30 Nuclear Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Nuclear Engineer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Adaptability
1. Have you worked on remote teams? What strategies and tools do you use?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When hiring managers interview candidates for remote roles, they look for people who not only have the skills to do the job itself but also understand what it takes to successfully work from home. So while the remote jobs you're pursuing may be similar to in-office roles you've had in the past, working from home requires a different work style. Hiring managers will put more weight on your soft skills like listening, tone, and body language via a virtual medium (like Skype or Zoom) because you'll likely be doing these things daily in a remote role.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Be ready to answer questions that are focused on a specific set of remote work skills in addition to the usual interview questions you might get for a traditional in-office job and questions specific to the role or industry. While every company is different, the most common traits recruiters and hiring managers look for when interviewing a candidate for a remote job include reliability, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my previous remote role, our team used Zoom for weekly meetings and impromptu one-on-ones. We were also expected to be available on Slack throughout the day for quick questions or updates and often worked in shared docs and spreadsheets on Google Drive. I know your project teams use Airtable to track projects, which I'm not as familiar with, but I spent some time working with a demo the other day, and I think I can familiarize myself with it rather quickly."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Why did you choose a career in nuclear engineering?
How to Answer
This question gives you the opportunity to show the interviewer how excited you are about the industry and the prospect of the job. Enthusiasm is contagious, and this is the right time to show it. Delve into the aspects of nuclear engineering that truly excite you, and explain why they are meaningful to you. Balance your passion with details about how you developed experience and skills in the field to show that you've taken action to apply your enthusiasm constructively. Anecdotes are great tools to use in interviews, and you can incorporate them into your answers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is meant to make you think about how you might fit into the company culture and if this position is the right choice for you. The interviewer wants to understand your motivations for deciding on this career and if you plan to grow with the company long-term.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've always had a strong interest in science and studied a variety of subjects in college when I first began. I was not sure what I wanted to do until I took a course in ecology and environmental sustainability. The class introduced me to concepts of alternative energy sources, climate change, and other environmental challenges. I enjoyed the class and immediately recognized both my passion and proclivity for working towards solutions for the future of the planet. I decided to continue this course of study and develop my skills to the greatest extent I could, and after graduation, I naturally chose to continue on this path and work towards my master's degree."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How do you manage conflicts with colleagues in the workplace?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers ask this type of question to learn more about your personality. Past behavior often indicates how you would react in comparable future situations. Interviewers like to hear that prospective employees are honest and have strong opinions, and they want new team members who respond well to authority.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Use the STAR method to answer this question. Situation: Briefly explain the issue you dealt with in a positive, constructive way. Task: Describe your role in the situation. Action: Discuss what you did to resolve or address the situation. Result: Emphasize what you learned and the positive outcome of your actions. Provide an example you are proud of and explain the lessons you took away from the experience. Emphasize the resolution instead of dwelling on the conflict itself, and avoid saying anything derogatory about a former manager or colleague, as your interviewer will likely interpret this as unprofessional behavior.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my experience, communication is key in resolving conflicts. In a past position, I was working as a project manager on a nuclear energy research project, and one technician was constantly late finishing tasks. When I approached him about it, he reacted defensively. I stayed calm, acknowledged that the deadlines were challenging, and asked how I could assist him in improving his performance. He calmed down and told me that he was involved in another project where he had to do tasks that were not in his job description. After a meeting with the other project manager, we came to a resolution that alleviated the technician's workload. For the remainder of the project, the technician delivered great work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
4. Talk about a time you had to make a difficult ethical decision in the workplace.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers ask ethical dilemma interview questions to assess your integrity and approach to evaluating and solving problems in the workplace. It allows employers to see what your values are as a professional and how those values align with the company's values.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Think of a situation in which you solved a conflict, took action against unethical behavior, or had to rely on your problem-solving and ability to act under pressure. Describe your experience and highlight your communication skills, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Avoid stating that you've never been faced with an ethical dilemma.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Since I have experience working in the healthcare industry, I've worked with several rules, regulations, policies, and ethics that I'm required to adhere to, including safety and cleanliness regulations. In my last job, I was required to attend periodic training that reinforced the rules and regulations, provided updated information on the organization's policies, and gave me methods to stay compliant with all of them. I don't have a specific example, but if a violation occurred, it was immediately addressed by my supervisor to prevent it from recurring. These methods kept me compliant and provided a safe work and lab environment for both the people I interacted with and me."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
5. Do you work well on a team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Teamwork-related interview questions are designed to test your ability to interact and productively work with others. Interviewers want to find out if you can deal with diverse personalities, communicate effectively, collaborate, and possibly lead when necessary.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Before the interview, carefully review the job description so you understand what "teamwork" means for the position and the company. Come to the interview with several examples from your past work experience that demonstrate you know how to work with, manage, or lead teams. For recent college graduates with limited professional experience, discuss academic or extracurricular experiences that demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've found that I really enjoy working in a team environment, and I get along well with many different personality types. At my previous job, I created a system to use during meetings that gave everyone a chance to speak and pitch their ideas. All of the team members felt that their opinions were heard, and productivity was increased by 20%."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
6. How do you handle stressful situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Job stress can have a negative impact on workplace performance, and your interviewers want to know whether you can handle work-related stress. Interviewers look for candidates who can deal with a range of stressful situations, both personal and work-related. Employees who understand their reaction to stress are an asset to hiring managers. They will appreciate a candidate who is motivated by healthy pressure and uses it to produce quality, efficient work.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you've handled stress in college or a past position. Explain the tools, methods, and techniques you use to work under pressure. Focus on stories and examples that demonstrate personal growth. This will show the interviewer how you turn stress into a positive, especially if you discuss an example where stress helped your work in some way.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I stay motivated by thinking about the result. I've found that even during a challenging situation, reminding myself of my goals helps me take a step back and stay positive."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"Communication is key in stressful situations to ensure everyone is on the same page. For example, I was working on a project with another team, and we found there was a lot of duplicate work being done. By scheduling a weekly meeting and keeping open lines of communication with our teams and managers, we were able to work more efficiently and push the project forward to meet crucial deadlines."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
7. How would you describe your work style?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer asks this question to determine if you're a good fit for the role and the organization. While this open-ended question might seem vague, it allows you to showcase yourself in a positive light. This question also requires you to know your strengths and weaknesses and how to adapt to changing circumstances.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Explain how your work style is a good fit for the company. When answering this question, keep the job description in mind. Research the company culture ahead of time, read over the job description before interviewing, and align your answer with their requirements.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"My work style is extremely flexible. Working on so many different experiments in my past role required me to be adaptive. I focus on one project at a time, working as quickly and efficiently as possible to achieve the best results. All of my projects require collaboration with my lab teammates, so I use the team environment to check for errors. I'm a perfectionist and a driven worker, and my communication skills allow me to bring out the best in any team on any project."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
8. What does your typical day look like in your current job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to gain some insight into how you will plan your day and work through issues if hired for this position. While there is not necessarily a right or wrong way to answer this question, your interviewer will be listening for some subtle characteristics of your work style in your answer to this question.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
As you talk about your typical workday in your current job, mention how you prioritize your work and remain flexible when high-needs tasks come up unexpectedly. Emphasize your most productive moments and how you overcome any challenges or obstacles throughout your day. Remain confident and positive in your response; this is a great time to showcase enthusiasm for your position and the industry.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"On a typical Monday morning, I begin by going over the list from the previous week. This way, I can set up my priorities. I review my team emails and the status of the projects I'm currently working on and finish any pending work. I make sure that all the work assigned to me is moving forward and without any glitches."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
9. If hired, how do you intend to make a difference with our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewers ask about your contributions, they want to learn whether you have the skills required to do the job and the ability to succeed in the position. The ideal candidate for most positions should bring experience, skills, and qualifications to the role.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
The best way to answer questions about your potential contributions to the company is to give examples of what you have accomplished in the past and relate them to what you can achieve in the future. Research the company before the interview so you are familiar with the company's mission. Identify the company's specific needs and then respond with examples of why your background, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer by fulfilling those needs.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"My previous work experience includes innovation in many areas, including strategies for more effective teamwork. At my previous company, I devised strategies to improve teamwork and communication among members of team projects. I can bring to your organization not only my ideas from my previous job but my general passion for innovation."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
10. How do you practice safety on the job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most employers are concerned about worker safety since injuries or other workplace incidents can impact productivity, morale, and insurance rates, and leave the organization vulnerable to lawsuits. Interviewers will ask this question about employee safety, particularly when interviewing candidates who will be working with chemicals, in lab settings, or management positions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This is an opportunity to showcase how you have handled safety in your past positions. Share how important safety is to you, and recount specific instances where you have improved safety or changed safety protocols for the benefit of your past employer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I start working in the lab, I make sure there is appropriate equipment, material storage, and tidy work areas. I also make notes about areas for improvement and recommendations I can share with my manager at a future meeting."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
11. 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 whether you have a healthy level of self-awareness. They want to learn more about your efforts to pursue self-improvement and growth opportunities to combat these issues, as opposed to letting these weaknesses hold you back.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
What You Need to Know
It can be difficult to answer this question, especially when you expect to be discussing the skills, talents, and capabilities that make you the strongest candidate for the job. Framing your weaknesses positively can be challenging, but when you combine self-awareness with an action plan, you can stand apart from other job applicants. Prepare for this question by identifying any weaknesses that still communicate strength. Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have a hard time letting go of a project. I'm the biggest critic of my work. I can always find something that needs to be improved or changed. To improve in this area, I give myself deadlines for revisions."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
12. Why did you choose to apply with us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Companies want to hire candidates who understand and believe in the company's mission. They are looking for employees who can make a positive impact on the organization and its clients or customers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Research the company, its culture, and its competitors before the interview. You should have coherent reasons for wanting to work there, such as the reputation of the company, its values, its growth and success, or your appreciation of the products/services it offers. Shape your answer on your current career goals and what you plan for the future, as well as your impressions of the working culture to leave your interviewer with the impression that you are career-focused and interested in the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"The [name of company] reputation is certainly a factor. I would be proud to work for a company with such impressive innovations [describe an example of the company's recent work] in the industry. I'm also confident that my experience in my past position would be fitting for this role because [examples of how your experience would benefit you in this specific role]."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
13. How would you rate your communication skills for this job?
What You Need to Know
Listening skills are important; interviewers want to hear you describe yourself as a good listener. Remember that your words should correspond with the impression you make on the hiring managers. Listen carefully to each question during the interview. Do not interrupt in the middle of the sentence; make eye contact and speak directly. Demonstrating excellent listening skills in the interview is more important than boasting about them.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If an employer asks you this question, take it as a hint that they are expecting you to possess excellent interpersonal skills. Hiring managers look for employees who can speak appropriately with a variety of people while conveying information in a way the other person can understand.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Judging by experience, I would say that my communication skills are very good. I have never had a problem explaining things to my colleagues while leading meetings at work, hearing critical feedback, or dealing with rejection. We should never be completely satisfied, and we should strive to improve on our communication skills since they are vital."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
14. Have you ever had difficulty getting others to accept your ideas? What was your approach, and did it work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer may be looking for a response that highlights your persuasive and problem-solving skills. A good interviewer will ask about specific times you influenced others, including the circumstances of the situation, what you did specifically, and the outcome.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Questions like this give you a chance to highlight the skills, personality traits, experiences, and knowledge you have that will benefit the company. Avoid discussing times where you attempted to influence others unsuccessfully or where you attempted to influence others in questionable situations. Focus on the steps you took to resolve the problem and convince your coworkers or manager of the merits of your solution. Explain why your solution was the better choice and how you came to that conclusion so the hiring manager sees there was a method to your persuasion.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"While working on my recent internship, I needed access to data from a different department to complete one segment of my project. The head of that department initially refused my request for access to the data because I was an intern. I went to my manager requesting assistance, and she said it was a learning opportunity for me. So I asked the department manager to meet in person. At that meeting, I walked him through the scope of my project, how the data would be used, and how it would be kept secure. Once he understood the actual use of the data and its security, he authorized my access later that day."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
15. What three words/phrases describe you as a Nuclear Engineer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager asks this question to learn more about your personality and how you see yourself. This list can reveal a lot about who you are and how you might fit into their culture and workplace. Your answer also gives the manager an indication of your self-perception and self-awareness, which is a good indicator of the type of employee you will be.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Thoughtfully explain who you are and why you're the best candidate for the position. Prepare ahead of time by asking a friend or co-worker how they would describe you. Find words or phrases that match the job description. Tell the interviewer why you've chosen these words and back up your claims with strong, story-based examples.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. I'm not comfortable with settling, and I'm always looking for an opportunity to do better. In my previous role, I was promoted within six months of being hired."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
16. Discuss your thoughts on nuclear power and safety in the workplace.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question enables you to showcase how you have handled safety-related issues in past positions. The interviewer wants to hear specific instances where you have improved safety or changed safety protocols for the benefit of a past employer and employees. The interviewer may also expand on this question during the interview and ask if you have any specific safety protocols you would recommend for their workplace.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about occupational health and safety in a comprehensive manner. Think of three or more scenarios where you addressed workplace safety or health issues. Consider all the possible threats to the well-being of workers in your past workplaces. Prepare for the interview by outlining any interventions you made to increase employee well-being and the impact your actions had on the frequency or severity of problems. Interventions can include worker education, training programs, workplace safety displays, a communications campaign, or establishing new policies and procedures. If you didn't have the opportunity to increase employee health in a previous work environment, think of problems you noted and strategies you would have enacted if you had been able to.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"My leadership skills and attention to detail are two of the skills that I've used most in my experience regarding safety in the workplace. My strong leadership skills have helped me communicate with my team effectively. Attention to detail is also important, as it allows me to consider every aspect of a project and find new places to implement safety procedures."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Behavioral
17. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you correct the mistake?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks questions like this to understand how you handle challenges. Everyone makes mistakes, and the interviewer wants to know how you handle those mistakes. They also want to determine your weaknesses and decide if you have what it takes to do the job well.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about a specific example of a time you made a mistake. Briefly explain what the mistake was and then explain what you learned or how you improved after making that mistake. When talking about what you learned, emphasize the skills or qualities you gained that are important for the job you're interviewing for now.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"One thing I have learned from past mistakes is when to ask for help. I have learned that it is better to ask for clarification and help to deal with an issue right away than to be unsure. I read that your company emphasizes teamwork and the need to be in constant communication with one another, and I think my ability to ask (and answer) questions of my peers would help me fit in well with your company culture."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Career Goals
18. What are your career goals?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is common for interviewers to ask future-focused questions. For hiring managers, this question reveals if you have any long-term visions or plans. It is expensive to hire and train an employee, so the interviewer wants to make sure that you intend to stay awhile at the company and that you have ambition and goals for your future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
What You Need to Know
If you haven't thought about the direction you'd like your career to go, it's a good idea to give it some thought before you go on a job interview. Prepare an answer that focuses on your career goals as they relate to the company you're interviewing for. Don't focus on goals related to earnings, raises, bonuses, or perks. Focus on the work you hope to achieve rather than the money you want to make.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I just graduated with my degree in nuclear physics, and I'm excited to get my first position in the industry. My long-term goals are to learn a variety of areas within the field of nuclear engineering and work toward deciding what area of specialization I want to focus on. I'd love to become an expert in one specific field of nuclear engineering in the long term, but I know the first step is to build a solid foundation and learn the basics in an entry-level role. I saw this job offers exposure to a variety of areas, which was very interesting to me."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Competency
19. Are you a natural problem solver?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This type of question is commonly asked during interviews since problem-solving skills are essential in most jobs. There are challenges in every workplace, and when hiring new employees, hiring managers look for candidates who are equipped to deal with those challenges. Interviewers want you to explain a situation, how you approached it, and how you solved it. Furthermore, the interviewer is interested in what you learned from that experience.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Before your interview, thoroughly research the position and company. Read the job description carefully to find specific skills a candidate needs to possess to successfully perform the job. These skills might include adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. Create a list of past work experiences that required these skills. Highlight successful situations in which you demonstrated these skills and deliver a concise answer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I believe I am a natural problem solver, and I typically follow a process to solve problems. When I'm faced with a problem, I research similar problems and determine how they have been solved by other engineers. From that research, I'm able to decide which approach works best for me, the team, and the organization. Then, I decide what actions need to be taken to solve the problem, and I put the process into motion while communicating with my managers and co-workers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Competency
20. Why are you the best candidate for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know why it would be better to hire you instead of another candidate and assess that you, as the candidate, are aware of what the company is looking for. They are looking for a direct and confident answer. They also want to see evidence that you understand the job and have relevant skills to succeed in the role.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Review the job description to understand the role expectations and skillsets and how they align with your career goals. Think of everything from the interviewer's point of view - what would they find most useful or helpful based on their company and job posting. Talk about a unique skill that would make you stand out from other candidates. Show that you are an asset to the company and a perfect fit for the team. Make sure your answer is clear, direct, and concise.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm confident that I'm a good fit for this position for several reasons but most specifically because of my dedication to going above and beyond for a job. I am committed to learning new skills on my own to succeed in this role. I know that you are seeking a self-motivated individual for this job. In my previous job, I taught myself how to use a new database system in my free time. This allowed me to incorporate all project information into a searchable system for others to use, learn, and apply to their projects."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Competency
21. In your opinion, is nuclear power a great energy source for the future?
What You Need to Know
Some opinion questions might seek to measure where you stand on issues in the workplace or your industry. These questions require a measured response that exhibits your foresight and demonstrates your awareness and knowledge of current business-related trends and events. Show your interviewer you understand the industry, even if you don't have a lot of professional experience.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Research the company and its important projects before your interview. This will help you understand their values and discover any questions you have about working there. Plus, taking time to prepare shows the hiring manager you take the interview seriously. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with recent issues and the future of the industry by following multiple experts and companies in the field.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Like all energy sources, nuclear power has advantages and disadvantages. I feel the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. First and foremost, since it produces energy via nuclear fission rather than chemical burning, it generates baseload electricity with no output of carbon, the most concerning element of global warming. Also, nuclear power releases less radiation into the environment than any other major energy source."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Competency
22. Describe the characteristics of a successful manager.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you have the qualities needed to be successful as an employee and leader in the company; specifically, what your experiences have been working within a team and how you react to your supervisors. They are also interested in the characteristics you value most and if you'll be a fit as an employee within their organization.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Stay positive when discussing previous managers. Do not trash talk past managers or colleagues. Instead, focus on your work style. Discuss how a previous supervisor helped you reach company or personal goals. If you stay upbeat and focused, you will stand out from other candidates. Before your interview, think of an example of a time your manager brought out the best in you. Reflect on the problem that was presented and how you and your supervisor worked together to create a viable solution.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my opinion, a strong leader has a clear vision and understanding of what it takes to get the job done. In my previous job, my lab supervisor helped the company and team achieve goals by focusing on these two important factors. This manager consistently communicated the big idea to team members. She was also excellent at assigning responsibility to specific individuals without micro-managing them. When we worked on a project, she assigned tasks and trusted our ability to perform and complete these tasks on time. I found myself working hard to meet the company objectives, yet I also had a clear understanding of my specific contribution to the ultimate goal."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Competency
23. What is your greatest strength?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to determine if your strengths align with the needs of the company and the job's responsibilities. They want to learn whether you're a good fit for the role you're interviewing for and if you have a strong skill set for the role. The goal of the interviewer is to find the best match between the candidate's credentials and the skills needed to succeed in the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Keep your answer brief, and focus on making one strength and describing why it is a key strength of yours. Pick something that will help you succeed in this job. To prepare for the interview, review the job description and figure out what the job requires or what's most important to the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I've always been detail-oriented in my work, and it's something I enjoy. I noticed on your job description that this role involves a lot of detail-oriented project work, which is one reason I applied."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Knowledge
24. What have you done to further your own professional development in the past year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to understand your willingness to grow, learn, and improve. Your answer will give the interviewer an indicator of your willingness to invest in yourself to grow and expand your skillset into the future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Business strategies constantly change in fast, dynamic environments. Therefore, companies must continue to adapt to stay profitable. This means that as the company evolves, its workforce needs to adapt. This is also the reason employers look for candidates who are proactive in their professional self-development and continuous learning efforts.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"The future of engineering solutions is constantly evolving, and it's essential that I continue to gain knowledge through seminars and conferences. For example, this year, I attended the XX event and several other smaller virtual events regarding nuclear energy and climate change, an area of particular interest for me. Through these conferences, I've met some great connections in the industry, which increased the value of my professional network. Besides offering networking opportunities, I also return to the workplace with new energy, inspiration, ideas, and knowledge to apply in my position."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Knowledge
25. Where do you see the future of nuclear power in the next 20 years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is a good way for hiring managers to determine if you are aware of issues in nuclear energy and have an opinion about the future and direction of the industry. Hiring managers are looking for someone willing to stay ahead of the curve.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
The key to answering this question effectively comes down to two things: your up-to-date knowledge and your ability to stay informed and curious about the future of the industry. Show that you can bring value to the business by preparing a list of examples before the interview. During the interview, talk about relevant topics you've learned about recently and your opinion on the direction of the industry.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"The world will need significantly increased energy supply in the future, especially cleanly-generated electricity. Currently, nuclear power provides about 10% of the world's electricity and 18% of electricity in OECD countries. Growth in the world's population and economy, coupled with rapid urbanization, will result in a substantial increase in energy demand in the coming years."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Knowledge
26. How do you stay current in the industry?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you are passionate about the industry; someone who loves their job is willing to put in the extra effort. Furthermore, staying abreast of industry trends helps assess new customer and market opportunities.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
What You Need to Know
As professionals immerse themselves in their careers and personal responsibilities, it can be challenging to remain knowledgeable about current trends and industry changes. Technology is transforming industries at an exponential rate, which makes it difficult for professionals to keep up with the impacts on their field. Being aware of the latest news in the nuclear industry can increase your potential value to the organization and equip you with a professional advantage.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
The best way to show your natural interest in your role and the industry is to read up on industry trends, newsworthy events, and policy changes. Discuss how you stay on top of industry trends and cite a few different ways that you keep up with the industry. Furthermore, impress the interviewer with a new tool or process that makes it easier for them to get industry knowledge.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"I keep up with the industry in three main ways - subscribing to industry newsletters, attending monthly meetups, and following thought leaders on Twitter. XX is an excellent industry newsletter that summarizes news, stats, and trends in the industry every morning. Monthly meetups not only open up new ideas but also create opportunities to forge new connections. Lastly, my Twitter feed is a real-time view of what top thought leaders are currently reading."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Knowledge
27. What do you know about our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Companies want to hire someone who is careful and selective in their job search. They ask this question to see how much research and preparation you've done for the interview. To impress them, you need to be ready to get specific and name facts and details you read about their company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Name specific facts you found while researching the company that demonstrate you understand their business and became familiar with their organization before applying. You can name facts you discovered on the company website, social media channels, news articles, and more. From the information that you have gathered during research, choose key details to mention when answering this question. Take special note of any major accomplishments or impending product launches.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"The company was founded in 1994 by XX. I feel a real connection to the mission and values of this company, and I am impressed by how much it has grown over the last several years. The work that you did for XX was so innovative, and I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted to be a part of the creative team here. I was really glad to see that your work on that project was recognized with a XX award this past year."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Situational
28. Have you ever been involved in an emergency situation? What actions did you and your team take?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is not only about how you responded to the unexpected but also whether there was anything you could have done to better prepare for or even avoid the unexpected event. The interviewer will look for how you might have made changes to handle such events in the future. They are truly interested in how you reacted and what you learned from the situation or event.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Consider urgent problems you have solved in the past or challenges you helped resolve in the workplace or college. Describe how you and your team members worked through the situation, including what steps you took and the outcome. Be sure to mention that you did not allow the situation to ruin your day/week, and you simply did what needed to be done.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"At my current job, a client called late Friday afternoon with an urgent question about their project status. Usually, my boss directly interacts with our clients, but he'd already left for the weekend. I told the client that while I might not know the exact answer, I could help because I was also working on the project. The client was fine with that. We worked through the question together, and I was able to provide enough information that the client felt the rest could wait until Monday. I left a detailed note for my boss asking him to check in with the client on Monday."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Situational
29. Tell us about a time you were particularly effective prioritizing tasks and completing a project on schedule.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is about how you handle priorities and work under pressure. Most jobs entail some level of inability to complete all tasks, so the ability to prioritize confidently is a key work competency, both for individual contributors and project managers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
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. Highlighting your time management skills, organizational skills, and 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. Focus on a time you had to get others involved in setting and approving the prioritization of your work tasks and/or projects. Ideally, this would include your manager but could also include other team members or external managers who request your time.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"My current job has multiple conflicting priorities, and it can be difficult to know what is most important and urgent. My manager and I worked out an important/urgent scale for rating tasks so that it's clear what takes the highest priority. If something is both important and urgent, it gets the highest priority. Important but not urgent is next, and urgent but not important is after that. Then not important and not urgent tasks are last. Managers now use the rating system and have started coding requests as IU, INU, UNI, and NINU when sending them to the team members. As a result, our overall productivity and ability to meet deadlines has gone up considerably."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Situational
30. What was the most difficult challenge you encountered as a nuclear engineer in a past role or on a college project?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is a way for interviewers to understand how you handle problems and adversity. The interviewer is also interested in your level of self-motivation. They want to hire individuals who actively seek new challenges to develop their skills and gain knowledge and experience.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Be honest in your response and focus on the challenges you've conquered. If you don't have relevant work experience, describe a recent event in college or your personal life. When answering this or any interview questions, your goal is to show the hiring manager that you're the best candidate for the position. Your answer provides insight into your integrity, communication skills, initiative, leadership skills, and ability to react to unpredictable events.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"Acquiring successful time management skills was the biggest challenge I faced as a student; it was an aspect of college life that I underestimated. Now that I'm in the workforce, I continue to use the skills I've gained, and I'm always looking for ways to improve as I grow as a professional."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022