Tips on first proper interview? (design engineer)
Discussion
Hi there - hoping to pick a few knowledgeable and experienced brains, please...
I graduated this year, and have my first "proper" (i.e. professional) interview for a career role.
Now, I've had interviews before, and, being quite a confident, articulate person, I haven't found them too much of a problem - the usual research and prep-ing sees me through.
However, I would (obviously!) like to land this job, but, so far, I feel like a new-born foal - I know it's nonsense, but I can't shake the feeling that they'll see that I'm new to this, you know.... professional lark, and, as such, might hire the more experienced person.
So, to this end, does anyone have any knowledge on what a prospective employer might ask a potential design engineer?
This is my list so far...
And how can I make myself shine?!
I graduated this year, and have my first "proper" (i.e. professional) interview for a career role.
Now, I've had interviews before, and, being quite a confident, articulate person, I haven't found them too much of a problem - the usual research and prep-ing sees me through.
However, I would (obviously!) like to land this job, but, so far, I feel like a new-born foal - I know it's nonsense, but I can't shake the feeling that they'll see that I'm new to this, you know.... professional lark, and, as such, might hire the more experienced person.
So, to this end, does anyone have any knowledge on what a prospective employer might ask a potential design engineer?
This is my list so far...
- Previous design experience - detail and portfolio
- Knowledge and experience of appropriate CAD packages; design cycle; project management
- Knowledge of company and product/processes
- Previous employment...
And how can I make myself shine?!
Let them know you're keen, articulate and communicate well. Ask about the possibility of any training on the job.
It's kind of a balancing act regarding ambition. If you have no ambition why would they want to employ you if you don't want to increase your value to the company. On the other hand, come accross as too ambitious and you'll give the impression that you'll grab what you can and run off as something better comes along.
Don't bulls
t these people. They know more than you, but believe it or not, that's OK, you're new. Be interested in what they have to teach you. Ask some questions about the business and the industry in general.
It's kind of a balancing act regarding ambition. If you have no ambition why would they want to employ you if you don't want to increase your value to the company. On the other hand, come accross as too ambitious and you'll give the impression that you'll grab what you can and run off as something better comes along.
Don't bulls
t these people. They know more than you, but believe it or not, that's OK, you're new. Be interested in what they have to teach you. Ask some questions about the business and the industry in general.Nic jones said:
I speak as someone who graduated this year and started a grad scheme Monday before last!
Good luck!
That's part of the reason I'm becoming more nervous about this one - it's not a grad placement, or anything that's tailored to the "just graduated" lot... Good luck!
I keep picturing the other people they'll interview - 35yr old men, with 10 years experience and more knowledge and experience than you can shake a stick at - I can't match that, so have to be rock-solid in all other areas!
Cheers for the well wishes!
Engineer1 said:
You may get some Engineering questions such just to gauge your real knowledge.
This sounds frightening and cryptic in equal measures! Are there any specifics, "old chesnut" type questions that they might throw at me that count as "engineering knowledge"? (In addition to the one you said, obviously!)I'd just like to be able to come across more "I'm willing to learn LOTS, and quickly", rather than "I know nothing", IYSWIM.
Thanks to replies so far!
Make sure you ask the interviewers plenty of questions about the company to fully understand what role you will be performing, how they will support you and what they will expect of you.
The classic question to always slip into an interview is "what motivates you to come to work everyday".
Also if you are asked "Where do you want to be in 5 years" end it with something along the lines of "How will the company help me to acheive this?"
The classic question to always slip into an interview is "what motivates you to come to work everyday".
Also if you are asked "Where do you want to be in 5 years" end it with something along the lines of "How will the company help me to acheive this?"
oOTomOo said:
Research the company, employers like to know you are interested in what they do. have a look at what previous projects they have done etc. try and drop it into the conversation.
This is a good'un. "I was impressed by your....... project, and felt this is the sort of thing I would really enjoy working with..they may then ask "so, where do you feel you could have helped on that project then..." so be ready
DONT:
watch the Apprentice beforehand. Dont get any ideas from them. Ignore it. Real life is not, in any waty like this. Neitehr is any board meeting like this. you dont have to wear a stuipd fat tie, say you were born to sell, or any such big-headed nonsense. Ignore it. Compleately. You will not gain anything useful from watching this.
I hope I can help - I am similar background and work in a similar role.
I think the thing that you need to remember is that being a graduate doesnt show that you know everything, it shows that you have the ability to learn everything, if that makes sense?
I sold myself to the company on the basis of "Admittedly I currently know very little about (insert industry) but, what I do have is the proven ability to pick things up and learn (insert examples from education and other work experience)."
Does that make sense?
Also - I think one of the reasons that companies look for recent graduates in these positions is if they have an aging design/technical team, and are being left behind a little in terms of technologies/ideas etc.
A really common one I think its where a company has a bunch of aged engineers all proficient in 2D cad (autocad) but feel like they are losing out by not utilising modern, up to date 3D design (and all the stuff that goes with it, data management, prototyping and testing/simulation tools etc) - The idea is to get someone in who understands this and can help them to embrace these technologies.
This is exactly what I have done, I am just over a year into my first 'proper' job after studying engineering design. It took me a while to get into this job after graduating though, so if you graduated this Summer then well done on getting this far.
I think the thing that you need to remember is that being a graduate doesnt show that you know everything, it shows that you have the ability to learn everything, if that makes sense?
I sold myself to the company on the basis of "Admittedly I currently know very little about (insert industry) but, what I do have is the proven ability to pick things up and learn (insert examples from education and other work experience)."
Does that make sense?
Also - I think one of the reasons that companies look for recent graduates in these positions is if they have an aging design/technical team, and are being left behind a little in terms of technologies/ideas etc.
A really common one I think its where a company has a bunch of aged engineers all proficient in 2D cad (autocad) but feel like they are losing out by not utilising modern, up to date 3D design (and all the stuff that goes with it, data management, prototyping and testing/simulation tools etc) - The idea is to get someone in who understands this and can help them to embrace these technologies.
This is exactly what I have done, I am just over a year into my first 'proper' job after studying engineering design. It took me a while to get into this job after graduating though, so if you graduated this Summer then well done on getting this far.
other points of interest that an interviewer would likely consider...
how might you fit in with the existing team ?
Are you a team player ?
Can you innovate / think outside the box ?
so if you have a social life, hobby or have previously organised any kind of event this might be pertinent. 2 years running the pistonheads appreciation soceity at uni shows you can work with other people and have interests that aren't purely academic, if you see what i mean
but ,as has been said, don't bull.. but you can talk about things from a different perspective
how might you fit in with the existing team ?
Are you a team player ?
Can you innovate / think outside the box ?
so if you have a social life, hobby or have previously organised any kind of event this might be pertinent. 2 years running the pistonheads appreciation soceity at uni shows you can work with other people and have interests that aren't purely academic, if you see what i mean
but ,as has been said, don't bull.. but you can talk about things from a different perspective
Starting this topic is easily the best idea I had today.
Thank you to all!
I hear what you say about the other candidates - it's just something the agency guy said to me on the phone... I'm led to believe that they are, in fact, interviewing others with more experience, (for the same role), but were willing to look at graduates, if suitable.
...presumably I'm suitable... and I want to carry on being suitable.
So, ask about support/training they'd provide; have strong answers ready for the life/career type questions; casually and subtley reference the fact that I know what they do and have researched them; dazzle them with a superb portfolio that is elegant, shows my experience and yet is easy to glance at...
Anything else?
Are there any "this is always asked at design-based interviews" questions that I've not heard of?
Obviously I'll be keeping the hair-swishing and hand-wringing to a minimum.
Thank you to all!
I hear what you say about the other candidates - it's just something the agency guy said to me on the phone... I'm led to believe that they are, in fact, interviewing others with more experience, (for the same role), but were willing to look at graduates, if suitable.
...presumably I'm suitable... and I want to carry on being suitable.
So, ask about support/training they'd provide; have strong answers ready for the life/career type questions; casually and subtley reference the fact that I know what they do and have researched them; dazzle them with a superb portfolio that is elegant, shows my experience and yet is easy to glance at...
Anything else?
Are there any "this is always asked at design-based interviews" questions that I've not heard of?
Obviously I'll be keeping the hair-swishing and hand-wringing to a minimum.
Obviously it depends on the role, but - make sure you know which end of a screwdriver to hold.
Seriously - if your practical, then make sure you tell them that. I am not joking - some supposed 'engineers' I've met/worked with are absolutely terrible in terms of actually knowing how things are put together in 'real life, or being able to apply any kind of practical knowledge or skills if they actually have a heap of parts put on their desk.
I hasten to add these are often the ones with the most impressive qualifications and the maths brain.
I personally never did quite as well at school as I could/should, and thus dont have the 'top' degree to show for it. But I feel that it is a massive advantage that I actually know how things work, and can just happilly work on a shop floor with 'the lads' in my blue overcoat with a pencil behind my ear, as I can drive a complex bit of software at a CAD station. During my placement year, my previous and now my current employment I think that this advantage outweighs the disadvantage I have on my CV regarding what I studied and how I did.
The context will depend on what the companys like, but still if your genuinely able to demonstrate this - I'd make sure they know about it.
Seriously - if your practical, then make sure you tell them that. I am not joking - some supposed 'engineers' I've met/worked with are absolutely terrible in terms of actually knowing how things are put together in 'real life, or being able to apply any kind of practical knowledge or skills if they actually have a heap of parts put on their desk.
I hasten to add these are often the ones with the most impressive qualifications and the maths brain.
I personally never did quite as well at school as I could/should, and thus dont have the 'top' degree to show for it. But I feel that it is a massive advantage that I actually know how things work, and can just happilly work on a shop floor with 'the lads' in my blue overcoat with a pencil behind my ear, as I can drive a complex bit of software at a CAD station. During my placement year, my previous and now my current employment I think that this advantage outweighs the disadvantage I have on my CV regarding what I studied and how I did.
The context will depend on what the companys like, but still if your genuinely able to demonstrate this - I'd make sure they know about it.
Karyn said:
....does anyone have any knowledge on what a prospective employer might ask a potential design engineer?
This is my list so far...
And how can I make myself shine?!
You are a fresh grad. and so would not be expected to know any industry inside out. Relax on that score. This is my list so far...
- Previous design experience - detail and portfolio
- Knowledge and experience of appropriate CAD packages; design cycle; project management
- Knowledge of company and product/processes
- Previous employment...
And how can I make myself shine?!
In most engineering offices, you have a mix of old hands who've come up via the apprentice route and younger ones who are graduates. There is a wide difference in experience and industries these people have worked in, the main similarity are in people's attitudes to work and each other.
In a small/med. firm a hiring mnanager is looking for someone who can do the work but can also integrate well into the team - someone who is not so big headed that they cannot readily take advice and direction [a problem with some grads], but with enough nous to have responsibility delegated to them and enough authority to supervise manual grades and carry the office presence at meetings. They are also looking for someone they'd have a beer with. None of this has anything to do with engineering skill.
I'd be looking to question you in such a way as to see how you think and how you'd act in a certain situation. I'd want you to show logical thought and initiative in solving a problem yourself, before making the hypotehtital situation more diffuicult in the hope that you'd demonstrate a willingness to admit weakness and that you'd seek help and guidance from internal/external sources in order to meet the project brief. Expect to be questioned on health & safety, how you'd deal with insubordination, difficult suppliers & colleagues etc. Dealing with stress and heavy workloads are increasingly common lines of enquiry.
You will be expected to know the basics - mechanical principles and key areas from your course [Mech Eng?]. They will really be looking for someone who has both the capacity to learn and the interest/desire to do so.
If the interview is with engineering personnel only, you should have an answer ready when asked where you see yourself in 5/100yrs. But keep this specific - saying that x, y, and z interest you and you'd hope to drive your career in that direction and be at a certain level in the company. Weak airy fairy answers won't suffice.
If HR are present, expect weak, airy fairy questions!
Don't be afraid to say you don't know the answer. I always ask something they would never know and hate it when someone umms and ahhs or tries to bulls
t. IMO, 3D cad is an absolute must. Mostly similar [Inventor and Solidworks most common] and far superior to 2D. If you know about the design cycle and drawing management libraries then that may help, but these differ between companies and there is usually a designated person who looks after it [and fix the many bugs!]. I could teach my mum to use 3D CAD, it's not difficult. Search for 'Autodesk Inventor trial' and you can download a 30day evaluation copy free of charge.
Company knowledge is always a winner as it shows interest. you should try to talk about projects [present or future] that the company is involved in and steer that to talking about your strengths/interests and how you'd fit in.
IME, the best interviewers do not simply fire off a series of questions, they have a conversation with you about a great many things from which they get an idea of who you are and what you're about.
Don't get disheartened from knock backs, you only need one person to take a chance on you.
The above was fired off on my lunch, so if you need any detailed advice, feel free to PM me. I was a grad. entry design engineer for 6yrs with a major multinational and was also involved in graduate recruitment for them. I quit last year and am contracting at the moment so I get to see a lot of different companies and how they operate. I'm also trying to break into OG/offshore, which is making me feel somewhat of a graduate again in that I have no direct experience in that field.
I'd also advise getting on LinkedIn
Oh, and good luck
sorry, just read one of your replies.
PM me what agencies you are using and what field of engineering you want to get into. I am not north west based but was looking that way for a while and may have some recommendations. I'm sure you have realised by now that there is a huge gulf between good and bad agencies.
PM me what agencies you are using and what field of engineering you want to get into. I am not north west based but was looking that way for a while and may have some recommendations. I'm sure you have realised by now that there is a huge gulf between good and bad agencies.
Your location states Cumbria - is it BAES that you're interviewing for?
If it is there are a few BAE chaps that post in the planes, boats sections.
ETA and some practical advice - have an idea what the sector technology and business trends are.
One other thing, work out whether they want a backroom geek or generalist engineer and tailor you answer specifically.
You also need to work out for yourself which you are. Is it the number crunching or the general logistical problem solving you enjoy the most. Personally I hated the detailed stuff and enjoyed getting other to develop those bits for me to form the widget I was building. This is critical as the two directions in engineering are very different and the chances are you'll loath one and love the other. Sadly the latter is a much quicker way for career progression.
If it is there are a few BAE chaps that post in the planes, boats sections.
ETA and some practical advice - have an idea what the sector technology and business trends are.
One other thing, work out whether they want a backroom geek or generalist engineer and tailor you answer specifically.
You also need to work out for yourself which you are. Is it the number crunching or the general logistical problem solving you enjoy the most. Personally I hated the detailed stuff and enjoyed getting other to develop those bits for me to form the widget I was building. This is critical as the two directions in engineering are very different and the chances are you'll loath one and love the other. Sadly the latter is a much quicker way for career progression.
Edited by rhinochopig on Thursday 7th October 14:18
snotrag said:
Shirt I think we've spoken before briefly but I'm going to take you up on that offer even if the OP doesnt... PM on its way...
Oi! I did! Gift horses and mouths, and all that!rhinochopig said:
Your location states Cumbria - is it BAES that you're interviewing for?
No, it's not - I applied to their grad scheme, and a couple of other career roles, but got rejected (twice out of three applications, with no response from the third). They just don't want me. >sniff<
rhinochopig said:
One other thing, work out whether they want a backroom geek or generalist engineer and tailor you answer specifically. You also need to work out for yourself which you are. Is it the number crunching or the general logistical problem solving you enjoy the most.
OH! I know, alrighty - "logistical problem solving".... 
And if it's got the initial design element in it as well..... (wait. What's better than the
gif?!)Remember that there's nowt as queer as folk before you judge me, though!
Karyn said:
snotrag said:
Shirt I think we've spoken before briefly but I'm going to take you up on that offer even if the OP doesnt... PM on its way...
Oi! I did! Gift horses and mouths, and all that!rhinochopig said:
Your location states Cumbria - is it BAES that you're interviewing for?
No, it's not - I applied to their grad scheme, and a couple of other career roles, but got rejected (twice out of three applications, with no response from the third). They just don't want me. >sniff<
rhinochopig said:
One other thing, work out whether they want a backroom geek or generalist engineer and tailor you answer specifically. You also need to work out for yourself which you are. Is it the number crunching or the general logistical problem solving you enjoy the most.
OH! I know, alrighty - "logistical problem solving".... And if it's got the initial design element in it as well..... (wait. What's better than the
gif?!)Remember that there's nowt as queer as folk before you judge me, though!
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