Preparing for your Chartered Engineer interview? Professional organisations such as the Engineering Council or Engineers Ireland have identified key competences, defined as the “proven ability to do something effectively” that anyone seeking to become a Chartered Engineer should have. These are tested at the professional interview.
We have listed a selection of these competences and given a sample question to get you thinking about how to prove you have each competence. As with any interview the key to giving an answer that will achieve a high score is to structure it using STAR and make YOU and your actions the focus of your answer.
Competence 1 – Engineering Knowledge
Definition: Use a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding to optimise the application of existing and emerging technology.
Sample Question:
1 (a) Can you give me an example of a time when you initiated or led an innovative approach to solving an engineering problem? What was the problem? What was your role and contribution? What effect did it have on the organisation?
Competence 2 – Application of Engineering Knowledge
Definition: Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems.
Sample Question:
2 (a) Describe a time (in the recent past) when you were responsible for identifying and delivering a “non routine” engineering solution to a complex problem
Competence 3 – Leadership
Definition : Provide technical, commercial and managerial leadership.
Sample Question:
3 (a) How do you monitor performance of team members to ensure they are achieving the best outcome for clients?
Competence 4 – Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Definition : Use effective communication and interpersonal skills
Sample Question:
4 (a) Describe a difficult negotiation you have had with a client / project stakeholder where your communication skills were tested.
Competence 5 – Professional Standards
Definition – Make a personal commitment to abide by the appropriate code of professional conduct, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment.
Sample Question:
5 (a) Give an example of when you took the lead on the remediation of a health and safety issue.
