30 Industrial Engineer Intern Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Industrial 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 stay motivated at work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking for insight into why and how you are motivated to achieve workplace goals and succeed at the job. They may also be seeking to discover whether the factors that motivate you are aligned with the company's goals and with the role in which you would be working.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Take some time to research the company and the job prior to the interview. The more you know about the organizational goals of the employer, the better equipped you'll be to respond. Reflect on your professional history and what you considered fulfilling about each job. Whether it was a successful meeting with a client, a complex project wrangled into submission, a new skill you mastered, or anything else, keep these positive moments in mind when conceptualizing your answer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm really driven by results. I feel most motivated when I have a deadline to meet and enough time to figure out a strong strategy for accomplishing it. At my last job, our yearly goals were very aggressive, but I worked with my manager and the rest of the team to figure out a month-by-month strategy for meeting the year-end numbers. It was a real thrill to accomplish that."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
2. What do you think makes a great industrial engineer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It's critical for the interviewer to find candidates who have a positive attitude about all parts of the job. They ask these types of questions to learn about what skills and attributes you feel are important to be a successful engineer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Industrial engineers study, develop, and manipulate systems in order to develop the most efficient processes possible. Industrial engineers must have general business knowledge as well as knowledge of mathematics, social sciences, and engineering in order to gain, analyze, predict, and evaluate data.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"The qualities that an industrial engineer must have include creativity and the ability to solve complex problems. They should also have good listening skills that would allow them to work well with a team and perform their duties well."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How do you feel about constructive criticism?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to understand your response to constructive feedback. They want to see if you get defensive or upset or are quick to assign blame. They are usually less interested in the type of criticism you received and more interested in how you handled it. They're also trying to assess how well you handle challenging situations and determine whether you can accept and apply constructive criticism. By evaluating your ability to accept criticism in a previous role, they can learn more about you as an employee and how you would perform in their organization.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Constructive criticism is an important part of professional growth, and this is a good chance to show your potential employer that you are open to improvement, and striving to do better. Explain that you think that criticism is an important agent of change, and you are open to receiving feedback from your peers, supervisors, and subordinates in order to further your growth and development.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I view criticism as an opportunity to improve my work. Constructive criticism allows me to learn about my weaknesses while continuing to grow and improve. I think it's important to keep an open mind and recognize that the person who is giving the advice is being helpful and just wants to see you succeed."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
4. Tell me about a time that you were not satisfied with your work performance. What did you do about it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interview questions around work performance are designed to explore whether you set high standards for yourself and strive to meet these standards. In asking this behavioral interview question the interviewer wants to know that you are able to accurately complete your tasks. They want hear about the steps you take to improve your skill set when needed.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Interview questions around work performance are designed to explore whether you set high standards for yourself and strive to meet these standards. Demonstrate how you try to attain high-performance standards and look for ways to correct any substandard performance or errors in your work. The goal of your response is to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have the maturity to respond productively and effectively in the face of dissatisfaction.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my last internship, my performance review rating was lower than I had expected. I met with my supervisor to establish a plan of action for improvement and set very specific targets to be met on a monthly basis. I worked really hard to meet these targets and constantly monitored my own performance. I also asked for regular feedback about my performance. After six months, my boss conducted another performance review and my rating improved. They even extended an offer for a full-time position following graduation, but I was looking to relocate and work for a larger company, so I had to decline the offer."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What qualities make a good team player?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most jobs require that you are able to communicate and work well with others. Different people have different comfort levels with teamwork, and the interviewer is interested in your thoughts on teamwork, your preferred method of doing your work, and your ability to collaborate with others.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Craft your answer in a way that you are able to highlight your strengths within your description. It can be helpful to review the job description to see what skills the company is looking for, as well as any specifics about their definition of a team player. If you have little experience with teamwork, focus your efforts on talking up your qualities that would be great contributions to a team. This indicates a willingness to be a positive contributor should you be called upon to participate in a team setting, as well as flexibility.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel the best approach to teamwork is based on constant experimentation and individual autonomy, backed by the sharing of ideas and innovations so that everyone can align with best practices and continual improvements. The future is becoming harder to predict and control, so responsiveness, flexibility, and agility is an important part of any successful engineering team."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
6. When working on a project with other technical professionals, do you naturally lead or follow?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Some people are natural leaders, while others are excellent followers. By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to gauge how you would fit into the organization's current team dynamics and assess whether you are someone they should flag for future leadership responsibilities. They often want candidates who are flexible, adaptable, and willing to take on different roles based on the specific needs of the company or project.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Reflect on your previous leadership experiences. It's important to share a past example with the interviewer. While you may not have formal leadership experience as a manager or supervisor, you may have influenced a fellow student or coworker to act or respond in a positive way. Consider discussing an example of a time you showed characteristics of both a leader and a follower. Think about the choices you made and how the situation affected your decision to lead or follow.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Based on my experience working as a junior engineer, I consider myself to be more of a follower. I enjoy being a part of a team, and I get a lot of satisfaction when I get a chance to contribute to a challenging and successful project. However, a personal goal of mine is to develop my leadership skills. I try to look for opportunities to lead my coworkers in small ways by showing up and setting an example for others."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I like to think of myself as both a strong leader and follower. I approach each project differently, and I respond to what it needs from me. I enjoy leading projects that relate to my strengths, but I'm also happy to follow the lead of others who may be a better fit for the role. In college, I had the opportunity to work on a group project with graduate students who had more experience and education than I did. Although I typically played the role of project manager on other school projects, I realized that I had a lot to learn from the other students and that it was time to take the role of follower."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
7. What's the most significant contribution you have made as an engineer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers typically ask this question because they want to get a sense of what you can bring to their organization. They're thinking that if you truly did something outstanding at your past job or during school, then the chances are very good that you will be able to do something similar with them.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Whatever contribution you choose to discuss as part of your answer, you need to ensure it is relatable to the company and role you are interviewing for. Answering this question is the perfect opportunity to stand out from other job seekers. Read over the job description and make a note of the company's needs. Try to identify examples from your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience valuable to the specific company. You'll be far more likely to get hired if you show your knowledge about the company culture and role expectations and relate your past successes to the job. Think of an answer that shows your abilities to not only handle challenges at work but also proactively plan ahead to prevent challenges from occurring in the first place. Discuss how you went above and beyond to ensure that your contribution made a difference.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I know you're one of the leaders in electric vehicle manufacturing. I read two recent news articles and discovered that you just finalized plans to build a new facility that will double your manufacturing capacity. One of my hopes in my current job search is to find a fast-growing organization that could take full advantage of my past experience as an engineer in the manufacturing industry. In my last internship position, I was part of a team responsible for streamlining manufacturing operations. I was excited to have the opportunity to interview and learn more about the specific work and challenges you are facing in your organization."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
8. What major challenges did you face during your last role? How did you handle them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every employee will face challenges from time to time. With this question, interviewers want to get a sense of your approach. Depending on the office culture, some approaches will make more sense than others.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
You'll want to be able to discuss a real challenge or problem (from school or work), not an arbitrary or annoying occurrence. You also want to be able to define how you met the challenge successfully--think about ways to emphasize how you made the most of a difficult time. If possible, try to mention a challenge most relevant to the role you're applying to. Employers want to hire individuals who can turn challenges into opportunities.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"At my previous internship, I had the chance to take on other jobs during our slow season. Unfortunately, the one task they asked me to handle was an action I was unfamiliar with. Because I was still pretty new to the job, I felt intimidated and nervous about asking for help since I didn't want to look like I didn't know what I was doing. As a result, I did not complete the task according to what the company wanted, and I ended up wasting more time since I had to redo it after my supervisor took me aside to go over the steps. I know now that it is always better to ask for clarification and ensure that I am on the right track to be more productive."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
9. Do you have any questions for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers will ask this for a few obvious reasons. First, they are putting the interview work on you. Maybe they aren't sure what to ask you next and, instead, they are going to put the work on you to continue guiding the interview.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Being thoughtful about the questions you ask will hopefully get the conversation flowing organically--and lead to more questions from you. When you ask smart questions at the end of your interview, it can play a dual role: it provides you with valuable information and is likely to impress the hiring manager. When trying to decide what questions to ask, prioritize the questions that will show you were engaged and listening in the interview. Don't waste your precious interview time asking a question that's already been answered. Asking questions about the company reveals that you've done your research and gives you a better picture of the company's outlook, values, and culture. Plus, it gives the impression that you're interested in growing with the company long-term.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"What does a typical day look like for a person in this position? And what are your short- and long-term goals for a new hire with this job title? How has this role grown or adapted to suit the needs of the organization?"
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
10. You may work as part of a team for various engineering projects. What makes a team function successfully, in your opinion?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers ask this question because they want to know if you have experience working on a team and if your work style and experience will benefit their project teams. Many jobs require employees to work with one another regularly, which could include communicating, completing tasks, and planning projects or presentations. Employers want to know that you can communicate well with others and complete projects successfully while on a team.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Your answer to this question lets the employer know if their team environment might be the right one for you. Your answer can help them measure your idea of successful teamwork against their own company culture. Consider discussing a recent example and maintain a positive attitude when speaking about your previous employer and teammates.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"Successful teams need a strong leader who is willing to provide as much or as little leadership as the team requires. In my last internship, I worked on an efficient, successful team that had an experienced and caring project manager. She checked in with our team and with individuals on a bi-weekly basis. She trusted us but also wanted us to learn as much as we could. We all felt invested in the project because leadership showed their own investment."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
11. What are your career aspirations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers use this question to get specific information about your potential at their company and whether your skillset will be a valuable addition to the team. Your answer will help them determine whether you're a good fit and have a future in their organization.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Your career aspirations include career paths you want to follow and what you want to do in the long term professionally. Answer this question based on the specific requirements in the job descriptions, your relevant past experience, and your education. Also, reassure the interviewer that you want to grow within the company. Explain to the interviewer how the job relates to your lifelong interest, career goals, and aspirations and how you plan to commit yourself to it.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"It's my career aspiration to one day be a high-level executive and senior industrial engineer. I aim to achieve that within the next 8-10 years. In order to reach that goal, I have to learn all I can from other engineers and senior leaders and continue to find ways to grow and learn on my own. This job opportunity will help me to gain the relevant experience I'll need to see my career aspirations through."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
12. What type of work environment do you prefer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to establish how well you will fit in at the company and within the company culture. It also helps them identify your most productive work environment.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
At this stage in the interview process, you may not know what it would be like to work for the company. It's a good idea to maintain that you are flexible and adapt happily to any environment. Avoid being dishonest--if there are certain environments that you absolutely cannot work in, do not say that you can handle them.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I enjoy working in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a good work ethic. I like working with competent, kind, energetic people who like to get things done and trust and rely on each other in times of need."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I can be flexible when it comes to my work environment. From your website, it looks like the environment in the engineering department at XYZ Company is fast-paced and structured to expand production. I enjoy working in an area experiencing rapid growth, and I think this kind of environment is conducive to new ideas and innovative solutions."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
13. How do you prioritize your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers ask this question as a way to evaluate your time management skills and to assess your ability to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Your answer to this question allows the interviewer to get an idea of how you would manage and complete your work assignments, should they hire you for the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Highlighting your time management skills, organizational skills and your ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance can show employers you are capable of taking on multiple responsibilities and performing efficiently on the job. Before the interview, consider how you plan out your daily schedule and set deadlines for urgent and important tasks. If you create a to-do list first thing in the morning, explain how you list your tasks and rank them in order of their urgency and importance. This shows the interviewer your initiative and your ability to effectively organize your workload.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I always communicate with my team lead about expected due dates for my assignments first. Then, I create my own, internal deadline based on my assigned due dates. Typically, I like to give myself at least a day or two in advance, that way I can complete my work and still have time to review everything thoroughly before turning it in to my manager for their input."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
14. How would your peers describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask questions about how your coworkers describe you to get a general sense of your personality and self-awareness. Some employers might compare your answer to how your references described you as a way to test the accuracy of your self-assessment.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
This question is open-ended and requires you to think about yourself from another person's perspective. A thorough and thoughtful answer shows strong interpersonal skills and perceptiveness. Use detailed, relevant examples and thoughtful word choices when sharing how others describe you to show the employer exactly how those traits would benefit their business.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think my peers and coworkers would both describe me as resourceful and someone who solves problems before I'm asked. In my most recent internship, I saved our manufacturing department $25,000 by identifying an electrical issue before it caused any damage, for example."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Behavioral
15. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to find out whether you understand how pressure affects you in the workplace and how you manage it. They want to know whether you can handle job-related stress and what you do in particularly stressful situations at work. This is especially important if you're interviewing for a position where stress is an integral part of the job--stress can have a negative impact on workplace performance.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Try to give an example of a specific time when you've experienced pressure at your job, then focus on how you manage your daily stress. Examples of this could be by practicing mindfulness, scheduling a 30-minute lunch break, or walking/running after work. Instead of focusing on your feelings and blaming others for your stress, highlight how you overcame the situation.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I am in a stressful situation, I often stop to take a step back and allow myself some time to think, plan, and prioritize. For example, if I've got a lot of different University projects I'm working on all at once, I become more efficient with my time. I break the big tasks up into separate, individual activities, working out which take the longest, which I can complete quite quickly, and which have the nearest deadlines. It then becomes more manageable and far less stressful."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Common
16. What can you bring to the company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers and interviewers are interested in learning how you may add value to the company. They are looking for specificity, creativity, and authenticity in your response to this question.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
These types of common interview questions give you the opportunity to discuss specific experiences or qualifications that make you a top candidate for the role. The goal is to convince your interviewer that they want you to work there. Make sure your answer is truthful and specific to the job and company you're interviewing for. Take time to conduct some research ahead of your interview to gain a deeper understanding of the job responsibilities and company culture. You want to figure out the main problems you're being hired to solve and any areas where the company or team is struggling or constantly running into issues.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have always been an energetic worker. Throughout my work history, this energy has shown itself in my upbeat attitude and ability to keep busy. Work has always been about more than a to-do list for me. I strive to take initiative to help on special projects and day-to-day tasks to ensure tasks get done. Of course, my energy is led by my time management skills, so I work on top-priority jobs before searching for busywork, and ask for help when needed. If I were to get this position, this energy, and everything that comes with it, would lead to brainstorming, innovation, and efficiency."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Common
17. Why do you want to work at this company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers are looking to hire someone who believes in the company's mission and wants to make a positive impact on the organization. They are searching for a candidate who is a strong fit for the position and the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Be prepared to discuss why the company and role appeal to you with genuine interest and excitement. Reference the organization's culture, mission, and vision, and share how these things align with your personal skills and career goals. The best way to make sure your answer leaves a positive impression is to do a fair amount of research and prepare your talking points ahead of time.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm impressed by your company's commitment to the growth and development of its employees. One of my friends works in your construction department and she has praised this company for its excellent treatment of employees for years. I'm looking for a company that empowers and challenges its employees to be the best professionals they can be. In my research, I've found that you invest in the ongoing education of your employees through education reimbursement, onsite training, and mentorship programs. In addition, you have a great reputation for leadership in the industry. This is a company at which I would be honored to grow my career."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Competency
18. Describe how you communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience, such as when conducting a customer presentation.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Teaching a non-technical person something technical in a few minutes is important in any industry. The interviewer wants to see that you are a good translator between tech and non-tech-related issues. This question also addresses your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
What You Need to Know
When it comes to communicating ideas effectively, it's your job as the communicator/presenter to make sure your talk is enjoyable, to wow the crowd, and to help get across what you want to say in a clear, simple, and easy-to-follow way. It's important to remember that every aspect of a presentation should be engaging and visually interesting to the audience. It's also important to make sure that your audience is paying attention from the very beginning. Avoid losing your audience in the early stages, as this will likely mean that you've lost your audience for the entire talk.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"When you can show the idea in terms of something the person already knows it will go much better. Often, analogy or simple anecdotes work well. I also try to illustrate complex concepts by showing the idea using diagrams and other forms of visual information."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I've found that an effective way to present technical material is to tone down the technical content to an absolute minimum and to not presume that my audience knows anything about the topic I'm presenting. Surprisingly, I've found this works for technical audiences too, as it brings everyone up to speed without sacrificing the audience's attention. It never hurts to slow down the presentation with brief explanations of the deeper technical aspects."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Competency
19. What are your greatest strengths?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The main reason interviewers ask this question is to identify whether your strengths align with the needs of the company and the job's responsibilities. The goal of the interviewer is to make a match between your credentials and strengths with the skills needed to succeed in the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
If you aren't sure about your strengths, ask some of your peers or professors what they see as your best qualities. Refer to any written feedback or references you've received in the past from peers or managers. Before the interview, prepare a list of your skills that best match those the employer is seeking. This list can include education or training, soft skills, hard skills, or past work experiences.
During the interview, discuss attributes that will best qualify you for the specific job and set you apart from the other candidates.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is my problem-solving skills. I can also work to tight deadlines under pressure. For example, I was once asked to complete a project that fell through the cracks. My supervisor discovered the mistake two hours before the deadline. It was an important client and a potentially award-winning project. Not only did the project have to go out on time, but it had to be perfect. I hunkered down and got busy. We were able to submit the project for review on time and it was recognized by the Institute of Industrial Engineers for an environmental sustainability award."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Discovery
20. What are you most passionate about?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question because they want to get to know you better. They also want to know what excites you, even if it's not job-related, and also get a glimpse of what your life is like outside of work. This question helps the employer work out whether you're a well-rounded person with a life outside of the office. Even if the hiring manager doesn't share your passion, they will relate to your enthusiasm.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Before the interview, prepare by picking a passion that you will talk about if you get asked this question. During your interview, remember to always be honest, and when it's appropriate, clearly communicate how your passion would make you an asset to your potential employer. You should aim to demonstrate your commitment to your passion, whatever that might be. Answer with honesty and just enough detail to successfully show the hiring manager a bit more about who you are.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm passionate about painting. I take an evening art class once a week and try to find time each weekend to paint. Painting is a good way for me to relax after a busy week. I also feel that it helps me to be more creative in other aspects of my life. Some of my most creative solutions to work problems have come when I'm painting in the studio."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Education
21. How has your education prepared you for an engineering role with our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers care about whether your education prepared you for a career with them. When asking this question, they are trying to find out if you've made practical, real-world connections between your academic studies and the professional world.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on the real-world applications of your education. If you had classroom projects that are tied to real engineering solutions, use them. If you had any type of case studies class, this is usually a good example to use. If you have had work experience and/or past internships, this is an opportunity to talk specifically about what you learned in the classroom that helped you in your work assignments.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"Several of my advanced engineering and math courses tied directly into the work I've been doing on the job. For example, my engineering statistics class tied in directly into my current capstone project, as we were analyzing user data and seeking to improve manufacturing processes to speed production while increasing quality assurance."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Education
22. How do you stay current with the latest technology?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to find out if you are someone who values continuous learning and shows a passion for the industry. They want to hire candidates who can contribute to their business by taking advantage of new technologies to deliver better features or reduce costs.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
This is an opportunity to form an overall impression of how interested you are in what they do. Discuss what you do to stay current and give enough details to show that you really do. An appropriate answer is anything at all to indicate that you try to keep your skillset updated or are aware of changes in the engineering tech world.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I really enjoy the engineering industry, and so it is interesting to me to learn and keep current with the ever-changing world we live in. I keep up with the industry in three main ways: subscribing to industry newsletters, attending monthly meetings, and following thought leaders on Twitter. I also attend virtual events on topics I find interesting in engineering practices and new innovations that can help me in the work I do everyday."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
General
23. What interests you about this job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to know how your experience matches up with the responsibilities of the job. They want to know specifics about your personality, goals, and qualifications, and how those match up with the open position. When deciding between comparable candidates, hiring managers will choose someone who is genuinely interested in the company's mission, operating philosophy, and approach.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
The best way to answer this question is to do your research on the position and provide details on how you're the right fit. Avoid giving generic answers. Instead, tailor your response to show that this role is particularly well-suited to your skills, experience, and interests in a way that will benefit both you and the employer. Try to be enthusiastic in your response--this is an opportunity to talk about what you find appealing about the position, and you should seem positive and eager to take on the role in your response.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I read about your company's reputation for growing your leadership talent from within. It is your company's commitment to not only that first entry-level job but also the commitment to career development at each stage of my career that interests me the most."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Goal
24. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers want to know that the candidate will be a fit for the company in both the short and long term. Considering how expensive it is to hire and onboard new employees, interviewers want to feel confident that the people they hire have the ambition to excel and potential for growth but who aren't already plotting how to land their next jobs.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Show how your professional goals and the job you're applying for align. Even before candidates field this question from hiring managers, they'll want to prepare by thinking through what their short- and long-term career goals are. You should avoid sharing too much detail when it comes to timelines and job titles. Discuss more generally the skills you hope to accrue, the experiences you hope to have, and the impact you hope to make.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I see myself eventually developing into a leader in the industrial engineering space. To get there, I hope to learn even more about maximizing efficiencies and optimization of complex processes along the way."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"In the next 5-10 years, I hope to be leading a team or department. I've always enjoyed leadership in my career, so growing as a leader is one of my core career goals right now. Your job posting looked exciting and mentions some great leadership opportunities, so I was eager to have a job interview and learn more about this opportunity."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Leadership
25. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Everyone in a company, even individual contributors and consultants, is a leader in some area, making leadership skills and qualities important to have no matter what your title. Even if a job isn't a managerial role, companies typically look for someone with leadership skills because they want a person who can grow in a position within the company and have the potential to become a leader within the company in the future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, take some time to think about what you think makes a strong leader and what sort of leader you are and want to be, whether or not anyone would be formally reporting to you in this role. Make a list of the qualities, skills, and actions you value in a leader and use this to define what leadership means to you. Define what leadership means to you in one to two sentences, and consider structuring your answer to this question using the STAR method. Do not answer by saying you have no leadership experience--everyone has demonstrated leadership at some point in their life.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Leading by example has gotten me the best results with the teams that I have worked with in past internships and school projects. Whenever a new project starts, I demonstrate leadership by taking the needed actions to kick the project off and demonstrating what must be done. I make sure that I organize the team in such a way that everybody is on the same page. This way, everybody understands their responsibilities to contribute to the project equally."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"Clear communication is one of my strengths. During projects, I facilitate an open and accessible environment to make sure that there are clear expectations and there is open communication. By demonstrating confidence in the team and their ability to complete the project, I try to inspire others and get the best out of every member on the team and make them perform to the best of their abilities."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Management
26. How do you stay organized?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers ask questions related to the organization because it is an important interpersonal skill that promotes productivity and efficiency. People who are organized typically use their time, energy, and resources more wisely than those who are disorganized.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to the interview, think about the tools you use to keep yourself organized in school or at work. By describing the specific ways you use these tools and how they help you accomplish work-related tasks, you're demonstrating your level of organization. You may want to describe how you save time by focusing on one task at a time to produce higher-quality work. If you work quickly with fewer distractions, you may explain how you avoid checking emails and answering phone calls when working on high-priority assignments.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I always have a notepad with me to write down quick reminders and to-do lists. I also use a variety of apps and digital tools to help me stay organized and remember important events. Most of the time I use an online calendar because it makes sharing my calendar and work projects with others so easy. In the past, I've also used different work management platforms to help me accomplish goals and meet deadlines. At the end of my shift, I make time to transfer the details of my handwritten notes into my online calendar. This ensures that I don't miss any important details from the day."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Management
27. Describe your ideal manager.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers will ask this question to assess how you'll respond to supervision if you're hired. They'll try to determine whether you have any issues with authority to determine how well you'll work within the company's management framework.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Check out the company's website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube before the interview to try to get clues about the company's general management style. Talk about your past jobs to demonstrate how you've worked well with former managers and supervisors. Be direct, get to the point, and then conclude by sharing an example, and/or explaining why you work well under a variety of different management and leadership styles.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I enjoy working under a manager or supervisor who gives me the ability to make decisions and trusts my work, but I've also worked for supervisors who check in quite often and have more of a hands-on approach to leadership, so I'm okay with that as well. I try to adapt to the organization and adjust my work to add value to whatever style of the company I'm in and how my manager prefers I work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Situational
28. What is the greatest challenge you have faced at work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers want to get more information on how well you can manage projects and challenging situations. Furthermore, they want to assess your approach to dealing with situations at work and how your skills could be of value in the role you are interviewing for.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Think of how you've overcome challenges, setbacks, struggles, problems, adversity, difficulties, or hardships in school or at work. Take time to prepare your answers in advance so that you're able to demonstrate how you deal with challenges and describe what you learned from them. When answering, be specific in your examples. Use the Experience + Learn = Grow model to formulate your answer. Discuss the challenge that you faced, the actions you took to overcome the challenge, the outcome, and what you learned from the process.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"One of the greatest challenges that I've faced at work has been situations where I have been left out of the loop of important communication that was necessary to enable me to do my tasks properly. Typically, the root of the problem has been a communication issue. To avoid this kind of problem from occurring, I make an effort early on and build relationships with colleagues, especially in critical teams where there is a great need for collaboration. I think it's important to have weekly team meetings to touch base with team members. I always thank my colleagues each time they keep me in the loop about upcoming deadlines, assignments, and priorities. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, I'll encounter last-minute requests or deadlines where I have to drop everything I'm working on and jump on another task to help with a deadline."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Situational
29. Describe a time you had to work on a team and something did not go well. What would you do differently?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewers ask you questions about things you would have done differently at work, they want to gain insight into your job-related weaknesses. They also want to learn more about how you respond to failure and whether you can identify and address your shortcomings proactively--a valuable asset in any employee.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Start by reflecting on past work experiences and make a list of situations that didn't turn out the way you would have liked. Think about what you learned from your experiences and what you would change to strengthen your ability to handle similar situations in the future. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about how you'd deal with a similar situation now. This shows how you've grown and learned. Mention any steps you took to upgrade your skills, increase your knowledge base, or modify behaviors. As with all interview responses, be sure to select issues you can discuss honestly and sincerely.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"During my college years, I had the opportunity to head up a major group capstone project. I felt unprepared in terms of my management skills, and I declined. I feel it was a missed opportunity and I wish I'd been open to challenging myself at that time. To ensure I never felt that way again, I've taken additional management and leadership training courses and have built mentoring relationships with past professors. I've gained confidence in my abilities to lead and manage others, and plan to continue finding ways to lead in the work I do."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"During my past internship, I worked on a complex project with a diverse engineer team that fell behind schedule. Everyone involved had individual goals, and while I stuck to my own tasks and completed everything on time, it didn't occur to me to check in with others on a regular basis. Now, when I work on large projects with others, I make sure to have check-in points."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Situational
30. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you have faced in college or at work, and how you dealt with it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to learn how you've handled specific situations in the past. In this case, how you handle conflict in college or at work, how resilient you are to adversity, and how quickly you can recover. The idea is that past performance will say a lot about how you would handle yourself if hired for the position.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
How to Answer
Describe a challenge that you encountered. If the challenge or conflict was not extremely obvious, then also explain to the interviewer how you recognized that there was a problem. This sort of proactive problem-solving is a very attractive skill in an employee. The job description is like a cheat sheet that tells you what are the most important skills required for the job. If the job description mentions project management, then use a challenge that involved showcasing your strong project management skills.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"One of the biggest challenges during my first year of college was the volume of work. It was a big adjustment from high school, and standards were much higher. I tackled this in a few different ways: I looked for opportunities to start or join study groups, met with my professors for advice on where to focus my attention, and set up a structured schedule to make sure I was putting in the required time studying. This resulted in my maintaining a 3.8 GPA, even though I was also working a part-time job to help pay for tuition."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on May 13th, 2022