you deal with surprises that arise when working on a project?
- What do you do when faced with forgoing quality standards for the sake of expediency?
- What new engineering skills have you developed in the last year?
- Talk about a time when you had direct contact with a dissatisfied client. What happened?
- Tell me about a major project you have worked on that required you to lead a team.
- Has anything you’ve written been published in professional journals?
- How do you deal with changing priorities on a project?
- Discuss a time when you had to explain technical information to a non-technical audience.
- What is your experience with preparing detailed cost estimates for a project?
- What would you be if you weren’t an engineer?
- Talk about a time when you worked on a project where there were conflicting professional interests. How did you determine an appropriate course of action?
- What is your experience with managing budgets?
- What do you do to stay current with new advancements in the field?
- Who was your go-to person when you encountered a problem on a project that you couldn’t solve alone?
- Have you ever made a mistake that cost your employer significant money?
- Have you ever had a mentor? What did you learn from him or her?
- How do you motivate a team of engineers when a project is floundering?
- What is the first contribution you would make if hired?
- How has public policy impacted a project you’ve worked on?
- What criteria do you use when deciding between multiple design options?