Job interviews are always stressful, but especially so for technical roles like Electrical Engineers.
Interviewers will usually start with general questions aimed at getting to know you as a person and then move onto ones about your experience, training and abilities. Employers want to make sure you understand the basics of the position, therefore you are almost certainly going to be asked tough questions on subjects like electrical circuits, the application of electrical elements, electricity, and electromagnetism.
Answering their questions correctly can help to boost your chances of success. Your aim is to convince the hiring manager that you’re an expert within their field of operation and can perform to the highest of standards.
Below is a list of the typical types of questions you can expect, along with the replies to give.
By: Iejaz Uddin – 30 July 2024
10 Common Electrical Engineer interview questions
Remember to tweak the below answers to your own personal circumstances, done properly they can help to get you through a tough interview session and hired.
Why did you become an electrical engineer?
The hiring manager wants to know what sparked your interest in electrical engineering.
Answer:
The trick is to not just say you were good at physics in school or are attracted by a higher salary. Instead, you need to go deeper and tell them about an impetus that motivated you to become one. For instance, mention that you’re excited about the chance to join a reputable company like theirs that has an exciting team and golden future. Other answers could be:
- Your company’s values align with mine.
- I admire your work ethic and collaborative spirit.
- I am eager to make a positive impact on your operations.
What did you like least about your last job?
The hiring manager wants to understand how you feel about your current or previous workplace. They will use your response to see if you’ll fit into their organisation’s setup and whether you’re likely to work well with other team members.
Answer:
Rather than issue a broad statement, its best to provide a specific example of what you disliked. Do not focus on specific people and instead zone in on specific tasks or situations that stopped you from developing yourself or doing your job. Another answer could be to mention that the role did not align with your long term career goals.
Why are you leaving your current job?
The recruiter wants to know why you want to join them. Additionally, they want to see if you’ll start criticizing your present employer, as this gives them an insight into your personality and show how much of a loyal person you are.
Answer:
The best way to reply is to focus on the opportunity of the role you are applying for. Stress how you see it as a stepping stone in your career and this is why you’re quitting your current position. Mention what excites you about their vacancy, and how you’re keen to work in another field and take on more responsibilities. Back up what you’re saying by showing enthusiasm. Under no circumstances should you talk badly about your previous employer.
Tell me about yourself
A typical question that is asked at nearly all interviews. Hiring managers see it as a way to break the ice, create a relaxed atmosphere and keep a conversation going. It’s also a great way to see your communication skills and learn about who you are.
Answer:
The usual way to answer this is to begin by describing your current position, followed by your past experiences and then finishing off with your future goals. Whatever you say, try to keep it relevant to the job you are applying for and mentioning that your personality, goals and ambitions align with the prospective employers’ values.
What are 3 essential skills an Electrical Engineer should have
Skilled engineers should know the critical components of their trade and possess the top skills required to succeed in this line of work. The interviewer wants to see if you have these and if what you consider to be important aligns with what they think. They want to confirm that you know the key aspects involved in developing, designing, testing and supervising the manufacturing of electrical devices and equipment.
Answer:
Research the role thoroughly and find out what is particularly important to it, then base you answer on that. Show that you have a unique and tailored skillset that is suitable for their position. Here are 3 skills you could give:
Problem solving
As an engineer you are basically a problem solver. Therefore, stress your ability to overcome issues by using your experience, knowledge and logical thought processes to identify solutions.
Electronic trouble shooting
You must be able to logically assess a problem and then come up with a viable solution. This usually means having a open mind when inspecting physical components and testing integrated circuits to come up with ideas and alternatives and then implement them.
Communication skills
As electrical engineers must work as part of a multidisciplinary team, this is a must have skill. It’s essential that you can get along with work colleagues, clients and managers to build an efficient environment that combines its strengths and pushes in the same direction.
Why do you want to join our company?
One of the most obvious questions you’re likely to be asked, but one that gets the least attention from job applicants. The simplest interview questions are sometimes the toughest to answer.
Answer:
Saying you want to advance your career is a perfectly reasonable response to this question. Although when doing so, try to be specific about how their position will move you closer to your career goals.
What is a passive circuit?
Answer:
A passive circuit is one that consumes energy but does not produce energy.
Define what a capacitor is
Answer:
A capacitor is an electrical component that draws energy from a battery and stores the energy.
Explain the difference between AC and DC currents
Answer:
AC (Alternating Current) changes direction periodically and is commonly used in power supply systems. Whilst DC (Direct Current) flows in one constant direction and is often used in battery-powered or electronic devices.
What makes you the best electrical engineer for this role?
With this question you’re put right on the spot and have to answer it in a way that does not make you look arrogant.
Answer:
When replying mention your previous achievements, as well as any relevant experience, training, certifications, and education. Don’t be shy about pointing out your strengths.
Electrical Engineer interview tips
Being sat in front of an interviewer can be difficult and nerve wracking. The tips below will help you to become more prepared and confident.
Interview preparation
You’ve got to put in a good performance at this face to face stage of the recruitment process. Attending the employer’s office and being questioned on the suitability for the role is not an easy hurdle to get over. Here are some practical steps you can take to prepare for the big day:
Research
Research the company, it’s advertised role and individual interview panel as much as possible. Then mention what you’ve discovered during the interview. Doing this will impress the hiring manager, as it will show them that you’ve made an effort to learn about their operations and key staff.
Technical questions
Remember you’ll almost certainly be asked lots of technical questions on electrical engineering. So, brush up on your industry specific jargon, technicalities, facts and figures.
Read your CV
The hiring manager will have your Electrical Engineer CV in front of them and will ask you questions on it. Therefore, memorise key facts from your CV, thereby ensuring that any answers you give to them match what you have written in it.
Emphasize relevant experience
Tell them about your most relevant carer accomplishments and the specific contributions you’ve made to the success of previous employers. Relevant work experience tells them if you’re qualified enough for a job. You should see it as the core of your CV, around which everything else is built.
Look smart and professional
It’s not all about talking, how you present yourself is also important. Remember that other candidates may be just as qualified as you are, but if you look and sound better, you’ll stand out from them.