Civil engineering is a wide ranging profession and includes several separate specialties such as structures, materials science, hydrology, geology, geography, soils, environment, mechanics and some other fields.
The civil engineer may work on the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works such as bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings. Civil engineering professionals apply physical and scientific principles, measurement techniques, and system procedures to their design work.
Jobs for civil engineers can be found in all levels, including public and private sectors, local organizations and international companies.
The job interview for a civil engineer will include professional questions related to the industry/field in which the professional has applied for.
This article brings some frequently asked questions with suggested answers.
Civil Engineer
Job Interview Questions and Answers
► Question: Can you introduce yourself and your related experience as a civil engineer? What sort of projects were you involved in?
Answer: Speak about the variety of civil engineering assignments and construction projects you have worked on. Describe your professional background and express any related strengths and special accomplishments in the field.
► Question: Tell us about any creative idea or innovative solution you brought to a project in your past professional background.
Answer: In order to stand out and excel as a candidate, demonstrate your creativity, logical thinking, unique analytical approach or any interesting/special problem solving abilities. These can be introduced to the interviewer only by providing success stories – provable professional achievement or qualification accomplishment. Prepare your rendition; be brief, yet emphasize your contribution.
► Question: In your professional experience, have you performed any site survey to analyze its constructional needs and possibilities?
Answer: If you did, please give an example of a site survey in which you played a significant role and explain how you determined and investigated engineering constrains etc.
► Question: Have you made risk and/or feasibility, reliability analyses?
Answer: One of the important duties in civil engineering work is to ensure safety measures (or to manage risks) for both workers and users of the facility. In addition, in many construction works, some aspects require testing the materials reliability (for example – Strength of Materials, SOM) and feasibly of designed products or constructions. Discuss your experience in this realm.
► Question: Have you led a team? How many people have you worked with?
Answer: In some workplaces, your role as a civil engineer may require leading a team, managing projects with good interpersonal skills and leadership abilities. If you have experience managing a team and dealing with various personalities provide some details, highlighting your achievements.