Nick’s previously held Software & Data roles at Facebook, Google, & SafeGraph (a geospatial analytics startup).
Currently, he’s the best-selling author of Ace the Data Science Interview, and Founder & CEO of DataLemur.
Nick’s also active on LinkedIn, where he shares career tips with his 160,000+ followers.
At Tokyo Electron, SQL is often used to manage quality control data for better device production and look at data about how semiconductors are made to find ways to make them better. Because of this, Tokyo Electron almost always judges job applicants for Data Analytics, Data Science, and Data Engineering positions based on how well they answer SQL query questions.
If you’re getting ready for an SQL interview, we’ve put together a list of 9 Tokyo Electron-style interview questions that are similar to questions that are often asked at Tokyo Electron. Can you answer them?
Are you preparing for an interview at Tokyo Electron? As a leading semiconductor and flat panel display production equipment manufacturer, Tokyo Electron hires top talent to design, develop, and support their cutting-edge systems. With preparation, you can ace the interview process and stand out from the competition.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the most common interview questions asked at Tokyo Electron interviews along with sample answers.
Tell Me About Yourself
The interviewer wants a quick overview of your background and qualifications Focus on your most relevant experience and skills,
Sample Response: I’m an engineering manager with over 15 years of experience leading teams to design automated manufacturing systems. In my current role, I oversee engineers developing robotic equipment for silicon wafer handling. I also have extensive experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams and interfacing directly with clients to meet project needs. My expertise in semiconductor fabrication aligns well with Tokyo Electron’s products and services.
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
Show you’ve researched the company and are motivated by their mission, values and culture.
Sample Response: I’m excited to work for an industry leader known for innovative technology and continuous R&D. Tokyo Electron’s solutions help manufacturers advance semiconductors that power today’s electronics. I want to contribute my skills to designs that shape the future of technology. Tokyo Electron’s collaborative culture and encouragement of new ideas appeals to me. I’m drawn to the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as well.
What Are Your Strengths?
Share 2-3 hard and soft skills that make you a strong candidate. Align them with the position’s requirements.
Sample Response: Some of my key strengths are strategic thinking, leadership, and communication. I excel at looking at the big picture to develop solutions, while also overseeing technical project details. My team often compliments my ability to motivate them through challenges. I’m also skilled at conveying complex technical processes clearly to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders. These strengths help me drive successful outcomes on large-scale equipment projects.
How Do You Handle a Heavy Workload and Tight Deadlines?
Engineering often involves stretched resources and looming deadlines. Share your time management and stress management tactics.
Sample Response: In my career so far, I’vebecome adept at managing high workloads. I prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency. For large projects, I break them into manageable pieces with milestones. This helps me monitor progress and stay on track for deadlines. I also communicate openly with my team and managers when workloads are unmanageable. We collaborate to reallocate resources or adjust timelines when needed. Staying organized and proactive helps prevent stress when work piles up.
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Show you’re interested in growing long-term with the company. Share goals aligned with the career path for this role.
Sample Response: In 5 years, I hope to be leading a technology development team, overseeing engineers designing new systems and processes. I’m interested in eventually moving into an executive R&D role, determining technology strategy. Tokyo Electron’s promotion of collaboration and innovation makes me excited to grow here. I’m committed to understanding customers’ complex needs and leading development of cutting-edge solutions.
How Do You Stay Current on Technology Trends in This Industry?
Focus on engineering-specific news, research, and continued learning that keeps your skills sharp.
Sample Response: I make time each week to read industry publications, blogs and attend webinars or events. For example, I follow Semiconductor Engineering and Microwave Journal closely. I also participate in professional organizations like the IEEE to exchange ideas. Within my company, I collaborate with scientists and product managers to stay on top of where our industry is headed. I believe continuously expanding my technology knowledge inspires innovation and helps me provide better guidance to my team.
Tell Me About a Time You Handled a Difficult Coworker
Share a positive real example. Emphasize conflict resolution and teamwork skills over assigning blame.
Sample Response: Early in my career, I managed an engineer who initially rejected new design approaches and isolated himself from the group. I had several one-on-one talks to understand his perspective. I worked with him to outline his strengths and development areas. His input led us to acknowledge better ways to share feedback on team projects. My mentoring helped the engineer become more receptive and engaged. We ended up collaborating well on designing an efficient new wafer transport system. This experience taught me patience and empathy go a long way in motivating others.
Where Would You Like to Improve or Develop Further in Your Career?
Hiring managers want people motivated to continuously improve. Share a genuine self-development goal aligned with the position.
Sample Response: In terms of my career development, I’d like to strengthen my knowledge of equipment automation software. As manufacturing evolves to incorporate more A.I. and machine learning, it’s crucial I enhance my skills in those emerging areas. I’d welcome any training Tokyo Electron provides to stay relevant. I’m also excited to learn from the software experts on your teams through collaboration. Developing my capabilities there will allow me to bring even more value to complex equipment designs.
Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your most compelling qualifications and reiterate your interest in the company.
Sample Response: With my expertise leading manufacturing engineering teams and passion for innovating technology, I know I can make strong contributions at Tokyo Electron. Your company’s cutting-edge equipment aligns perfectly with my background and skills. I’ll work tirelessly to help Tokyo Electron maintain excellence in designing the tools that propel our industry forward. I’m genuinely excited to collaborate with your talented engineers. You can expect dedicated leadership and creative problem-solving if I join your team.
Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your engagement. Inquire about company culture, training, growth opportunities, etc.
Sample Questions:
-
How would you describe Tokyo Electron’s culture and work environment?
-
What excites you most about new projects on the horizon?
-
What qualities help engineers thrive here long-term?
-
What training and onboarding do you provide for new hires?
With preparation for questions like these, you will prove your technical expertise and fit for Tokyo Electron’s mission. Use these examples to develop your own responses and practice them until you can confidently interview. Showcase your skills and motivations, and you have an excellent chance at launching an exciting career with this global technology leader.
SQL Question 8: Analyze Customer history with Product purchases
Tokyo Electron has a database containing Sales and Customer information. The table includes fields such as , , , and . The table includes , , , and .
Write an SQL query that shows for each customer how many unique items they’ve bought, how much they spent, and some personal information. Only include customers who have made at least one purchase.
| sale_id | customer_id | product_id | price | sale_date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | 101 | 200 | 2022-01-10 |
| 2 | 100 | 102 | 300 | 2022-02-20 |
| 3 | 101 | 101 | 200 | 2022-02-25 |
| 4 | 102 | 103 | 400 | 2022-03-10 |
| 5 | 100 | 101 | 200 | 2022-03-15 |
This query first joins the and tables using the field. Then, for each customer, it adds up the sale prices and counts how many unique items they bought. The clause ensures we only include customers who have purchased at least one product.
Since joins come up frequently during SQL interviews, try an interactive Spotify JOIN SQL question:
9 Tokyo Electron SQL Interview Questions
Tokyo Electron is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of semiconductors. If you have a table with records of the different types of semiconductors that were made, when they were made, and how many were made, you need to write an SQL query that will get the monthly total for each type of semiconductor.
Assume our table, , looks like this:
| production_id | product_type | production_date | product_count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 2022-03-01 | 150 |
| 2 | A | 2022-03-15 | 200 |
| 3 | B | 2022-03-15 | 100 |
| 4 | A | 2022-04-01 | 150 |
| 5 | B | 2022-04-10 | 200 |
The expected output is a table that shows a running sum for each product type, calculated monthly. So, the running total for March for product_type A is 350, which is 150,200, and for product_type B it is 100.
| month | product_type | running_total |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | A | 350 |
| 03 | B | 100 |
| 04 | A | 500 |
| 04 | B | 300 |
Here is the SQL query that would provide the answer:
The SQL query applies PostgreSQL window functions. The window function provides a sum of products manufactured for each product type. The clause is used to calculate a separate sum for each product type. The clause, in conjunction with the window function, calculates a running total for each subsequent month.
The function is used to format the as a month (MM).
Try this Amazon SQL Interview Question to get ready for another window function question on DataLemur’s free interactive SQL code editor:
G.I. Jobs Interview with Larry Smith of Tokyo Electron
FAQ
Does Tokyo Electron drug test employees?
What questions are asked at Gojo interview?
What questions are asked at the itsu interview?
