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 was a project that meant a lot to you?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is passionate about their work.

    Sample Answer: I am most proud of my work in developing a new method of calculating voltage drop. I am also very proud of my work in developing a new method of calculating power loss in transmission lines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate explains the project
    • - How the candidate explains why it was important to them
    • - Whether or not the candidate is able to explain why the project was important to them

  • Question: What do you like to do in your spare time?
  • Question Overview: This question is a way for you to get to know the candidate on a personal level.

    Sample Answer: I enjoy reading and writing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is honest
    • - Whether the candidate is engaging
    • - Whether the candidate is passionate

  • Question: What do you know about substation design?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how much a candidate knows about the field of electrical engineering.

    Sample Answer: Substation design is an area of electrical engineering that I am very familiar with. I have worked on substation design projects for several years. I have also taken several courses on the subject matter.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has a good grasp of the subject matter
    • - How much detail the candidate goes into
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain their understanding in a way that is easily understandable

  • Question: How do you handle your work in difficult situations when you are bombarded with multiple deadlines?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine how a candidate handles pressure.

    Sample Answer: I have always been able to handle difficult situations by breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable pieces. I then prioritize my tasks and work on the most important first.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate handles the question
    • - How the candidate explains their response
    • - Whether the candidate's response is thoughtful

  • Question: What is your greatest strength?
  • Question Overview: The answer to this question will help you determine how well a candidate will fit into the structure of your company.

    Sample Answer: I am most proud of my ability to work with others. I have always been able to work with people from all walks of life and have been able to help them achieve their goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate gives a thoughtful answer
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain their answer in a way that makes sense
    • - Whether the candidate is able to give an example of how they've used their strength in the past

  • Question: If I give you back a drawing covered in red ink, how will you take it?
  • Question Overview: While this question is not a common one, it is one that can help you determine how well a candidate will fit into your company's culture.

    Sample Answer: I will take it as a learning experience. I will also take the time to understand why the changes were made. I will then use that information to improve my work in the future.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is willing to take constructive criticism
    • - Whether the candidate is willing to admit when they are wrong
    • - Whether the candidate is willing to admit when they are wrong and then correct it

  • Question: What kind of experience do you have?
  • Question Overview: This question is one of the most important. It will help you determine whether a candidate is a good fit for your company.

    Sample Answer: I have experience in the capacity of an industrial engineer, working on projects that have included the design of substations, the installation of new transformers and the repair of existing transformers. I have also worked as a residential electrical engineer, installing and repairing electrical systems in residential homes.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - The candidate's response will help you determine if they are a good fit for your company
    • - The candidate's response will help you determine if they are a good fit for the position
    • - The candidate's response will help you determine if they are a good fit for the position

  • Question: How would you test a vending machine?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how a candidate thinks on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would first test the power supply to ensure that it was providing a steady voltage. I would then test the coin mechanism to ensure that it was working properly. I would then test the product dispensing mechanism to ensure that it was dispensing product and that the product was not damaged. I would then test the temperature of the vending machine's interior to ensure that it was not too hot or too cold.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate has given the question any thought
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain their process
    • - How the candidate is able to explain their process

  • Question: What do you know about BAE and our team?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate knows your company and the position you're hiring for.

    Sample Answer: I know that BAE is a leader in the electrical engineering industry, and that your team is responsible for designing and manufacturing electrical equipment.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How well the candidate knows your company
    • - How well the candidate knows the position you're hiring for
    • - How well the candidate knows the team

  • Question: Why do you want to leave your current job?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine how honest a candidate is.

    Sample Answer: I am looking for a company that will allow me to grow as an engineer. I am also looking for a company that will allow me to work on more complex projects.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Whether the candidate is honest
    • - Whether the candidate is forthcoming
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain why they want to leave their current job
    • - Whether the candidate is able to explain why they want to work for your company