So, you’ve bagged an interview for that dream engineering job—brilliant! But now the nerves are creeping in, and you’re thinking, “What if they ask me something I can’t answer?” Don’t panic! Here at Engineered Connections, we’ve helped plenty of engineers absolutely smash their interviews and land fantastic roles. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, we’ve got some top tips to help you walk into that interview with confidence (and maybe even have a bit of fun!).
1. Do Your Homework (But Don’t Swot Up Like It’s Exam Season)
We’re not saying you need to memorise the company’s entire history, but having a decent understanding of what they do will definitely set you apart. Get a feel for their projects, clients, and any exciting work they’ve got in the pipeline. Slip in something like, “I saw you’re involved in X project—really impressive stuff!” and watch them light up. It’s a winner every time.
2. Be Ready for the Technical Questions
It’s an engineering interview, so of course there will be some technical questions. This is your time to shine and show off your knowledge. Be prepared to talk about the tools and skills you’ve mentioned on your CV—whether that’s AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or your knack for getting a stubborn bit of kit to work (we’ve all been there!). Employers want to see you’re not just talking the talk but can actually get stuck in.
Top tip: Give real-world examples of where you’ve used these skills. A good story makes you more memorable, and who doesn’t love hearing about a tricky project you helped bring to life?
3. It’s Not Just About What You Know—It’s About How You Get On with People
Here’s something a bit unexpected: employers aren’t just looking for engineers who are brilliant at the technical stuff. They also want to know if you’ll fit into the team and work well with others. Be ready to talk about how you’ve handled tricky situations, worked with different teams, or led a project to success. Employers want to know you can keep cool and stay positive, even when the pressure’s on.
And let’s be honest, no one’s keen on hiring someone who’ll have a moan every time something doesn’t go perfectly—show them you’re the type who cracks on with the job, no matter what.
4. Prepare for the Classic “Tell Us About Yourself”
You know it’s coming, so don’t be caught off guard by the old “Tell us about yourself” question. This is your chance to show off your personality, not just list your CV. Start with a brief overview of your career, then talk about what excites you about engineering and why this role caught your eye. If you’ve got an interesting hobby or passion project, throw that in too—it makes you memorable and shows there’s more to you than just the day job.
5. Ask Questions (The Thoughtful Kind, Not “When’s Lunch?”)
An interview is a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the role. You could ask about upcoming projects, how they support professional development, or what a typical day looks like for an engineer on the team.
Avoid the generic “Tell me about the company culture” unless you want to spice it up with something fun like, “What’s the team like? Any chance you’ve got a quiz league going at lunchtime?” It adds a bit of personality and can help break the ice.
6. Smile! (But Not Like You’re at School Picture Day)
We’re not saying you need to grin from ear to ear for the entire interview, but don’t forget to look approachable. Interviews don’t need to be overly formal or stiff—just let your personality come through. A friendly smile can make the whole thing feel more like a conversation and less like an interrogation.
7. Finish Strong
As the interview wraps up, don’t just dash for the door. Thank them for their time, reaffirm your interest in the role, and—most importantly—ask about next steps. It shows you’re organised and keen to move forward, which is exactly the impression you want to leave.
Final Thoughts: You’ll Do Brilliantly!
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but if you go in prepared, stay true to yourself, and follow these tips, you’ll walk out feeling confident you’ve done a great job. And if you’re still feeling a bit unsure, don’t worry—Engineered Connections is here to guide you every step of the way.
Now, go out there, ace that interview, and land yourself that dream engineering job. If you need any help along the way, give us a shout. We’re rooting for you!