We have placed numerous trades professionals across numerous verticals, in installation and maintenance related roles. We have a strong understanding of what works and what doesn’t work. We have compiled a list of the 3 Dos, and Don’ts ahead of your interview for the next opportunity. 

DO’s

1. Use explanations and examples

The night before your interview, read the job description received (If you have one), to ensure you understand what is required from the role. Read the responsibilities and think of examples in which you have done similar tasks in your current role or previously. This will help in refreshing your mind and uncover all the experience you have built up to date, and you will be less nervous in the interview. When asked a question in the interview, think of a relevant and specific example and simply talk through what YOU  did (Focus on using words like I and MY when talking about experience). Try to be as informative as possible, as vague answers may come across as dismissive, or that you lack knowledge in a certain area. 

​2. Demonstrate your methods of safe work

Safety is paramount within this environment, with many of installation and service roles working within highly regulated and high-risk environment. It's important to demonstrate that not only do you understand the importance of safety, but that your methods of work are safe. If asked about safe work, refer to points such as how you would isolate a power supply, how you would tag and lock off to ensure that the machine is safe and no harm can come to you or anybody else.

​3. Be Punctual and Well presented

No one expects you to show up in a suit to the interview, but its important to ensure you show up fresh to the interview, with a clean jumper and boots. If possible, try to secure an interview before your workday begins or after work, where you get a chance to freshen up. It's key to try and ensure you are on time for the meeting. On call and emergencies happen but try to ensure your job search and interviews schedules are conducted on weeks you are not on call. Punctuality is key for these roles and being late is never a good start. 

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Don'ts

1. Don't undersell yourself

You only get one chance to make a great impression in a job interview, and modesty isn’t going to help you to stand out. There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, but if you can strike a balance, you’re in with a much better chance. Ensure you demonstrate your technical skills and safety knowledge, you don’t want the interviewer to have any doubts that you’re the best person for the job.

2.Don't get caught up on the money alone

No one works for free, but when going forward for an interview, it's important to consider the reasons outside of the money for your reasons for looking for a new role. This is important, as when you are in the interview, and you are asked the any questions at the end, you have an opportunity to cover these motivations and ensure if the role and companies align with your motives. 

3.Don't be too informal

Interviews within the industry can tend to be a more laid back affair, with a walk through your experience. It's important to not get too familiar and comfortable in the interview, and to maintain professionalism throughout like you would with a client. Clients sometimes use this a method of testing candidates, which too often candidates can fall into this trap. 

​Conclusion

When combined with great preparation such as researching the company and planning your journey, the above tips will help you to ace your next engineering job interview. Remember to also do some research on typical engineering interview questions and remember to take your certifications, identification and reference details with you.

​Jobs in facilities and maintenance

We have numerous jobs in facilities and maintenance, across a number of locations and shift patterns. 

We work with some of the biggest names across the facilities and maintenance sectors in  Ireland are constantly on the lookout for talented trades engineers to join their teams. To browse our latest facilities and maintenance jobs and find your next exciting opportunity, click the jobs icon above.