In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, I am going to provide some tips to an engineer on how to ace the engineering job interview. These are tips I have helped engineers of all experience levels use to land great jobs.
“I am so nervous; I have always been nervous since I was a kid.” – Elvis Presley
Engineers make some very basic mistakes when going through the job-interview process, one of them being focusing too much on themselves. The other common challenge is being nervous. Many engineers and other professionals are so nervous during job interviews that they don’t really show their true selves and personalities to the prospective employers.
In order to achieve your engineering career goals, you must be able to secure an opportunity when you either need one or want a new one.
The career-changing tip at the end of the show will help you improve the quality of all of your conversations.
Our guest for Session 10 is Sherry, a 25-year-old engineering graduate student.
Listen to this session and learn:
- How to research the prospective employer prior to the interview.
- The best way to introduce yourself in the interview.
- Why you shouldn’t tell the interviewer too much about yourself.
- How to ask the one question that will give you control of the interview.
- Ways to show a prospective employer that you can fill their specific need.
- How to prepare for behavioral-type questions.
- Examples of how to explain your strengths and weaknesses.
- What you should bring to the interview in addition to your resume.
- How to reduce nervousness prior to and during the interview.
Resources and links mentioned in this session include:
Complimentary Webinar on Goal Setting for Engineers
Institute for Engineering Career Development
Transformational Weekend for Engineers
Free Gift for Engineers
Annual Review Podcast
Toastmasters International
Click Here for Session #10 Transcription
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Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this session! Please let me know what you think in the comments section below.
2 Responses
Anthony,
I have truly relished this podcast and found it to be very informative for job seekers. I absolutely agree that during the interview process, one should cater one’s skills as much as possible to the job description.
I, however, would have liked to hear more about personal introductions for example. It is highly recommended that it be limited to 1-2 minutes. But what are some techniques to enhance the quality of the personal introduction?
I believe you are familiar with the 30-60-90 plan used by experienced interviewees to make a good impression on the interviewers? What is your stance on the matter? Would you recommend preparing such a plan every time one interviews for a new position?
Having sat on interview panels at several occasions, I have noticed that employers usually do not ask technical questions of entry-level candidates. They would rather focus on their soft skills. Hence there are questions such as: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, “What are some techniques that you use to sharpen your time management skills?”, “What approach do you take to meeting deadlines and budgets?”, “How do you resolve conflicts with your peers?”,….Based on your experience, which is these questions, if any, is the most recurrent and how would you recommend answering them?
Every candidate is expected to ask questions at the end of the interview process. Aside from the customary questions (What are the typical daily tasks?,…), what other questions do you deem pertinent to ask?
Again, great coaching coal and I look forward to your continued input regarding the interview process.
Thanks.
Good feedback Ilias. As for the personal introduction I would try to focus it around your skills that are relevant to the specific position you are applying for. For example if you are applying for a structural position, mention your structural experience and why you think it will be beneficial to them. That is the key – remember they have a need, you need to fill it! Thanks again.