Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's interest in your company and the position. You can use this information to determine whether the applicant is a good fit for your company culture.
Sample Answer: I'm interested in working for your company because I've heard a lot of great things about it from my friends who work here. I'm also really interested in working on a project that will help people with disabilities.
Question Overview: This question shows you how applicants see themselves in the company. It also gives you an idea of how applicants view their role in the engineering team.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a valuable member of the engineering team. I'm excited to work with my colleagues to create a product that will make our customers happy.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how applicants view their own skills. You can use this information to determine whether they're realistic about their abilities and whether they're likely to be satisfied in the position.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, so I tend to spend too much time on my work. I've learned to set a deadline for myself and stick to it.
Question Overview: This question shows you how applicants react to unexpected problems and how they handle the stress of a difficult situation.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project to build a new bridge, and I noticed that the concrete wasn't curing properly. I had to figure out why the concrete wasn't curing and fix the problem before it got worse.
Question Overview: This is a general question that gives you a chance to see how applicants present themselves. You can use this question to see whether applicants are confident, enthusiastic and willing to share their personal information.
Sample Answer: I'm a structural engineer who loves to travel. I've been to over 30 countries and I'm always looking for new places to visit. I love to learn about the history of the places I visit and I love to try new foods.
Question Overview: This question shows you whether applicants are proactive about identifying and solving problems. You can use this information to place successful applicants into the teams that best match their problem-solving skills.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project to build a new bridge, and I noticed that the concrete was cracking. I went to my supervisor and explained that we needed to change the mix ratio for the concrete. He agreed with my assessment, and we were able to get the project back on schedule.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how applicants think through problems and come up with solutions. You can use the information to place successful applicants into the teams that best match their engineering skills.
Sample Answer: I would make sure that the lift control system is designed to be fail-safe. I would also make sure that the system is designed to be easy to use and understand.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into why applicants are looking to leave their current job. You can use this information to determine whether they're likely to stay with your company for a long time.
Sample Answer: I'm looking for a job with more opportunities for advancement. I've been working in the same position for a few years, and I want to take on more responsibility and leadership roles.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into how applicants think about engineering processes. You can use the answer to determine whether the applicant is a good fit for your organization.
Sample Answer: I would look at the process from a systems perspective and see where there are any redundancies. I would also look at the process from a cost perspective and see if there are any areas where we can cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Question Overview: This question shows you how applicants handle stressful situations. You can use the information to determine whether they can handle the pressure of a fast-paced engineering environment.
Sample Answer: I had a project that was due in two weeks, and I had to work on it during the weekend. I knew that I had to get the project done before the deadline, so I worked through the weekend and got it done in time.
Question Overview: This question is a classic programming interview question that tests your ability to design a state machine. This is a common interview question for software engineers and computer scientists.
Sample Answer: I will start by writing down all the states and events that I need to track. I will then write down the transitions between each state. I will then write the code for each transition.
Question Overview: This question gives you a chance to see how applicants perceive their leadership skills. You can also use the answer to determine whether the applicant would be a good fit for a leadership role in your organization.
Sample Answer: I'm a good leader because I'm a good listener. I try to understand what people are saying and what they want, and then I work with them to get the job done.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's decision-making process and whether they made an informed choice about their career.
Sample Answer: I chose to work with Micron because I was impressed with the company's commitment to innovation and its dedication to creating a diverse workforce.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's work history and whether they've had a variety of experiences. You can use this information to determine whether the applicant is a good fit for your organization.
Sample Answer: I've worked for three different engineering firms, each with a different focus. I learned a lot from each company, and I think I'm a better engineer because of it.
Question Overview: Conflicts among employees are inevitable, and they can be difficult to resolve. This question gives you insight into how applicants handle conflicts and whether they're able to resolve them in a constructive way.
Sample Answer: I try to get all the parties involved in the conflict together in a room so we can talk about the issue. I ask each person what their perspective is and what they think the solution should be. I try to get everyone on the same page before I make a decision.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's reasons for leaving their previous job. You can use this information to determine whether they're likely to stay with your company for the long term.
Sample Answer: I left my previous job because I wanted to work in a more collaborative environment. I was working on a project that required a lot of teamwork, and I didn't feel like my coworkers were pulling their weight.
Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the applicant's motivation for pursuing a PhD. You can use this information to determine whether the applicant is likely to be a good fit for your organization.
Sample Answer: I was interested in the engineering field from an early age, and I knew that a PhD would give me the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects. I chose my PhD program based on the faculty's research interests and my own interests in the field.
Question Overview: IT experience is a valuable asset for engineers, especially those who work in an office environment. This question helps you determine whether applicants have the IT skills to handle their job responsibilities.
Sample Answer: I've used Microsoft Office for years and have experience with Excel, Word and PowerPoint. I also have experience with AutoCAD and SolidWorks, which are the two most common CAD programs in my office.