Mariel Mendoza, People and Culture Manager at ATC Williams and successful grad program participants offer their best interview tips for aspiring engineers and scientists keen to create their future with us.
Mariel says, “At ATCW, we know you don’t have all the answers yet. The interview process is our chance to get to know you better. We want to hear what you are passionate about and learn about your interests. We are curious about why you chose your studies and what type of role excites you.”
Below are our best tips for undergrads looking to make the most of their intern experience, gain industry experience and be job-ready upon graduation.
Step 1: Prepare! Then prepare more.
Research the company you are interviewing with and understand the key markets and practice areas they work in.
Take the time to consider what you are looking for in an employer. Are you interested in their expertise and disciplines, and do they align with your values? Be clear about why you chose to apply for a role at that company.
Be ready to explain how what you’ve learned or achieved at university aligns with the position.
– Undergraduates working in the ATC Williams Melbourne Laboratory
Step 2: Help us get to know you.
It’s easy to blank out when you’re nervous, so list all the non-technical or soft skills you’ve developed and reread them before the interview so they are front of mind.
Tell us about any communication or leadership qualities you’ve gained at uni, work, or volunteering.
At ATCW, we appreciate work-life balance. So, we would like to learn about your interests outside of uni and your studies.
Have an answer for us if we ask you to describe yourself as an individual. It could include knowing your top three core values and examples of how you would use your values in this position.
– Undergraduates getting out onsite during their internship
Step 3: Nail your interview.
Spoiler Alert… we want you to do your best, so here are a few of the typical questions we’ll ask you so you can practise your answers ahead of time.
Your academic experience
- What subjects did you excel at, and which ones were a challenge?
- Which subjects did you enjoy the most and why?
- How does what you’ve learned so far align with ATCW?
Your professional ambitions
- If you had to choose a field of expertise to work in, what would it be?
- Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now?
- What are you looking for in an employer?
Bonus Tip: Remember, your interviewer was once an undergrad, too. You might be curious about their career journey and what they like about working at ATCW. Ask away.
