20 TSMC Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to semiconductor foundries, TSMC is one of the best in the business. If you’re looking to get hired by TSMC, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions about the company and its manufacturing process.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common TSMC interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

TSMC Interview Process

The interview process at TSMC is generally very short, lasting only a few hours. However, the difficulty of the interviews can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For most positions, the interview will consist of questions about your resume and experience, as well as some technical questions related to semiconductor manufacturing processes. In some cases, you may also be asked to give a presentation about your work.

1. What is your experience with semiconductor manufacturing?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how it relates to TSMC. If you have experience with semiconductor manufacturing, describe what you did in that role. If you don’t have direct experience, explain why you’re interested in working for a company like TSMC.

Example: “I’ve worked as a technician at a local electronics store for five years now. I’m familiar with many different types of semiconductors and their uses. In my current position, I repair damaged chips and replace them when necessary. I also help customers understand which chip they need based on their needs.”

2. TSMC focuses on improving its technology in the semiconductor industry, how do you think this will affect the other industries that use it?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its industry. You can use examples from your own experience with TSMC products or explain how you would apply this technology in other industries.

Example: “TSMC has always been at the forefront of innovation, which I think will have a positive effect on all industries that use their products. For example, when I worked for my previous employer, we used TSMC’s wafers to create our product. The quality of the wafer was so high that it allowed us to produce an excellent product that met customer expectations.”

3. Describe a time when you developed a project and encountered an obstacle, what did you do to overcome this problem?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to overcome challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation that you overcame in the past.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with creating a new process for manufacturing semiconductors. This project required me to work with several different departments within the company to create a plan for implementing the new process. During the planning phase of the project, we encountered some obstacles when trying to implement the new process. However, I worked with my team to develop a solution to overcome these obstacles.”

4. Provide an example of a time where you had to find a solution for something that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use them in a professional setting. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about the steps you took to solve the problem and what the outcome was.

Example: “At my previous job, I had to find a solution for a client who wanted us to create a new product that would have a higher quality than our current products. This was not something we could do with our current equipment or processes, so I met with the client to discuss their needs and expectations. We then decided on a plan of action where we would upgrade some of our equipment and hire more employees.”

5. Give an example of a time when you worked under pressure, how did you handle it?

When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you were able to complete a task or project under pressure and how you managed the situation. This can help employers understand your ability to handle high-pressure situations and perform well in them.

Example: “In my last position as an engineer at a software company, I was tasked with creating a new program that would allow users to create their own website. The deadline for completion of the project was two weeks away, but I knew that if I worked on it full-time, I wouldn’t have enough time to complete it. So, instead, I decided to work on it part-time while also working on other projects. After one week, I had completed 50% of the project. Then, after another week, I finished the rest of the project.”

6. Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team to accomplish a goal.

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you worked together as a team to achieve something that benefited the company or organization.

Example: “At my previous job, I was part of a small team that had to complete a project in two weeks. We all met every morning at 8 a.m. to discuss our progress and any challenges we were facing. Each day, we would check in with each other on our progress before leaving for the day. This helped us stay organized and motivated to meet our deadline.”

7. Why are you looking to leave your current company?

This question can help the interviewer understand your motivations for leaving and whether you’re likely to stay at their company. It’s important to be honest, but also highlight any positive aspects of your previous job that might make it a good fit for you in the future.

Example: “I’m looking for new opportunities because I feel like my current position is no longer challenging enough for me. I’ve been working as an engineer for five years now, and while I love what I do, I think I could use a change of pace. I’m excited about the prospect of learning new processes and techniques with TSMC.”

8. Can you tell us about a time when you disagreed with your manager at work, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle disagreements and challenges at work. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you can collaborate with others, communicate effectively and solve problems.

Example: “In my last position as a senior engineer, I disagreed with my manager about an important project deadline. My manager wanted us to complete the project by the end of the week, but I knew we could do it in two weeks instead. I spoke with my manager about my concerns and explained why I thought we needed more time. In the end, they agreed to give us two extra days to finish the project.”

9. Do you have any interest in working abroad?

If you’re applying for a position at TSMC, it’s likely that the company will want to know if you have any interest in working abroad. This is because many of their positions are located outside of the United States. If you do have an interest in working abroad, be sure to explain why and what your experience has been with international travel.

Example: “I’ve always had an interest in traveling abroad. I think it would be exciting to see how other countries operate and learn about different cultures. I’m also very interested in learning more about the semiconductor industry in Europe. I’ve heard that there are some differences between European companies and American ones, so I’d like to find out more about those as well.”

10. General Motors is a company that emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

General Motors is a company that values innovation, and they want to know what you think about it. Your answer should show them that you understand the importance of innovation in business and how to achieve it.

Example: “I believe that innovation starts with listening. You have to listen to your customers, employees and other stakeholders to find out what their needs are. Then, you can use this information to create new products or services that meet those needs.”

11. Have you ever been put in charge of a large project? What were some challenges and how did you manage them?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can manage large groups of people. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the importance of teamwork in completing projects successfully.

Example: “In my previous role as an engineer at Intel, I was put in charge of leading a team of engineers on a project that would help us develop new ways to improve our manufacturing processes. This was my first time being put in charge of such a large group of people, so I had to learn how to delegate tasks effectively and communicate with everyone involved in the project.”

12. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. The interviewer wants to know what your greatest strengths are so they can determine if you’re a good fit for the position. They also want to know about any weaknesses that may need improvement.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very thorough when completing tasks, which has helped me succeed in previous positions. My weakness would be my ability to multitask. When faced with multiple projects at once, I find myself unable to give each project the time and energy it deserves. However, I have been working on improving this skill.”

13. What area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your passion for engineering and what you enjoy most. It can also help them understand if you would be happy working at TSMC, as they have many different departments that all focus on different areas of engineering. When answering this question, try to pick an area of engineering that matches the department you are interviewing with.

Example: “I am most interested in computer hardware engineering. I find it fascinating how computers work and love learning about new technologies. I think my skills as a software engineer would be very beneficial to the team here.”

14. We want our engineers to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is a great way to determine if the candidate can work independently and how they feel about it. This is an important skill for engineers because they often have to solve problems on their own without much guidance from managers or other employees.

Example: “I think I would be a good fit for that type of environment, as I am used to working independently in my current position. In fact, I enjoy having the freedom to make decisions on my own and not needing approval from anyone else. However, I also understand that there are times when I need to ask for help or advice from others.”

15. Are you comfortable working long hours if they are necessary?

This question is a good way to assess your work ethic and willingness to sacrifice for the company. When answering, it can be beneficial to mention that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable working long hours if they are necessary. I understand that sometimes there are situations where we need to stay late or come in on weekends to ensure that our projects are completed on time. In my previous role as an engineer, I was often tasked with staying late to complete tasks. I always made sure to communicate with my team members so they were aware of when I would be leaving.”

16. Do you prefer working alone or in a group?

This question can help an interviewer determine if you’re a good fit for the collaborative environment of a TSMC workplace. When answering, consider what your previous work experience has been like and how you’ve worked with others in the past.

Example: “I prefer working alone when I’m able to because it allows me to focus on my tasks without distraction. However, I also enjoy collaborating with others when necessary. In my last position, I was often tasked with creating designs that other engineers would use to create prototypes. I enjoyed this collaboration because it allowed me to learn from their expertise while still being able to do my job well.”

17. What are your thoughts on the 5G network and its impact on the semiconductor industry?

The 5G network is a new wireless technology that will allow for faster data transfer and more efficient communication. The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience working with the 5G network or other wireless technologies. In your answer, try to explain how the 5G network will impact the semiconductor industry in general.

Example: “I think the 5G network will be an important advancement in the semiconductor industry because it will allow us to create smaller chips that are more energy-efficient. This could lead to better performance of devices like smartphones and computers.”

18. What are your thoughts on the future of AI and how it will change the manufacturing process?

AI is a growing technology that will continue to change the way we do things. The interviewer wants to know how you feel about AI and if it’s something you’re excited to be a part of.

Example: “I think AI is going to have a huge impact on manufacturing in the future. It can help us make more efficient decisions, which means we’ll be able to produce products faster and with less waste. I’m looking forward to seeing what new innovations come from this.”

19. Would you consider yourself detail-oriented?

This question is a great way to determine how well you can follow instructions and complete tasks. Detail-oriented people are often the best candidates for jobs that require accuracy, so your answer should show that you have this skill.

Example: “I am definitely detail-oriented. I’ve always been able to pay attention to small details in my work, which has helped me succeed in previous roles. For example, when working as an engineer at Intel, I was tasked with creating a new chip design. After several weeks of research, I created a detailed plan on how to create the chip. My team followed my instructions exactly, and we were able to successfully produce the chip.”

20. Do you have any experience with VLSI design?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience with the company’s products. If you have no prior experience, it’s important to highlight any relevant skills that can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked with VLSI design for several years now and I find it to be an invaluable skill when working with complex systems. In my last position, I was tasked with creating a new system architecture for our client’s software. After researching their current processes, I found that they were using outdated methods of VLSI design. I implemented newer techniques that allowed them to reduce costs while improving performance.”