20 Questions to Test a Sales Engineer's Rolling Bearing Knowledge

A global rolling bearing company HR manager asked me if I want to hire a sales engineer for rolling bearings and want to test his knowledge, what are the 20 questions to ask him to check his technical knowledge ?

I replied:

20 Questions to Test a Sales Engineer's Rolling Bearing Knowledge:

1. Application & Selection:

1. Explain the key factors you consider when recommending a rolling bearing for a specific application?
2. How do you differentiate between various bearing types (ball, roller, etc.) for varying load and speed conditions?
3. Describe your approach to selecting the appropriate bearing clearance for an application with thermal expansion considerations.

2. Technical Specifications:

1. Explain the significance of internal clearances, preload levels, and their impact on bearing performance and life.
2. Describe the different types of bearing seals and their suitability for various operating environments.
3. Differentiate between ABMA and ISO bearing grades and their impact on accuracy and noise levels.

3. Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving:

1. Explain the common causes of bearing failure and how to identify them through visual inspection and vibration analysis.
2. Describe your approach to troubleshooting noise issues in a bearing application.
3. How would you recommend extending the life of a bearing in an application experiencing high operating temperatures?

4. Industry Knowledge & Standards:

1. Discuss the latest trends and advancements in rolling bearing technology.
2. Explain the importance of bearing standards (e.g., ISO, ABMA) and how you leverage them in your work.
3. Are you familiar with specific bearing standards relevant to our industry (e.g., aerospace, food processing)?

5. Sales & Customer Interaction:

1. Describe your experience working with engineers and designers to specify rolling bearings.
2. How do you handle technical inquiries from customers with varying levels of knowledge about bearings?
3. Explain your approach to presenting technical information to customers in a clear and concise manner.

6. Additional Considerations:

1. Can you share a recent technical challenge you faced with a customer and how you resolved it?
2. Are you familiar with any specialized bearing types or applications relevant to our company?
3. Describe your experience with bearing lubrication selection and maintenance practices.
4. How do you stay updated on the latest developments in the rolling bearing industry?
5. Do you have any questions for me about our company or its products?

Bonus:

• Present the candidate with a specific application scenario and ask them to recommend a suitable bearing and explain their reasoning.
• Ask the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge of bearing calculation tools or software.

Remember:

• Adapt the questions to your specific industry and product offerings.
• Assess the candidate's ability to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely.
• Evaluate their problem-solving skills and critical thinking ability.
• Look for their understanding of customer needs and effective communication skills.