M.C. Dean, Inc. Electrical Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

The interview had written and physical tests. It was a bit disorganized because they forgot about my appointment and didn't tell me about the physical tests, so I wasn't dressed appropriately. Other than that, it was fine.

I went to a career fair and got an in-person interview about a week later. Two employees, probably management and engineering, conducted the interview. It was pretty relaxed and not technical, focusing more on my personal goals and comfort.

I responded to an ad and got an email with a contact person to call or email for an appointment. I emailed and then called, only to find out this "interview" was actually a skills test. The process was slow, and about 18 people at the skills test took six hours to process, with me being next to last. I arrived at 0800 and left at 1350 hours. Next, I had a real interview where I was told to show up at 0600 at the Dulles, VA location. Most of the same people from the skills test were there. I arrived at 0600 after an hour-plus drive and waited until 0900 to interview with Mickey Dent. He was mainly concerned with the model numbers of the pipe bending equipment I had used, and since I know how to use the equipment but didn't have the model numbers memorized, I wasn't qualified. They apparently do a lot of pipe work and wire pulling, so I guess they were looking for pipe benders and wire pullers. When asked if I had questions, I asked about employee retention and the reason for it, and they said 10 years on average because they treat employees well. Then I asked how the company balances personal life with project deadlines, and the answer was that if you want a personal life, you'll never advance. My impression was that he didn't care about my expertise, only the pipe bending equipment model numbers. I have 40 years of experience, three state electrical contractors licenses, and have managed projects up to $1.5 million. The whole process didn't impress me, especially since the first "interview" was a skills test not mentioned in the ad. The actual interview was on a Saturday at 0600, followed by hours of waiting. Both processes should have been scheduled in 20-30 minute increments for efficiency. This shows the company is disorganized and rude. I don't think I would have accepted a job even if offered, especially when asking for more money than they're willing to pay.