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Hi all,

First post on this forum, so if I state anything that I shouldn't feel free to let me know

I've got an interview later this month for a trainee electronic engineer (clinical technologist) in the NHS (I won't say where in case it comes back to bite me). For the interview there is a 30 minute practical and theory test in electronics and mechanics. Now I come from an electronic engineering background, do I should know most of the stuff, but I might be rusty in certain areas.

Does anyone have any advice for what areas I should expect to be tested on so that I can make sure I'm up to date with my knowledge. Also, I have no idea what would come up the mechanical part, so any advice in that area would be great!

I've searched this forum and found two other posts, but they don't really give me the information that I need, so I don't think I'm reposting.

Thanks in advance for any information given.

Seeing how it's a trainee post it would be unfair to pose too many things medical related.

Basic electronic principles and circuit theory should be the order of the day. Mechanics cold include general engineering, hydraulics, motors, fluid mechanics etc but again should be fairly basic.

Electrical safety might be worth genning up on as are the standards which apply.

As a trainee a practical test should be basic and could involve circuit identification, soldering, test equipment usage.

You say you come from an electronic engineering background so your experience should be most useful.

Being aware of the type of equipment you will be expected to begin your career on will give you an advantage at interview and also demonstrate that you have taken an interest.

If you haven't already I would recommend you ask for an informal visit to where you will be working. This is normally accepted as a good idea when applying for any position.

Finally, good luck, sell yourself and mention that you have looked at sites like this, it can only help

Hi Nero

Welcome to the forum!

As it is for a trainee post, the practical and theory should cover the basics of electronics and mechanics. Probably things like Ohm's law, component recognition, use of a multimeter and possibly a scope. What size of mains fuse to use on a particular power rating.

As for mechanics, just revise your basic mechanical equations. I reckon there will be more emphasis on the electronics side of things.

Also, since you with have no prior knowledge of medical equipment, they might ask you to pick a household appliance and describe how that works.

Hope this helps.

Brush up your knowledge of Common Emitter Amplifiers, voltage dividers, switch mode power supplies, band pass filters etc. Electronic basics for the job! (Used very effectively at the Countess of Chester, to keep Barbarians from the door).

As it’s a trainee post, potential and attitude with a willingness to make good any shortfalls in your knowledge goes a long, long way.
Good Luck!

In addition to the practical tests you mention (which I wouldn't worry too much about, if I were you - just take it as it comes, and do your best on the day), don't be surprised if you get asked to explain your motivation for wanting to join the "healthcare sector".

That might sound like a daft question, but actually it's not.

If I were on the interview panel (but don't worry, I won't be) I would be more interested in a guy's personal qualities than technical background (especially for a trainee position). As in:- "it is likely that the guy will stay the course"?

And (as Sean has just mentioned), my old favourite:- willingness to work!

Good luck.

Thanks for the quick replies. Lots of useful information and advice.

Well it seems like I should do quite well on the electronics side (though I will still go over some electronics theory just to be safe). Mechanics side seems OK, but I'm defiantly going to have to do some revision on that one.

My initial "vague" post didn't mention this, but I do have experience with medical equipment (US, roller pumps, ecmo, and a few others), through my current PhD into therapeutic ultrasound. I'm not sure if I should really go into too much detail of this during my interview as I'm slightly worried about coming across as "over qualified" for a training post (which I think has happened for 1 or 2 other job applications).

Again, thanks for the advice. I'm sure it's already given me a better chance

Dave, Sean and I go back a long way and Geoff is also keen on technical matters.

As they say, a willingness to learn, potential to develop, etc. But a keen, indeed avid interest in ones subject is paramount. The applicant should have a good personality and attitude nonetheless, I am not in control of that.

However as Sean says 'barbarians' at bay, a technical/practical test as part of the interview process is utilised for my department. It certainly sorts the men from the boys!

Trainee position is about the clinical technology aspects of the business and not training in basic electric/electronic/mechanical theory or how to solder, etc. Managers are looking for personnel whom bring technical qualities to the business.

Know your stuff for the interview, best way to success.

Jim

I know several places that ask you to wire up a mains plug safely - and I have seen a lot of very worrying failures and these were not for trainee posts either.
They can only ask basic things of a trainee, as the title suggests you are there to learn - if you knew everything you would be the other side of the table.
Stick to the basics as advised but know them well and be confident in your knowledge.
RoJo

Tut tut, no mention of the op-amp, always a common question. Usual favourite is for the employer to find a circuit diagram of something like the front stage of a ECG machine and ask you to explain what it does.

Here's another one that (almost) caught me out once:-

"Name three types of oxygen sensor"!

Not that a trainee need get asked that one, of course.

Personally, I like Robert's "mains plug". That's a practical, Real World, proposition.