What do you do if you're faced with a high-pressure scenario during a drone industry interview?

1 Know the basics

Before you go to the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and principles of drone operation, regulation, and safety. Review the relevant laws and standards in your country or region, as well as the types and features of different drones. You should also be familiar with the common terminology and acronyms used in the industry, such as UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), UAS (unmanned aerial system), or BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight). Having a strong foundation will help you answer any questions or solve any problems that might come up.

2 Practice your skills

Another way to prepare for a high-pressure scenario is to practice your skills in a realistic setting. You can use online platforms, apps, or simulators to test your drone piloting, programming, or data analysis abilities. You can also join online communities, forums, or courses to learn from other drone enthusiasts and professionals. By practicing regularly, you'll improve your confidence, accuracy, and speed, and you'll be able to handle any challenges that might arise during the interview.

3 Stay calm and focused

During the interview, you might encounter some unexpected or difficult situations that might make you nervous or anxious. For example, you might have to fly a drone in a crowded or windy environment, debug a faulty code, or analyze a complex data set. In these cases, it's important to stay calm and focused, and avoid panicking or rushing. You can use some techniques to cope with stress, such as breathing deeply, visualizing a positive outcome, or repeating a mantra. You should also focus on the task at hand, and not let any distractions or negative thoughts affect your performance.

4 Explain your reasoning

Another tip to ace a high-pressure scenario is to explain your reasoning and logic behind your actions and decisions. This will show your interviewer that you have a clear and rational thought process, and that you can communicate effectively. You should also be prepared to justify your choices, and to admit any mistakes or limitations. For example, if you're asked to design a drone for a specific purpose, you should explain why you chose certain features, components, or parameters, and how they affect the drone's performance, efficiency, or safety. You should also acknowledge any trade-offs, risks, or challenges that might arise from your design.

5 Ask for feedback

Finally, after you complete the high-pressure scenario, you should ask for feedback from your interviewer. This will demonstrate your interest, curiosity, and willingness to learn and improve. You should also thank your interviewer for the opportunity, and express your enthusiasm for the job and the company. You can also ask any questions that you might have about the role, the expectations, or the next steps. By asking for feedback, you'll show your professionalism, respect, and confidence, and you'll leave a positive impression on your interviewer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?