Many companies like us include technical interviews in their recruitment process to identify new talent

–To find out how you would put skills, knowledge and experience into practice –To show how you would solve a problem –To gain an insight into your behaviours and how you would react in a difficult situation –To find out what questions YOU might ask when faced with a problem –To find out how innovative you are; that is, whether you're able to "think outside the box" to come up with new solutions rather than using buzz words and jargon What is the purpose of the technical interview?

Examples of technical questions and answers –Design Engineering – What are the differences between functional and non-functional prototypes? Functional prototypes are used for testing whereas non- functional prototypes are used for form and fit checking. Expand on the answers to discuss analysing design flaws, tooling, etc.

Examples of technical questions and answers –Electrical Engineering – Describe the operation of an Op- Amp Circuit Discuss basic operation – differential input consisting of an inverting and non-inverting input and the op-amp amplifies the difference between the two. Discuss aspects such as output voltage, open loop, negative feedback etc.

Examples of technical questions and answers –Manufacturing Engineering – Give an overview of the Toyota Production System i.e. Lean Manufacturing The main goals of the TPS is to design out overburden, inconsistency and eliminate waste. Discuss aspects such as the 7 wastes, 5S, adding value & Kanban

Examples of technical questions and answers For example, a gas turbine could be used rather than a diesel generator. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of each to emphasise your understanding. –Mechanical Engineering – What other source could be used for electric propulsion other than a diesel generator?

Examples of technical questions and answers –Project Management – Describe the Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT Analysis) PERT is a powerful tool that helps you to schedule and manage complex projects. It acts as the basis both for preparation of a schedule, and of resource planning. Discuss Activity Lists, Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis etc.

What sources of evidence can you use? What the interviewer will be looking for: –Experience you have of working in a multi-disciplinary environment –Examples of project work that you have undertaken, displaying your knowledge and awareness of main project indicators such as time, cost and quality and the effect these have on the scope of work –Displaying a broad and comprehensive understanding of principles, practices and standards relevant to the role and the industry overall –A degree of competence in understanding the main business aims and objectives and company products

What has impressed us? Preparing for Technical Interview Questions –Review job-related skills or experience listed on your CV and be sure you can describe them in depth. –Research and understand the skills that the company are requiring. Prepare answers that relate to your abilities in these areas. –Read industry specific publications. –Talk with professionals in the field.

–Be sure you understand the question; ask for clarification if necessary. –Use pictures and diagrams if they will help you explain the concept. –If you have to say I dont know do it in a positive way e.g. I dont know the answer to that question. However if I had to address that issue in the workplace, here is what I would do… –Remember - we are evaluating your thought process and problem-solving abilities as much as your answer! –Be direct, solid, and assertive. Answering Technical Interview Questions