What do you feel is the most important skill an Engineer should possess?
While most interview answers should address the job for which you are applying, it is okay if your answer to this question is more general. Acknowledge that many skills are important and provide justification for why you chose this skill as the most important.
"I think the most important skill for an engineer to possess is problem-solving. It's a general skill used in any position. I'd also like to clarify that by 'problem-solving', I mean the ability to break the problem down into solvable pieces, noting what information is already given, what we are actually trying to find, and what resources are available to us to come up with a viable solution. Tenacity is also important here."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I believe the most important skill for an Engineer to possess is their technical knowledge and application of said knowledge. This is undoubtedly the skill that drives one's ability to problem solve, analyze issues, and implement solutions. These are all fundamental traits of what makes an effective Engineer.
Amanda's Feedback
This is an effective answer that shows you know what makes a good engineer. You've also added impact by sharing why the ability to apply technical knowledge effectively is important.
Anonymous Answer
There are many skills an engineer needs to have. If I have to pick just one, I would say problem-solving which equates to your invent and simplify leadership principle. Always looking for new ideas or ways to do things.
Marcie's Feedback
It's awesome that you've connected your answer to one of the company's principles - the interviewer will appreciate this. Problem-solving is a great skill to highlight. Why is it so important that an engineer possess problem-solving capabilities? And don't forget to remind the interviewer that you are a strong problem solver yourself (and give an example of a time when you creatively solved a problem that benefited your company). Good job!
Unlock all 34 Engineer questions
Unlock expert responses to technical and behavioral questions engineers face in interviews.
Get Started