13 Engineering Drawing Interview Questions (With Tips)

Updated 10 February 2023

Technical drawings are an essential part of engineering. Engineers typically use them to create a two-dimensional visualisation of an object they may construct. If you are attending an interview for an engineer position, you may benefit from knowing some engineering drawing interview questions and preparing answers to them. In this article, we list 13 questions, provide sample answers and discuss practical tips to help you perform well at your interview.

7 Engineering Drawing Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Here are seven engineering drawing interview questions with their sample answers to help you prepare for your interview:

1. What is the purpose of engineering drawing?

Your interview may start with some basic questions, including this one. Interviewers often want to assess candidates' basic understanding of engineering drawing. In your response, explain what the purpose of engineering drawing is and the components you can include in a drawing.

Example answer: "The purpose of engineering drawing is to convey detailed technical information about a product or system in a clear and concise manner. It also helps in communicating information about materials, dimensions and assembly instructions."

2. How do you read and interpret engineering drawings?

This can be another question interviewers ask to test your basic understanding of the subject. It is essential for an engineer to interpret drawings accurately to ensure error-free construction. You can answer this question by explaining how to interpret drawings and outlining the skills to do so efficiently.

Example answer: "To read and interpret engineering drawings, you typically require a basic understanding of engineering principles and familiarity with the conventions and symbols in the drawings. Engineers also require the ability to visualise the object in three dimensions and understand the relationships between the components. Mathematical skills are often necessary to interpret measurements."

3. How do you create an engineering drawing using computer-aided design (CAD) software?

Engineers typically use CAD software to create drawings. Interviewers may ask this question to test your understanding of such software and your ability to use it. In your response, explain how to create a drawing using CAD. Be sure to include any helpful information you have learned about the process.

Example answer: "To create an engineering drawing using CAD software, you typically require a basic understanding of the software and its tools. The process involves creating a 3D model of the object or system and using the software to create 2D views and drawings from this. You can then annotate the drawing with dimensions, notes and other information as per your requirements."

4. How do you create a bill of materials (BOM) from an engineering drawing?

After testing your basic understanding, interviewers may want to assess your knowledge of additional activities that relate to engineering drawing. Engineers often create a BOM to list the items they require to manufacture a product. In your response to this question, explain how to create a BOM using a technical drawing and the steps you take to do so.

Example answer: "To create a BOM from an engineering drawing, you identify all the components and materials in the object or system. You can then organise the information into a list, with each item including a description, part number and quantity."

5. What is geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in a drawing?

With this question, interviewers may test your understanding of the technical aspects of engineering drawing. Answering effectively may help you demonstrate your advanced knowledge of the subject. In your response, define GD&T and state its uses. You may also give examples of several symbols.

Example answer: "GD&T is a system of symbols and conventions that specifies component tolerances in terms of size, form, orientation and location. When creating an engineering drawing, you can use GD&T to ensure the final product meets specification and function requirements. Relevant symbols include straightness, which is a straight line, circularity, which is a circle and perpendicularity, which you depict with an inverted “T”."

6. How do you create an exploded view drawing for assembly instructions?

This is another advanced question the interviewer may ask. It can help them understand the extent of your knowledge and skills regarding engineering drawing. To answer this question, you can explain what an exploded view drawing is, list the requirements to create one and then list the steps you can take.

Example answer: 'An exploded view drawing is a type of drawing that shows how you construct a product or assembly by dividing into its individual components and demonstrating how they fit together. To create an exploded view drawing, you require detailed drawings of each component. You can then use software to create the exploded view, highlighting the components and indicating how they interconnect.'

7. How do you ensure that an engineering drawing is accurate and to scale?

Accuracy is key in engineering drawing, as it helps create error-free structures of products. With this question, interviewers may test your regard for accuracy and your knowledge of how to create reliable products. Answer the question by stating the list of steps you can take to ensure accuracy and any considerations you can make in your work t help with the process.

Example answer: "To ensure an engineering drawing is accurate and to scale, it is first essential to verify the accuracy of the dimensions and other information in the drawing. It is also necessary to use appropriate software and tools to ensure the drawing has correct scaling and measurements. You then review and verify the drawing with other engineers or with the client to ensure it meets requirements and standards."

6 Additional Questions For An Engineering Drawing Interview

Here are six further questions you may prepare to answer in your engineering drawing interview:

What is tolerancing in engineering drawing?
What is an isometric drawing?
What steps can you take to ensure the drawing conforms to industry and company standards?
How do you use a drawing management system to organise and store engineering drawings?
How do you use digital signature and approval processes in engineering drawings?
Can you use engineering drawings for cost estimation and project management and, if so, how do you achieve this?

Engineering Drawing Interview Tips

Here are some practical tips that can help you better prepare for your interview and increase your chances of advancing in the hiring process:

Research the company and position prior to the interview. Before the interview, it is useful to research the company and the post for which you are applying. This can help you understand the company's mission, values and goals and may allow you to customise your responses to align with what the company is looking for in a candidate.
Prepare answers to some interview questions. Consider researching some questions and preparing answers to them in advance. This can help you give prompt responses if interviewers ask any of these questions.
Undertake mock interviews. After preparing your answers, consider taking part in mock interviews with a friend or family member. This can help you build confidence while responding to the questions and also help you analyse and adapt your nonverbal communication and speech as necessary.
Dress professionally and arrive on time. Select a formal outfit for the interview and arrive on time to create a positive first impression. This can show the interviewer that you are serious about the position and respectful of their time.
Follow up with a thank-you note. After the interview, it is advisable to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This can be an email or a physical note and is a good way to thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.