6 Reasons Why Tech and Engineering Students Struggle in Interviews—and How to Fix It

For many Tech and engineering students, job interviews can feel like an uphill battle. You may have the technical skills, academic achievements, and even some hands-on experience, but things don't always go as planned when it comes to the actual interview. Why is that? More importantly, how can you fix it?

Let’s break down some of the most common interview challenges Tech and engineering students face and the strategies to overcome them.

Interview Struggles for Tech and Engineering Candidates

1. Lack of Communication Skills

Many Tech and engineering students spend years honing their technical skills but overlook the importance of communication. Interviewers want to see that you understand the "why" behind the technology, not just the "how." 

The Fix:

• Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as if you were teaching a beginner.

• Participate in group discussions, presentations, and mock interviews to improve verbal communication.

• Record yourself answering common interview questions and analyse your clarity and confidence.

  
  

2. Inability to Structure Answers Well

Tech roles are all about problem-solving. Interviewers will likely ask you scenario-based questions to assess your approach. You know the answer but struggle to present it in a structured and compelling way. Many candidates ramble or jump between points, making it hard for interviewers to follow.

The Fix:

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your analytical thinking.  

• For technical questions, start with a high-level overview before diving into details.

• Practice summarising answers concisely to avoid over-explaining or going off-track.

  
  

3. Overlooking Soft Skills

Students often focus entirely on their technical abilities, assuming that coding skills or engineering knowledge alone will land them the job. However, companies value communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving just as much.

The Fix:

• Highlight projects where you worked in teams or demonstrated leadership.

• Prepare examples of how you handled challenges, learned from mistakes, or collaborated with others.

• Show enthusiasm and a growth mindset rather than just listing technical achievement.

  
  

Pro tip: prepare a list of your own STAR stories bank before coming in for an interview

4. Weak Problem-Solving Approach in Technical Interviews

In coding interviews or engineering problem-solving rounds, students often jump straight into coding without thinking through the problem first. This leads to inefficient or incorrect solutions.

The Fix:

• Clarify the problem before starting. Ask questions to remove ambiguity.

• Break the problem into smaller parts and outline your approach before coding.

• Think out loud so interviewers can understand your thought process.

• Practice solving problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Project Euler.

  
  

5. Lack of Confidence and Nervousness

Even the most skilled students can struggle with confidence during interviews. Nervousness can lead to blanking out, stuttering, or giving rushed answers. But remember, being confident makes you stand out and gives you a positive impression to interviewers.

Pro tip: try smiling or laughing to calm the jitters before going in for the interview!

The Fix:

• Prepare and practice regularly. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

• Join mock interviews or simulate real interview conditions by timing yourself and practicing with peers or mentors.

• Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualisation to stay calm before and during interviews.

  
  

6. Not Researching the Company or Role

Failing to ask questions shows a lack of interest. Some candidates focus so much on their own skills that they forget to research the company and the specific role they are applying for. This makes them seem unprepared or uninterested.

The Fix:

• Study the company’s mission, values, and recent projects.

• Understand the job description and identify how your skills align with the role.

• Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the company and position.

  
  

Remember, interviewers appreciate it when you know your battlefield and ask questions. It shows your genuine interest and eagerness to join the company.

Job interviews don’t have to be intimidating. With the right preparation and mindset, Tech and engineering students can transform their interview struggles into strengths. Start practicing early, seek feedback, and refine your approach with each interview experience. Your technical skills got you this far—now, it’s time to develop the communication and problem-solving skills that will get you hired.

Find Different Jobs by Different Employers for Tech & Engineering Graduates

Students or fresh graduates looking for a job or internship? Sign up on Kabel for exclusive tips and resources. Kabel is your go-to platform for accessing different jobs from different employers. It matches you with jobs that are aligned with your skills, passion, and career values.

Pro tip: Remember to add all your projects, assignments, and past experiences in your Kabel profile for better job matches!

Psst… Want to learn more about how to ace your next interview? We have a series of interview workshops tailored specifically for Tech and Engineering students and graduates! Stay tuned on our social media or join our telegram channel for faster updates.