Hiring electrical engineers

This seemingly simple engineering question is designed to ensure your candidate is clear on fundamental concepts. Experienced electrical engineers will provide the correct answer with no hesitation. You’ll also be able to gauge the individual’s composure and attention to detail when sharing their knowledge.

Electrical engineers are increasingly relying on CAD systems to create schematics and lay out circuits. You want to hire a professional who is experienced with this widely used technology to speed up the processes, and contribute to quick and easy modifications of designs and prototyping.

Any time an engineer talks about input or output impedance, they’re using Thevenin’s theorem in practice. Knowledge of the most efficient way to calculate voltage and current flowing across a load without having to recalculate the circuit over again can greatly improve productivity. In testing for knowledge of fundamental theory, you also assess the candidate’s ability to synthesize and communicate succinctly.

Electrical engineers often work on their projects in teams. It’s important to know how candidates approach team dynamics, including leadership, conflict resolution, and execution. Even if your candidate disagrees with the project direction, the exercise of interpersonal communication skills can lead to positive results.

Many electrical engineers use an Engineering Requirements Document (ERD) to break a large project into smaller tasks. Candidates should have familiarity with this process as well as experience using it to delegate tasks to team members, track progress, and document operational issues.

More and more companies are asking for their projects to incorporate the latest high-performance systems and green technologies. It’s good to have an electrical engineer on staff who’s knowledgeable about using practical sustainable design principles, even without a current need.

This question is designed to gauge the candidate’s adaptability. Effective electrical engineers embrace change, tailoring their approach, behavior, and actions to respond to current parameters. While they may not like change per se, they should see the value of adapting to it, with minimal resistance.

Client satisfaction involves clearly defining parameters — and meeting or exceeding them. A promising candidate understands the importance of being proactive, communicating clearly to all stakeholders, and performing at or above the standards set.

The best candidates are intrinsically driven — by their own standards, by a job well done, and by the ultimate objective of improving people’s lives. This question explores strategies and tactics candidates may use to stay engaged and productive at work, while giving the candidate a chance to describe their work ethic, values, and personality traits.