This question gives you insight into a candidates motivations for pursuing a career in quality engineering. The candidate should have a clear reason for wanting to work as a Quality Engineer. What to look for in an answer:

• A clear reason for wanting to be a Quality Engineer
• A passionate and honest answer
• Clear career aspirations

A Quality Engineer has an obligation to ensure that everyone in the company is following quality standards. The candidate should be willing to confront the employee and take the necessary steps to ensure that quality standards are maintained. What to look for in an answer: 

• Willingness to confront employees not upholding quality standards
• Professional approach to conflict
• Willingness to educate employees on quality

During the development of quality assurance processes, Quality Engineers may have to work directly with their clients. The candidate should be comfortable working with the client and ensuring they meet their needs. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience working with clients
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to meet the client's needs

Quality Engineers may identify flaws in a production process during their assessments of a company's processes. The candidate should be able to outline their reaction to identifying a flaw in a production process and be willing to suggest solutions. What to look for in an answer:

• Willingness to report production issues
• Understanding of proper reporting
• Suggestions for solutions

Quality Engineers may be expected to contribute towards ensuring a company purchases quality materials for production. The candidate should be able to explain the steps they'd take to select quality materials for purchase. What to look for in an answer: 

• Process for sourcing quality materials
• Understanding of the importance of quality materials
• Awareness of budgetary limitations

A project quality plan is an outline of the steps that will be taken to ensure quality during a project. A Quality Engineer candidate should be familiar with project quality plans and understand their importance. This question tests the candidates knowledge of fundamental quality engineering knowledge. What to look for in an answer: 

• Definition of a project quality plan
• Explanation of why a project quality plan is important
• Clearly articulated answer

During quality assurance projects, a Quality Engineer may be expected to lead other quality assurance professionals as part of their work. What to look for in an answer:

• Leadership experience
• Leadership and communication skills
• Desire to gain more leadership experience

When implementing quality control processes, a Quality Engineer may deal with complaints from a client if there is a problem. A good Quality Engineer will be able to calmly take the criticism and formulate an appropriate response. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to take criticism
• Calm and measured response
• Problem-solving skills

This question gives you the opportunity to assess the candidate's understanding of the Quality Engineer role. They should be able to outline the main responsibilities of the role and link them back to the job description. What to look for in an answer:

• Description of the key responsibilities of a Quality Engineer
• Link their answer to the job description
• Understanding of the role

This question gives the candidate the opportunity to express their passion for the position and explain why they want to work for you. It also allows them to demonstrate that they've done their research on the job. What to look for in an answer:

• Reason for wanting to work for you
• Evidence of background research
• Compelling and passionate answer