“I’ve sat in over 1,000 interviews with engineers during my career and spoken to thousands more — across civil, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, electronic, and industrial disciplines, from artisans to C-level. If there’s one thing hiring managers underestimate, it’s how much an engineer learns about your company in an interview.”

As specialist engineering recruiters working with leading companies across South Africa, we know that the technical questions alone won’t secure the right hire. Engineers today are evaluating your business as much as you’re evaluating their skills.

If you're relying on outdated approaches, you're likely losing great candidates to your competitors — especially in high-demand roles like those filled by electrical employment agencies or actuarial recruitment firms. Companies with archaic and slow processes are perceived in the same light as employers. Candidates respond well to dynamic interview processes that are effective and fast-moving.

So what should you keep in mind during your next engineering interview?

1. Technical Expertise and Skills

Strong Foundation

Engineers want to know you understand the importance of solid, hands-on technical foundations. Speak to the tools, platforms, and methodologies your team uses — and how they’ll contribute. Top engineers usually have a good feel for the industry — and they’ll pick up quickly if your team talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk. Be upfront about your environment and how you support your engineers — that honesty goes a long way in building trust from the start.

Problem-Solving Skills

Highlight how your business values problem-solvers, not just task-doers. Share examples of complex challenges your team is working on — engineers love to know they’ll make an impact. Give some insight into previous successes and the qualities of the team that you value.

Adaptability and Flexibility
 
The engineering field is constantly evolving — your interview should show that your business evolves with it. Talk about new technologies, cross-disciplinary exposure, or modernised processes.

What to say in interviews:
 
“We’re building a team where technical excellence is not only appreciated — it’s rewarded. Here’s how we approach complex challenges and empower engineers to lead those solutions.”

2. Highlight Soft Skills (They Matter More Than You Think)

Communication and Collaboration

Engineers don’t want to work in silos. They want to know how teams communicate, resolve problems, and share ownership. If you promote open forums, sprint reviews, or daily standups — mention it.

Teamwork & Leadership

Whether it’s a small technical team or a large division, engineers want to know who they’ll be working with and how collaboration works across roles. Highlight paths to leadership or technical ownership (without needing to manage people).

Commercial Awareness

Don’t shy away from business goals. Engineers appreciate context — they want to know how their work connects to the company’s objectives, especially in data-heavy or risk-based fields like finance and insurance.

What to say in interviews:
“We’re looking for team players who want to build with others, not just work in isolation. Here, engineers regularly work alongside product, operations, and finance to deliver real impact.”
 

3. Talk Growth — Not Just Job Descriptions

Continuous Learning

Do you offer training, mentorship, or certification support? Are junior engineers paired with senior mentors? Do you offer exposure across departments or projects?

This is especially critical for engineers in specialised industries — such as those typically placed through engineering recruitment agencies — who are often hungry for development.

Autonomy and Empowerment

Engineers thrive when trusted. Explain how your business gives them room to test ideas, solve problems, and work independently.

What to say in interviews:
“You won’t be stuck doing the same thing every day here. We encourage exploration — whether it’s through mentorship, certifications, or project rotations.”

4. Flexibility Is No Longer Optional

Hybrid and Remote Options

Today’s engineers — especially high-performers — are evaluating flexibility as a core decision point. Many of your competitors are offering remote-first models or hybrid flexibility. Are you?

Values and Culture

Engineers care about values — not just mission statements. What does your team act like? Are your managers supportive? How do you handle setbacks, celebrate wins, and promote diversity?

What to say in interviews:
“We measure outcomes, not hours. You’ll have the freedom to structure your day and focus on solving problems, not just sitting in meetings.”

5. What Engineers are Listening For During Interviews

Here’s what competitors might be saying — that you’re not:

“You’ll have access to cutting-edge tools and the freedom to try new ideas.”
“We support certifications, professional development, certifications, and conference attendance.” 
“We don’t micromanage — we hire experts and let them lead.”

If you want to win the best, this is the kind of messaging they’re listening for. And if your organisation doesn’t offer these benefits yet — it’s time to evolve, or risk being out-recruited.

What to say in interviews:
“We’re excited about what you bring to the table — and if this isn’t the right fit, we’ll give you constructive feedback. We want this to be a great move for you, not just us.”

The Bottom Line: Engineers Want More Than a Job

They want an employer who gets it. One who:

• Appreciates their technical skill
• Enables their growth
• Supports flexibility and work-life balance
• Builds a culture of trust, autonomy, and impact

If you can communicate this clearly and confidently during interviews, you’ll not only attract top engineering talent — you’ll retain them, too.

Ready to Build a Smarter Engineering Team?

At Network Recruitment, we don’t just understand engineers — we speak their language. From precision screening to cultural fit, our deep industry knowledge ensures you hire right the first time.

Stop settling for near-misses. Start hiring with confidence.

Partner with us today — let’s find the engineer who’ll build your next big success.