Interviewing at Sargent & Lundy? You’ve come to the right place As an electrical engineer with 20 years of experience, including 3 at Sargent & Lundy, I know firsthand what it takes to impress in an interview and land the job.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 15 of the most common Sargent & Lundy interview questions with tips on how to best answer each one. With the right preparation, you’ll walk into that interview room feeling cool, calm, and ready to knock their socks off!
Overview of Sargent & Lundy
Before we dive into the questions, let’s do a quick overview of Sargent & Lundy so you understand their history and values.
Founded in 1895 in Chicago, Sargent & Lundy is one of the oldest and most respected power and energy firms in the country. They specialize in power grid modernization and have worked on over 400 generation units across 60 countries.
Some key facts about the company
- Employs over 1,000 engineers, technicians, and energy specialists
- Revenues of $550 million in 2020
- Known for their rigorous technical training program
- Core values include safety, quality, client focus, and innovation
Now onto the questions!
Technical Questions
The bulk of the interview will focus on your technical skills and problem-solving abilities Be ready to get into the nitty gritty details
1. Tell me about a technical challenge you faced on a past project. How did you overcome it?
With this question, they want to see how you handle obstacles on the job. Pick an example where you showed perseverance, creativity, and grit to find the solution. Be detailed in your approach and emphasize teamwork if it applied.
2. What engineering software programs are you proficient in? How have you used them?
Sargent & Lundy wants engineers who can hit the ground running with the programs they use. Some examples are:
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- ETAP
- SKM
- PowerTools
Pick 2-3 you are highly skilled in and give examples of major projects where you used them extensively.
3. How would you conduct the transient analysis of a transformer inrush current?
Questions like this will test your technical knowledge. Walk through your approach step-by-step. Explain key principles involved and any assumptions you would make. Use industry terminology they will be familiar with.
4. What experience do you have with power system studies? Be specific.
Go beyond just saying you have experience. Provide details like types of models built, specific software used, notable projects completed, and any key learnings or innovations you brought. Quantify your experience in years or number of projects if possible.
5. How do you ensure quality control in engineering design and analysis?
Share some of the formal processes and checks you rely on to deliver high quality work – peer reviews, testing protocols, automated error checking, proofing methodologies, etc. Outline how you stay vigilant around quality at each stage of a project.
6. What do you do to keep your technical skills sharp and stay up-to-date on the latest technology?
Employers want lifelong learners. Share how you regularly learn new programs or techniques, read industry publications, take courses, attend conferences, get involved in professional societies, and more. Give recent examples.
Behavioral Questions
Now let’s move onto some broader behavioral and situational questions:
7. Tell me about a time you made a mistake on the job. How did you handle it?
We all make mistakes, so don’t be afraid to share one! Pick an example with a clear learning lesson. Explain how you took accountability for the mistake and did your best to remedy the situation. Share how it made you a wiser engineer in the long run.
8. How would you handle a disagreement with a team member on how to approach a project?
Emphasize that you try to understand their perspective first. Then explain how you lay out your viewpoint and the evidence backing it up. Share how you try to find common ground and compromise. Make it clear you can handle conflict in a calm, professional manner.
9. What do you do when priorities suddenly shift on a project and deadlines are moved up?
Show that you are adaptable and embrace flexibility as the nature of the industry. Share examples of quickly re-prioritizing and reassigning resources to meet new timelines without compromising quality. Let them know last minute crunches don’t rattle you!
10. Why do you want to work for Sargent & Lundy versus another firm?
Do your homework so you can speak sincerely about why their culture and values resonate with you. Know their reputation as an industry leader so you can speak intelligently about why you want to work on complex, prestigious projects. Share why their commitment to innovation excites you.
11. Where do you see your engineering career in 5 years?
While you may not know exactly where you’ll be in 5 years, speak to the growth you envision. Share your goal to gain experience across different project types and technologies. Express interest in leadership roles where you manage teams and projects someday.
12. How do you interact with clients? Give an example.
Emphasize communication skills, accountability, and dedication to top notch customer service. For example, outline how you kept a client fully looped in during a project, created detailed reports and presentations, and made yourself available to answer questions.
13. Tell me about a time you successfully motivated your team.
Share a concrete example. What specific actions did you take to motivate them? How did you set a good example? What was the end result – how did their performance improve thanks to your efforts? Take credit without boasting.
14. Describe a high-pressure situation you’ve faced. How did you stay calm and composed?
Choose an example that showcases grace under fire. Share the specific techniques you used to manage your emotions. Explain how you directed your energy into quick but thoughtful action vs letting stress overtake you. Demonstrate your steady nature.
15. Do you have any questions for me about the role or Sargent & Lundy?
Always bring 2-3 thoughtful questions to show your interest level. Ask about growth opportunities within the company, training programs, company culture, development processes, or key projects underway. Just don’t ask about anything you could easily find on their website!
Final Tips for Interview Success
With rigorous prep, you will be ready to take on any question they throw your way. Beyond that, here are some final tips for interview success:
- Review your resume and past work thoroughly so it’s fresh in your mind
- Arrive early – at least 10 minutes before scheduled time
- Dress professionally – suit and tie recommended
- Have extra copies of your resume, references, and portfolio
- Emphasize teamwork – they value collaboration
- Ask insightful questions – show you did your research
- Express enthusiasm and passion for the industry
- Follow up within 24 hours with a thank you note
