Common Interview Questions — and How to Answer Them
Even the most experienced engineers and technical professionals can feel the pressure of an interview. The good news is that most interviews follow a fairly predictable pattern. Here are some of the most common questions you're likely to face, and how to approach them.
"Tell me about yourself."
This is almost always the opening question, and it catches more people off guard than it should. Keep it professional and relevant - this isn't an invitation to walk through your entire life story. A good formula is: where you've come from, where you are now, and why you're here. Two to three minutes is about right.
Example: "I've been working in the lift industry for around eight years, starting as an apprentice engineer before moving into a service role. For the last three years I've been covering a busy route in the Midlands, and I'm now looking for a step up into a more varied position with greater responsibility."
"Why do you want to leave your current role?"
Be honest, but keep it positive. Avoid badmouthing your current employer - even if they deserve it. Focus on what you're moving towards rather than what you're running away from. "I'm looking for more progression opportunities" is far stronger than "my manager doesn't appreciate me."
"What are your strengths?"
Pick two or three genuine strengths that are directly relevant to the role and back each one up with a brief example. Vague answers like "I'm a hard worker" don't land well. Something like "I'm very methodical - when I'm on a complex fault-find, I work through things systematically rather than jumping to conclusions, which means I get to the root cause faster" is far more compelling.
"What are your weaknesses?"
The classic trap. Avoid the tired answer of "I'm a perfectionist." Instead, pick something real but not critical to the role, and show what you're actively doing about it. "I've always preferred to be hands-on rather than dealing with paperwork, but I've made a real effort over the past year to stay on top of my job sheets and documentation - it's something I've genuinely improved."
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Interviewers want to know you're serious about the role and not just using it as a stepping stone. Show ambition, but tie it to the company. "I'd love to be in a senior or supervisory position, ideally having helped grow the team. I want to develop with the right company rather than jump around."
"Do you have any questions for us?"
Always say yes. Saying no suggests a lack of interest. Good questions include asking about training and development, the team you'd be working with, what success looks like in the role, or what the typical career path is. Avoid asking about salary or holidays at this stage unless the interviewer brings it up first.