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Succeed in a non-technical interview for technical engineers

How to Succeed in a Non-Technical Interview for Technical Engineering Roles

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Securing a technical engineering role often involves more than just acing the technical interview. Companies also want to see that you possess the necessary soft skills to thrive in their environment. A non-technical interview is your opportunity to showcase these skills and demonstrate how well you can fit into the company’s culture. Here’s how you can succeed in a non-technical interview for a technical engineering role.

The Purpose of the Non-Technical Interview for Engineers

The primary goal of a non-technical interview is to assess your soft skills, communication abilities and cultural fit. While your technical prowess might have secured you an interview, your ability to work well with others and align with the company's values is equally crucial and, sometimes, the clincher in the employer’s final choice of candidate.

Eight tips for a non-technical interview

1. Highlight Your Communication Skills

One of the key aspects evaluated during a non-technical interview is how well you can communicate. Some ways you can demonstrate this include:

  • Simplify Complex Ideas: practice explaining technical concepts in layperson's terms. This skill is essential when collaborating with non-technical teams.

  • Active Listening: show you can listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to questions and discussions.

2. Showcase Your Soft Skills

Other soft skills that employers often look for in a potential employee include:

  • Teamwork: working collaboratively with other colleagues and teams is paramount. Share examples of experiences where you have effectively collaborated in past roles, including non-technical members.

  • Problem-Solving: discuss your approach to tackling challenges, emphasising your analytical and decision-making skills. Be sure to have an example on hand.

  • Adaptability: show how you have successfully adapted to changing environments, new technologies or project requirements. Keep it relevant to the role.

3. Demonstrate Cultural Fit

Cultural fit is about how well your values and work style align with the company's:

  • Research the Company: before the interview, be sure to understand the company’s purpose, values and culture. Use this information to tailor your responses and demonstrate alignment.

  • Show Enthusiasm: express genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.

4. Discuss Your Career Goals

Be prepared to answer questions about your career aspirations as employers like to see how your professional ambitions align with the role.

  • Alignment with Company Goals: highlight how your professional goals align with the company's objectives to show you are invested in growing with the organisation.

  • Articulate your Career Ambitions: talk about your professional goals and ambitions and how the role fits into your mid to long-term plans.

5. Practice Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial in any role, especially when interviewing for a leadership position.

  • Self-Awareness: be mindful of your body language and tone, and display confidence without coming across as arrogant.

  • Empathy: show that you can understand and relate to others' perspectives and challenges.

6. Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Behavioural questions are common in non-technical interviews. Some examples of behavioural questions include:

  • Conflict Resolution: the interviewer is looking for an example where you resolved a conflict between team members that could have adversely impacted a project.

  • Project Management Skills: describe a situation that showcases your flare for managing projects and how you went about it, highlighting delivery outcomes.

  • Leadership: give an example of a time you had to assume leadership for a team.

7. Prepare Insightful Questions

Give thought about questions to ask the interviewer. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and engagement:

  • Team Dynamics: Inquire about how teams collaborate within the company.

  • Growth Opportunities: Ask about potential growth paths within the organisation.

8. Prepare for the Interview

The SMART technique is a widely used approach for answering behavioural and competency-based interview questions. Using SMART, you ensure that your answers are not just vague claims backed by real-world examples that highlight your expertise and soft skills. The SMART method is:

  • Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation you were in.

  • Measurement: Quantify the result or impact of your actions.

  • Action: Explain the steps you took to address the issue or challenge.

  • Result: Discuss the outcomes or improvements that resulted from your actions.

  • Timeframe: Indicate the period during which the actions were taken and the results achieved.

Succeeding in a non-technical interview requires preparation and the ability to articulate your soft skills and cultural fit. By communicating clearly, showcasing your soft skills and aligning with the company’s values, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the role. Remember, technical skills might get you an interview, but soft skills and cultural fit will help you secure the job!

Get in touch with our team for expert career advice or search jobs today to find opportunities that match your skills and goals. 

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