30 Chemical Engineer Intern Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Chemical Engineer Intern interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. How do you deal with the relatively mundane or routine tasks required of an engineer, like reports and paperwork?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Some aspects of an engineer's job may not be the most exciting or glamorous, but that doesn't mean they're not important. A disengaged employee is more likely to make mistakes, so it's critical that interviewers hire candidates who have a positive attitude about all parts of the job and an understanding of why these tasks matter.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
No matter how mundane or boring a task may be, you are still expected to get the job done. Demonstrate that you are someone who takes pride in all aspects of their work and no task is beneath you. Your answer should show that you bring the same careful approach to the little things that you do as you do with more important responsibilities on projects.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I find it helpful to create a checklist of what I need to accomplish in a day. I try to finish the most routine tasks before moving on to the more interesting ones. It's better for me to start working on paperwork early in my day when I'm fresh, rather than dealing with it when I'm too tired or fatigued. If I'm feeling stuck sitting in front of the computer for most of the day, I try to remember to take short breaks to keep my mind alert; I'll take a short walk outside since exercise and fresh air helps me stay focused."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
2. If you could design your dream job, what would it look like?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewing for a job, hiring managers assess what you want from a position and how well you may fit in at the company. Interviewers want to understand your motivations, passions, and what drives you. Employers want to hire someone who is passionate and ambitious about engineering.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Prepare ahead of time by considering your ideal position. Your answer might be a mix of your current skills, values, and abilities you would like to develop. You should also consider what kind of lifestyle and achievements you'd like to have and what kind of job would help you attain them. Discuss your current strengths and skills and how they relate to the job. If you mentioned this earlier in your interview, you can still go into more detail when asked about your dream job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I value teamwork and communication, so I would love to work in a job setting where everyone works together well and holds themselves accountable. I always make sure to finish my assignments on time, and I would love to depend on my coworkers to do the same. I have always been a positive person, which translates to my work as well. Even when working on a challenging project, I find it essential to stay positive and encourage others to do the same."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How would your colleagues/peers describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers typically ask this question to determine how well you fit into a group dynamic. They also are looking to get a feel for your personality, teamwork ability, and how well you interact with others to solve problems. They are looking to get an honest sense of your strengths and weaknesses, and phrasing the question from your peer's point of view usually gets a more honest answer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When preparing for your interview, spend time reviewing the job requirements and rehearsing answers about how you and others would describe your key characteristics and skill set. Thinking about your best qualities ahead of time and deciding on how to relate them to the job can give you confidence when similar questions come up in an interview. Before going to your interview, develop a strong response to questions about how your coworkers would describe you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My peers know me best for being a team-oriented leader. One of my proudest moments was when one of my instructors offered to write me a letter of recommendation because she admired my empathy and leadership during a challenging college team project. She said that she could tell I had a personal investment in each person's success and appreciated the way I asked for feedback and celebrated everyone's successes."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"My past colleagues would describe me as a motivated and positive employee and as someone who brings good energy to the office. They would likely say that they enjoyed my commitment and willingness to jump in and help out anytime. They might also say that I was a little impatient sometimes and a bit of a perfectionist, but that's something I try to work on."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
4. What type of work environment do you prefer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers are looking for two key things in any candidate they're interviewing for a job: the ability to do the work and the ability to thrive at the company. Employees who mesh well with the company's environment will be happier, stay in the job longer, advance with the company, and contribute more.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Make sure you research the company before your interview. If you take the time to review the job description, and the company website, and do a quick search on YouTube for videos, you'll get some sense of the work environment. You may see employees hanging out together or participating in community volunteer projects on social media sites. In your response, give the interviewer a sense of what you enjoy, but lean towards saying you tend to thrive in an environment similar to theirs.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I really enjoy working in collaborative environments. I prefer a work culture where everyone's input is taken into consideration because I believe approaching any project with a range of perspectives is better for the project. For that reason, I also prefer an open office setting--as you have here--so that it's easy to check in with other team members, managers, and colleagues on other teams who might bring fresh ideas to a problem or have other areas of expertise. That being said, I really like the privacy rooms you pointed out because in some situations I do work better when I can step away and really focus to get things done after I've gotten the input I need."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What type of mentors do you seek out and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers want to learn about who you are as a person beyond what is on your resume. Describing your mentor and what you get out of that relationship shows that you proactively seek out learning opportunities.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Don't think of a mentor as someone who is only at work, but try to look at the people in your life that you consider important. As long as the person has offered you advice that made a difference in your life, that person could very well be considered a mentor. Take some time before the interview and think about someone who has helped you make progress in your career or personal life. Think about what they offered, and try to form that into a short two-sentence answer. If you won a big award or achieved something outstanding, there will always be people who helped you to achieve that goal--you can credit them as your mentor.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"My professional mentor is an advisor from my college. At first, I met with her to plan out my college courses. She has a degree in engineering and soon became a good friend and mentor. I've been speaking with her for the past two years, following graduation, to make sure that I'm taking the right steps for potential future advancements in my career. For example, she helped me get the right training in prep for taking the industry certification exams and I was able to pass on my first attempt, which is very unusual for most in our industry."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
6. How do you overcome the challenges you face on complex group projects?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By asking this behavioral interview question, your interviewer is trying to gain an understanding of your approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution. Interviewers are looking to hire a candidate that doesn't give up easily in the face of a challenge.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Engineers often work on complex and tasking projects that involve multiple resources, timelines, and teams. Your response to this question can show you can resolve conflict in the workplace. Make sure you thoroughly explain your thought processes for overcoming challenges and the practical ways you used your skills to get through the adverse conditions. You should give an example that demonstrates your ability to recover when things go wrong.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my last semester of college, we had a group project that involved partnering with practicing engineers. Around week four, we realized that one of the group members was not pulling his weight. The work he agreed to do was not getting done. I took charge of the situation and scheduled a group meeting to discuss the issue. Ultimately, that person dropped off the project, but by addressing the problem head-on, the group was able to divide up our work and complete the project on time. In the future, I would make sure that the group has weekly meetings to assess our progress. That would make sure the project was on track and that the work was getting done."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
7. How do you motivate your fellow team members to produce the best possible results?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is frequently asked for positions in which teamwork is essential. Finding thoughtful ways to motivate your team is great for the company's bottom line. Your response to this question offers interviewers a glimpse into your leadership and interpersonal style.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
In your response, it's helpful to demonstrate that you understand motivational approaches should be tailored to personality types. You can mention that you would take the time to get to know your team members and assess their needs and preferences. Also demonstrate your awareness of some of the common factors that help increase motivation at work, such as inspiration, support, team spirit, and recognition.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I believe that team members are more motivated and invested in the company when they understand the impact of a project and their role. I also think that they are more likely to be motivated if they have input regarding how to accomplish group or company goals."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
Behavioral
8. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or stakeholder on an engineering project. How did you handle the situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When job interviewers ask this question, they are trying to assess your communication and people skills. No one wants an employee who doesn't fit in with their colleagues or clients or blend into the company culture. This also helps the interviewer determine how flexible, accommodating, and influential your personality is and what you do when a conflict arises.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Managing the needs and expectations of clients/stakeholders is the key to the success of any project. One of the most critical aspects of managing stakeholders is capturing their expectations and project goals. It's critical that the project manager and team invest time in identifying, prioritizing, and assessing the client and project stakeholders to build a strong strategy and client/stakeholder management plan. This will help ensure that the project goals align with those of the clients and stakeholders so that the project can move forward smoothly and on time. The project manager should work closely with the team to accomplish tasks, but also communicate and practice project stakeholder management to build rapport with senior leadership.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Since it's early in my career, I haven't had a lot of experience dealing with clients one-on-one, but I've had the opportunity to learn from other skilled and empathetic project managers and senior engineers. I think disagreements between clients and engineers on some issues are unavoidable, and many people don't really handle them well. In my last internship, there was a pharmaceutical client who was uncommunicative and indecisive, which delayed our lab research and production schedule. The project manager sent an email and then set up a meeting to let them know. In the meeting, he let the client have their say and it was only when they stopped that he gently let them know the situation, the delays that were occurring, and the impact on delivery. I believe clients should be treated with respect and informed to their satisfaction because both of us want the same thing in the end: a quality finished project/product."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
9. How do you manage stress in your daily work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to assess your stress management skills. They want to know if you have the ability to stay calm in tense situations.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about how you handle stress and which strategies help you remain calm. Stress management techniques include using stress as a motivator, practicing relaxation methods, and balancing your professional and personal commitments.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I practice deep breathing exercises and meditation to handle my stress levels. When I know I have a big day ahead of me, I make sure to get up a little early and do a session. This gives me a chance to clear my mind and begin the day on a positive note. When a stressful situation happens, I use my meditation skills to recenter my focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes, simply taking a few deep breaths and looking at a situation objectively works great. I also find that it's better to direct my attention to finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
10. What would your previous employer or past professor say is your greatest strength?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a commonly-asked question in job interviews for all levels of positions in all industries. The interviewer wants to learn whether you're a good fit for the role you're interviewing for. The goal of the interviewer is to make a match between your credentials and the skills needed to succeed in the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When you're asked questions about your strengths, think of attributes that will best qualify you for the specific job and set you apart from the other candidates. Prepare ahead of time by reviewing the job description and matching your strengths to the requirements of the role. Think of comments on performance reviews and reference letters from past employers and professors and consider what others have complimented you for in the past.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is attention to detail. I've always been detail-oriented in my work, and it's something I enjoy. I saw in your job description that this role involves a lot of detail-oriented work, which is one reason I applied. In my last internship, I was frequently required to multi-task and jump from project to project based on project deadlines. Being flexible and detail-oriented allowed me to deliver 100% of my tasks on projects on time to the team and clients."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
11. Why should we hire you for this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager is gauging your response to determine if you are the right person for this job. What they really want to know is what differentiates you from other candidates they might be interviewing.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Read over the job description in detail and think of a few skills that make you uniquely qualified to perform the job duties. You need to be unique and separate yourself from the talent pool. While you cannot possibly know the qualifications of other applicants, now is the time to sell yourself and state the things that make you the best fit for the job. This is your sales pitch to show the hiring manager you're ready to do the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"As a recent college graduate, I know that what I'm lacking is career experience. However, the qualifications that I bring cannot be measured by traditional experience. After holding offices in four different on-campus organizations and managing a full course load of engineering and science classes, I learned how to multitask and prioritize responsibilities. In your fast-paced organization, the ability to effectively prioritize is a significant component of success."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
12. What interests you most about this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This type of question is used to get a better understanding of your motives and excitement regarding the opportunity and how well you answer open-ended questions. The interviewer is trying to gauge how interested you are in the opportunity and assess if your goals are aligned with the position.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, highlight your interest in the company due to its reputation, history, or innovation within the industry. This shows that you are aware of the company's growth, understand its current position, and want to be part of that journey. Show that you want to help the company achieve success and that you're aligned with its mission and goals. Take time to thoroughly research the position and company prior to the interview.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"By thoroughly reading your job listing for this position, I learned that you are looking for candidates with exceptional problem-solving and analytical abilities. I was drawn to this position because of my unique ability to identify problems quickly and come up with creative solutions. I have experience working on a number of different types of projects, solving various complex problems on teams of like-minded individuals. I have always worked hard to keep the quality of work produced by the company high. This position interested me because I saw an opportunity to do the same here. I would like to display my problem-solving skills and put them to good use in order to help this company excel. I value hard work and projects done with quality."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Behavioral
13. Tell me about some of your school involvements and how they relate to this job.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask these types of questions because they want to know a bit about your personality to see if you will fit in with the company culture, if you are a well-rounded person with interests outside of work, and what skills and abilities you have that relate to the job. While extracurricular activities are meant to be fun, they also are a way to increase your value to employers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
By giving honest answers that loosely connect back to the requirements of the job, you can show employers who you are and why you are a good hire. Be prepared to talk about your extracurricular activities and how they have helped you to grow as a person and how they have helped you develop valuable professional skills. After explaining your role in your extracurriculars, give a brief statement about some of the skills or abilities you developed through those activities.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've been involved in school athletics for almost my whole school career. I was a member of my high school's varsity soccer team and was voted captain during my senior year. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to UGA because of my soccer abilities. Through my athletic team experiences, I learned the value of being a good team member and working as a team both on and off the field. For example, my soccer teams always developed and ran a number of fundraisers throughout the year, requiring us to set and achieve goals together. I know how much effort it takes and how satisfying it is to achieve a group goal."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Career Goals
14. How did you decide to enter the field of chemical engineering?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask questions that allow them to learn more about you and your motivations. They may ask you this question to determine what you're passionate about. This question can also help them determine if you're a long-term fit and learn more about your career goals and plans for the future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Depending on your personal reasons for becoming a chemical engineer, it may be helpful to share a story about what motivated you to follow this career path. The story should be brief and may include a mentor who inspires you, someone who influenced you early in your studies. Share your passion and enthusiasm for chemical engineering in your response. Also, consider discussing your interest in chemical engineering while focusing on the value you can bring to the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"My uncle was the first person in my family to earn his college degree, and he became a chemical engineer. I used to visit him at work and learn about laboratory practices, and when I was in middle school, he got me a chemistry set to practice with. I've always been interested in science and math and I love the opportunities and diverse challenges this field of work offers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Career Goals
15. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers typically ask this type of question to gather insight into how well this job fits with your overall career aspirations. They also want to know if you're going to stay put in the new position--will this role satisfy you and will you stay with the company for a long time. If you leave, it's going to cost the hiring manager company time and money to replace you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
You want to give the hiring manager the impression that you're content with the position as is, but you should also express enthusiasm about developing your skills and progressing within the company. Also, show that your personal career goals align with the company's long-term goals. Take time before the interview to write down a few long-term career goals and aspirations that could flow from the job description.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"In five years, I want to complete the internal training program for my position. I've read about it on your website, and I think it's a fabulous program. Not only would I like to complete the training for my role, but I would be on the fast track to becoming a project manager and lead engineer--that's my top career goal. I love to travel and learn about new places, so my ideal path would include working abroad for a few years. I understand that it's of value to you to find people prepared to do so."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Competency
16. What is the most important lesson/skill you've learned from school?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers may ask about the most important lesson you learned in school because they want to get a sense of your character. The knowledge or education you value most can show interviewers who you are and the skills you possess. This question also allows you to demonstrate your confidence and aptitude for the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
The first step in crafting a strong response to this question is to consider the job requirements. You should find a way to connect your education to the company to highlight how your knowledge and skills make you a strong candidate for the role. You'll also want to demonstrate how you've put your education to use by providing specific examples from previous work or college experiences.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"The most important thing I've learned in college was to accept feedback and see this as a positive thing. The criticisms I received from my classmates and instructors have greatly shaped my growth as an engineer. It was initially difficult to share my work with others for their input and opinions, but I eventually realized that, regardless of the feedback, it has helped me become more effective and efficient at task execution. These experiences have also taught me to be constructively critical of others using language that emphasizes quality and shared goals while avoiding comments that could be interpreted as personal or overly critical."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Competency
17. What engineering skills have you developed or improved over the last year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers are curious to see if and how you are progressing with your skillset development. As an engineer, it's also important to stay up-to-date with changes in the industry and technological advances. Interviewers want to see that you're proactive about keeping your knowledge and skill-set relevant to the role.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Professional growth can mean different things because there are different ways to develop yourself. You can use this opportunity to show the skills you've taken the time to improve and explain why you chose the skills you did. Detail any new skills that you developed recently in college and during internships and describe how you obtained them. Finish by talking about your willingness to learn new skills and grow as a professional.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"As an entry-level engineer, I'm always learning new skills because we have to do such varied work. No two days are ever the same, so I always have the opportunity to learn new skills. I feel my skills in problem solving and technology are improving all the time--I'm fairly early on in my career and I still have a lot to learn."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"To keep developing myself as a professional, I've asked a past instructor and practicing engineer, who I've known for years, to be my mentor. I reached out to her recently and explained where I was in my career and the guidance I was seeking. For me, this mentor/mentee relationship has already been very beneficial. We meet every other week and she gives me tips and readings and challenges me to push myself professionally and personally."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Competency
18. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When an interviewer asks this question they want to find out a few things: whether you have a healthy level of self-awareness; whether you can be open and honest, particularly about your shortcomings; and whether you pursue self-improvement and growth opportunities to improve any weaknesses. Interviewers are also looking to gain insight into how self-reflective and honest you are and if you have humility.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
It can be challenging to answer this question. The key to preparing for this question is to identify weaknesses that still communicate strengths. This will show the interviewer you're introspective enough to know your areas of opportunity for growth and improvement. You don't want to respond with any weaknesses that will prevent you from succeeding in the role. Instead, you'll want to use this question to demonstrate how you've used a weakness as motivation to learn a new skill or grow professionally. Everyone has weaknesses--your interviewer doesn't expect you to be perfect.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've struggled in the past with staying organized. While it hasn't really impacted my performance, I've noticed my messy desk and cluttered inbox interfere with my efficiency. Over time, I've learned to set aside time to organize my physical and digital spaces, and I've seen it improve my efficiency levels in my professional and personal lives."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Competency
19. What are some of the key qualities a chemical engineer has to possess to be able to do their job effectively?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers look for candidates who demonstrate ingenuity, excellent analytical and interpersonal skills, are creative, and are great at math and problem-solving. They will ask this type of question early in the interview to learn a little bit about you and your skills and discover information they can use for follow-up questions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Interview preparation is vital, so prepare by analyzing the job description. Research the interviewers on the company website and LinkedIn to find out more about their specialty, their experiences, and other attributes.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several qualities that make a chemical engineer effective in their work. The first and most important is attention to detail. Chemical engineers need to be aware of every detail of the projects they are involved with to get the results they are looking for and for safety purposes. Other characteristics include patience, perseverance, creative problem-solving, and flexibility. Another characteristic is the ability to collaborate with a diverse workforce."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Discovery
20. What are the top three crucial skills of a successful chemical engineer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The goal of the interviewer is to evaluate your perspective on the crucial skills that create success in the role of an engineer. There are a few skills that most employers look for in job candidates no matter what the open position is, and having these skills can make you more marketable to recruiters. These skills include communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Chemical engineering students will enter the workforce with a robust problem-solving skillset and a strong background in math and science. But to be truly successful, they will also need to have soft skills (e.g., oral and written communication, teamwork, leadership). And as the world trends toward a higher degree of reliance on computer technology and pursues cleaner, sustainable industries, young graduates will also need experience in coding languages, cellular and molecular biology, etc., to succeed. Employers typically list the required and preferred qualifications in their job postings, so it is important to analyze these descriptions when applying for specific positions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think the top three crucial skills of a successful engineer are technical understanding in their industry, project management skills, and critical thinking and analytical ability."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Discovery
21. What do you view as the most important engineering issues facing our industry today?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to get a better sense of how you typically approach problems on a macro level while also gauging your knowledge of the industry as a whole. It's crucial for the future prosperity of the engineering industry that companies remain proactive on the challenges of tomorrow.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Great engineers stay abreast of current trends and issues--even if they don't directly impact the work--and are able to think critically about them. With the rapid rate at which changes are taking place in the world today, engineering firms have to find ways to stay ahead in a very competitive global market. To run an engineering business smoothly involves a lot of challenges, including staff and skill shortages, lack of project managers, and technological advances.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I recently read that the engineering industry is struggling against a widespread skill and staff shortage. Raising awareness of engineering careers is something I feel needs more attention. Young people who know more about what engineers do are more likely to perceive the profession in a positive way and to consider a career in engineering. A recent study showed that young people attending a STEM careers activities were over three times as likely to consider a career in engineering than those who had not. I'm committed to increasing the diversity and number of young people entering engineering careers. I'm very interested in participating in STEM outreach programs to encourage more young men and women to consider STEM careers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Discovery
22. What can you bring to our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers are interested in one thing above all else: can you add value to the company. They ask this type of interview question to see if you're confident in your abilities, to hear what you think your top strengths are, and to hear in your own words what you'd be able to contribute if hired.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Convince your interviewer that they want you to work there. Try to align your past education and experiences with the company's needs. Clearly state your value-add and how you can contribute to the company--both short and long-term.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've spent the past few years working in labs with leading chemists and engineers in the same industry that you operate in, so I won't need any extra time to learn the ins and outs of the industry. I also have experience being a part of a collaborative, team-oriented environment, which your company website says is a major part of the culture here. So that's another positive that I feel I'd bring to the team."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Education
23. How do you keep up with the latest trends in chemical engineering?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The goal of this question is to evaluate your interest in updating your professional competencies. Interviewers want to see that you make learning a priority and that you have an interest in growing professionally.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Successful engineers need to regularly update their skills and knowledge while staying current with the newest technology and best practices. Staying current with technology can prevent your skills from becoming stale. Keeping your tech skills fresh and up-to-date can help you advance in your career.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Because I'm working towards my professional designation, I'm involved in The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, which provides ongoing training and networking opportunities for junior engineers. I've joined several local engineering networking groups that provide guest speakers on a variety of topics. I also meet for lunch on a monthly basis with my mentor to discuss technical advances and new applications in engineering."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Experience
24. Tell me about a time you worked on a team to solve a problem? What role did you play?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question evaluates both your communication skills and how well you work as a member of a team. It gives the interviewer insight into how you handle common situations on the job. It demonstrates that you know how to be part of a team and have the soft skills to succeed. The interviewer wants to see if you can formulate a professional, clear response, how you speak about your teammates and leaders, and if you can get results working in a group.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
A good answer shows you can work with others towards a common goal, which is an essential skill no matter where you work. Prepare your answer before the interview using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Use this four-part process to answer this question in a way that demonstrates your teamwork skills, and be sure to focus on positivity and action.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I worked on a team in my last job and enjoyed the collaboration. Since I was a new intern in the company, before anything else, I wanted to learn from more experienced engineers. And boy did I learn a lot. The team was a diverse group of engineers and technical staff from all over the world with very different cultural backgrounds. It was an incredible learning experience and I believe that I grew a lot as an engineer on that team."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Goals
25. What do you hope to accomplish here within the first 90 days?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By asking this question, interviewers can get an idea of your work style and if you have a sense of what it takes to be successful in the role. They are generally looking to see if you will need a lot of hand-holding or have the ability to be self-sufficient during your training period and make significant contributions early on in your time on the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on specific things you will do to contribute to the company right away. You'll want to show that you'll take an active approach to learning your role, and emphasize that you'll make it a priority to be productive within your first few days on the job. However you decide to answer this question, you'll want to demonstrate that you understand the main duties of the job and that you know how to set and achieve goals. It's also important to demonstrate that you know when to reach out for help or more information when needed.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"In addition to getting to know the team and getting fully up to speed with the role, there's a lot I want to accomplish during my first three months in the role. In my past internship, my first few days involved meeting with my mentor and manager and setting delivery goals for my internship. Since the internship was only 90 days, I had a clear view of what needed to be accomplished. I would want to do the same thing with this role so that I can get off to a quick start in delivering the most urgent and important needs for the team."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Management
26. What is your strategy for organizing and prioritizing your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Completing work assignments on time is an important aspect of any job, and the interviewer wants to know that you can establish timelines for yourself that accommodate impending and shifting deadlines where necessary. Your response to this question allows the interviewer to assess your ability to be flexible and distinguish between urgent and important tasks. They want to know they can count on you to get work done without someone standing over your shoulder.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
During your interview, provide examples of how you plan out your daily schedule and set deadlines for urgent and important tasks. Be specific in your answer about how you manage your daily work assignments. After sharing your method for organizing and prioritizing your work, also mention how you typically handle a situation when changes occur. What you don't want to say is you are able to handle a large workload and would just work harder, longer, and do whatever it takes to get the work done--not only is that not efficient, it's not all that effective.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"My daily to-do list helps me maintain a steady workflow, but I also realize priorities change unexpectedly. With that in mind, I try not to overload my list with too many tasks to leave room for any necessary adjustments."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Management
27. Do you prefer a management style that is more hands on, or one that puts more of an emphasis on independent work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers want to ensure that candidates' personalities align with their company as much as their qualifications do. Different management styles work for different employees depending on their work ethic, personality, and values. This question also allows them to place new employees under supervisors or managers who can communicate well together and promote productivity.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, write down some notes or brainstorm possible responses to this question. You'll want to make sure your answer aligns somewhat with the company culture you're potentially about to join. Consider what you've liked about managers or leaders you've worked with in the past, and discuss a previous manager that you really enjoyed working with or one that assisted you in your career.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a lot of respect for managers who make a point of connecting their employees and individual job roles to the company as a whole, so I prefer the visionary management style. At my former workplace, my manager held weekly meetings to discuss how our team's actions affected the rest of the company. It really helped me develop a sense of accountability and a sense of purpose in even the smallest tasks."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Management
28. Describe your ideal manager/supervisor.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine whether you have any issues with authority or working within different management styles. They are looking to learn more about your preferred supervisor in an attempt to figure out how well you'll work within the company's management framework.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
When responding to this question, be direct, get to the point, and conclude by sharing an example or explaining why you work well under a variety of different management and leadership styles. Research the company's organizational structure before your interview so that you'll have a good idea of its management style. Then, tailor your answer so that it shows how you could seamlessly adapt to their system.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my opinion, an effective supervisor is one who offers leadership and brings the team together. It is someone with good communication skills who is neutral, trustworthy, flexible, and knows how to delegate effectively. The leader should also be a learner and should treat their subordinates as partners."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Organizational
29. Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work productively and efficiently. By asking this question, an interviewer can assess whether you can complete tasks with urgency when required and how well you might perform in the role overall. Deadlines play a major role in impacting a company's profit curve. This is because time management is the leading factor that drives a company's success. You will always be engaged with challenging goals which have to be completed within a deadline.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
How to Answer
Preparing an effective answer to this question can help you demonstrate to the hiring manager that you're ready for the demands of the role for which you're interviewing. Make sure that your answer includes specific details that show that you understand the urgency of deadlines and that you can perform to meet them successfully. By using specific examples, you give your answers more weight to demonstrate your value. Also, this way, you impress the interviewer the right way by providing concrete examples of how you handle deadlines.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my past internship, I delivered my primary project ahead of schedule and was then given a secondary project to deliver by the end of my internship. Since it was a project area where I did not yet have experience, it took me some time to come up to speed. Yet the original time estimate was based on someone already working within the department. When I got to within two weeks of completing my internship and returning to college, I knew that I was not going to be able to complete the secondary project by the end of my internship. I met with my internal mentor and we worked out a situation that allowed me to continue to work on the project part-time after the official end of the internship. She told me that they typically would not do this, but understood the circumstances and were willing to flex to make it happen. I was able to complete the secondary project a few weeks later and got a high overall rating for my work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Technical
30. Chemical engineers often need to work with both unit operations and unit processes. Can you tell me, in your own words, the difference between them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers use this question to test your introductory knowledge of a general concept within the field of chemical engineering. They are looking to learn more about your skill levels and how you process information. In addition to assessing your technical knowledge and skills, the interviewer will also be looking for what your thought process is when solving problems and how you will fit into the company's culture.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
What You Need to Know
As a chemical engineer, you can expect both technical and operational questions during the interview. This question deals with the differences between two basic aspects of chemical engineering. Most chemical engineers with any training or knowledge of the subject should be able to give some idea of this contrast in their own words. The answer deals with mass, concentration, energy, and reactions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"Unit operations involve changes that occur such as evaporation or distillation. Unit processes involve chemical reactions such as oxidization or reduction of a compound."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 18th, 2022