Advice for graduate interview at engineering consultancy.
Discussion
I have a job interview at a medium sized geotechnical/geoenvironmental engineering consultancy in a couple of weeks.
The company said I'll take a graduate test (ascertained that it's not psychometric), then I'll attend an informal interview with a senior engineer. It's possible that the test may involve interpreting ground investigation data, but that's somewhat speculative on my part; I'm wondering what I should expect and thus prepare for with regards to this test.
Also are there any oddball interview questions I should focus on relating to geotechnical engineering/engineering in particular? This is my first 'proper' job interview, so I lack experience, additionally the job is a 4+ hour drive, so the interview needs to count 100%.
The company said I'll take a graduate test (ascertained that it's not psychometric), then I'll attend an informal interview with a senior engineer. It's possible that the test may involve interpreting ground investigation data, but that's somewhat speculative on my part; I'm wondering what I should expect and thus prepare for with regards to this test.
Also are there any oddball interview questions I should focus on relating to geotechnical engineering/engineering in particular? This is my first 'proper' job interview, so I lack experience, additionally the job is a 4+ hour drive, so the interview needs to count 100%.
Edited by ejh85 on Wednesday 20th November 21:28
As you are a recently qualified graduate, they will 'probably' not expect huge amounts from the tests.
Quite often getting your degree is to prove your ability to learn and pick-up new techniques/ technologies quickly. In our company we used to have a graduate scheme. The recruitment of this was mainly focussed upon personality, approach to problem solving, attitude, ability tocope under pressure, team working, communication skills etc. Rather than the candidates in depth knowledge of their degree subject.
Having mentored a dozen graduates over the last few years, it was not the most intelligent that were the most successful or useful to our business. Most succesful were those who could readily communicate with others within our business and gain a rapport. Unfortunately even in engineering/ technical disciplines you still have to deal with people.
The interview will be the most important part. Be enthusiatic, engage with the interviewer etc. Best of luck .....
Mike
PS I work in an automotive foundry - so very much engineering background
Quite often getting your degree is to prove your ability to learn and pick-up new techniques/ technologies quickly. In our company we used to have a graduate scheme. The recruitment of this was mainly focussed upon personality, approach to problem solving, attitude, ability tocope under pressure, team working, communication skills etc. Rather than the candidates in depth knowledge of their degree subject.
Having mentored a dozen graduates over the last few years, it was not the most intelligent that were the most successful or useful to our business. Most succesful were those who could readily communicate with others within our business and gain a rapport. Unfortunately even in engineering/ technical disciplines you still have to deal with people.
The interview will be the most important part. Be enthusiatic, engage with the interviewer etc. Best of luck .....
Mike
PS I work in an automotive foundry - so very much engineering background
Edited by mike9009 on Wednesday 20th November 21:59
As above, be enthusiastic.
Only 5 years out of uni myself but have conducted some interviews with grads (for engineering consultancy) and the majority didn't inspire the confidence that were they taken on, they would be eager and willing to learn, develop and add value.
Other point is, be friendly and memorable - have a chat about anything in the lift - weather, joke about the train running late, etc etc on the way up to the interview, just keep the conversation rolling from the minute you meet to the start of the interview.
Not sure what to advise about the test, but perhaps appropriate if you are put on the spot to explain your thought process out loud to make it clear what you are considering. If you are struggling just be honest and say so, ask for a steer to get you going etc.
Only 5 years out of uni myself but have conducted some interviews with grads (for engineering consultancy) and the majority didn't inspire the confidence that were they taken on, they would be eager and willing to learn, develop and add value.
Other point is, be friendly and memorable - have a chat about anything in the lift - weather, joke about the train running late, etc etc on the way up to the interview, just keep the conversation rolling from the minute you meet to the start of the interview.
Not sure what to advise about the test, but perhaps appropriate if you are put on the spot to explain your thought process out loud to make it clear what you are considering. If you are struggling just be honest and say so, ask for a steer to get you going etc.
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff