I like to think that interviewing is a strong skill for me, but this is one question that I don't always feel confident in my answer. Show
I usually answer somewhere along the lines of "I hope that in 5 years I can learn more about how to be a better engineer + maybe even crawl up the ranks in the company" (obviously a more lengthy answer than that). It doesn't feel like I'm fabricating something on the spot and the people interviewing me seem to like the answer, but for some reason it doesn't feel as easy as literally any other question I've had to answer in an interview. Maybe that's the point of the question. Is that a good answer? What would be an example of a bad answer, so I can avoid it at all costs?
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This civil engineering question helps you find out if the candidates know your company. Every applicant should know your company, its mission, and its priority. A serious applicant for the civil engineering job position should have a thorough knowledge of your company and what sets it apart from other companies in Canada. What to look for:
Example: “I would see it as a privilege working for this company because it boasts an excellent reputation for completing its engineering contracts efficiently. This company has the highest standards of all the companies in Ontario and has a reputation for accomplishing its contracts quickly.“
Q: What personality traits make you a successful civil engineer?
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Asking this question lets you determine whether the candidate understands the duties of a civil engineer. Their answer to this interview question helps you see if they have the requisite traits to work for your firm. After asking this question, the applicant can voice the particular characteristics that qualify them to work for your firm as a civil engineer. What to look for:
Example: “I believe a professional civil engineer needs to have flexibility, patience, and discipline. Furthermore, a civil engineer should sacrifice their time to meet deadlines even when they are delays. This occupation is rewarding, and it requires a skilled professional to thrive in this field. A civil engineer must also consider local and state requirements alongside their client's needs.”
Q: How do you usually interact with your clients?
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This question allows you to see whether a candidate has good communication skills to interact with clients regardless of their desires and temperaments. The candidate has to prove that they can interact with a client to foster a happy and satisfying relationship. What to look for:
Example: “I believe that my excellent communication skills can enable me to handle any client. I have been dealing with clients for several years, and I know why it's important to respect their opinions.”
Q: What is your view do you think is the most critical priority for a civil engineer?
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When answering this question, the candidate should show that they understand the priorities that a professional civil engineer should have. Moreover, it should show how well the applicant is aware of a civil engineering job's vital qualifications. What to look for:
Example: “I believe the most important priority for a civil engineer is to protect the respectability and reputation of the employer. Furthermore, civil engineers must endeavour to protect the environment as they execute their duties.”
Q: How would you safeguard an excellent working environment?
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Some civil engineers work strictly in an office setting. However, lots of engineers go out to check on ongoing projects and ensure the safety of the construction site. They adhere to protect the employees from injuries. Moreover, they endeavour to protect their employers from lawsuits resulting from employee injuries. What to look for:
Example: “My topmost priority is to ensure adequate safety at a construction site. I ensure all the workers have personal safety equipment to safeguard their safety. I request the supervisor to tell the workers to stop working when they don't have the requisite safety gear.”
Q: What are some of the challenges you face as a civil engineer?
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This is an excellent interview question to evaluate whether the interviewee understands the most recent engineering industry trends. The answer is key to demonstrating whether the applicant has experience working as a professional civil engineer. What to look for:
Example: “The biggest challenge we face as civil engineers is dealing with people who take shortcuts to get the job done. It's, unfortunately, very challenging to find the right people for the job. However, I've created a network of reliable professionals that I can bring to your firm."
Q: Have you previously worked on a challenging project? How did you handle the difficulties presented by the project?
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Civil engineering projects require plenty of analytical and logical thinking to solve the problems that come with the job. The interview question requires a candidate to explain how they can navigate challenging projects. What to look for:
Example: “The project I am dealing with currently entails making landslide predictions. The landslide predictions should be on a long, mountainous highway. I am thinking of including data that I recently presented to my firm in Ontario. The data will include the risk factors that might affect the timely completion of the project.”
Q: What civil engineering projects are you most passionate about?
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Ultimately, this interview question helps you discover whether an applicant is passionate about the job offer at hand. utilise the answers to this question to assess the speciality of the candidate and see how they qualify for the job. What to look for:
Example: “I recently constructed a pediatric care building for a hospital in Ontario. I take pride in having played a part in giving the local community an invaluable medical resource.”
Q: How do you manage your time when you have a fast-paced project?
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Engineering projects can cost a company plenty of resources and time when they get behind schedule. This question offers the best opportunity to assess whether a candidate can utilise their time management skills. Moreover, it enables you how the applicant handled previous civil engineering projects. What to look for:
Example: “I start by listing out the aspects of the project at hand. I then concentrate on dealing with the most urgent tasks, followed by instructing my team to focus on such urgent tasks. From there, I plan how to deal with lesser urgent projects, and I ensure they are completed on time.”
Q: What are the best engineering resources to use to date with developments in the civil engineering industry?
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Civil engineers should stay updated with their field. If they don't, they would be ineffective to you as their long-term employee. This interview question enables you to evaluate whether the applicant has an effective way of improving their skills. What to look for:
Example: “I subscribe to the monthly journal of civil engineering. I also take part in civil engineering online forums. I also keep in touch with my fellow civil engineers to learn about the latest trends in the civil engineering world.”
Q: How would you manage a difficult client?
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Civil engineers have to deal with demanding clients, especially when they feel the company isn't working on their project on time. The question helps you learn the strategies an applicant has to deal with demanding clients. What to look for:
Example: “I start by explaining to the client why their project is taking time to complete. I take them through the various phases of their projects to convince them that their project is taking time due to its complexity or other factors outside of our control, like the weather.”
Q: What are the crucial aspects of civil engineering?
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The question allows you to gauge the experience that a client has. Though the question doesn't explore an applicant's personality, it does explore their expertise and knowledge in civil engineering matters. What to look for:
Example: “I believe the project planning stage is a vital part of any civil engineering project. Determining the requirements of a project is also vital. Plus, a civil engineer should always plan and budget for the project at hand.”
Q: What are the skills that will most benefit our engineering firm?
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This question allows you to explore whether an applicant has the skills to steer your engineering firm to success. The potential should explain how their skills and knowledge would benefit your firm. What to look for:
Example: “I have been working as a civil engineer for the past decade. I can help you get more projects for your firm. I will also ensure these projects are completed on time to help us retain clients.”
Q: What are the challenges that you expect to face while working for our firm?
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The question helps you understand the expectations an applicant has while working for your job. Furthermore, it enables you to see if the applicant can make a good employee for your firm. What to look for:
Example: “I expect to deal with many difficult clients. Also, I expect to have difficulties balancing between the company's interests and those of the clients. However, I will navigate through these challenges to give my best results.”
Q: What part of your civil engineering experience would benefit our engineering company the most?
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The response will show whether the applicant has an analysis of their civil engineering skills. It also helps the interviewer assess whether the candidate can apply their knowledge to help propel your engineering firm. The potential hire needs to show an understanding of your firm through their skills and expertise. What to look for:
Example: “I have worked for several engineering firms in Ontario. My experience with dealing with clients will help me get more projects for you. I also understand how to ensure proper worker safety on projects and get the most out of the budget." Looking for more applicants? Post a Job |