Even when armed with a degree and a comprehensive resume on hand, you may still feel the jitters when you think about your upcoming job interview. The engineering field is a highly competitive one–not only are you going head-to-head with professional who come from years of experience, but you may also be up against those are articulate with their thoughts.
According to Pedram Zohrevand, a highly respected CEO in the engineering industry, there are many ways to leave a good impression in your job interview. After holding interviews for promising candidates in his company, he shares insights on how to succeed and land a job as an engineering professional.
How to Crush an Engineering Interview: The Do’s and Don’ts
Attire
Do look presentable.
You don’t have to undergo a full makeover, but it is important to wear clothes that best match the ‘vibe’ of the company you’re applying for. You can do a quick research of the company’s work environment and other things which can help you assess the appropriate clothing for your job interview. Most engineering firms take a more formal approach, so it can be best to suit up or wear a neatly ironed shirt.
Pedram Zohrevand states that looking presentable gives the impression that you’ve prepared well for the interview. You’re not just some person who happened to be there–you have an objective and you’re ready to take on that interview.
Don’t dress down.
When applying for an engineering firm, it is better to be overdressed rather an underdressed. Wearing sloppy clothes gives a subtle impression that you’ll be a future employee with a sloppy performance as well. If you aren’t able to deduce any details about the company’s vibe and the types of clothing that regular employees wear, it is best to stick with a suit and tie.
Confidence
Do keep note of non-verbal ways to show confidence.
Your body language says a lot about how you’re feeling at the moment. Even when you don’t say it, a slouched shoulder, fidgety hands, and a closed-body posture can mean that you’re not confident about applying for the position. Some ways to show confidence through your body language are the following:
- Sitting up straight
- Leaning forward
- Using open gestures (open hands, body facing the interviewer)
This subconsciously gives the interviewer the impression that you know what you’re talking about and you’re confident that you’ll land the job.
Don’t show signs of tension.
Sometimes, you have to ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ in a job interview. This doesn’t mean that you’ll be acting fake, but rather, you have to find ways to conceal your anxiety about the situation.
When you’re relaxed, confident, and engaging, it is easier to answer sudden random questions that you may be unprepared for. Pedram Zohrevand mentions that he uses these random questions with interviewers to help them loosen up. He can identify those who feel confident in themselves based on how they answer these seemingly unrelated questions.
Knowledge and Skills
Do highlight your knowledge and skills that match the position you’re applying for.
This is one of the best things you can do that can sway the interviewer’s decision to consider you. They don’t have to really know everything in your resume–they want to find out what’s relevant to their company based on what you can offer.
When you highlight the knowledge and skills you have while explaining how their company can benefit from you, this is where you draw a line between you and other competitors.
Don’t be all about yourself.
Watch out for cues that the interviewer is not interested in your explanations regarding your resume. It is still best to let the interviewer take the lead and not overpower the conversation. Strike a balance between sharing and impressing, while still making the interview a balanced give and take of information.
Mr. Zohrevand recommends these tips not just for engineering professionals but also for those in various fields. By remembering these strategies, you are sure to stand out in a sea of job applicants