Even the most experienced engineers can get caught off guard in a job interview, especially if it’s been a while since your last one. But with the right preparation and a clear understanding of what employers are looking for, you can walk in with confidence and walk out with an offer.Whether you’re interviewing for a shutdown contract or a permanent maintenance position, here are five key Engineering Job Interview tips to help you stand out.
- Know your site experience inside out
Employers want to know that you’ve worked in environments like theirs, whether that’s heavy industry, COMAH-regulated sites, energy-from-waste, or fast-paced manufacturing.
Before your interview, review:
- The types of sites and sectors you’ve worked in
- The systems or plant you maintained (e.g. rotating equipment, pumps, hydraulics)
- Specific safety protocols or permit systems you followed
Give examples that show you understand the day-to-day and the safety culture of the site.
- Be ready to talk tools and tasks
You don’t need to give a lecture, just speak clearly about the jobs you’ve done and the tools you’ve used.
Be prepared to explain:
- Planned and reactive maintenance work
- Fault finding you’ve carried out
- Installations, overhauls, or shutdown work
- Use of tools and equipment, from torque wrenches to thermal cameras
Interviewers aren’t just testing your memory, they’re checking that you can communicate your technical skills clearly and confidently.
- Show that you’re safety-first
Site safety is non-negotiable, and clients will want to see that you take it seriously.
Be ready to talk about:
- Any health and safety training (e.g. IOSH, CCNSG, confined space)
- Times you raised a concern or stopped work for safety reasons
- How you handle permits, isolations, or working-at-height procedures
This is especially important for work on COMAH sites, high-voltage areas, or energy facilities.
- Ask the right questions
An interview isn’t just for the employer, it’s your chance to find out if the job suits you too.
Ask about:
- Shift patterns and site rota
- Travel, accommodation (if working away), or expenses
- Team structure, who you’ll be working with and reporting to
- PPE, tooling, or equipment provided
Showing curiosity proves you’re serious, and helps avoid surprises later.
- Mind the basics, they still matter
Simple things make a big difference:
- Arrive on time, dressed appropriately (clean and tidy is fine)
- Be polite and professional, to reception staff and managers alike
- Turn your phone off, make eye contact, and listen closely
It’s not about being flashy, it’s about showing you’re dependable, switched on, and ready to work.
Final thoughts
A successful interview isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about showing the employer that you understand the job, take safety seriously, and are ready to get stuck in.
At Mechanical Partners, we don’t just match CVs to roles, we help engineers prepare, present themselves well, and secure work that suits them. Whether it’s your first interview in years or your fifth this month, we’ll help you get it right.
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