Why this matters:
Process analysis is an important part of an industrial engineer’s job, and a good industrial engineer will use it to study all operations for a company. The candidate should be able to tell you how process analysis is productive, and how it’s used to modify things to increase efficiency and overall effectiveness.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of process analysis
- Methods for applying process analysis to your company
- Examples of how process analysis is used in day-to-day operations
Why this matters:
Industrial engineers are responsible for finding ways to reduce waste by streamlining processes; they should be able to identify areas of improvement — and map out how to retool workflows to capture efficiencies. This question assesses the candidate’s ability to make baseline calculations.
What to listen for:
- A sense of clarity and confidence
- Knowledge of best practices for spotting and assessing issues
- Examples of different approaches — and why to choose one over the other
Why this matters:
Above all, industrial engineers need reliable data, because it forms the foundation for how they’ll retool processes and recommend improvements. This question explores the care that a candidate takes to validate the integrity of their data, cross-referencing sources, factoring in risk, and avoiding error.
What to listen for:
- An awareness of the importance of validating data
- Knowledge and familiarity of different methods used to verify data
- Examples drawn from previous work experience
Why this matters:
Conflict is particularly relevant for industrial engineers, who may be recommending or requiring changes in an environment in which colleagues and other workers are set in their ways. The candidate must draw from previous experiences to describe how they would overcome resistance — and work effectively to achieve overall implementation.
What to listen for:
- An acceptance of the natural human tendency to resist change — and a lack of blame or defensiveness
- A willingness to work with others, accommodating their interests while staying true to objectives
- Methods for problem-solving with teammates
Why this matters:
Industrial engineering is an evolving industry. Good industrial engineers should keep themselves actively embracing change, industry evolution, and constantly learning new skills and software. This question will help you understand the candidate’s willingness to embrace learning and change.
What to listen for:
- A sense of ease and relaxation around unfamiliar applications
- A willingness to embrace change
- Examples of a systematic approach to learning and adaptation
Why this matters:
Not only do industrial engineers streamline and tighten manufacturing processes, they also work toward better occupational safety. A good industrial engineer should be able to recount success.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of a few key safety-related regulations and best practices
- A sense of vigilance around safety; a willingness to uncover hidden issues
- A sense of balance between safety concerns and process optimization
Why this matters:
This is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their own relevant strengths and other qualities. The answer should also reveal their own values and approach to their career.
What to listen for:
- Values that align with your company’s culture and mission
- Qualities that relate to accuracy, problem-solving, and change management
- Examples of these qualities in action
Why this matters:
Manufacturing environments are often demanding and fast-paced — with an emphasis on productivity and optimization. As mentioned above, industrial engineers may also encounter conflict and resistance to changes they recommend — all of which can generate a fair amount of stress. This question will help you assess the candidate’s personal resilience and ability to stay on goal — despite difficulties.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to ask for help or seek advice
- Perseverance and commitment
- Stress management coping skills
Why this matters:
A good industrial engineer has a growth mindset — and actively seeks to continue learning new skills throughout their career. This question assesses the candidate’s interest in keeping their knowledge sharp — and their skill set up to date with current industry trends and technological advances. If they aren’t aware of changes in the industry, they might be slow to adapt to new methodologies and techniques.
What to listen for:
- Why it’s important to stay on top of industry trends and keep learning
- Examples of new technologies or skills the candidate has learned
- Examples of material they read to keep up — including trade journals
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