Machinist & Tool and Die Maker Interview Questions & Answers

Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Analytical skills
• Mechanical skills
• Manual dexterity
• Math skills and computer appliance experience
• Physical stamina
• Technical skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Machinist & Tool and Die Maker positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Machinists and tool and die makers must understand technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts.

Manual dexterity

Why interviewers are interested in your manual dexterity:

Machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work must be accurate. For example, machining parts may demand accuracy to within .0001 of an inch, a level of accuracy that requires workers’ concentration and dexterity.

Math skills and computer application experience

Why interviewers are interested in your math skills and computer application experience:

Workers must be experienced in using computers to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines.

Mechanical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your mechanical skills:

Machinists and tool and die makers must operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water cutting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools.

Physical stamina

Why interviewers are interested in your physical stamina:

Machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements.

Technical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your technical skills:

Machinists and tool and die makers must understand computerized measuring machines and metalworking processes, such as stock removal, chip control, and heat treating and plating.

(source: bls.gov)

Machinist & Tool and Die Maker Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Machinist & Tool and Die Maker Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Machinist & Tool and Die Maker Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. What do you consider the most challenging aspect of working as a machinist (or tool and die maker)? How do you handle this challenge in your work?
2. Can you describe a time you thought outside of the box to solve a problem at work?
3. What is your procedure to minimize the risk of making mistakes in your work as a machinist (or tool and die maker)?
4. Describe your approach to ensure quality control of the products you are working on.
5. Give me an example of when your inspection led to you discovering a fault in a part, instrument, or tool. What actions did you take?
6. Walk me through your strategy of translating design schematics to physical products.
7. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you rectify it? What did you learn from the situation?
8. Give me an example of how you learned to use a new piece of equipment as a machinist (or tool and die maker).
9. What is the most complex project you have worked on? What made it complex?
10. Walk me through your process of deciding which tools, machines, and materials should be used in a project. Can you give me an example?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.