The technical knowledge of an engineer varies within each industry and engineering speciality, but the critical skills for success are similar throughout. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's perspective on the crucial skills that create success in the role of an engineer. What to look for in an answer:

• Solid foundational technical knowledge in their specific type of engineering, such as chemical or mechanical
• Understanding of the role of an engineer within the company
• Ability to identify critical skills and abilities that contribute to their career success

An engineer may choose to specialise in a specific engineering type, which they typically decide during their educational training. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's preference of engineering tasks to ensure it matches your company's needs. What to look for in an answer:

• Self-awareness of professional strengths, weaknesses, and preferences
• Ability to adapt knowledge to benefit the job
• A positive and enthusiastic attitude about their career

A competent engineer understands their professional strengths and weaknesses and works to improve their skills and knowledge. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's opinion of their most significant shortcoming. What to look for in an answer:

• Self-awareness of professional strengths and weaknesses
• Interest in continuing to improve their professional skills and abilities
• Ability to adapt their experience to benefit the position

A competent engineer must ensure their work is free of errors and mistakes. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's process for checking the accuracy of their work. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in producing high-quality work that is accurate and error-free
• Ability to follow a systematic process to check their work
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to determine where in their work there is the possibility for error

A competent engineer has taken extensive post-secondary education and can implement their knowledge in their position. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's academic background and ability to adapt what they've learned in real-life situations. What to look for in an answer:

• Completion of company-specific educational requirements, as needed
• Ability to implement knowledge into their daily work
• Interest in continuing to improve their professional skills

A successful engineer needs to regularly update their skills and knowledge while staying current with the newest technology and best practises. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's interest in updating their professional competencies. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in taking part in professional development opportunities
• Ability to implement newly learned knowledge into their job
• Communication and networking skills to participate in learning

A competent engineer must tackle challenging projects throughout their career. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's most demanding project so far in their experience. What to look for in an answer:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess a project and prioritise tasks effectively
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop viable solutions
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work productively within a project team

A successful engineer works on projects that improve the lives of those they serve and contribute to the company they work for. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to contribute positively within their role. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in producing high-quality work that provides a contribution
• Attention to detail and accuracy in the work they complete
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess a project for maximum impact

A competent engineer must organise their day and prioritise their tasks for maximum productivity. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to organisation, time management, and prioritization. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of what duties are important and the ability to prioritise tasks independently
• organisational skills to maintain a systematic approach to information and duties
• Time management skills to monitor hours worked on projects, upcoming meetings, and critical deadlines

A successful engineer must be able to handle customer concerns, requests, and questions. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's experience dealing directly with clients and ability to handle conflict. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in providing a positive customer experience
• Communication skills to ask questions, listen actively, and address concerns
• Ability to adapt communication style to the audience being addressed

A competent engineer must work effectively with various other professionals and teams throughout a project. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to work well with others, regardless of their role within the project. What to look for in an answer:

• Interpersonal skills to work independently and within a team
• Leadership skills to provide guidance and direction to others
• Ability to take direction and follow instructions when required

An engineer often works within a project team or department and may even manage or supervise others. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's description of a successful team. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in working to develop a strong team environment
• Communication skills to share ideas and concepts with others
• Interpersonal skills to get along with others and work within a team

A competent engineer must be able to adapt their communication towards the audience they are addressing. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to tailor their vocabulary and information to the people they're talking with. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in speaking in a way that people understand the ideas and concepts
• Ability to use simple language and terms to explain complex technical information
• Adaptability and flexibility to address various situations

An engineer must lead by example and by providing guidance and direction to less experienced professionals. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to supervise and lead others within a team or project. What to look for in an answer:

• Leadership skills to provide guidance and support to less experienced team members
• Communication skills to offer precise information in easy-to-understand language
• Interest in being a leader within their position to others

Before arriving for the interview, an engineering candidate should understand what your company does, the industry you serve, and the details of the job description. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's interest in researching the company and position before the interview. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in researching the company and position before the interview
• Understanding the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the job
• Ability to adapt their experience to benefit the position