If you type ‘job interview skills for engineers’ into Google, you’ll get some 269,000,000 responses.
But before you download and read all those articles, you might want to pause and take another tack – and work out what it is that your prospective employer wants.
John So is a recruiting expert with WorleyParsons, where he is the External Resourcing Team Leader, Australia West. He says there are several things engineers can do to help them stand out in interviews.
“Be professional. Be courteous, respectful and punctual. Don’t be too casual or informal,” says So.
“Also prepare. Research the organisation, understand in detail the position you are being interviewed for and, if possible, have some knowledge of the interviewers.
“Sourcing information on individuals through LinkedIn, company reports or internet news can offer valuable insight.”
To make a good impression, The Career Planner for the Engineering Team put out by Engineers Australia suggests you focus on three areas to help explain your potential contributions to your potential employer:
1. Your technical competence — especially the relevance of your training and work experience to performing the duties of the position;
2. Your motivation — the level of commitment, drive and enthusiasm you would bring to the position; and
3. Your compatibility — your personal style and approach and how that would complement the existing team.
If you want the edge over other job applicants, it’s not a bad idea to put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer.
If you do, you’ll find they often want you to answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What can you do for us?
- What kind of a person are you?
- What distinguishes you from the others who can also do the job?
- Can we afford you?
And when it comes to answering questions during the actual interview?
“Be specific in your answers,” So advises. “Interviewers want to know what you have done in the past and how you played a role in achieving the desired outcome or outcomes.”
There are also a couple of things you should avoid doing at interviews. For instance, bragging is a no-no.
“There is a difference between presenting yourself in the best way possible and dropping names expecting to get into the organisation because of who you know,” he points out.
“This also includes bragging about opportunities or offers that you have received from the competition. Steer clear from discussing any topics that haven’t been prompted by your interviewees.”
Another interview no-no is focusing only on what the organisation can do for you.
“Avoid talking about your salary expectations and other benefits in the early stages of any interview,” So says.
“Only when prompted should you consider discussing these points, and remember that demonstrating your value proposition and the benefit you bring to the organisation should underpin all conversations.”
By Tony Malkovic
Landing your dream job
To assist you in landing your dream graduate position, Engineers Australia is partnering with the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) in The Big Meet.
The Big Meet is a free one-day careers fair, organised by the AAGE, which is open to all students from all universities in Brisbane. Don’t forget to visit the Engineers Australia booth.
Details of The Big Meet 2016 to be held in Sydney:
Friday 18th March 2016, 12 noon - 3.00pm Sydney Town Hall, Cnr George & Druitt Streets, Sydney, NSW.
Visit the web page to find out more: http://www.thebigmeet.com.au/
Prior to attending the Big Meet event, join our webinar on Wednesday 24 February at 12 noon on how to get the most out of careers expos, including:
- how to prepare for a careers expo,
- making an impression on potential employers, and
- what to bring and wear on the day.
Register for Making the most of Careers Expos webinar here.
This event is part of the Engineers Australia Graduate Roadmap, which provides a structured program of activities and products tailored to your professional and personal development needs.
During the first three years of Graduate membership, you’ll receive monthly advice to advance your career and make the most of your membership. Plus, you can start your career journey with our annual calendar of live and online events.