Your primary role as a quality engineer is to ensure that everything—materials, processes and employees—works together to create the best products possible. The following quality engineer interview questions and answers will help your potential employer determine whether or not you are the best candidate for the job.
What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Quality Engineer?
This may seem like the simplest question possible since you already know what the primary responsibilities are, but your interviewer is using this question to gauge your true understanding of the position. A good example answer is “Although my primary responsibility is ensuring a high-quality product, I will also be responsible for quality-related customer service, the training of quality personnel and even discussing ways in which product quality can be improved with the employees who are responsible for the various manufacturing processes.” This shows that you are willing to go above and beyond the typical duties.
How Well Do You Handle Customer Complaints?
Regardless of the industry in which you work—or even your position within that industry—there will always come a time when you will need to resolve customer complaints. In this case, the complaint may come from a retailer who has purchased a product to sell to the public. It may also come from the end user of the product; the consumer who has purchased the product from the retailer. “I would listen very carefully to the complaint, validate it, and then try to find the solution that will please the customer and the company at the same time.” This answer shows that you are dedicated to customer service, and it shows that you are loyal to your employer at the same time.
How Do You Feel about Holding Staff Meetings regarding Quality?
Although they may not occur regularly, it is sometimes necessary to ask for and hold meetings with all of the staff members responsible for the production of a particular product. This is especially true if a different physical process could improve the product’s quality. You could answer with “Since I understand that each employee can directly affect the quality of the products the company produces, staff meetings are a necessary part of my job. I can convey my ideas and concerns clearly to others, and I can overcome objections by listening carefully to employee concerns, as well.”
What besides Monitoring Will Facilitate Better Products?
With this question, your interviewer is hoping to learn more about the various ways in which you ensure quality products. Although monitoring products and taking samples is very important, you should demonstrate your knowledge of other techniques, as well. “Other than monitoring production and testing random samples, I gather feedback from employees and consumers so that I can better understand the things that can be improved upon.” This shows that you are willing to listen to others and take their considerations to heart.
As a quality engineer, you will play a very important role for your employer. During your interview, you should be prepared to answer a variety of questions like the ones above. This way, you can prove your worth and earn the position you want.
