Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
New Graduate? Tips For Interviewing For Your First Engineering Job
New Graduate? Tips For Interviewing For Your First Engineering Job..
If you are interviewing for a position in the engineering field, it is vital that you stand out from other candidates in order to obtain a position. While your degree and experiences may be sufficient to secure meeting with an HR representative at the company in question, you are likely to have plenty of competition.
When you have obtained a call back or possibly even before, learn more about the company. Go to their website and discover the principles on which it was founded, by whom, and when. See if you are able to find a few interesting facts that will show why you are interested in the company. For example, perhaps the business was involved in a project for which you have a great deal of professional respect.
Make certain that your attire is appropriate for the interview. Because it is a professional position, going in dressed for “casual Friday” is inappropriate. Have your clothing ready beforehand and take an honest assessment in the mirror of your appearance. Hair, including facial, nails and the rest of you should be well groomed. Polish your shoes. The few extra minutes that this requires may provide you an edge in making a good first impression.
Additionally, be prepared for the types of questions that are likely to be presented to you during the interview. One example is they may inquire about what types of special skills or knowledge you may have obtained from internships or part-time employment from previous employment. As you are recently graduated from school, with little work experience in the field, offer an example related to your scholastic experience and how you were able to assist a classmate.
Alternatively, they may ask about what you have learned from a previous mistake. Attempting to gloss over information or pretend as though you have never made an error will make you appear disingenuous, which could cost you the second interview, or the position altogether. However, if you can briefly summarize what you did wrong while expressing what you learned, you will show honesty and the ability to learn two skills that your interviewer will be searching for.
Proper preparation is essential to having a successful interview. If you know about the company and present yourself professionally, you are off to an excellent start. Be prepared to field a variety of questions regarding your experience and educational history. Contemplate the work you have completed in the past prior to the interview. This will help you in delivering honest answers that exhibit your skills in the engineering field.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com