How to Answer: Why do you want to work for public works?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Public Works job interview.
9. Why do you want to work for public works?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Whether you have a history of working in public works or not, this interview question is aimed at determining whether you feel this is the right opportunity for you. They're looking to distinguish those candidates who see a future with their agency, with longevity in mind, from those who are simply looking for any job anywhere.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 9th, 2024
How to Answer
To answer this question effectively, focus on their values, their core mission, their career opportunities, and what you hope to accomplish in this role. For example, if you have your sights on a position inside their agency that you are not yet qualified for but are interested in pursuing, this is worth mentioning. It suggests you see a future with them and have clear and attainable career goals that will keep you motivated at work. So openly discuss any interests that you have, aside from this role, and all the ways in which this opportunity feels like the right fit.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 9th, 2024
How to Prep
If you are new to public works, make sure you learn everything you can about this field, which varies in definition at the federal, state, municipal, and local levels. The explanation of what public works is, as detailed on the American Public Works Association's website (APWA), offers a thorough breakdown of how there is no one-size-fits-all definition. So, going into your interview being able to distinguish how the agency you are applying to varies from others could definitely be of use when answering this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 9th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Here are a few statements on this subject from APWA's website: "There are needs common to all human beings that must be met through the provision of public works services. These needs are met on a daily basis by visionary, values-driven, and hardworking men and women who provide and sustain public works services in the best interests of their communities.
Public works is the combination of physical assets, management practices, policies, and personnel necessary for government to provide and sustain structures and services essential to the welfare and acceptable quality of life for its citizens. They may not be delivered in the same way, or to the same level, from one community to the next. In fact, some municipalities may not even have a department named public works. Although some functions are not common to every community, each of them will have such things as water, utilities, and trash collection, unquestionably.
Quite often, public utilities, such as water, gas, electricity, telephone, mass transportation, and communication facilities, are not owned and operated by a government agency. However, even if utilities are not owned by a governmental unit, they still are said to be "affected with a public interest" and are subject to a degree of government regulation from which other businesses are exempt. Whether publicly or privately owned, the services themselves still can be considered public works."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 9th, 2024
Answer Example
"I put safety first, and I am highly technical and mechanically minded. But why I want to work here goes beyond the responsibilities aligning with skills and prior experience. I love working outdoors, especially in parks and green spaces. I take pride in my community and am passionate about making it better. Delivering a public service means giving back to my community so we can all enjoy the life we want for each other, which is the life we should expect and deserve. That's what I believe, and that's why I feel this job is right for me."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 9th, 2024