Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Use these questions to determine how a candidate handled situations in the past
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personal traits and cognitive skills
Why this matters
Modeling use cases helps systems engineers do their job by first identifying what each user group wants—then studying how to fulfill their needs. Experience in this area is paramount.
What to listen for
- Great answers will include examples of potential frustrations encountered—and how they were solved.
- Listen for descriptions of the different systems candidates may have used in tandem.
Why this matters
You are looking for a candidate who really understands the value added by systems as a whole. By understanding the planned life of any given system, stakeholders have a way of looking at the “big picture” when making decisions regarding cost, schedule, and other constraints.
What to listen for
- Specific knowledge of system-level qualities, properties, characteristics, functions, behavior, and performance.
- Look for signs that your candidate is capable of working fluidly with leadership teams who count on their insight for decision-making.
Why this matters
Systems engineers often serve as managers or consultants for technology projects and develop documentation in those support roles. Experienced candidates should have some strong opinions on this process since most of them have been consumers on the receiving end of good/bad documentation.
What to listen for
- Answers should include examples of requirements or planning documents they use at the beginning of a project.
- Pay attention to the types of collaboration involved in the documentation they've worked on.
Why this matters
It’s great to find out which issues your candidate has encountered—and how they approached the resulting testing, assessment, quality assurance, data analysis, and solutions development.
What to listen for
- Look for cues that the candidate is a thoughtful problem-solver who perseveres until they find a viable solution.
- Top answers will include mention of how they communicated with the rest of the organization during the process.
Why this matters
Successful systems engineering hinges on safe and balanced design in the face of opposing interests and multiple, potentially conflicting constraints. Your candidate should articulate the skill in optimizing the overall design, without favoring one system/subsystem at the expense of another.
What to listen for
- Look for signs that the candidate doesn’t just react to problems, but proactively implements improvements.
- A strong answer will cover how they took the idea from conception to completion, while constantly validating that the goals of the operational system will be met.
Why this matters
The exact role and responsibility of a systems engineer may change from day to day depending on the size and complexity of the project. Much of their time is spent solving complex problems--often with technology they didn’t create or have prior knowledge of. Being resourceful, able to learn quickly, and creative are the keys to success of the best tech engineers.
What to listen for
- Evidence the candidate has patience, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to continually learn.
- Be sure to dig into their passion and potential to be flexible to adapt to new technologies.
Why this matters
You need technical engineers who can communicate the value of their work in a non-technical way—especially when it comes to presenting ideas to an executive team. Here you’re looking for a candidate who can make complex concepts and terminology simple and benefit-driven for a decision-maker.
What to listen for
- Answers should reveal an ability to describe complex technology in an easy-to-understand way.
- Great answers will lead with a clear articulation of the benefit to the business.
Why this matters
Technical engineers who are able to analyze past experiences and apply that knowledge to work in a new paradigm are invaluable. This is your candidate’s chance to draw comparisons between the past and future to convince you they’re the best person for the job. Their answer will also reveal whether they’ve done their research on your company.
What to listen for
- Note willingness to be transparent and realistic about contributions.
- Answers should convey a level of understanding your goals and whether their experience is a good fit for your company.
Why this matters
It’s never easy to open up about regrets—especially to a stranger who has the power to give you a job. But a great candidate will show humility, self-reflection, and problem-solving ability. Listen closely for transparency and a sense that the candidate is not embarrassed by their choices because they led to this interview.
What to listen for
- Specifics about the circumstances and signs the candidate is maximizing their chances of achieving their professional goals.
- If the candidate has no career regrets, probe for a life regret, which can also help illustrate their mindset.
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