imeche interview preparation
TRANSCRIPT
www.imeche.org
IMECHE INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Jade Abbott
Global Account Manager
10 October 2017
QUALITIES OF A CHARTERED ENGINEER
A CHARTERED ENGINEER…
‘Develops solutions to engineering problems using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and
change and/or they may have technical accountability for complex systems with significant levels of risk.’
CHARTERED ENGINEERSQUALITIESChartered Engineers are able to demonstrate:• The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in new
technologies and develop new analytical techniques• Successful application of the knowledge to deliver innovative
products and services and/or take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems
• Accountability for project, finance and personnel management and managing trade-offs between technical and socio-economic factors
• Skill sets necessary to develop other technical staff• Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical
matters
UK SPEC COMPETENCES
UK-SPECCOMPETENCIES.A. Knowledge and UnderstandingCombination of general & specialist engineering knowledge & understanding to optimise the application of existing and emerging technologiesB. Practical ApplicationApply appropriate theoretical & practical methods to the analysis & solution of engineering problemsC. Leadership skillsProvide technical & commercial leadershipD. Communication and Interpersonal skillsDemonstrate effective communication & interpersonal skillsE. Professional ConductMake a personal commitment to live by the appropriate code of professional conduct, recognising the obligations to society, the profession & the environment
COMPETENCE A.
Examples
Introduction of new technology and processes (LEAN, Six Sigma)
Involvement in new energy sourcesPrototype designs and
testing
Significant modifications / refurbishment –process change / performance enhancement
Performance assessments, leading to proposal for improved efficiency /
reduced costs
Successful problem solving
on major breakdown or malfunction using first principles
Cost/benefit analysis or
potential new technology or
process, presented as
report
COMPETENCE B.
Examples
Identifying improvement possibilities
Comparing one solution against
another Specifying contract
specificationsApplying
appropriate planning techniques
Running site services & operations;
implementing both ad hoc &
planned maintenanceBreaking down
work into discrete
elements with resource
requirements & performance standards
Seeking solutions from
other companies, competitors and academia
Running projects as a manager
COMPETENCE C.
Examples
Project management to time, costs &
scopeMonitoring Budgets Leading multi-
disciplined teams
Identifying strength &
weaknesses in a team
Initiating specialist awareness training
Understanding relevant
contract lawSetting budgets for operations
Use of LEAN / Six Sigma tools to improve
processes and ways of working
Exploit available resources effectively
COMPETENCE D.
Examples
Professional registration paperwork acceptable?
Good telephone manner
Presentations with clients, meetings with clients, meeting key suppliers
Negotiating timelines with clients or
suppliers to meet your
changing needsGraphical evidence
presented to PRI panel (photos,
schematics, devices)
Presenting own ideas with confidencePreparing “Project
Definitions”
Making presentations at
company conferences; emphasis on teamwork;
negotiating on aspects of utilities
COMPETENCE E.
Examples
Schools activities (SEA, EES, YEB, CREST)Coaching other graduates and
PeersLiaising with your old universityOffice HSE audits
Out of work sustainability activities
Presentations at local events
IMechE lectures, local
committee, YMPs
Volunteer activities – local
/ national
Good development plan (1, 5 & 10
yr plan)Next Career steps /
expectations
Commitment to CPD
Knowledge & use of safe
systems of work (PTW, Fire Risk, Access, Heights
etc)
WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW?
� It is mandatory
� It is not an examination
� It is not a question and answer session
� It is not a presentation
� It is not an ordeal!!
THE INTERVIEW-WHAT TO EXPECT
PROFESSIONAL REVIEW (PRI)• PRI is an opportunity for a business discussion with senior engineering peers.
• Relatively informal discussion of 45 minutes.
• Panel members are trained to assist the developing engineer to offer important and relevant items.
• The panel have already reviewed the reports/documentation.
• All questions will be related to your application.
• The interview facilitator acts as an impartial manager.
INTERVIEW FORMAT
INTERVIEW FORMAT
Interview panel consisting of:• Chairman – MIMechE or FIMechE• Co Panellist – MIMechE (may be 2 x FIMechE)• Interview Facilitator or Consultant;
• meets and briefs the applicant• facilitates the interview• ensures standards are maintained, interview is fair
• debriefs applicants and returns paperwork to HQ
• Remember, this is a discussion based on your application form.
INTERVIEW STRUCTURE
Introductions: 2 – 5 minutes• You will give a brief introduction of yourself.
• Focus on your experience and achievements, highlighting points of autonomy and authority within your role.
• Assessors may also give a brief overview of their background.Demonstrate Competences A to D: 20 – 25 minutes• You will be asked to talk about certain aspects of the examples you have
given.• Questions could include:
• Which part of the project did you find most challenging?• Which part of the project did you find most rewarding/satisfying?
• You may be asked to expand on parts of your report – this is where it may be useful to have examples.
This is a general guidance on the suggested layout of your interview
INTERVIEW STRUCTUREProfessional conduct and commitment: 10 minutes• You should have read and understood the Institutions Code of Conduct.• Have an awareness of relevant legislation for your role:
• E.g. Health and Safety or Environmental considerations.Development Action Plan: 5 minutes• Assessors are looking to see if you have a plan in place for your
Continued Professional Development (CPD).• Focus on your short (to becoming professional registered), medium
and long terms goals.Close: 5 minutes• Here you will be invited to add anything that has not been covered in
the interview that you think is important or relevant.
WHAT WILL YOU BE ASSESSED ON
INTERVIEW-INTERVIEWERS’ ADVICE• Remember, the interview is about;
• Your role• Your responsibilities• Your experience• Your expertise
• The interview is 45 minutes, and you are expected to do 75% of the talking.
• First question will almost certainly be, “Tell me about yourself…”
• Remember you have to give sufficient information to gain Level 2 in 2 and Level 3 in 3 competences.
INTERVIEW-INTERVIEWERS’ ADVICE• Answer the questions asked.• Bring supporting evidence: technical drawings, sketches, calculations, photographs, small models.
• Do not bring too much.• Offer them but don’t push them.• Do not bring a laptop or ipad/tablet with you.
• Use an aide-memoire if you wish e.g. photographs, sketches etc.• Bring a copy of your application form for your own reference.• You cannot work from a script!
INTERVIEW PANELARE JUDGING
• Your level of responsibility and professional judgement.• Your approach to problem solving (technical content).• Your commitment to the profession.• Your communication skills.• Your commitment to Continuous Professional Development.
Remember: There are NO trick questions.
SCORING MATRIX
COMPETENCE SCORING STRUCTURE.The minimum scores required are 2 at level 2 and 3 at level 3 across any of the five competences.
Performs activity with significant supervision & guidance. Performs basic routine tasks, little / no responsibility.
Performs activity in a range of contexts, supervision required in more complex circumstances. Some individual responsibility or autonomy.
Performs activity in some complex or non-routine contexts. Significant responsibility and autonomy – can oversee the work of others.
Performs activity in a wide range of complex or non-routine contexts. Substantial personal autonomy – can develop others within the activity.LEVEL 4EXPERT
LEVEL 3SKILLED
LEVEL 2FAMILIAR
LEVEL 1AWARE
INTERVIEW OUTCOME
THE INTERVIEW RECOMMENDATION
• Elect to member
• Defer with guidance
• Not recommended
The PRC makes the final decision and retains the right to alter a recommendation (within reason).Unsuccessful applicants always receive personalised written feedback and guidance to explain the decision.The panel must make a recommendation – one that is supported by the scores awarded by both interviewers.
One of three possible recommendations will be made at the end of the interview:
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWINTERVIEW OUTCOME• You do not hear your results on the day.• Interview panel recommendation goes to Professional Review Committee.
• Those successful are elected to MIMechE and registered with the Engineering Council as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer.
• If the interview was not successful, re-apply when ready. Feedback is provided.
PROFESSIONAL REASONS FOR DEFERRAL
Typical deferral reasons –
• Poor use of allotted time and an inability to “market” themselves.
• Poor use of examples of what they have done and currently do (i.e. photos, devices, schematics).
• Gaps in competence / experience (attendance at PRI too early in career)
• Unable to provide evidence of understanding of technical and non-technical competence based on examples given
THINGS TO REMEMBER
DON’T FORGET….• Be confident – remember you are the expert in your own career.• Listen and answer the questions being asked.• Always use first person and focus on what your individual contribution was, not what the team did.
• Ensure you read your application before your interview and also go back through the examples you gave in application.
• Think of the examples and how they relate to the competences so you can be sure to demonstrate them.
• Remember to enjoy yourself, as this is an opportunity to meet wit senior engineers.
• Finally, the assessors are looking for reasons to pass not fail you.
QUESTIONS?
THANK YOUFor more information please contact:Jade [email protected]