Frequently Asked Questions in Industrial Engineering Job Interviews [Discussion Post]

I guess you, being an IE or ex-IE; have given job interviews in your current organization and in those organizations where you have worked earlier. On the other hand, you may also have taken a lot of interviews at the time of hiring your subordinates or work-study team members. You asked a set of questions to the candidate to judge the technical skills and personal skills of the candidate. On the other hand, you had been asked many questions by interview panelists when you have given an interview for a job. I am inviting you please participate in this discussion.

Note: The Ebook is already published and later we have published the Print version of this book. Check it here. 

Our discussion topic:

What questions are frequently asked by interview panelists in job interviews for IE selection?

Purpose of the Discussion:

1. This discussion will help entry-level IEs to prepare themselves for the job interviews. 
2. We can help each other to build a ‘Question Bank’ that would enrich our knowledge. 
3. I’m writing an E-book on this topic, I am planning to select critical and common questions from your questions and explain answers in that book. 

What do you get? 

All participants will get a free copy of my upcoming E-Book "Frequently asked questions in IE Job Interviews and Answers".

Note: Participation in this discussion has been closed on 10th December 2013. You can still send your questions but don't expect a free copy of the above-mentioned book. 

I have already received a few sets of questions from my friends. 5 sets of questions have been attached below for your reference. I am waiting for your one.

Abhishek Kumar, Co-founder & Senior Consultant
ACS- Apparel Consulting & Sourcing services

How do you mean by Efficiency? How do you calculate line efficiency?
What would be the Target efficiency of a line?
How do you calculate Factory efficiency?
What is Productivity?
Operator productivity and M/c productivity is a ratio or percentage
Prepare an OB of a basic men’s shirt.
Folders and attachments used in shirt making?
How to set target of a critical operation?
Do you know about costing?
Will ask question on basic concept on Lean Manufacturing

Sourav, Industrial Engineer, Radnik Exports

What achievements can you boast of in your career?
How will you improve on productivity on a line?
Ask him about his computer know how (ERP and Excel).
How many machines has he handled?
Make him calculate SAM and target for a garment.
What should be the time taken to set a polo line?
What was your job profile in previous company? Which is the best method to know factory performance - Productivity or Cost per SAM?

Rakesh Kumar, IE Auditor, Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi

What is the basic difference between an IE and a Production Person?
What kind of work other than production you can do which will give the benefit to the company?
Give me the example of work which has been done by you only (Creative Work)?
How skill matrix will help in Production?
What should be the throughput time of average style (SAM 25-35)?
How stickering can be removed from the garment?
Do you know any alternate for the magic pen used for marking?

Abhishek Goel, Assistant Manager, Leadtec Div, CGS Inc. 

How would you deskill operations in a garment? What improvements world you suggest on a sewing floor?
Do you know SMV calculation method? Show me how to determine SMV of a garment?
SOP of a particular department (sewing and industrial Engg.)
Prepare operation bulletin of a garment (I provide sample of a garment i.e. Bra that we make)
Name some basic folders and attachments and their usage?
Can you train an operator?
Are you trained GSD practitioner?
Can you sew machine? What types of machine you can handle?
How do you analysis a line? Or How you will find improvement potential in a line?

Ram Chandra Das, Factory Manager, Copper Co., Ltd, Bangladesh

What is Industrial Engineering? What do you mean by Work Study?
What is Pitch time?
What is line actual efficiency? Write the formula.
How do you calculate target for the line
Garment operation break down (approximate SAM, Machine and Target)
How many burst a seam required
How do you balance a line?
Name some latest/special sewing machines?
Basic attachments and use of those attachments (operation name)
Thread consumption ratios for different machines or stitch classes
Manpower calculation method