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Get the job you want - interview tips

The interview is the most important part of your journey to securing the job. Use this as an opportunity to get some key points across.

Making the grade – an employer’s perspective on how to get the job you want

Economic recovery and increased investment in the manufacturing industries mean exciting new opportunities for those looking to start or further their engineering careers. Dr Jeremy Watson of BOC Edwards, leading vacuum pump manufacturer and major supplier to the semiconductor and scientific instrument industries, provides an insight into what makes a successful job applicant and the types of opportunities open to those who ‘make the grade’.

First is a solid understanding of the engineering basics which will (at least in the first instance) be reflected in your qualification. Next is the ability to think creatively. For example, during your studies or work placements have you found a new way around a problem? Have you been pro-active in identifying a solution? Being able to talk about something that shows you can think beyond the textbook is important. Finally, we look at your communication skills. Technical ability is really only at its most effective when coupled with good communication skills. Being able to explain your project to others and forming good relationships with colleagues and suppliers is critical.

The interview

The interview is the most important part of your journey to securing the job. Use this as an opportunity to get some key points across. Many universities and recruitment agencies now offer interview training so why not seek some additional help to make sure you get it right? At BOC Edwards, we look for people who can give examples of where they have shown creativity and pro-activity. To do this well requires preparation and practice. Researching the company is also important because it demonstrates real interest, will help you get clear in your mind what examples are best suited to the particular area or market the company works in, and will highlight questions you can ask. Finally, don’t forget to show interest in the job and your subject. Genuine excitement about what you can bring to the company goes a long way.

Interview tips:

  1. Practice your interview technique.
  2. Come prepared with a variety of examples so that you can demonstrate your engineering prowess. But don't forget that your personality skills are just as important. Put as much thought into how you can demonstrate your skills as a team-player, as an organiser and as a leader.
  3. Research the company.
  4. Ask questions.
  5. Be enthusiastic.
  6. Be punctual!

Education versus experience

People often ask which is most important, education or experience. To be honest, it depends on the job that you are applying for. If you are applying for a graduate placement then obviously your education and what you have achieved in that time is the most relevant. If you are applying for a more senior role, demonstration of experience is also needed. As a graduate don’t be afraid to include non-engineering experience on your CV; it is a good way of showing other skills that are relevant. For example, working in a shop shows your ability to deal with all types of people and is important. Your experience helps us get a better feeling for you as the person behind the CV.

Social skills :The growth of outsourcing in our industry and the global online market place we now work in means that social skills, such as a basic ability to work well in a team and take on responsibilities like the management of external resources, are crucial. I am glad that Universities are starting to reflect this in their engineering curriculum as I feel it has been overlooked in the past. Again, don’t be afraid to include experience that shows your ability to work in a team or in the community, for example.

What you can achieve:Unlike some other organisations which run corporate graduate programmes, BOC Edwards does not believe that career advancement should be driven by time served. Progression is based on evidence of ability, not just ticked boxes, and further structured training is provided to help with this. Formality is kept to a minimum to ensure a career plan is flexible and can reflect the individual. Two main career paths in engineering are typical – one leading towards technical or commercialisation management, the other to senior technologist. Salary scales track right up to senior levels. A good example of personal development in the company is Kate Moran. Kate, a chartered engineer (BEng in Aeronautical Engineering, MSc in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Computational Structural Mechanics) is developing her role outside of traditional boundaries by training to become a patent agent. She currently works as a patent engineer - someone who helps engineers go through the legal process of filing patents. As a result, the number of patents successfully gained by BOC Edwards has doubled in the last two years.

Summary

From my work at Sussex and Aston Universities, I am aware of the calibre of engineers coming through the educational system and I am very excited about their opportunities to contribute to the future of the engineering industries. Getting the job you want is about ability and common sense. Make sure you don’t neglect the importance of core science and engineering principles while studying, work on your CV and prepare properly for the interview - show genuine enthusiasm for the job. Let the company know what you as an individual can bring to their organisation. Good luck!

About the author

Dr Jeremy Watson is Director of Technology for BOC Edwards VEMD, responsible for new product research and development. An electrotechnologist by training with a doctorate in instrumentation, Jeremy holds visiting professorships at Sussex and Aston University. He also chairs the IET Sector Panel for Control & Instrumentation and recently led the DTI Strategic Advisory Group on Basic Industrial Technology.