Engineering graduate job interview
Discussion
I have a job interview with a company (can't disclose that due to possible security risks - it is a weapons manufacturer) as a Missile design engineer. I have just finished my PGDip in Aerospace Engineering, which puts me up to the equivalent of an MEng degree and this is my first interview since finishing my post-graduate studies and want some fresh tips on how to tackle it.
I know I really, really want this job as it offers a properly structured environment with the ability to have real responsibility from day 1 and a chance to further my already pretty decent academic background - and on top of that, they will put me through my Chartership. And as an aside to that, it's just f
king awesome to be a fully-fledged rocket scientist 
The interview takes the form of a group exercise in the morning and then an interview with two managers in the afternoon. I am fairly confident with the group stuff as I've always scored highly in them in the past but it's the actual interview that I've stumbled at.
Please help!
I know I really, really want this job as it offers a properly structured environment with the ability to have real responsibility from day 1 and a chance to further my already pretty decent academic background - and on top of that, they will put me through my Chartership. And as an aside to that, it's just f
king awesome to be a fully-fledged rocket scientist The interview takes the form of a group exercise in the morning and then an interview with two managers in the afternoon. I am fairly confident with the group stuff as I've always scored highly in them in the past but it's the actual interview that I've stumbled at.
Please help!
Ironic name 
I'm going to assume you know to wear a sober suit, plain shirt and appropriate tie, with polished black shoes. Do as much preparation as you can on the company. Given the nature of work there, I wouldn't expect a great amount of detail but knowing their company history and their approximate range of work should be do-able. A word of caution - I actually failed a job interview at a defence related company because I knew too much about them.
I'm not in that line of work, so I can't say exactly what they will ask, but I would suggest you try to remember what sort of questions you had a problem with in the past, and maybe do some Googling to find appropriate answers. Even if you can't give them the answer they are ideally looking for, there is usually something you can say which will be fine in their eyes, perhaps linking it to a personal experience.
More than anything, they will be looking for the right sort. If you have the right attitude and they feel you are "one of us" then they may well overlook a slightly weak response to questions. My best interviews have invariably been with fellow engineers, where we have "clicked" and ended up talking about all sorts of related matters. They get a far better idea of what you are like as a person, which is what matters most at this stage of your career.
(Consider this a bump)
I'm going to assume you know to wear a sober suit, plain shirt and appropriate tie, with polished black shoes. Do as much preparation as you can on the company. Given the nature of work there, I wouldn't expect a great amount of detail but knowing their company history and their approximate range of work should be do-able. A word of caution - I actually failed a job interview at a defence related company because I knew too much about them.
I'm not in that line of work, so I can't say exactly what they will ask, but I would suggest you try to remember what sort of questions you had a problem with in the past, and maybe do some Googling to find appropriate answers. Even if you can't give them the answer they are ideally looking for, there is usually something you can say which will be fine in their eyes, perhaps linking it to a personal experience.
More than anything, they will be looking for the right sort. If you have the right attitude and they feel you are "one of us" then they may well overlook a slightly weak response to questions. My best interviews have invariably been with fellow engineers, where we have "clicked" and ended up talking about all sorts of related matters. They get a far better idea of what you are like as a person, which is what matters most at this stage of your career.
(Consider this a bump)
Maybe it is, maybe it isn't 
Thanks for the information so far. In previous interviews I've stumbled at the 'have you got any questions?' and the 'what do you see as your future within our organisation?'. The former is a bd because usually the questions I have before the day begins are answered in the briefing at the start of the event! The latter is now answerable as I know I want to be a chartered engineer and work my way up through the R&D department.
Thanks for the information so far. In previous interviews I've stumbled at the 'have you got any questions?' and the 'what do you see as your future within our organisation?'. The former is a b
d because usually the questions I have before the day begins are answered in the briefing at the start of the event! The latter is now answerable as I know I want to be a chartered engineer and work my way up through the R&D department.What I've found useful is to make sure you absolutely know the basics
Now if you're not getting interviewed by an engineer or someone with engineering background then it probably doesnt matter, but at my last interview I was nearly caught short when they asked basic kinda theory and fundamentals questions about thermodynamics and mechanics.
Its a pretty good angle to play IMO, because like I did, Im sure lots of guys go to interviews with the answers to really awesome questions already thought out. Then they throw you by asking the very first things you learn on your first day in thermo class!!
My PhD supervisor also says he does this at viva examinations.... apparently really sorts out who really understands whats going on.
Otherwise, sober suit, smart shirt, tie, polish your shoes, wear a belt, well groomed... usual stuff, be yourself, make sure you have a couple of experiences to draw on if they ask questions like "tell me about a time you solved a conflict" or "give me an example of a recent engineering problem and how you overcame it".
They seem to love those.... my interview with HR for the grad scheme I did majored on questions like that and asking what projects I took part in at uni. The second interview with engineers was much more straight forward...but like I said they caught me off guard by asking the basics first and not how a turbine works, like I was expecting!
Just in case... heres an easy way to remember the 3 laws of thermo (discounting the so called zeroeth law)
1) You cant win (that is you cannot get something for nothing, mass and energy are interchangeable, U = Q - W, change in internal energy = heat energy in - work out)
2) you cant break even (that is entropy or system dissorder will always increase and thus you cannot return to the same energy state at which you started... covers the loop whole in the first law about perpetual motion)
3) You cannot get out of the game (that is absolute zero, is unattainable via a series of finite series of operations )
Now if you're not getting interviewed by an engineer or someone with engineering background then it probably doesnt matter, but at my last interview I was nearly caught short when they asked basic kinda theory and fundamentals questions about thermodynamics and mechanics.
Its a pretty good angle to play IMO, because like I did, Im sure lots of guys go to interviews with the answers to really awesome questions already thought out. Then they throw you by asking the very first things you learn on your first day in thermo class!!
My PhD supervisor also says he does this at viva examinations.... apparently really sorts out who really understands whats going on.
Otherwise, sober suit, smart shirt, tie, polish your shoes, wear a belt, well groomed... usual stuff, be yourself, make sure you have a couple of experiences to draw on if they ask questions like "tell me about a time you solved a conflict" or "give me an example of a recent engineering problem and how you overcame it".
They seem to love those.... my interview with HR for the grad scheme I did majored on questions like that and asking what projects I took part in at uni. The second interview with engineers was much more straight forward...but like I said they caught me off guard by asking the basics first and not how a turbine works, like I was expecting!
Just in case... heres an easy way to remember the 3 laws of thermo (discounting the so called zeroeth law)
1) You cant win (that is you cannot get something for nothing, mass and energy are interchangeable, U = Q - W, change in internal energy = heat energy in - work out)
2) you cant break even (that is entropy or system dissorder will always increase and thus you cannot return to the same energy state at which you started... covers the loop whole in the first law about perpetual motion)
3) You cannot get out of the game (that is absolute zero, is unattainable via a series of finite series of operations )
In terms of skills, what am I looking to project to them? For instance, if they ask a question like "Why are you suitable for this role?"
I know I am a good communicator as I've worked on this feverishly over the years because I used to shy away in groups but now am perfectly comfortable. Also, I worked as a Private Tutor for 2 years. I guess this is something to highlight...but others?
I know I am a good communicator as I've worked on this feverishly over the years because I used to shy away in groups but now am perfectly comfortable. Also, I worked as a Private Tutor for 2 years. I guess this is something to highlight...but others?
GroundEffect said:
In terms of skills, what am I looking to project to them? For instance, if they ask a question like "Why are you suitable for this role?"
I know I am a good communicator as I've worked on this feverishly over the years because I used to shy away in groups but now am perfectly comfortable. Also, I worked as a Private Tutor for 2 years. I guess this is something to highlight...but others?
If they ask about your weaknesses then say communication and that you have highlighted this as a problem and did such and such to overcome it.I know I am a good communicator as I've worked on this feverishly over the years because I used to shy away in groups but now am perfectly comfortable. Also, I worked as a Private Tutor for 2 years. I guess this is something to highlight...but others?
If they want to know your tech side then they will ask...but remember they will ask questions in your range. Above all else remember that...you know the answer. They are not trying to trick you or to confuse you, just the opposite...they would like to see the clarity of your mind.
At all times this should be your single biggest thought in your head...clarity of mind. It will get you the job over and above every other thing on the table, that includes grade, experience and qualifications. I do have 2 slight peices of bad news for you though...missile design at MBDA is not rocket science and if/when you do become a rocket scientist type you dont go around telling people you are because you sound like a tt. Actually make that 3, whenever you try and tell anyone you arent involved in rocket science activity despite the fact you are in order to sound like you are trying to avoid telling ppl you are a rocket scientist ... you still sound like a tt. Or your wife tells you to stop trying to flirt with the waitresses. Sorry.
At all times this should be your single biggest thought in your head...clarity of mind. It will get you the job over and above every other thing on the table, that includes grade, experience and qualifications. I do have 2 slight peices of bad news for you though...missile design at MBDA is not rocket science and if/when you do become a rocket scientist type you dont go around telling people you are because you sound like a t
t. Actually make that 3, whenever you try and tell anyone you arent involved in rocket science activity despite the fact you are in order to sound like you are trying to avoid telling ppl you are a rocket scientist ... you still sound like a tt. Or your wife tells you to stop trying to flirt with the waitresses. Sorry.DJRC said:
I do have 2 slight peices of bad news for you though...missile design at MBDA is not rocket science and if/when you do become a rocket scientist type you dont go around telling people you are because you sound like a tt. Actually make that 3, whenever you try and tell anyone you arent involved in rocket science activity despite the fact you are in order to sound like you are trying to avoid telling ppl you are a rocket scientist ... you still sound like a tt. Or your wife tells you to stop trying to flirt with the waitresses. Sorry.
Eh? Will there be a test on this later?t. Actually make that 3, whenever you try and tell anyone you arent involved in rocket science activity despite the fact you are in order to sound like you are trying to avoid telling ppl you are a rocket scientist ... you still sound like a tt. Or your wife tells you to stop trying to flirt with the waitresses. Sorry.K87 said:
If they ask about your weaknesses then say communication and that you have highlighted this as a problem and did such and such to overcome it.
I have used that in the past. I don't know if it was well received though. That's what I hate about feedback - they never get THAT specific.DJRC said:
If they want to know your tech side then they will ask...but remember they will ask questions in your range. Above all else remember that...you know the answer. They are not trying to trick you or to confuse you, just the opposite...they would like to see the clarity of your mind.
shirt said:
sound advice. also don't try and cobble an answer together when they ask you something tricky. when interviewing grads i always asked something obscure to see if they tried to blag it or just admitted they didn't know.
Hmm...which is it?DJRC said:
At all times this should be your single biggest thought in your head...clarity of mind. It will get you the job over and above every other thing on the table, that includes grade, experience and qualifications. I do have 2 slight peices of bad news for you though...missile design at MBDA is not rocket science and if/when you do become a rocket scientist type you dont go around telling people you are because you sound like a tt. Actually make that 3, whenever you try and tell anyone you arent involved in rocket science activity despite the fact you are in order to sound like you are trying to avoid telling ppl you are a rocket scientist ... you still sound like a tt. Or your wife tells you to stop trying to flirt with the waitresses. Sorry.
It's actually my girlfriend who likes to introduce me as a rocket scientist. I detest it but she says she doesn't like referring to me as an Aerospace Engineer or even an engineer in general as most of her peer group have no idea what that means.t. Actually make that 3, whenever you try and tell anyone you arent involved in rocket science activity despite the fact you are in order to sound like you are trying to avoid telling ppl you are a rocket scientist ... you still sound like a tt. Or your wife tells you to stop trying to flirt with the waitresses. Sorry.Its clarity of mind...everytime, for the simple reason that 99% of the job is about the need for clarity of thought.
If somebody like Shirt throws you a curveball question at the interview its because they want to see how you organise your answer, how you distill the information requested, process it inside your head and then present it. Your interviewers will know what you know...or they should do if they are half useful. The job spec has a knowledge requirement against it, if you are up for interview then I presume you regard yourself as meeting that requirement so as far as the interviewers are concerned they want basic confirmation that you know the stuff. Providing you remember that you know the stuff then none of that side should present you with an issue. The curveball stuff is to see how your mind process information to provide an answer.
And yes my family like to introduce me in various ways which are all very flattering sounding in Middle England, but I just say Im an engineer. Unlike the more insecure members of my industry it bothers me not a jot if other members of the general public might confuse me with a washing machine repairman.
If somebody like Shirt throws you a curveball question at the interview its because they want to see how you organise your answer, how you distill the information requested, process it inside your head and then present it. Your interviewers will know what you know...or they should do if they are half useful. The job spec has a knowledge requirement against it, if you are up for interview then I presume you regard yourself as meeting that requirement so as far as the interviewers are concerned they want basic confirmation that you know the stuff. Providing you remember that you know the stuff then none of that side should present you with an issue. The curveball stuff is to see how your mind process information to provide an answer.
And yes my family like to introduce me in various ways which are all very flattering sounding in Middle England, but I just say Im an engineer. Unlike the more insecure members of my industry it bothers me not a jot if other members of the general public might confuse me with a washing machine repairman.
DJRC said:
Its clarity of mind...everytime, for the simple reason that 99% of the job is about the need for clarity of thought.
its really is this, and i guess that's hard to 'learn'.we've just taken on a graduate who is one of the most switched on individuals i've ever met in engineering. i showed him what i'm working on and forget asking me questions i couldn't answer, he asked me things i'd not even thought about!
turns out he's ex eton/oxford/square mile so i am being especially nice to our future leader
Cyder said:
Half the fun of a degree in Aerospace Engineering is telling people that you have a degree in Aerospace Engineering. It usually kills conversation dead and allows you to move away from the subject and onto other more interesting conversation subjects!
same! though sometimes I get the... so you're a mechanic? responseyes love, I became a Dr of engineering so I could change the oil and fit a new fuel filter in your car.
Sometimes someone might ask what that entails, ie what might a mechanical engineer be responsible for? Majority of the time its blank stares and a swift change of subject.
Otispunkmeyer said:
same! though sometimes I get the... so you're a mechanic? response
yes love, I became a Dr of engineering so I could change the oil and fit a new fuel filter in your car.
Sometimes someone might ask what that entails, ie what might a mechanical engineer be responsible for? Majority of the time its blank stares and a swift change of subject.
Does that really bother you? Seriously? Are you that insecure you need to care?yes love, I became a Dr of engineering so I could change the oil and fit a new fuel filter in your car.
Sometimes someone might ask what that entails, ie what might a mechanical engineer be responsible for? Majority of the time its blank stares and a swift change of subject.
The "Im not respected" whinge. And? Neither are lawyers, bankers, accountants, estate agents, etc, etc. Shrug your shoulders and jog on.
Well, I went for the interview on Tuesday. It was a fairly typical assessment day (group tests in the morning and competency interview in the afternoon). I scored the highest out of everyone in the Group work and was in the 96th percentile for the online tests I had done prior to the event. For the interview itself my feedback was that I was highly logical, very focused and determined in what I wanted to do with my career, was articulate and good at explaining what I meant and showed great initiative...
And I didn't get the bloody job! Basically the HR girl told me the recruiters ultimately didn't choose me for either of the roles as they thought I was too much of a 'leader' and would be better suited to more specialist roles than the mechanical grad, such as an aerodynamicist. However, the issue I have with that is that a graduate doesn't just fall in to those roles - you need to work up to those roles through the typical avenues. I am completely in-between a rock and a hard-place now. I have been doing interviews for 2 years now (since I finished my undergrad and during my post-grad) and I am getting exhausted by it all. If they were coming back telling me I was st, then fair enough there's something I could work on but in EVERY occasion I've reached the (literal) final hurdle only to fall in some highly ambiguous way.
Losing hope.
And I didn't get the bloody job! Basically the HR girl told me the recruiters ultimately didn't choose me for either of the roles as they thought I was too much of a 'leader' and would be better suited to more specialist roles than the mechanical grad, such as an aerodynamicist. However, the issue I have with that is that a graduate doesn't just fall in to those roles - you need to work up to those roles through the typical avenues. I am completely in-between a rock and a hard-place now. I have been doing interviews for 2 years now (since I finished my undergrad and during my post-grad) and I am getting exhausted by it all. If they were coming back telling me I was s
t, then fair enough there's something I could work on but in EVERY occasion I've reached the (literal) final hurdle only to fall in some highly ambiguous way.Losing hope.
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