Any job interview can be pretty stressful, but if you’re in engineering, you already know that your interview is a whole other ball game. You’re going to be asked specific questions that will test your knowledge as an engineer and prove to future employers you’re worth your salary. Unlike other job candidates who can get by on quick answers and a confident attitude, you’ve got to have a solid foundation for your interview.
Preparing for the most frequently asked engineering job interview questions is a great way to ensure you won’t get caught off guard in your next interview. Here are the top 9 questions you might face.
What Software Do You Really Know? Be prepared to share what software you’ve worked on to date. For bonus points, describe what you like best about that software.
Can You Solve Problems with Your Hands as Well as Your Head? Engineers are cerebral people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t solve problems with your hands. Give the interviewer specific situations where you were called on to do this.
Do You Truly Understand Clients/Customers and Teamwork? This an issue that any engineering candidate can expect, regardless of your current field. Your future employers need to know that you are capable of being part of a team and dealing with the public professionally. Cite examples of past teamwork when you’re asked this question.
What is heat treatment and why is it done? You’ll need to give a concise answer that explains what it is and why it’s needed. Give a real world example.
What happens if gasoline is used in a diesel engine? This is a fun question that may get thrown into the mix. Be prepared with a good way to explain this.
Explain the Second Law of Thermodynamics? Give a clear and brief description of this law (and don’t forget to brush up on the other laws before your interview!)
Explain the formula of heat loss in a pipe? For mechanical engineers, this is a question you have a very good chance of running into.
What is the Difference between Quantitative and Qualitative Research? Be prepared to discuss this subject a bit in depth – they’re going to want to know how you feel (and how well you do) with both types of research.
What is Hess Law? You may need to look this one up if it’s been awhile since you needed to rely on this theory.
It may seem daunting at first, but the more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel before your next interview!
Want more help preparing for your next job interview (or finding a job?) The experts at SoloPoint Solutions are here to help!