30 Electrical Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Electrical Engineer 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. Give me an example of a time you went above and beyond the call of duty at work.
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks this specific question, he or she is likely trying to gain insight into your work ethic and understand how you define going 'beyond the call of duty.' Select a real experience you had, and make sure you are honest about it. Choose a specific situation that is one of your best accomplishments and relate it to the position you are interviewing for. Emphasize the actions that were above and beyond the set of expectations.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I often go above and beyond expectations. Most recently, I agreed to cover for a co-worker who was on short-term medical leave. I worked 10 hour days for two weeks so that our project did not suffer any setbacks."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Behavioral
2. Tell me about any products you designed and the challenges you faced.
How to Answer
Product design questions are common in electrical engineer/product manager interviews. Companies want employees who are motivated, can work with different teams, and can prioritize and ask for help when needed. A product manager has to be resilient, strategic, and insightful. The best way to prepare for this question is to thoroughly read through the description of the role you're applying for and find resources (dev blogs, press releases, etc) to research the products you'll be working with. Describe a product you designed, the process to get it to market, any challenges you faced, and what you learned from the experience. If you have not designed anything that has gone into production, simply say so. Be honest.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"As an entrepreneur, I spent years developing my consumer products and have helped other colleagues and entrepreneurs develop products. I learned that I needed to bring in other experts to fill in any gaps in my expertise while remaining involved in all key decisions during design and production. Very few people have all of the skills needed to develop a market-ready electronic product completely on their own. The product I developed was more complex mechanically than it was electronically. I did as much of the development as my skills allowed and tried to learn additional skills, but it took a lot of my energy and lengthened the time it took to get the product on the market. I'm an electrical engineer but not a mechanical engineer, so I reached out to a few freelance mechanical engineers late in the process to help me. Reaching out to other designers and technicians proved to be a good choice; I just wish I had known this sooner."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Behavioral
3. What do you do when you don't know the answer to a client's question?
How to Answer
Many interviewers ask tough questions not to see if you know the answer but to see how you react under pressure. Your answers can help them better understand how you approach resolving clients' questions or complaints and your knowledge of common conflict resolution strategies. Companies in all industries need to interact with their customers and clients and keep them happy. These interactions happen across several channels - in person, over the phone, via email or chat, and over social media. Think about a previous experience with a difficult or angry client or a time when you were asked a challenging question and didn't have an immediate answer. Use these situations to help you develop your answer. If the interviewer asks for a specific example, explain the situation in as much detail as possible and try to keep your response positive.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I don't know how to answer a client's question, I first apologize, as this is uncommon for me. I think it's important to be honest and not try to make something up on the fly. If I have some time, I'll perform additional research to try to find the answer or ask a coworker if they're available. If I still can't find an answer, I'll escalate the question to my supervisor. After my interaction with the client, I spend time later that day learning about the topic so I can make sure I have a solid answer the next time the question arises."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Behavioral
4. Describe a time when you had to communicate something difficult to your supervisor or colleagues; how did you manage to get your point across?
How to Answer
Interviewers will be interested in your communication skills and conflict-resolution abilities. Explain the situation and the resolution, along with anything you learned from the experience. Even though this question has to do with a conflict, you must make sure your example has a positive spin.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I once had to communicate to my entire team that our deadline had been pushed up one week ahead of schedule. Since I was out of town at the time, I had to resort to sending emails, which can be a tricky medium of communication. I made sure to be polite and respectful while still being assertive when informing my team members why they needed to put in more time and effort. I did not want to come across as a mean boss that demands things from their team members. When I got back to the office, I met with the team over lunch and explained that I would also work the extra hours to get the job done on time."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Behavioral
5. How do you deal with disagreements on your team?
How to Answer
Most electrical engineers work in groups with other types of engineers and project managers. The interviewer may ask this question to determine how well you work with others and what your perspective is when interacting with your fellow peers and industry professionals. You will most likely encounter colleagues who want to deviate from the original plan, so employers want to make sure you have excellent communication and conflict-management skills.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I join a new team, I always try to get to know my colleagues - their backgrounds, their past work experiences, and their design preferences. Once we all get to know each other, it's easier to have a purposeful conversation about the project and the roles we'll play on the team. I think it's best to have sensible expectations and realize that disagreements will happen. It's important to establish trust and mutual respect and consider the advantages and disadvantages of one approach over another. Then, the team can reach a meaningful conclusion that's best for the project."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Career Goals
6. What are your thoughts on the future of the power industry?
How to Answer
Hiring managers ask this question to see if you understand the current and relevant issues related to the industry. This is an opportunity to talk about your understanding of the bigger issues and the role that electrical engineers play in shaping the future. You should mention related articles you've read and any conferences, virtual events, and webinars you have attended as part of your efforts to stay informed. Before the interview, make a list of industry-related issues and trends and take time to read relevant articles and blogs related to the future of electrical engineering.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"This is such an exciting and transformative time for the power industry. I believe our industry has had more changes in the last five years than in the last 100. I believe there are several critical issues and uncertainties in the electric utility industry to consider over the next 20 years, including cyber security, distributed energy resources, climate change-related issues, and environmental regulations. Amid these uncertainties, utilities must be flexible and forward-looking, something they haven't always been known for. Customers expect more and look to their electrical engineers to be their trusted energy advisors."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Career Goals
7. What is a professional goal of yours and how do you see yourself reaching that goal?
How to Answer
This is a common question that interviewers will ask to determine if you are a serious professional. Every engineer will have his or her unique recipe for success. Whether you are an entry-level engineer or a seasoned professional, it's important to set goals that will keep you moving forward, goals that are realistic and attainable. The ability to set and achieve goals is essential to achieving a long and successful career as an electrical engineer. In your response, try to align your goals with the job description. Describe the opportunities you'd like to have to take on more responsibilities as you grow and learn.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"My immediate goal is to secure a position at a company like this one where I can continue to grow and improve myself, both personally and professionally. I enjoy challenges and look forward to opportunities where I can assume more responsibilities. Ultimately, I'd like to move into management with a focus on strategy and development and work my way into a long-term position where I can build a solid career. While I'm very happy as a member of a team, I'm looking forward to being able to take on small leadership roles, eventually working my way into a position as a manager and team leader. I have been very fortunate to have been surrounded by mentors and leaders who have been generous with their knowledge and time, and I look forward to the opportunity to become a mentor for others within this field."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Career Goals
8. What initially sparked your interest in electrical engineering?
How to Answer
Interviewers want to know what brought you to the field of electrical engineering. This question allows you to provide some background and maybe even a personal story to convey your initial interest in the industry. Avoid saying that you were good at math, chemistry, or physics in high school or that you knew the prospective salaries for electrical engineers would be on the higher end.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"At a young age, I became interested in electricity and wanted to learn how it worked. I knew early on that what I wanted to study in college. In high school, I read a biography about Nikola Tesla and the exciting breakthroughs he had made with electricity. I wanted to go beyond installing wiring or making repairs. I needed to go further than what an electrician might do, as I wanted to be able to create innovative products that run on electricity and design complex electrical control systems. In short, I knew I had to be an engineer working with electricity."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Career Goals
9. What do you find to be the most rewarding part of working as an electrical engineer?
How to Answer
Hiring managers look for motivated applicants that find their job rewarding. Working as an electrical engineer can be a high-stress job at times, so you must be dedicated to the work and find enjoyment in the demands of the job. To prepare for this question, make a list of things you found most rewarding in past positions, during internships, and during your education, and consider how it made you feel.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"For me, seeing a project from the initial idea to a fully functioning and state-of-the-art device or electrical system is the most rewarding part of the job. I take great pride in the work I do. Knowing that the technology I help design and develop can directly improve people's personal and professional lives makes this work even more rewarding."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Career Goals
10. What is your specialty within electrical engineering?
How to Answer
Employers ask this question to learn more about your specialty and what unique skills you can bring to their company. Electrical engineering is a specialty within the engineering industry, but having a specialized area within the field will make you even more marketable to employers. Talk about internships and specific projects that you've worked on in the past or want to focus on in the future. Emphasize your strengths and use terms related to your specialty to establish credibility and impress the interviewer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Although I have hands-on work experience, certifications, and academic training in all disciplines related to electrical engineering, my specialty is in power electronics and microelectronics. In my past position, I had a chance to explore new types of solar-powered 'smart nano-grids' and 'smart meters' that can generate affordable energy off the electrical grid and during mass power outages. I'd like to take the things I've learned and apply them to projects in a new role."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Common
11. Tell me about yourself and why you feel you are the best candidate for this position?
How to Answer
This type of question is likely to pop up at every stage of the interview process - from phone screening to the final interview. This is a common question asked at the beginning of interviews, as it can ease both you and the interviewer into the interview. It allows the interviewer to hear a short summary of your background and skills, and it gives them insight into what experience and qualifications you think are most relevant to the position you're interviewing for. By answering this question thoughtfully, you are setting the tone for the interview as a confident applicant who is attentive to the qualifications of the position.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would like to think I am a safety-focused, results-driven professional engineer who can be relied upon to carry out my tasks competently within strict rules and procedures in an efficient manner. Over the years, I have learned and developed several transferrable skills, qualities, and experiences that make me highly effective as an electrical engineer. For example, in my previous role, my supervisor would often ask me to work on challenging electrical engineering projects that required an analytical and data-driven approach. There is a huge amount of responsibility for an electrical engineer, and if you hire me for this position, I will work hard to repay the faith you have shown in employing me."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Common
12. Are you willing to travel?
How to Answer
Before the interview, know the travel requirements. The job description will most likely mention if travel is a requirement for the job, so this question should not catch you by surprise. You'll likely know a little bit about the travel requirement before applying and should set aside some time to think through this question. State any travel limitations you may have, but do not complain about travel or talk about past misfortunes in airports or at hotels.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm willing to travel up to 30% of the time. That's what I did in my last job, and I know I'm comfortable with that amount. I enjoy traveling for my job because I find that it allows me to expand my knowledge of the many facets of a company's customer base. Travel allows me to not only expand my education but also my professional network."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Competency
13. How do you manage your time?
How to Answer
Interviewers ask this question to find out if you are going to be able to cope with multiple tasks and deadlines. You should have a system for prioritizing and organizing your work, so be ready to explain your preferred technique to your interviewer. One important aspect of time management is setting targets and breaking down larger tasks and projects into small, more manageable steps. Look back at challenges you've overcome and achievements you're proud of. Chances are that your time management techniques came into play.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I typically like to split my day into 'most productive' and 'less productive' hours. I work best before lunch, so that's when I focus on the most important tasks that require focus and critical thinking. Following lunch, I focus on tasks like responding to emails, meeting with colleagues, or working on routine tasks that do not require concentrated thinking."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Competency
14. Tell me about your previous role and your responsibilities, and give me an example of a project you led.
How to Answer
Employers are looking for potential leaders, and you need to prove to them that you can lead a team. The interviewer wants to know if you can be trusted with complex projects and responsibilities. Discuss past roles and projects that highlight your leadership skills, your ability to work on complex projects, and/or your ability to handle several responsibilities at once. This is a chance to showcase your strengths and knowledge.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my last position, I led a small team of engineers who were responsible for establishing a smart grid for nearby rural areas. A traditional electric grid is a network of power plants, transmission lines, and transformers that sends electricity to every home or building. The smart grid that we created allowed for two-way digital communication and sensors along existing transmission lines, creating more efficient use of energy and a faster response time to power outages, making it easier to integrate distributed renewable energy sources."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Competency
15. Problem solving is a critical component for a successful engineer. Tell me about the most difficult engineering problem you had to solve.
How to Answer
For most engineers, problem-solving is essentially their profession. Critical thinking and abstract thought are invaluable tools that complement an engineer's technical expertise. When responding to this question, be as specific as possible and demonstrate that you are capable of working alone or as part of a team to solve problems. Focus on a problem you have effectively resolved. Describe the problem, what actions you took to resolve it, and the results.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Our internal engineering team had a very challenging problem come up recently at work, and several people tried to solve and could not. We had a customer request functionality in an existing product that does not currently exist. Initially, the team felt that the problem was too complicated to solve. However, I found a way to not only meet that customer's request for the functionality but also further build it out as a major new selling feature for the product. Let me walk you through the steps I took from start to finish . . ."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Competency
16. How would your teammates describe you?
How to Answer
Employers want to get a sense of your strengths and weaknesses; they want to make sure you're honest and self-aware. Be honest and give a genuine answer. The interviewer wants to learn about who you are as a worker and a person when they ask this question. Choose one or two traits that you feel would be beneficial in this position.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think my coworkers would describe me as resourceful, that I take the initiative to solve problems before I'm asked. In my most recent job, I recognized that we were using outdated software for data analysis. I brought this to my supervisor's attention and researched alternatives. I talked to vendors and participated in demos to find the best solution that would benefit the team and our product development."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Discovery
17. Which area(s) of electrical engineering is most interesting to you- industrial, residential, or microelectronics?
How to Answer
Interviewers ask this question to determine how well a candidate will fit into the structure of the company. Mention any relevant certifications, licenses, and education and any experience from previous jobs that specifically pertain to these areas, and mention that you are open to expanding your knowledge of the other areas.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I have worked as an industrial engineer longer than in any other field, I have also gained a great deal of experience as a residential electrical engineer by working on complex, short-term projects. Though I do not have a great deal of experience as a microelectronics engineer, I have made a hobby of gaining an understanding of the theoretical concepts behind the field and have taken workshops to learn more about it."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Goals
18. What would you hope to achieve in the first 3-6 months after being hired?
How to Answer
Interviewers ask this question to see what types of goals and standards you hold yourself to, especially in a new environment. Your response will give the hiring manager insight into your overall understanding of the position. Your goals and ambitions should align with the position and company, so take time to review the job description before the interview. Think about what you can realistically accomplish during this initial period, and consider what type of projects you're excited to take on.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I understand that this position requires someone who is an innovative and strategic thinker. I'm hoping for the opportunity to exhibit that by contributing my advanced skills in electromagnetism to your exciting projects. I am also excited to see that your company offers a wide variety of learning opportunities. Such opportunities directly align with my goal to move to a management position within a year or two. With this kind of support, I can see myself growing with this company to round out my leadership skills."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Leadership
19. Describe a time you had to work with a team member who was not contributing.
How to Answer
The hiring manager is asking this question to understand if you have experience resolving teamwork issues. Show your interviewer the steps that you took to find a solution in your example. When answering this question, make sure to focus on your strengths and demonstrate leadership skills. The purpose of this question is not to criticize other team members.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Since I worked in teams quite frequently in my previous position, it was inevitable that this situation would arise. A few years ago, I was assigned to work with a large team of engineers to create a new product for an important client. Each member of this team was assigned a specific task that was to be completed by our set deadline. One of the members was out for several days and fell way behind. He said that he probably would not finish his tasks on time. I sat down with him to understand why he was unable to finish his portion of the project. After all, this was what we committed to, and we all had equal parts. He explained that he had been having some issues in his personal life, and the distraction was inhibiting his ability to complete his tasks. We got the team together and reassigned some of the responsibilities to help him get back on track. Taking the time to understand his situation and figure out a solution was critical to our project completion. In the end, we were all able to finish our work on time, and the project was completed successfully."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Leadership
20. As an electrical engineer, how would you develop professional relationships?
How to Answer
An organization wants to know not only that you'll be a competent and professional engineer but that you can also build long-lasting, positive professional relationships with co-workers, contractors, and stakeholders that will benefit the company. It's important to show an interest in contributing to the success of the company and not just applying your technical skills to complete your tasks. Review the company website, what they do, their projects, and their clientele, and be prepared to discuss how you will contribute and why you think relationship-building is important.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think it's important to build strong working relationships for several reasons. First, you can complete tasks more quickly and effectively if you can call on others for advice or support when needed. Positive relationships with work colleagues and senior managers are also important because everyone in the company is working towards the same goal. Lastly, establishing a strong relationship built on trust and respect with clients is important in gaining additional work/ repeat clients."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Leadership
21. How would you respond if team members or consultants wanted to take a different direction on a project?
How to Answer
Teamwork is a priority for many employers, so when you're preparing for your interview, be ready to talk about your ability to work with others. Hiring managers want to ensure that you're not only technically qualified for the position but that you also have the soft skills, like communication and conflict resolution, necessary to work with others.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"In a past position, our electrical engineering team and the product design team often had lengthy discussions about functionality versus aesthetics. We were spending a lot of time working through the same issues over and over, and I felt we were wasting a lot of energy and not getting anywhere. I proposed that we begin the creative process earlier than we had in the past to ensure our team could structure the electronics in a way that better matched the designers' vision. We eventually established a highly effective process that benefited both teams and substantially reduced the time spent on projects and improved our overall product output."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Organizational
22. What are some ways you keep track of important project details?
How to Answer
Part of being detail-oriented is ensuring you have a complete understanding of the task you're working on. There are many effective ways to balance a workflow. Your interviewer wants to know how your process maintains a standard and delivers effectively. When answering this question, be sure to give specific examples of tools and techniques you use to stay organized.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I use a variety of project management tools, software programs, and strategies to make sure I stay on task during projects. I keep my calendar up to date with important due dates and meetings to make sure I hit all of my milestones. I also create a short guide with all of the main details for each project that I can refer to while I work. That way, I can double-check all of my work against the guide and stay on track when working on multiple projects."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Organizational
23. How do you handle repetitive tasks?
How to Answer
When asking this question, your interviewer wants to know two things - how organized you are in getting the job done and that you understand that not all tasks in a project are exciting. To answer this question, make sure that you have a grasp of the level of repetition required for the job you're applying for. It's best to show that you can handle this level of repetition by discussing experiences from past jobs.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have had repetitive tasks in past jobs regularly, and I don't mind doing them. I have developed some tips and tricks to make these tasks somewhat enjoyable, like taking breaks when needed and breaking up the repetition with other tasks throughout the day. I always try to keep in mind that all parts of a project are valuable and demand attention to detail. I appreciate and recognize my teammates and colleagues when the role they're playing is repetitive but valuable in that it makes everybody's jobs easier."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Situational
24. If you could offer suggestions to improve our company, what would you say?
How to Answer
Examine the trends of the company and research where there may be some weaknesses. Take time to read client feedback, reviews, and news articles, or look at their competitors to see how they're positioning against them. Once you've collected that knowledge, think creatively about how you could improve upon any weakness. Be strategic in your response. Keep it positive, and consider starting with a compliment. Acknowledge what's going right.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a job seeker, I'm always looking at what I can do for a company. This company is very good at what it does and has a great reputation as an innovator and leader in the industry. A lot of things are going right, which is the main reason I'm so interested in this position. This is a great company, but like everything else that is great, there is always room for improvement. As far as I can tell, your use of advanced project management platforms is not as proactive as it could be. There is nothing wrong with the methods you've been using to manage your people and projects, but the company may be better served by utilizing some of the new technologies and apps. I have experience designing and implementing these exact initiatives and would like to utilize my skills to help the company with this challenge."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Situational
25. How do you tell a co-worker that you found an error in their work?
How to Answer
When a hiring manager asks you this tough interview question, they want to know how you interact with others and how you deal with potential conflict or difficult situations in the workplace. Noticing an error is a positive attribute of being a detail-oriented engineer, and it's helpful to tell your colleague who made the mistake so they can avoid it in the future. In your answer, describe how you would, or did, positively handle this situation.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I always respect my fellow engineers, and my priority is to help them so that the company as a whole can benefit and succeed. When I find a peer's error, I let them know respectfully and kindly as soon as possible so that a bigger issue doesn't develop as a result. Mistakes happen, but it's helpful to address the issue quickly and in a friendly manner. I find time to talk to my peer in private or send an email that explains the error I found. I also like to offer my assistance should they need any help fixing it."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Situational
26. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you fix it?
How to Answer
Most employers recognize that mistakes happen. Your interviewer wants to know how you fixed a mistake you made and what you learned from it. Your approach to improving the situation is valuable because it demonstrates your ability to learn from errors and incorporate feedback. An employer would rather hire candidates who admit and grow from their mistakes than those who think they never make any. In your example, focus on how you dealt with the mistake and what you were able to learn from it. It's important to make sure you have an answer prepared before you go in for the job interview.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel I'm a very detailed-oriented person, and I usually don't make mistakes. I double-check all of my work and have others check my work when they have the time. There was a time in one of my engineering classes years ago where we worked in teams on our final project redesigning a consumer product with new technologies. I designed the electrical part of the project, and I promised my team I'd get my designs done three weeks early so the rest of the team could contribute their design based on my work. My team was surprised that I could turn it around that quickly, but I brushed off their concerns. Then, I got three new assignments that same week. I couldn't get my part done on time, and I felt terrible. My team worked together to finish the project, and we got an A, but I felt like I let everyone down. After that, I knew that I needed to manage my time better. I started using project management software, and I learned to under-promise and over-deliver, rather than the other way around. The following semester, I had a similar group project, and I gave myself several weeks to complete my part. When I delivered everything a week early, my team was thrilled."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Skills
27. Why do you want to work for us?
How to Answer
In your interview, you should try to convince the hiring manager that you genuinely want to work for them. You can say that you admire the company mission or the products they design or that the projects interest you greatly. You can also point out something about their culture, work environment, or something else that attracted you to the company and role, such as a strong brand and career growth opportunities. Review the company website, read company blogs, and learn about the team you'll be working with before the interview.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I came across the job description, I was excited about this role because it incorporates so many of the skills I have. I am very familiar with your company and the challenging projects that you work on. I know that this job would allow me to use my expertise to help meet the company's project goals."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Technical
28. How do you maintain precision throughout your work?
How to Answer
Interviewers want to know that you have the skills needed to facilitate exactness in your work. Any project involving electricity demands rigor, attention to detail, accuracy, and precision. A detail-oriented person focuses on the smaller aspects of projects and tasks. They avoid distractions and maintain a certain level of productivity throughout their workday. They can also work independently with little supervision, which is useful for most jobs. Employers value detail-oriented team members because they are consistent and deliver quality work.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm a perfectionist by nature, so that's always helped me in my work. I triple-check everything I do for both safety and efficiency. When I'm designing and testing, I'm very methodical and always meticulous. I keep an extremely detailed notebook that has everything from my earliest research to multiple design drafts and various comments at every single step of my process. Once I complete a project, I'll also include a comprehensive electrical performance report."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Technical
29. What is an alternator, and what is a generator?
How to Answer
This technical question is common for hiring managers to ask prospective electrical engineers. Interviewers like this question because a strong candidate's answer will explain not just what an alternator and a generator are but also provide insight into when the engineer might use one over the other. In your answer, provide an example of when you might use an alternator or a generator on a project related to the type of work the company does to show you've done your research on the organization and that you know your stuff.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Alternators and generators are both technically generators, but they operate differently and are usually used for different types of projects. Alternators create and store energy, only using what's necessary, while generators convert one source of power into another and don't store any excess energy. Alternators are best for small-scale projects, while generators are best for large-scale projects. I understand that your company works with clients that are typically seeking large-scale solutions to their engineering problems, so most projects probably incorporate generators over alternators."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Technical
30. What is your understanding of direct and alternating currents?
How to Answer
When hiring electrical engineers, interviewers often ask technical questions to test applicants' knowledge and experience. Answering these commonly asked interview questions with confidence and enthusiasm will help you demonstrate why you're the best candidate for the role. Make a list of electrical engineer-related terms and quiz yourself before the interview. You will most likely be asked a few technical questions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have experience working with both direct and alternating currents. I received extensive education and on-the-job training on currents, and I'm highly skilled in deciphering between the two and determining which current is best suited for the electrical project I'm tasked with. An alternating current is one in which electrons flow back and forth at regular intervals, while the electrons in a direct current only flow in one direction."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on November 18th, 2021