How has your technical background helped you to contribute to technical discussions and decisions?

Sample answer to the question

Oh, my technical background? Sure, so I've always been hands-on with engineering software and tools which comes in handy during technical meetups. For instance, when my last job was shifting to a new CAD program, I already had a good grasp of it from a previous project. So, I led a workshop to get everyone up to speed - that kind of thing. And my problem-solving skills mean I can often suggest unique solutions during brainstorming sessions, which has made me pretty valuable in decision-making.

A more solid answer

Absolutely, my technical background has been crucial in technical discussions. As an engineering lead in my last role, I implemented a custom project management workflow using Jira, tailored to our team's needs. This not only streamlined our operations but also positioned me to confidently discuss project scopes and milestones with stakeholders. Furthermore, when working with cross-functional teams, having first-hand experience with CAD and simulation tools allowed me to effectively communicate complex technical concepts and mediate between parties to resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings that arose.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer delineates specific experiences as an engineering lead and how these experiences have facilitated effective contributions in technical discussions, aligning with the job description's skills and responsibilities. It touches on project management and conflict resolution skills, highlighting a proficiency with relevant tools. However, it might still benefit from greater detail on leadership experiences and how technical acumen has directly influenced strategy and decision-making.

An exceptional answer

In my technical career, I've often been at the intersection of project management and engineering. During my tenure at TechInnovate, I spearheaded the implementation of a risk mitigation workflow which became vital in our development process. It allowed me to lead discussions on technical strategy, where I often drew on my strong grasp of engineering principles to bridge gaps between different domains. For example, I once resolved a budget discrepancy during a critical phase by proposing an alternate material selection, balancing engineering integrity and project costs effectively. Additionally, my adeptness in tools like MATLAB and SolidWorks has contributed to optimizing product designs, directly impacting our efficiency and innovation.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This exceptional answer provides a detailed account of how technical expertise has been applied in real-world scenarios that are very relevant to the position of Engineering Manager. It showcases leadership in implementing crucial workflows, technical strategy participation, and the resolution of project issues directly related to the skills and responsibilities in the job description, such as managing budgets, promoting innovation, and optimizing product designs. The candidate communicates the breadth and depth of their technical background while demonstrating how it influences decision-making, project outcomes, and team guidance.

How to prepare for this question

Craft a narrative that connects your hands-on technical experiences with the leadership and project management aspects of the Engineering Manager role. Reflect on specific projects where your technical knowledge led to innovations or problem-solving in decision-making scenarios.
Analyze examples from your past experiences where you used engineering tools or software effectively in a leadership capacity. Be prepared to explain how this expertise would translate into managing a team and contributing to discussions at a strategic level.
Consider discussing past experiences where you successfully managed project budgets, resources, or risks. This will display your understanding of the broader impact of technical decisions on project outcomes.
Think about times you've had to negotiate or resolve conflicts within technical contexts. Being able to articulate these instances will demonstrate your interpersonal skills as well as your technical acumen.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strong project management and organizational skills
Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Technical acumen to understand and contribute to technical discussions