What Are Engineering Managers Looking For? 6 Ways to Prepare For Your Interview
Whether you’ve been an engineer for a long time or are interviewing for your first professional role, it’s only natural to be nervous. An engineering interview can be tough, and you might not know exactly what to expect. The best way to beat back nerves while boosting your chances of getting the job is to prepare as well as possible. Here are six ways to get ready for your engineering interview.
Know Your Background
It’s up to you to sell yourself, explaining why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. But you can’t do that if you don’t have your accomplishments at the top of your mind. Before your interview, go through your resume with a fine-tooth comb. Commit your biggest achievements to memory, including some specific facts and figures.
Research the Company
One of your interview questions is likely to be, “Why do you want to work here?” Prepare a response by doing some research on the company. Are they working on something you really want to be part of? Do they have a reputation for helping engineers develop their careers? Figure out a few things you really like about the organization.
Rehearse Your Talking Points
You’ll have a limited amount of time to tell your story, to explain who you are and why you’re right for the job. So create a short list of key points you want to hit, and practice going through them. Don’t memorize a whole speech, though, or you will come across as wooden and insincere.
Dress for Success
Modern engineering teams run the gamut from conservative to extremely casual. A general rule of thumb is to dress one level above what you would wear to work on an average day. So if everyone is in jeans and T-shirts, choose khakis and a polo. If dress pants and sweaters are common, consider adding a tailored jacket.
Learn to Translate
Technical jargon is an important part of your work, but your interviewer may or may not be familiar with it. And many companies expect their engineers to be able to code-switch, translating tech speak into plain English as necessary. Practice explaining your background and accomplishments in simple, non-technical terms.
Prepare for Questions
An engineering interview will likely include at least a few project-based and problem-solving questions. Have a friend or relative ask you about some of your previous work, as well as a few questions to test your technical skills. Practice giving concise, plain language answers that show that you know what you’re doing.
About PEAK
PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968, PEAK has helped engineering professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.
If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your engineering career to the next level and help you to achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.
