You're about to interview for a marine engineering job. What should you know about the company's customers?

1 Know the industry

The first step is to know what industry the company operates in and what kind of customers they serve. For example, if the company designs and builds ships for the military, their customers are likely to be government agencies that have strict requirements, regulations, and standards. If the company works in the oil and gas sector, their customers are likely to be energy companies that need efficient, reliable, and safe offshore platforms and pipelines. If the company specializes in recreational or tourism-related vessels, their customers are likely to be private owners, operators, or investors that want attractive, comfortable, and innovative features. Knowing the industry will help you tailor your answers to show how your skills and experience can meet the customer's needs and goals.

2 Know the projects

The next step is to know what kind of projects the company has completed, is working on, or is planning to undertake. You can find this information on the company's website, social media, or news articles. Look for examples of the company's products, services, or solutions that showcase their expertise, quality, and innovation. For instance, if the company has designed and built a state-of-the-art cruise ship, a cutting-edge submarine, or a sustainable floating city, you can mention these projects in your interview and explain what you find impressive or challenging about them. Knowing the projects will help you demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the company's work and how you can contribute to their success.

3 Know the challenges

The third step is to know what kind of challenges the company and its customers face in the marine engineering field. These can include technical, environmental, economic, or regulatory challenges that affect the performance, safety, or sustainability of the vessels or structures. For example, if the company and its customers have to deal with harsh weather conditions, corrosion, fatigue, or noise, you can discuss how you would approach these issues and what solutions you would propose or implement. You can also mention any relevant standards, codes, or best practices that you are familiar with or have followed in your previous projects. Knowing the challenges will help you show your problem-solving and analytical skills and how you can add value to the company and its customers.

5 Know the feedback

The fifth step is to know what kind of feedback the company and its customers have received or given on their projects. This can include positive or negative feedback from the end-users, stakeholders, regulators, or competitors that reflect the customer satisfaction, reputation, or competitiveness of the company. You can find this information on the company's website, social media, or news articles, or by asking your network or contacts in the industry. Look for examples of the company's achievements, awards, testimonials, or recommendations that highlight their strengths, values, or impacts. Alternatively, look for examples of the company's challenges, complaints, or criticisms that indicate their weaknesses, risks, or areas for improvement. Knowing the feedback will help you show your awareness and appreciation of the company's performance and how you can support or enhance their customer relationships.

6 Know the questions

The final step is to know what kind of questions the company might ask you about their customers in the interview. These can include general or specific questions that test your knowledge, skills, or attitude towards the customers and their needs. For example, the company might ask you how you would communicate with the customers, how you would handle their requests or complaints, how you would ensure their satisfaction or loyalty, or how you would anticipate their future needs or preferences. To prepare for these questions, you can review your resume and portfolio and think of examples or stories that illustrate how you have dealt with similar customers or situations in your previous projects. You can also research the company's culture and values and think of ways to align your answers with them. Knowing the questions will help you show your confidence and professionalism and how you can fit in with the company and its customers.

7 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?