How to Prepare for an ABB Interview: Process, Questions & Tips

Overview of the ABB Interview Process

ABB is a global technology company operating across electrification, automation, robotics, and motion. Hiring processes at large engineering and technology firms like ABB typically follow a structured, multi-stage format designed to assess both technical competence and behavioural fit.

While the exact sequence can vary by role, business unit, and location, candidates for graduate schemes, technical roles, and corporate functions generally move through some combination of the following stages: an online application and CV screen, psychometric or aptitude assessments, a video interview, and one or more panel or competency-based interviews. Some technical or senior roles may also include a case study or presentation.

• Online application and CV/cover letter screen
• Aptitude or psychometric assessments (numerical, verbal, or situational judgement)
• One-way video interview (HireVue-style) or telephone screen
• Competency-based panel interview (virtual or in person)
• Technical interview or case study (for engineering and specialist roles)
• Final-stage interview or assessment centre (graduate and leadership programmes)

What ABB Looks for in Candidates

ABB's publicly stated values centre on courage, care, curiosity, and collaboration — often referred to internally as the '4Cs'. Interviewers will be looking for evidence of these qualities throughout every stage of the process, so it pays to understand what each one means in practice before you walk in.

Beyond values, ABB places strong emphasis on customer focus, delivering results under pressure, and working across diverse, international teams. For technical roles, you will also need to demonstrate domain-specific knowledge relevant to the division you are applying to — whether that is power systems, industrial automation, software engineering, or finance.

• Courage: willingness to challenge the status quo and take ownership
• Care: commitment to safety, sustainability, and colleagues
• Curiosity: drive to learn, innovate, and solve complex problems
• Collaboration: ability to work effectively across functions and cultures

Common ABB Interview Questions

Competency-based interviews at engineering and technology companies typically draw on a consistent set of themes. Based on the competencies ABB highlights publicly, expect questions across the following areas: leadership and initiative, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and results orientation.

Below are representative examples of the types of questions you are likely to encounter. Prepare a distinct STAR story for each theme rather than recycling the same example.

• Tell me about a time you identified a problem before it escalated and what you did about it.
• Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a team from a different background or culture.
• Give an example of a time you had to adapt quickly to a significant change at work or university.
• Tell me about a project where you had to deliver results under tight deadlines or with limited resources.
• Describe a time you demonstrated initiative to improve a process or outcome.
• Why ABB, and why this specific division or role?

How to Use the STAR Method for ABB Answers

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the gold standard for structuring competency answers because it gives interviewers the evidence they need efficiently. At ABB, where roles are often technical and the stakes of project delivery are high, quantified results and clear personal accountability are especially persuasive.

Here is an example answer to the question: 'Tell me about a time you had to deliver results under pressure.'

• Situation: 'During my final year engineering project, our team lost a key member two weeks before the submission deadline, leaving a significant gap in our simulation modelling work.'
• Task: 'As project lead, I was responsible for ensuring we submitted a complete, technically sound report on time.'
• Action: 'I redistributed tasks based on each member's strengths, took on the simulation work myself, and set daily check-ins to track progress. I also contacted our supervisor early to flag the risk and agree a revised scope for one minor section.'
• Result: 'We submitted on time and received a distinction. The examiner specifically praised the quality of the simulation analysis. The experience taught me the value of early escalation and clear task ownership under pressure.'

Preparing for the Video Interview Stage

Many ABB recruitment processes now include a one-way video interview, where you record answers to pre-set questions within a fixed time limit — typically 60 to 90 seconds per question. This format is harder than it sounds: without a live interviewer to nod along or prompt you, it is easy to rush, lose your thread, or freeze at the start.

Practising on camera before your actual interview is essential. Use a tool like ScreenReady to simulate timed, one-way video conditions and get AI feedback on your delivery, structure, and pacing. Aim to complete at least five to ten timed run-throughs across the key competency themes before the real thing. Pay close attention to your opening sentence — interviewers often note whether you get to the point quickly.

• Set up your camera at eye level and check your background and lighting in advance
• Practise starting your answer with a direct, scene-setting sentence rather than 'Um, so…'
• Keep each answer within the time limit — aim to use 80–90% of the allotted time
• Speak slightly more slowly than feels natural; nerves tend to speed you up
• Dress professionally even for a recorded interview — it puts you in the right mindset

Technical and Role-Specific Preparation

If you are applying for an engineering, software, or specialist commercial role, expect at least one stage focused on domain knowledge. This might be a technical interview, a written test, or a short case study. Preparation should include reviewing fundamentals relevant to the business area — for example, power electronics for electrification roles, PLC and SCADA systems for automation, or financial modelling for finance positions.

Review ABB's publicly available annual reports, press releases, and product documentation to understand current strategic priorities such as their '2030 sustainability agenda' and key markets. Interviewers at technology companies respect candidates who can connect their technical knowledge to real business context.

• Re-read your CV and be ready to discuss every project or role in technical depth
• Review core engineering or domain principles relevant to your target division
• Read ABB's latest annual report and note key strategic themes you could reference
• Prepare two or three intelligent questions about the team's current technical challenges

Final Preparation Checklist

In the 48 hours before your interview, shift from learning new material to consolidating and rehearsing what you already know. The goal is confident, natural recall — not scripted recitation.

Use this checklist to make sure nothing slips through the gaps.

• Prepared STAR stories for at least five competency themes
• Researched ABB's values, strategy, and the specific division you are joining
• Practised at least one full mock interview on camera under timed conditions
• Prepared two to three thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
• Confirmed the interview format, platform, and any technical requirements in advance
• Tested your microphone, camera, and internet connection if interviewing remotely
• Planned your route and arrival time if attending in person