As we adapt to new ways of working, we are also seeing new ways of finding your next role. Where an in-person interview may not be permitted currently, video interviewing means you don’t have to hold off moving to a new job.

Whether in person or via video link, an interview can be daunting but with the correct preparation and forward planning, you can be comfortable you’re adequately equipped to ace it!

Today, we take a look at preparing for the role of Civil Engineer.

The basics:

Spending time ahead of an interview to refresh your memory of your own CV, as well as to get up to speed by researching the company, will allow you to have rehearsed potential answers and not to have to rely on thinking on the spot. Ensuring you research the company is key, as a common question in an interview is “what do you know about our business?”.

Also, familiarise yourself with the technology you’ll be using to conduct the interview.

Get set up ahead of the interview:

  • Ensure your broadband is working correctly
  • Dress as you would for a face to face interview
  • Have your CV and questions to ask to hand in a notebook
  • Have a glass of water within reach
  • Do a sound check – for example, ensure your windows are closed to prevent traffic noises disturbing your call
  • Let your family know you are not to be disturbed

General Civil Engineering interview questions:

  • Can you briefly summarise your work history & education?
  • Where do you see yourself professionally within Civil Engineering in five years’ time?
  • Why are you looking to move roles?
  • What are the most relevant skills that you could bring to this job?
  • Are there are any areas where you feel you could significantly improve your skills?
  • What are your main achievements?
  • How much supervision did you receive in your previous job?
  • Industry-related interview questions:
  • What do you see as the key challenges faced by Civil Engineers on site day today?
  • What attracted you to your particular specialism?
  • Do you prefer to be working in the office or on site?
  • What relevant civil engineering qualifications do you have?
  • How do you keep your knowledge of industry regulations up to date?
  • Describe what you see as a typical day in the life of a civil engineer
  • How much experience do you have in developing and taking forward bids?
  • Which design software systems have you worked with?
  • How do you prioritise different issues when analysing data?

Scenario interview questions:

  • Explain a situation in which you needed to think logically to solve an engineering problem.
  • Describe a previous project which you had to lead or work with a diverse team of colleagues to reach a successful conclusion
  • Have you ever missed a deadline? How did you handle this?
  • Tell us about the least successful project or role you have had. What did you learn from it?
  • Tell us how you would go about motivating a team when the last set of plans and dates have been returned for revision.

To get in touch about your next role contact us on hello@unitepeople.co.uk

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