How can Facilities Engineers prepare for a technical interview?

1 Review the job description

Before you go to the interview, make sure you review the job description carefully and understand what the employer is looking for in a facilities engineer. Pay attention to the specific duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills that are required or preferred for the role. Identify the key areas of expertise and experience that you have that match the job requirements and highlight them in your resume and cover letter. Also, research the company's background, mission, vision, values, and culture to get a sense of their expectations and goals.

2 Brush up on your technical knowledge

As a facilities engineer, you need to have a solid grasp of the technical aspects of your field, such as engineering principles, standards, codes, methods, tools, and best practices. You also need to be familiar with the various systems and equipment that are relevant to the facility's operations, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, security, lighting, automation, or renewable energy. To prepare for your technical interview, review the concepts and topics that you learned in your education, training, or certification programs. You can also refresh your memory by reading books, articles, manuals, or blogs related to facilities engineering. Additionally, you can practice solving common or challenging problems or scenarios that you may encounter in your work.

3 Prepare examples of your projects and achievements

One of the best ways to demonstrate your technical skills and experience as a facilities engineer is to provide concrete examples of your past or current projects and achievements. For each project, you should be able to describe the scope, objectives, challenges, solutions, outcomes, and lessons learned. You should also be able to explain how you applied your technical knowledge, skills, and tools to complete the project successfully. Furthermore, you should be able to quantify your results and impact by using metrics, data, or evidence. For example, you can mention how much you reduced the energy consumption, improved the efficiency, enhanced the safety, or increased the satisfaction of the facility's users.

4 Anticipate common or specific questions

Preparing for a technical interview requires anticipating the questions the interviewer may ask. Examples of technical interview questions for facilities engineers can be found online, from peers, mentors, or colleagues who have gone through a similar process. Additionally, reviewing the job description and company website can help identify topics relevant to the role and organization. Possible questions include: What are the main components of a HVAC system and how do they work? How do you conduct a facility condition assessment and what criteria do you use? What engineering standards or codes do you follow in your projects and why are they important? How do you troubleshoot or repair faulty equipment or systems? How do you ensure safety, security, and compliance of the facility and its users? How do you plan, manage, and execute a facility improvement or renovation project? How do you communicate and collaborate with other engineers, contractors, vendors, or stakeholders? How do you use technology to assist in your work? How do you measure and evaluate the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of the facility and its systems and equipment? And how do you stay up-to-date on trends, developments, or innovations in facilities engineering?