Engineering Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
What employers ask, why they ask it and how to give answers that stand out
Most engineering interviews follow a familiar pattern: questions about you, competency questions about how you have handled real situations, and technical questions that test your knowledge. Knowing the common engineering interview questions in advance lets you prepare strong examples instead of thinking on the spot. Below are 20 questions you are likely to face, with tips on how to answer each one, plus the STAR method and our best interview tips.
How engineering interviews are structured
Engineering interviews usually include three types of question:
- Motivation questions about why you want the job and the company.
- Competency questions that ask you to describe a time you showed a particular skill.
- Technical questions that test your engineering knowledge, sometimes with a calculation, a sketch or a design problem.
Some employers also use a separate technical interview, a presentation, a site visit or an assessment centre. Ask the recruiter or hiring manager what format to expect so you can prepare properly.
Use the STAR method to answer competency questions
The STAR method is the simplest way to give clear, structured answers to competency questions:
- Situation: set the scene in one or two sentences.
- Task: explain what you needed to achieve.
- Action: describe what you did. Say “I”, not “we”.
- Result: share the outcome, with numbers if you can.
Prepare six to eight STAR examples before your interview, covering problem solving, teamwork, leadership, safety, a mistake you learned from and a time you improved something. Most competency questions can be answered with one of these stories.
General engineering interview questions
1. Tell me about yourself.
Give a two-minute summary of your background, your key skills and why you are interested in this role. Keep it focused on work.
2. Why do you want to work here?
Show that you have researched the company’s projects, products and values, and link them to your own interests.
3. Why are you leaving your current role?
Stay positive. Focus on what you want to move towards, such as new challenges or development.
4. What are your strengths?
Choose two or three strengths that match the job advert and back each one with an example.
5. What is your biggest weakness?
Pick a real but manageable weakness and explain what you are doing to improve it.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Show ambition that fits the company, such as working towards chartership or leading projects.
Competency questions engineers are asked
7. Describe a complex technical problem you solved.
Explain the problem, how you found the root cause and the result.
8. Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.
Show how you prioritised and stayed calm, and what you delivered.
9. Give an example of working in a team.
Explain your role and how you helped the team succeed.
10. Describe a time you made a mistake.
Be honest, take responsibility and show what you learned.
11. Tell me about a time you improved a process.
Quantify the improvement in time, cost, quality or safety.
12. How have you dealt with a safety concern?
Show that safety comes first and that you followed the right procedure.
13. Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague.
Show that you listened, used evidence and reached a professional outcome.
Technical interview questions
A technical interview tests the knowledge you need for the role, so questions vary by discipline. Common examples include:
14. Talk me through a project on your CV.
Be ready to explain the design choices, the calculations and what you would do differently.
15. How would you approach this design problem?
Think out loud. Interviewers want to see how you reason, not just the final answer.
16. What standards and regulations apply to your work?
Name the key standards for your field and explain how you apply them.
17. Which software and tools do you use?
Be honest about your level with each one.
18. How do you check your work is correct?
Describe your checking, testing and review process.
If you do not know an answer, say so and explain how you would find out. That is far better than guessing.
Questions to finish strongly
19. What do you know about our recent projects?
Mention a specific project or news story and why it interests you.
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Always ask two or three questions, such as what success looks like in the first six months, how the team is structured and what training is available.
Our top engineering interview tips
- Read the job advert again and match your examples to each requirement.
- Research the company, including its projects, clients and recent news.
- Bring evidence, such as a portfolio, drawings or photos of your work, if appropriate.
- Practise out loud with a friend or mentor.
- Plan your journey or test your video set-up for online interviews.
- Follow up with a short thank-you email.
Preparing for online and video interviews
Many first-stage interviews now take place on video. Treat them as seriously as a face-to-face meeting. Test your camera, microphone and internet connection the day before, and log in a few minutes early. Choose a quiet room with a plain background and good lighting from the front, not behind you.
Keep your CV, the job advert and a few notes nearby, but avoid reading from a script. Look at the camera when you speak, pause slightly longer than usual to allow for any delay, and have a phone number ready in case the connection drops. Dress as you would for an in-person meeting, because first impressions still count.
Assessment centres and practical tests
Graduate schemes and apprenticeships often use assessment centres. These can include group exercises, written tests, presentations, technical tasks and interviews over a half or full day. Assessors look at how you work with others as well as what you know, so listen, include quieter people in group tasks and keep an eye on time.
Some employers set practical tests, such as reading a drawing, solving a calculation, fault finding on equipment or reviewing a design. Ask in advance what to expect, practise similar problems and bring any equipment you are told you will need. If you get stuck, explain your thinking, because the process often matters more than the final answer.
What to do after the interview
Send a short thank-you email within a day, mentioning something specific you discussed. Make notes on the questions you were asked and how you answered, as they will help with future interviews. If you do not get the job, ask politely for feedback. Most employers will share a few points, and those insights are valuable for your next application.
Get interview-ready with Bernoullis
A strong CV gets you the interview. Run yours through our CV checker to see how well it matches the job, then browse our latest engineering vacancies. When you apply through Bernoullis, our consultants will brief you on the employer and the likely engineering interview questions. Contact us to find out more. For general guidance, the National Careers Service also has useful interview advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common engineering interview questions?
Expect questions about yourself and your motivation, competency questions such as solving a complex problem or working under pressure, and technical questions about your projects and discipline.
What is the STAR method?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. It is a simple structure for answering competency questions with clear, specific examples.
How should I prepare for a technical interview?
Review the fundamentals of your discipline, prepare to talk through projects on your CV in detail and practise explaining your reasoning out loud.
What questions should I ask at the end of an interview?
Ask about what success looks like in the role, how the team works and what training and development are available.
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