The Best Way To Answer Engineering Interview Questions

Want to know the secret to answering the toughest engineering interview questions? The key to the best answers is crafting the perfect PITCH!

You are so excited because you just landed an interview for an engineering job. But then, reality sets in and you start to become nervous. How do you prepare? Where do you even start?

First, congratulations! Instead of panicking about the interview, be proud of yourself for getting the interview! Did you know, for one job opening only 2% of applicants are called in for an interview? So if you are nervous about your interview, think of that and know that you have already impressed them. Now, they just want to get to know you more.

Your resume demonstrated you are competent. The point of the interview is to see if you are a “fit”, are you likable, will the employees want to be around you everyday? This is why 73% of HR professionals use behavioral interviews.

Behavioral interview questions help employers understand how you have handled situations in the past. Then, this allows them to learn how you’ll react to things that happen when you are working for them.

This aligns with my engineering experience. I have interviewed many individuals ranging from interns to principal engineers. The majority of my questions are behavioral and they are the ones that people tend to struggle with the most.

These are the hardest questions to answer because technically, there is no right or wrong answer. Furthermore, your answer relies on you recalling a specific example to demonstrate that you can do what they’re asking.

Examples of these types of questions include:

Tell me about a time a project did not go as planned, what did you do?
Was there a time that you received constructive criticism? If so, how did you react?
Have you ever experienced a team member that was difficult to work with? What did you do?

Where Do You Start With Preparing For These Engineering Interview Questions?

Identify the skills you want to highlight. You can use the job description to see what skills they are looking for that you also possess. In addition, you can use this Engineering Skill Set List, which details technical and soft skills employers are interested in. Target ten skills you want to highlight.

Then, think of examples of when you demonstrated these skills. The best way to answer behavioral type questions is with an example. Examples show the interviewer evidence that you can do what they’re asking.

It is best practice to create a running list of these examples. In other words, whenever you encounter a situation that you handled well, add it to your list. This way, you will be prepared when you do have an interview and you won’t forget what you have done.

Need some inspiration for the technical and soft skills employers are looking for? The good news is that we’ve built a quick summary list that covers all the skills so you can quickly identify your strengths to highlight on your resume and next interview, this will definitely pay off! For a limited time, get your free list now!

So what is the secret to giving amazing answers using these examples? The key to sounding impressive in front of your next hiring manager, and leaving a lasting impression is knowing how to give a proper PITCH.

The PITCH Method

The PITCH method is an effective strategy specifically designed to help engineers answer some of the more challenging ‘problem solving’ or behavioral questions. This method will guide you through how to give memorable, hire-worthy responses. Each step explains the objective you should meet and the information the interviewer is actually looking to gain from you.

How To Use The PITCH Method To Answer Engineering Interview Questions

P: Problem Definition

Your Objective: Clearly define the problem or challenge. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how clearly you can communicate.

Employer’s Objective: Once hired, the employer will feel confident that you can break down the important details quickly and effectively in similar scenarios with them too.

I: Impact To The Business

Your Objective: What was the impact or pain point of the problem in your example to the business, organization, or class? Interviewees often leave this important step out. You want to clearly lay out the impact your problem has if you did not address it. This will bring importance to the issue you are describing.

Employers Objective: Most companies assume you will be able to handle small day-to-day tasks. Employers are looking for candidates who can be difference-makers.

T: Take Action Using Your Skills

Your Objective: When discussing the steps you took to overcome the challenge, you want to highlight the tools or skills you used to do so. This is the second item that is usually left out of peoples’ answers to behavioral engineering interview questions. You really want to take this opportunity to show how you used the tools or skills you have effectively.

Some examples of tools you could have used are Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Viso, SolidWorks, or MATLAB.

For skills, it could range from technical skills, such as data analysis, programming, design, or manufacturing to soft skills including communication, leadership, or organization.

Need help brainstorming skills? Be sure to grab out free Engineering Skill Set List. This details technical and soft skills employers care about. It will make you stand out!

Employers Objective: Employers assume you’re going to go through a sequence of events, which is something you should absolutely do. But elevate your pitch! Show them the tools you know and skills you have. This is what they are looking for!

C: Change That Occurred

Your Objective: What was the transformation? Because of the actions you took, what changed or what was the result?

Employer’s Objective: Results are what drives companies. All interviewers want to know what results you have produced because they want to know how you will help their company. They want a candidate that is going to make an impact right away.

H: Happy Closing With Confidence

Your Objective: Describe the end result. Be sure to describe how you made life better for the organization. Have confidence because you just nailed that engineering interview question! Smile and be proud of yourself. This will relax you and get you ready for the next question. The more relaxed you are and the more conversational the interview is, the better it goes. The best interviews seem more like you are just having a conversation as opposed to an interview.

Employer’s Objective: Be aware that the person interviewing you has 1000 problems going on, and then some more on top of that. They are trying to picture what life could look like (how much happier they could be!) after they hire you.

So why is the PITCH method so successful? First, it focuses on how you can help the company. Secondly, it emphasizes your skills and the impact you had, which elevates your example.

Now you know exactly how to respond to the toughest behavioral engineering interview questions! YOU GOT THIS!

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