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Why this matters:

A project quality plan — or quality management plan — details the activities, standards, tools, and processes necessary to qualify a project as a success. It’s a crucial tool for any quality engineer, and an ideal candidate should be able to describe what it is and explain why it’s important for any production or construction project.

What to listen for:

  • A clear understanding of the importance of a project quality plan
  • Ability to develop a project quality plan for a specific project
  • Excellent communication skills and an ability to decipher complex information

Why this matters:

Quality engineers ensure the overall integrity of a manufactured product, so they will occasionally run into production flaws and minor setbacks. This question examines the capacity to investigate those setbacks, while also learning how a candidate resolves challenges and remains resilient when faced with difficult situations.

What to listen for:

  • Examples of ways to investigate production flaws, such as product inspections and lab tests
  • Analytical thinking skills and an ability to troubleshoot
  • Willingness to ask for help or seek advice

Why this matters:

A good quality engineer is creative and understands that while monitoring products and taking samples is important, there are other commonly used methods for ensuring product quality. This question assesses whether the candidate is capable of thinking of creative solutions and gauges their knowledge of different tests for ensuring quality.

What to listen for:

  • Examples of various techniques and methods for ensuring product quality
  • Knowledge of when to implement a different technique to reach a solution
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically

Why this matters:

Quality engineers provide solutions for improving quality, and they often work with other stakeholders in the production process. They may not always agree with a stakeholder’s ideas, so an ideal candidate will be able to explain how they handle disagreements and what strategies they use to convince their colleagues.

What to listen for:

  • Ability to collaborate with team members and other stakeholders
  • Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
  • Effective communication skills

Why this matters:

Quality engineers may need to speak with their team about the production of a particular product, or about certain quality control issues — especially if a different process could improve results. A good quality engineer candidate will show a willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure top-quality production by all team members, and outline the steps that need to be taken to get the job done.

What to listen for:

  • Ability to address quality control issues
  • Knowledge of a company’s control standards
  • Effective public speaking skills 

Why this matters:

Successful quality engineers will display diligence and a sense of responsibility in making sure their peers follow company standards and protocols. This question will give you better insight into how a candidate handles conflict resolution, and whether they’re capable of leading their colleagues in a project while ensuring product quality.

What to listen for:

  • Understanding of the required quality standards and an ability to manage a team
  • Effective communication and leadership skills
  • Understanding of the importance of safety

Why this matters:

Quality engineers work under tight deadlines and are expected to achieve precision. They may also encounter pushback from other stakeholders when recommending changes to a product. A good quality engineer candidate should know that working under pressure is a key part of the job, and have stress management skills for dealing with challenges.

What to listen for:

  • Strategies for managing stress and good coping skills
  • Commitment to producing quality products and services
  • Willingness to ask for help

Why this matters:

A good quality engineer understands that technology is constantly evolving, so they must continue to develop skills throughout their career to keep up with industry trends and advances. It’s a good idea to ask a candidate about their interest in acquiring up-to-date knowledge and how they follow industry trends.

What to listen for:

  • Emphasis on the importance of staying on top of industry trends and advances
  • Examples of new technologies or skills the candidate has learned
  • Examples of materials they read to stay up to date

Why this matters:

This question gives a candidate an opportunity to showcase their own relevant strengths and how they view the role of quality engineer. Their answer should reveal their approach to the role and their career, and align with the values of your company.

What to listen for:

  • Values that clearly align with your company’s mission
  • Attributes that relate to the role, such as attention to detail and accuracy
  • Clear experience with and approach to the role and industry
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