We have written in the past about three common engineering interview questions, and the post received an overwhelming response. It’s clear that engineering job seekers are looking for resources and strategies to help them better manage the recruiting process. Given the competitive state of the engineering job market right now, that emphasis on preparation makes a lot of sense. Here are three more interview questions you should get ready for in advance:
What do You Know about Our Company and Why do You Want to Work for Us?
Hiring managers aren’t trying to figure out if you are a good engineer. They are trying to figure out if you are the right engineer for the position they need to fill. That is why they will often test your knowledge of the company recruiting you, and ask you leading questions to determine if you are a good fit for the team.
Before the interview, research the company as much as possible, and do your best to determine their short- and long-term goals as well as the challenges and opportunities they will face along the way. Then determine how you fit into that future.
During the interview, try to align your specific skills, experiences, and personalities traits to the needs of the company. With the right responses, you can position yourself as a candidate who can make an impact starting on day one.
What are Your Career Goals?
At first blush, this question can seem like simple chitchat, but it reveals a lot about you as a candidate. Your career goals indicate what your long-term relationship with a company will be and how much professional ambition you possess.
When answering this question, try to be as specific as possible while emphasizing your desire to improve and advance. You want to frame yourself as an engineer who knows what he wants and is willing to put in the time and work to achieve it. Avoid any responses that suggest you will jump ship as soon as possible.
What are Your Salary Expectations?
This question doesn’t show up in every interview, but it’s important to be prepared if it does. Hiring managers want to make sure that if they make you an offer you will not initiate a protracted salary negotiation or reject the job offer entirely.
Research what engineers doing a similar job in the same part of the country earn on average, and then adjust your answer from there. You can raise or lower the number a little, just make sure you don’t come off as unreasonable or desperate. You can even try deflecting the question by answering “I am prepared to accept the salary you would offer to the top candidate.”
Acing the interview is essential if you want to get a job offer. Find more resources to help you prepare by working with the experienced staffing professionals at Selectek.