How to Prepare for a Job Interview : Step-by-Step Tips

Job interview tips

Ultimately, a successful job interview is more than just a test of your technical knowledge or a recital of your resume. It is a strategic, professional conversation designed to determine a mutual fit. While skills and experience get you the interview, your performance in the room is what secures the offer.

EEE (Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering) job interview tips guide that works well for both fresher’s and experienced candidates:

  1. Before the Job Interview (Preparation)

**Technical**

Review core subjects:
  • Electrical Machines
  • Circuits and Networks
  • Power Systems & Protection
  • Electronics
  • Power Electronics
  • Control Systems
  • Electromagnetism and Waves
  • Basic Electronics & Communication Systems
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Measurement & Instrumentation
Know formulas & principle —
  • Ohm’s Law,
  • transformer EMF equation,
  • Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
  • Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Capacitor and Inductor Equations
  • Maxwell’s Equations
  • Faraday’s Law of Induction
  • Ampère’s Circuital Law
  • Gauss’s Law for Electricity
  • RMS (Root Mean Square) Value
  • Impedance (Z)
  • Transistor Formulas
  • Power Factor (PF)
  • Real, Reactive, and Apparent Power
  • 3-phase power, etc.
Understand practical applications —
  • How theories apply in the field (e.g., transformer protection schemes, PLC usage in automation).
Company Knowledge
  • Read about the company’s products, services, and industry sector.
  • Know recent projects and the company’s role in the market.
  • Understand the job role — if it’s design, testing, maintenance, sales, etc.
Soft Skills
  • Prepare a short, confident self-introduction.
  • Practice clear, concise answers for technical and HR questions.
  • Brush up on communication skills — especially explaining technical concepts simply.
  1. During the Job interview

Technical Round

  • Expect both conceptual questions and problem-solving scenarios.
  • If you don’t know something — admit it honestly but try to reason logically.
  • Use structured answers: definition → principle → example/application.
  • Draw diagrams where possible — engineers love visuals.

Sample Technical Qs:

  1. Explain the working of a three-phase induction motor.
    2. How do you size a cable for a given load?
    3. Difference between MCCB and MCB.
    4. Explain “power factor” and methods to improve it.
    5. Describe SCADA and its applications and many more….

HR / Behavioral Round

Be ready for:

  •  “Tell me about yourself”
  •  “Why should we hire you?”
  •  “Describe a time you solved a problem”
  • “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
  • Show **teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving** attitude.
  •  Keep answers professional and focused on skills.
  1. Body Language & Presentation

  • Dress in formal attire (light shirt, dark trousers and polished shoes).
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Sit upright, avoid fidgeting.
  • Use a firm but not aggressive tone.
  1. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Memorizing without understanding.
  • Giving overly long, unfocused answers.
  • Criticizing past employers or professors.
  • Guessing technical answers without logic.
  1. Quick Last-Minute Revision Topics

  • Transformer basics & testing.
  • Three-phase power calculations
  • Types of circuit breakers & relays.
  • PLC basics.
  • Communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, etc. if relevant).
  • Renewable energy basics.
  • Always read the job description carefully.
  • Rehearse your answer out loud. It should sound natural and confident, not robotic
  • Show genuine interest in the company and the role. Let your passion for engineering shine through
  • And many more for post related or company targeted topics.

3 Best Example of “Tell me about yourself”

Example 1: For a Recent Graduate

“Thank you for the opportunity. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from [Your University], where I specialized in Power Systems.

During my studies, I developed a strong foundation in circuit analysis, power electronics, and control systems. My passion for this field was really cemented during my final year capstone project, where I designed and simulated a small-scale micro grid system using MATLAB and Simulink. That project taught me a great deal about renewable energy integration and load balancing, and we successfully achieved a 95% efficiency rating in our simulation. I also completed a 3-month internship at [Company Name], where I assisted the engineering team with drafting electrical schematics in AutoCAD and performing quality control checks on PCB assemblies.

I’ve been following [Hiring Company’s Name]’s work in [mention a specific area, e.g., smart grid technology or sustainable energy solutions] for some time now. I was particularly excited to see this role because it aligns perfectly with my academic focus and my hands-on project experience. I am eager to apply my technical skills and my enthusiasm for learning to contribute to your team.”

Example 2: For an Engineer with 2-5 Years of Experience

“I am an Electrical Engineer with four years of experience, primarily focused on industrial automation and control systems.

In my current role at [Your Current Company], I design, program, and commission PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing lines. A project I’m particularly proud of involved leading the upgrade of a legacy control system for a critical production line. By migrating from an older PLC to a modern platform and optimizing the control logic, my team and I were able to reduce cycle time by 15% and decrease system downtime by nearly 30%. This role has given me extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, as well as VFDs, servo motors, and industrial networking.

I was drawn to this position at [Hiring Company’s Name] because of your reputation for innovation in the [Company’s Industry, e.g., robotics or automated packaging] sector. I’m looking for an opportunity to apply my control systems expertise to more complex and challenging projects, and the responsibilities listed for this role seem like a perfect next step in my career.”

Example 3: For an Experienced Senior Engineer

“I’m a Senior Electrical Engineer with over ten years of experience in the design and management of high-voltage power distribution projects for the utility sector.

Throughout my career at [Your Previous Company], I have managed projects from initial conception and feasibility studies through to detailed design, procurement, and final commissioning. For instance, I recently led a team that completed a $5 million substation upgrade project ahead of schedule and under budget. My responsibilities included performing load flow and short-circuit analysis using ETAP, specifying major equipment like transformers and switchgear, and ensuring full compliance with all NERC and IEEE standards. I also have significant experience in mentoring junior engineers and acting as a technical lead.

I’ve been very impressed with [Hiring Company’s Name]’s commitment to grid modernization and renewable energy integration. My extensive background in power system protection and substation automation aligns directly with the requirements of this role. I am confident that my technical leadership and project management skills can help drive your key initiatives forward and I’m excited by the prospect of contributing to a company that is at the forefront of the energy transition.”

Note: Adapt the above examples to your own liking.

Job interview tips : Walk into every interview not as a candidate hoping to pass a test, but as a professional ready to discuss how you can bring value. By combining thorough preparation with an authentic and engaging connection, you present the complete package—leaving the interviewer confident not just in what you have done, but in what you can achieve for them.

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