Do you have to perform a task in order to understand how it works?

This question posed by the interviewer is used for determining what type of learner you are. There are three main cognitive learning styles: auditory, kinesthetic and visual. Of the three learning styles, experts agree that visual learners do the best in engineering fields. Industrial engineers must often observe a process or procedure in order to understand it. Afterward, they will analyze it and approve it. Kinesthetic learners will most likely have the most trouble in this type of job since it is tactile learning "“ meaning the person learns by carrying out the physical activity, rather than watching demonstrations or listening to a lecture.

You can start out by saying, 'I'm a kinesthetic learner' if you are. As you can probably tell, there might be an issue if you don't explain that it's not a hindrance. To get around this, say, I am normally a kinesthetic type of learner, but I overcame this tendency in college. In college, I had to learn other ways of conducting my studies since you can't always learn by doing.'

'Through my process of using industrial engineering tools, the process of observation, taking detailed notes, statistical analysis, and my experience, no one would ever know I'm a kinesthetic learner. In short, it's not a hindrance at all.'

Also, if you feel you're not the strongest in this area, a letter of recommendation from your current or former employer or college professor, that expands upon your knowledge and/or experience in process observation and continuous improvement, can speak volumes, too.

Then again, if you know that there will be no issue at all, simply say, 'My track record on my resume speaks for itself, and I do not need to perform a task to understand how it works.'