Top Electrical Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Electrical Engineer interview by going through these most asked Electrical Engineer interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What are your career goals?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: My goal is to become a senior electrical engineer. I would like to be able to work on projects that will have a significant impact on the company and its clients.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate's goals are realistic
    • - Whether the candidate's goals are in line with your company's goals
    • - Whether the candidate's goals are in line with the position you're interviewing them for

  • Question: What is your biggest weakness?
  • Question Overview: While this question is a bit cliché, it is still a good way to determine how honest a candidate is.

    Sample Answer: My biggest weakness is that I am too hard on myself. I am always looking for ways to improve my work and myself, and sometimes I can be too hard on myself when I don't meet my own expectations.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is honest
    • - Whether the candidate's answer is a weakness that will affect their ability to perform the job

  • Question: What was the most difficult class you've taken so far?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate can handle the rigors of a university education.

    Sample Answer: The most difficult class I've taken so far was advanced linear algebra. I found it difficult to grasp the concepts behind the material and to apply them to problems. However, I was able to learn the material through practice and repetition.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Difficulty of class
    • - Difficulty of professor
    • - Whether the candidate was able to learn the material
    • - How well the candidate performed on exams

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is looking for a long-term position.

    Sample Answer: I see myself as an electrical engineer with your company. I am confident that I will be able to contribute to your company's success and continue to grow in my career.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future
    • - Whether the candidate has a clear vision of their future

  • Question: What kind of projects have you worked on?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: My most recent project, one in which I worked as the lead, dealt with the acquisition of substation parameters. My team was responsible for calculating voltage and current requirements, temperature variable factors, power requisites and remote GSM communication needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Spectrum of responsibilities
    • - People tasked to oversee
    • - Project components given responsibility fo

  • Question: Are you willing to travel and relocate, domestically or internationally, for an indeterminate amount of time?
  • Question Overview: While this question is not specifically about electrical engineering, it is a good indicator of how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: While I am not opposed to travel and relocation, I would prefer to remain in one location for an extended period of time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate seems engaged in the idea of answering the question
    • - If the candidate gives thought to a purposeful answer
    • - Whether the candidate takes their time to give the question consideratio

  • Question: What is a practical application for the Fourier transform?
  • Question Overview: While this question is more of a theoretical question, it will help you determine how well a candidate can think on their feet and how well they can explain complex concepts.

    Sample Answer: The Fourier transform is used to analyze periodic functions. It is also used in digital signal processing. Answer: The Fourier transform is used to analyze periodic functions. It is also used in digital signal processing. Answer: The Fourier transform is used to analyze periodic functions. It is also used in digital signal processing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate explains the concept in layman's terms
    • - Whether the candidate provides a practical application for the Fourier transform
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain the concept in a way that is easy to understand

  • Question: Why should we hire you?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine whether the candidate is self-confident, and whether they can articulate their strengths.

    Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who has proven that I can handle multiple tasks at once. I am also a quick learner who is able to adapt to new situations. I have a great deal of experience in the field, and I have proven that I am able to work well with others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is self-confident
    • - Whether the candidate can articulate their strengths
    • - Whether the candidate can explain why they are a good fit for the position

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine whether a candidate is interested in the position or simply interested in the position.

    Sample Answer: I am very interested in your company because of its reputation for excellence in the field of electrical engineering. I am also very interested in your company because of its reputation for excellence in the field of electrical engineering.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - The candidate's enthusiasm
    • - The candidate's knowledge of the company
    • - The candidate's knowledge of the position
    • - The candidate's knowledge of the company's products and services

  • Question: Why do you want to become a microwave engineer?
  • Question Overview: While this question may seem to be a simple one, it is important to determine if the candidate is interested in the field of electrical engineering or if they are simply interested in the microwave engineering aspect.

    Sample Answer: I am interested in both electrical engineering and microwave engineering. I am most interested in microwave engineering because of the potential for growth and advancement.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - If the candidate is interested in electrical engineering
    • - If the candidate is interested in microwave engineering
    • - If the candidate is interested in both

  • Question: What do you know about L&T?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you determine how well a candidate knows your company.

    Sample Answer: I am very familiar with L&T. I have been an electrical engineer for over five years, and I have been in the industry for over ten years. I am very familiar with your company's products and services, and I am very interested in working for L&T.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has done their homework
    • - Whether the candidate has a good understanding of the company
    • - Whether the candidate is familiar with the company's products and services

  • Question: How will you select the switching mode topology?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would select the switching mode topology based on the amount of power being used. If the amount of power being used is small, I would choose a buck topology. If the amount of power being used is large, I would choose a buck-boost topology.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate gives a thoughtful response
    • - Whether the candidate gives a detailed response
    • - Whether the candidate gives an answer that is relevant to the question

  • Question: What is a low pass filter and what is the main source of noise?
  • Question Overview: While the answer to this question will not tell you whether or not a candidate is a good fit for your company, it will help you determine if they have a good understanding of electrical engineering theory.

    Sample Answer: A low pass filter is used to remove high frequency noise from a signal. The main source of noise is any unwanted signal that is introduced into the circuit. A passive low pass filter is one that uses only resistors and capacitors, while an active low pass filter uses both resistors and capacitors as well as an amplifier.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate can explain the purpose of a low pass filter
    • - Whether the candidate can explain the main source of noise
    • - Whether the candidate can explain the difference between an active and passive low pass filter

  • Question: How will you implement line differential protection?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate can think on their feet and how well they can apply their knowledge to a real-world situation.

    Sample Answer: I would first have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed. I would then have to determine what type of line differential protection is needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain the process of implementing line differential protection
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain the process of implementing line differential protection in layman's terms
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain the process of implementing line differential protection in layman's terms and provide examples of how it would be implemented

  • Question: What is the last time you failed to finish what you started?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can handle failure.

    Sample Answer: I have never failed to finish what I started. I have, however, learned from my mistakes. I have learned that it is important to always be prepared and to always have a backup plan.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate takes responsibility for the failure
    • - Whether the candidate can explain what they learned from the failure
    • - Whether the candidate can explain how they will prevent a similar failure in the future

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you were a leader.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can lead and manage a team.

    Sample Answer: I was a leader on a project that required me to work with a team of individuals who had little experience in the field. I was able to lead them through the project and ensure that all of our deliverables were on time and of high quality.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate responds to the question
    • - How the candidate answers the question
    • - How the candidate explains their response

  • Question: Are you a US citizen?
  • Question Overview: While this question may seem like a simple one, it is important to determine if a candidate is legally able to work in the United States.

    Sample Answer: Yes, I am a US citizen. I have been a resident of the United States for over ten years. Answer: Yes, I am a US citizen. I have been a resident of the United States for over ten years. Answer: Yes, I am a US citizen. I have been a resident of the United States for over ten years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is a US citizen
    • - Whether the candidate is a US resident
    • - Whether the candidate has applied for citizenship

  • Question: How do you manage when you have too much work and not enough time?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate can handle stress and how they prioritize tasks.

    Sample Answer: I would first prioritize my tasks by importance. I would then communicate with my supervisor to determine what tasks were most important. I would then work on those tasks until they were completed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate prioritized tasks
    • - How the candidate communicated with others
    • - How the candidate handled the situation

  • Question: What is the difference between a DFT and DTFT?
  • Question Overview: While this question is more theoretical than practical, it will help you determine how well a candidate can think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: A DFT is a discrete Fourier transform. A DTFT is a discrete time Fourier transform. The difference between the two is that a DTFT is a continuous function, while a DFT is not.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate understands the difference between the two
    • - Whether the candidate can explain the difference between the two
    • - Whether the candidate can explain the difference between the two in layman's terms

  • Question: How would you design a capacitive sensor so that measurements remain as accurate as possible during operation?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well a candidate can think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would ensure that I had a good grounding system, and that I used a sensor with a high Q factor. I would also ensure that I had a good sensor amplifier, and that I used a low-noise amplifier.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate takes time to think about the question
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain a solution
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain a solution that is both practical and cost-effective