Tell me about one of your more recent significant accomplishments on the job.

"My parents taught me long ago that to work hard means to strive to deliver your absolute best every day, with a positive attitude, and over-delivering with consistency. They told me that when that's your aim, you'll discover success. So for me, I've always shadowed and actively listened and learned from my leadership, so that I can successfully anticipate need. This led to one of my greatest successes which was when our leadership was nowhere to be found in a power outage. My team was already on the scene, and the clock was ticking. So, knowing the decision tree our leadership would have made in this exact situation, I anticipated the need and took charge. I directed our teams and got things underway, successfully delegating in a manner where everyone was a stakeholder and fully on the same page. Just as our leaders arrived on the scene, we restored power to that grid. That was a good day."

By learning what you consider a significant accomplishment or personal achievement, they'll better understand what going above and beyond looks like to you, and use that as a performance predictor. Therefore, when answering this question, try to think of an example that showcases your drive and ambition to develop and grow professionally. Explain why this accomplishment was significant, and what besting this personal best now looks like for you. Choose an example that goes above and beyond. Doing so will exemplify that your daily work standard is that of going the extra mile.

Many public works agencies struggle with budget constraints and a lack of funding, and might not be able to offer top dollar. As a result, they often struggle with staffing issues, whether due to injuries or illness, or difficulty recruiting due to massive shifts towards remote work. So they're appropriately interested in recruiting those who feel passionate about public service. They also need to ensure whomever they hire has a great deal to contribute, and is ready to commit to pursuing a career with them for the long term, rather than further straining their resources through attrition. They need to ensure whomever they hire can perform at their best, regardless of the stress that comes with functioning as a frontline worker, or part of an emergency response team. So this question is aimed at identifying who the top performers are in their talent pool.

How do you feel about working overtime, weekends, evenings, or holidays?

"I am reasonably flexible and typically available to work all seven days of the week, with some constraints. I do have family commitments, and my availability is limited to daytime hours, with a reliable and consistent schedule. With proper notice, I can work overtime and the odd weekend hours when needed. Having said that, I am pretty familiar with the job posting and did some reading online, glassdoor reviews, and whatnot. But you can't trust everything you read online, so decided to save such questions for you, and this is as good of a time as any. Outside of the job descriptions of occasionally working overtime, weekends, and holidays, how frequently is such coverage required, and how typical is that to your work culture? I just want to make sure this is the right fit for everybody."

Your interviewer may be trying to assess your familiarity with the demands of the role, or how flexible you'd willing to be. Their ideal candidates are top performers who are willing to go the extra distance to get the job done, and arriving at your interview thoroughly prepared showcases a strong work ethic. A less desirable candidate will arrive less prepared, be taken off guard by obvious questions, and may ask clarifying questions that they could have easily answered themself.

While it's your interviewer's job to study the nuances of how you answer each question for deeper insights into who you are as a candidate, it is your job to pay close attention to the nuance of each question they pose, and what they may reveal about the unadvertised elements of the job. For example, understaffing can lead to undesirable shifts, increased hours, and unspoken expectations for overtime, weekend hours, on-call coverage, or split shifts. Also, keep in mind, that if this position isn't unionized, there may still be other protections in place. So come prepared, and learn everything you can to ensure it is the right fit before accepting any job offer.

Fully familiarize yourself with the job description, and the information on the site's career pages, and read up on any online reviews to get a thorough understanding of what to expect from working there. Arriving prepared will empower you to confidently ask informed questions, especially when an interview hints at unadvertised responsibilities that differ from their advertised job description. Only then should you ask your interviewer for clarification. In the end, it may even open the door to another opportunity, such as them considering you as a viable good fit for another role that you hadn't considered applying to.

Before entering the interview, be honest with yourself about whether the expectations of this role, and whether the adjustments you would have to make to your lifestyle, are in line with your goals. Taking a job that doesn't feel like the right fit will probably lower your job satisfaction and cause you to burn out on the job faster than a better fit elsewhere. Taking any job now just because you need a job is an unwise investment of time. Instead, focus on your priorities.

Before you blindly agree to any commitments, make sure you are clear about their expectations. Ask clarifying questions and carefully consider how this role aligns with your priorities. Be honest with yourself. Communicate with transparency and flexibility. But don't feel compelled to give a firm answer right away. Simply share that you are open to thinking about it. There may still be room for negotiation. If you cannot meet their scheduling requirement, share what you can offer.

What questions do you have for me?

"I have several questions, actually. I know I've already asked so many throughout this interview. I hope that's okay. Are there any public services, aside from electricity, trash, recycling, and composting that are run by the private sector? How long has the department been understaffed, and how many positions are you looking to fill right now? Also, how has that impacted the workload of the rest of your teams?"

This question is typically reserved for the end of the interview. By now, your interviewer has a clearer concept of what you have to offer. Throughout your conversation, you've likely found openings to ask many of the questions you prepared for your interview. Other questions may have been answered on their own before you had a chance to ask them. This final question offers you an opportunity to showcase how thoroughly prepared you are and how unique a candidate you are by asking questions they aren't commonly presented with. Remember, the more original your questions are, the more memorable a candidate you'll be. Consider this as the grand finale of your interview.

Set yourself apart from the other candidates in the pool by avoiding the common mistake of responding with statements such as how you think they've already answered all of your questions throughout the interview, but if you have more, you'll reach out. That approach is misguided and does nothing to showcase yourself as a top performer. You have their attention now and they set this time aside for you. So take advantage of it while you're in front of them.

Try to come up with unique questions that can't be answered simply by researching their agency. And make sure you have enough of them, so you have a few left for the end. The more you can tell them about yourself through how you framed your question, such as giving them a glimpse of the outside-of-the-box lens you look at things through, the better. Try to identify how the agency you are applying to differs from those of your neighboring municipalities. How do their services differ from their neighboring regions? Asking questions such as these will showcase you are truly invested in this opportunity and are already thinking ahead. And, as a representative of your employer, you want to always have the right answer at the ready.

Why should we hire you?

"Well, I graduated with a degree in engineering, and have worked for my current company, and I've learned a lot with them, and am pleased with my career progression. But, with the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, I suddenly found myself inspired by my great-grandfather, grandfather, and great-uncle. Not since the New Deal, created by FDR in the great depression, have we seen something like this. And my grandad told me stories when I was a kid about how the Works Progress Administration helped him get back on his feet during the great depression. My uncle and great-granddad actually worked for the Public Works Administration, and they often joked about their rivalry. Then, about ten years ago, I read this book by Nick Taylor, called American-Made: The Enduring Legacy of the WPA. In it, he says, 'These ordinary men and women proved to be extraordinary beyond all expectation. They were golden threads woven in the national fabric. In this, they shamed the political philosophy that discounted their value and rewarded the one that placed its faith in them, thus fulfilling the founding vision of a government by and for its people. All its people.' Suddenly I had this yearning, of how I wanted my career to have more meaning, more purpose. It inspired me to take my career in a new direction. And that led me here."

By asking "Why should we hire you," your interviewer is looking for insights into how your skills and experience would directly address their specific needs and challenges and contribute to their goals. This question isn't about your own aspirations, it's about demonstrating your understanding of their needs and your ability to be a valuable asset in achieving them. How you answer will inform them of your attention to detail, your communication skills, your work ethic (how well you've prepared for your interview), and how well you articulate how you fit their mold.

Your answer should go beyond the hard skills you've already listed on your resume or CV. Instead, align yourself with their organization's culture. Showcase those less quantifiable soft skills that set you apart, aligning their current priorities, and the specific problems they're trying to solve. Focus on how you can apply your unique strengths to deliver tangible results for them. Your goal is to get them to imagine you working in this role for them. The more they are invested in hiring you, the greater your professional worth will be.

Why are you looking for work?

"My spouse and I are looking to relocate to this area. Her job is transferring here, so I am getting a head start on transferring my skills and getting a fresh start with an organization whose values and culture align with my own. As you can see, I am currently working in the private sector, and I love my current employer and the relationships I've built there. But we all saw this coming. So, I am ready to start something new. Since I had to make this move anyway, I decided to pursue something more rewarding, something that might give me more purpose in what I do. So, I figured, why not get to know my new community by serving that community and getting a real feeling for the neighborhood in the most grassroots fashion possible?"

This question goes deeper than whether you were let go, laid off, are re-entering the job market, or are looking for a fresh start elsewhere. It is how you choose to frame your answer to this question that stands to inform your interviewer of who you are as a professional, your experience level, your attitude, and your worldview. For example, your answer may inform them of whether you quit before lining up another job, which might exhibit poor planning. If you quit because of limited career advancement opportunities, do you express gratitude for advancing your career and skills to this point? Or, do you express resentment for not taking it far enough? So, it is how you answer that serves as a performance predictor of what they can expect from you, which will help them with their hiring decision.

The best approach for answering this question is to focus on your career goals and your professional pursuits. If your last job wasn't the best fit, accept responsibility for not further exploring whether it was the right fit before you took the job. Then detail what you did learn from the experience. If you didn't get along with your coworkers or leadership as well as you liked, then explain how you're looking for a better culture fit elsewhere, and an organization whose values are more aligned with your own. Focus only on the positives and what you gained from those experiences while expressing gratitude. You want to be a bridge builder rather than burning bridges behind you. For example, if you previously or currently held a public works position elsewhere, spend time comparing and contrasting these two agencies and these two positions. Then identify what you find most attractive about the opportunity you are interviewing for and how it is a step forward in your career. If you previously worked in the private sector, then explain your motives for pursuing a job in the public works sector, such as desiring a more altruistic or personally rewarding job where you feel like you are giving back to the community. Then express how you are looking forward to this next exciting stage of your career journey.

Avoid badmouthing or casting blame on those you worked with. Taking that approach will lead your interviewer to assume you are not a team player, have issues with those in positions of authority, and are likely to bring those same personnel issues with you wherever you go.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"After thoroughly researching everything I could about your agency, I was surprised by the number of growth opportunities. I'm already enrolled in several leadership courses with the APWA, and would like to work my way into a team leadership or management role here in the next two years. I'm a great coach, like training others, and teaching them what I know, so any leadership opportunity that includes training new hires would be an exciting advancement for me. Also, no surprise, in addition to growth, I'm looking for greater job security and stability. So, hopefully, in five years, I'll be helping recruit new talent and building our ideal teams with you."

Your interviewer has a job to do. They need to find the right candidate who feels like the right fit, with the right qualifications. If they are currently understaffed, the rest of their employees may be overworked, which puts them at risk of burning out, contributing to a work environment that could produce further employee turnover. So, they need to find someone committed to working with them for the long term. Also, recruiting, hiring, and training is a costly endeavor. Having to do it repeatedly is far worse and could result in budget cuts elsewhere, making a less desirable work environment even more problematic. So, your interviewer has to perform their job to the best of their ability. That includes making hiring decisions that contribute to employee retention.

Before your interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of the types of growth opportunities they have to offer, and the potential career paths available to you, should you decide to enter a long-term professional relationship with them. How bright does that future look? How well does it fit in with your five-year career plan, and what actions would you have to take to reach your goals, independent of what they have to offer, such as continuing your education elsewhere? Once you can answer those questions, you should better be able to effectively answer this interview question.

There are many agencies and advocacy groups that have further education offerings in the field of public works. For example, The American Public Works Association (AWPA) has local chapters throughout the US and Canada. One of their offerings is their "Emerging Leaders Academy" which they describe as a "year-long national program. The Emerging Leaders Academy provides intensive leadership and management training within the context of public works. It encourages professional growth through a strong network of peers and offers an in-depth introduction to APWA at the national, chapter and branch levels. The candidates must be professionals who have been working in the field of public works for no more than ten years or have been working for longer than ten years, but have been promoted into their first leadership role within the past three years. Candidates must have demonstrated an interest in advancing their careers within the profession."

How would you describe your communication skills?

"I would say that I am overcommunicative and wholly transparent. If information is on a need-to-know basis, I'll share that, expressing that I wish I could say more. Clear messaging, whether it be verbal or written, is imperative to me. I am always ensuring my coworkers fully understand our goals. A poor delegator is a poor communicator, as I always say. I am empathetic, a strong listener, and always seek clarification, and if there is an aspect of something I don't understand, I will take extra measures to make sure we are all on the same page, semantically and emotionally. These, for me, are the cornerstones of teamwork."

Public works officials often function in public-facing roles, which can frequently require communicating technical language, knowledge, and concepts in plain terms. Therefore, having strong clear communication skills, both in written and verbal form, is crucial to ensure transparency, appropriately address concerns, and foster trust with the community. This requires active listening, being receptive to feedback and concerns, diplomacy, empathy, persuasion, mediation, emotional intelligence, patience, and being able to tailor your communication style to that of your audience.

Working in a public works position frequently requires adhering to regulations and a specific code of behavioral conduct. This includes understanding and respecting the chain of command, respecting lines of authority, coordinating and collaborating across departments, and making sure the statements you make are not only permitted but reflect those of the agency you work for. Additionally, the nature of the work frequently faces unexpected challenges, delays, and setbacks, requiring creative problem-solving while under pressure. Effectively communicating those challenges to the public is especially crucial for maintaining trust while navigating unforeseen obstacles. Exhibiting patience is also important, especially when working with individuals in crisis whose emotions may run high.

Are you a member of the American Public Works Association? If so, which chapter?

"I recently learned about them as an organization and am newly joined. I've started exploring some of their coursework and am deciding on which to pursue. But I wanted to wait until after I start my next position, having a clearer idea of what my schedule will look like, before making any such commitments too hastily."

How you answer this question stands to inform your interviewer of your experience level, how plugged you are into your industry, and how invested you are in your career. If you are a member of the APWA or a similar group, be ready to discuss how this organization has positively impacted your career. If you are not a member of any professional associations related to public works, explore what they have to offer, and express your interest and how you hope they may further your career in the future.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is a nonprofit public works advocacy group that focuses primarily on educating public works employees, providing them with networking opportunities, and helping them grow their careers, offering several membership levels to those who join. They are one of a few such organizations, like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), or the American Water Works Association (AWWA)."With more than 32,000 public works professionals for ideas, advice, and career opportunities, the APWA serves professionals in all aspects of public works, a fact that sets it apart from other organizations and makes it an effective voice for public works. With a worldwide membership of more than 31,500 strong, APWA includes not only people from local, county, state/province, and federal agencies, but also private sector personnel who supply products and services to those professionals. Get access to the best education and training programs in public works, all at a discounted rate. Tap into the APWA Connect network to share with your peers and public works professionals for ideas, advice and career opportunities."

Why do you want to work for public works?

"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."

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.

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.

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.

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."

What would you do if you thought you might be late to work?

"I consider myself reliable, and a strong team player. I consistently show up early to work. Or, if I need a little me time before facing the world, I will show up to the parking lot early, and enjoy my coffee and radio program in my car before marching into work. Any time there is the possibility I might be held up and arrive tardily to work, I call in to give them a heads-up. But, in the five years I have been at my current company, I would say I've been late to work maybe once."

Your interviewer is curious to learn more about your attendance record. How you respond to this question will likely provide clues as to where you are on the scale from always being early, arriving right on time, to consistently running behind schedule. Your answer can also offer clues to your work-life balance, your sense of teamwork, your work ethic, and how likely you are to burn out of the job versus finding job satisfaction.

A person who has stronger time management skills is more likely to anticipate delays and plan ahead for them and is consistently on time or early to work. Someone who is consistently on time or early to work is more of a team player and would be more prone to alert their team of the possibility of running late. Whereas someone who is habitually late likely has poor time management skills and responds to delays and contingencies more reactively rather than proactively. And, not learning from their mistakes, they probably race to work with the hopes they make it in on time without calling attention to themselves.

In the past, how have you handled conflict on the job?

"Openly and quickly. Often, not seeing eye to eye can bring a team even closer together. And, it's okay if opinions differ, as long as such discourse is respectful. Recently, my team did not agree on the approach to take regarding the prioritization of three projects. We all sat down and gave our opinions. After listening to each other, we collectively decided which action to take. One coworker grew angry because not everyone adopted their idea, and they communicated they felt disrespected. I instantly expressed dismay that they felt disrespected and everyone else followed suit. Next thing we knew, that person apologized for being overly sensitive, and all was okay and we quickly moved on from the situation."

Depending on the position and the work entailed, many public works jobs are often stressful, requiring long hours and working in dangerous conditions. Often they are understaffed and overworked. When working under such conditions, that stress can come out in unexpected ways, resulting in poor communication and conflict. Therefore, your interviewer needs to make smart hiring decisions by separating their ideal target talent from more unqualified candidates. So, to reach this goal and to get to know a candidate better, they need to elicit a sincere and authentic response, which sometimes requires phrasing questions in a more interpretative and less direct manner. Therefore, how you interpret this question stands to reveal just as much about you as the answer you provide.

Your interviewer will be assessing your emotional intelligence, your communication skills, and your diplomacy. Remember, focus on your positive actions and solutions without negativity or placing blame. Avoid offering examples containing verbally abusive behavior, violence, displays of disrespect for authority, or situations lacking a positive outcome. Rather, be objective and empathetic, showcasing effective conflict resolution abilities without dwelling on negativity or specific individuals. Your goal is to paint a strong picture of your professionalism and maturity under pressure. So, take responsibility for your role in the debate, disagreement, or conflict, and place more focus on what you learned from the experience.

Reflecting on your professional history, think of situations where you were grounded and led by example. Highlight your strong communication skills, your emotional intelligence, your ability to navigate varying personalities, and your diplomatic problem-solving skills. Displaying open-mindedness, non-defensive communication, empathy, tolerance, and understanding will highlight your ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships.

Experiencing a conflict at work can range from personal disagreements to leadership-driven resolutions. For example, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, "Difference is at the heart of conflict, so it's important to explore areas where people don't often align. Common causes of workplace conflict include: Conflicting priorities, perspectives, assumptions, tolerances. Signs of conflict include burnout (calling in sick a lot or talking about how overwhelmed they are), complaints, and confusions (resistance to changes of workplace conditions or policy). Not handling conflict in the workplace can lead to absenteeism, turnover, unionization, litigation."

How would you approach a situation where you saw a coworker exhibiting unsafe conduct on the job?

"If I saw a coworker doing something unsafe for the first time, I'd view this as a development opportunity. I'd educate them not only on the operational standards that are in place but why they are in place and how they impact everyone else on the team. If I saw someone repeatedly doing something unsafe, I would warn them, and then report them. Better that than them hurting themself or someone else."

Many of the positions offered by public works agencies, be it on the federal, state, municipal, local level, or in the private sector, frequently or infrequently require working in, and navigating dangerous work conditions, especially in crisis situations. Therefore safety plays an incredibly important role working in any public works position. Not just for their employees, but for the safety of the public as well. So this question is aimed at helping your interviewer determine whether you would be an asset or a liability.

Take some time to review their safety code, their code of conduct, and any other information they've published online. Also, know your rights and spend some time on OSHA's website as well. Doing so can help you prevent violations and citations, and go above and beyond in ensuring a safe working environment.

Here is some information from OSHA's website worth reviewing: "Federal law entitles you to a safe workplace, free of known health and safety hazards. You have the right to speak up without fear of retaliation. You also have the right to: Receive workplace safety and health training, receive required safety equipment, work on machines that are safe, refuse to work in a situation in which you would be exposed to a hazard, report an injury or illness, get copies of your medical records, review records of work-related injuries and illnesses, see results of tests taken to find workplace hazards, file a confidential complaint with OSHA and ask for an inspection. If possible, tell your employer about your concerns. It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, transfer or otherwise retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA and uses their legal rights."

How do you feel about union work?

"I've currently worked in a unionized job for the past eight years. So, this isn't new to me, and I've taken advantage of the benefits on more than one occasion. My current union seems to work hard to ensure our employees are safe and treated fairly, and my union has a good relationship with my current agency. How about here? What can you tell me about the relationship between your agency and its union?"

Some public works roles are union-based, whereas others are not. This may depend on whether the opportunity you are pursuing is at the federal, state, or local level, or a contracted private sector company. The majority of public sector jobs are represented by unions. Few public works jobs are offered by the private sector, mostly applying to utilities, or on rare occasions where an understaffed agency requires outsourcing.

For many, the topic of unions can be a divisive subject. So take care when expressing opinions that might not align with those of your potential employers or their representatives. Try to stay neutral on such subjects, sticking to the facts. Be exhaustive in your research on whether the position you are applying for is a union job. If so, learn all you can about that union as well. Feel free to pose any questions you have, after you've made every effort to answer them on your own, to get a feel of their tone on the subject.

According to OpenSecrets, a non-profit pro-democratic watchdog government group, "Public employee unions represent workers at every level of government, federal, state and local. Since contract negotiations for these workers are dependent not on private corporations, but on the size of government budgets, this is the one segment of the labor movement that can actually contribute directly to the people with ultimate responsibility for its livelihood."

Are you comfortable undergoing a background check and drug screening?

"I am perfectly comfortable with that. Although this hasn't been an issue in the past, it's worth mentioning for the sake of transparency, that there is one thing that will show up on the background check which I'd like to offer some context to. You'll find a misdemeanor on my record, for when I got caught in the middle of a rowdy crowd during a protest that I was marching in. My sibling convinced me to accompany them, and the next thing I knew several roughians started causing trouble in the middle of the march. When the police rounded them up, I got caught in the middle of the crowd. It was nothing really, but that's what happened, and you'll see it on my record. FYI."

It is common practice for any government agency, or those companies who are under contract with a government agency, to require background checks, drug screening, or confidentiality agreements of anyone they consider hiring. Primarily, this is a necessary measure to ensure the privacy and safety of the public, and those working in public service. This question commonly serves as a standard disclosure, communicating their intent to do so.

On occasion, when this question triggers discomfort when posed to a candidate, it offers the interviewer the benefit of identifying any red flags or concerns about the viability of that potential hire. Not disclosing any issues that might arise before they devote the funds to that background check suggests a disregard for the time they set aside for the interview, for their resources, and assets. So, if you do have concerns about what a background check might turn up, respectfully disclose that with transparency. Assume they'll find out anyway. This way, you'll not waste their time or money, and you'll grant yourself an opportunity to provide context to what might turn up. Take ownership of your situation every time.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

"I'm not just handy in the field when working on public works projects. In fact, I have a very nice woodworking shop in my basement. I find a lot of peace and joy when working with wood. I love the smell of fresh-cut wood and am proud of my many creations. Stools and benches and knick-knack things. Aside from that, I enjoy riding my bike and going for long walks on the beach. I also like watching my favorite programs. I am currently addicted to Call The Midwife. What a wonderful show! How about you? Do you have any interesting hobbies or television programs you are enthusiastic about?"

This question is a more informal and fun way to get you to relax, and share more of your personality and what you feel makes you unique. It also offers an opportunity for a candidate to showcase that they have a solid work-life balance. Considering how stressful many public works jobs can be, there is a higher likelihood of employees burning out on the job, leading to further turnover. So, your interviewer may also be grateful for some peace of mind if you seem more balanced and less likely to burn out on the job or to bring your personal issues to work with you. So have fun with this question. Make yourself more relatable. The more relatable, emotionally stable, and well-balanced you seem to your interviewer, the more likely they'll consider you a good fit for their teams.

Do you require any special accommodations, and are you able to meet the minimum physical requirements of this position?

"I carefully read through the requirements of the job description. It says you have to be able to lift 55 pounds regularly, stand, bend, and walk about most of the day, right? I stay physically fit and this should be no problem. I have confidence I can meet these needs while contributing to a safe work environment."

Many of the jobs offered by public works agencies, occasionally or frequently, can be physically demanding. Your recruiter's job is to find someone who can fill the role and show up on time, willing, and able to perform the duties of that job to the best of their ability. While they aim to be an equal opportunity employer, they also want to avoid hiring someone who is overconfident in their abilities, and who may injure easily, resulting in attendance issues or worker compensation claims. This is the nature of this nuanced, carefully phrased question.

Federal law prohibits them from asking if you were previously injured on the job, or are disabled in any way. This is thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). "This law prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the hiring process. An injury that results in a disability is covered by the ADA, so asking about past injuries could be seen as an attempt to gather information about a disability. It is illegal to ask job applicants about their medical history, including past injuries, unless the information is job-related and necessary to the operation of the business. In most states, an aggravation of a pre-existing injury is covered by workers' compensation. If you had no functional job restrictions due to your pre-existing injury prior to your new work-related accident, you are eligible for the same benefits as someone who was injured on the job for the first time."

Tell me about yourself.

"I've always enjoyed working with my hands and tinkering with things. When I was 8 years old, my parents came home and found that I'd taken apart the TV. The sound would crackle in and out, and while taking it apart and trying to understand how it works, I'd fixed the problem, and put the tv back together. I was doing stuff like that, moving forward. So, naturally, after a few successes at science fairs, I pursued my degree in engineering and have worked for a private firm for the last six years. But I have reached a point where my career isn't progressing as swiftly as I'd like, and my firm can't quite keep up with my level of ambition. So, since I started reevaluating where I wanted to go next, I started considering something more rewarding, where I would really have an impact on my community, which led me here."

To land an interview, you likely impressed your interviewer with your CV and resume. Now they want to learn more about you, and with this introductory question, they are giving you a platform to deliver your elevator speech. They want to know more about the personality and cultural fit of the professional before them. How you deliver your answer to this question may set the tone for the rest of the interview. This boils down to how authentic and sincere you are, and how relaxed and confident you seem. It also may inform them of your communication skills, based on how concisely you deliver your answer. In other words, is your answer structured and well thought out, or do you ramble on and jump around in a confusing and hard-to-follow manner?

Before the interview, weave a 200-word mini-biography of your professional life, as relevant to the job. While using your unique voice, try to incorporate the keywords or sentiments of their language and culture. Limit any personal details to your hometown, and family background, while highlighting your education and early career. No need to dwell on past struggles. Stick to the positive lessons learned, and your determination and forward-thinking spirit. Share your professional passions, the views that guide you, and the values that inform your character. Share your professional hopes and dreams, your constant hunger for growth, and how your career journey led you here. Practice it out loud, ensuring you sound relaxed, confident, interesting, and someone they'd want to work with.

How did you hear about this position?

"Initially, I saw this posting on Public Works Careers. But I decided I wanted to learn more about the agency and the position, so I explored both the job listing and the agency on your site, and it was there, learning more about your culture and values, that I started to seriously consider this might be the right job for me. When I checked out the employee reviews on Glassdoor, I saw the job posting again there. But when I applied, I did so directly through the portal on your site. How long has this post been open, can you say?"

Part of the job of a recruiter is to craft an effective marketing campaign designed with the intent of recruiting their target talent. What helps them do their job better is identifying which of their efforts yield the greatest results, so they can improve upon their strategies and increase their rate of success. So, to help make their job easier, share not only where you first heard about the position, but what about their value propositions convinced you to pursue this opportunity, and which of their efforts you found most attractive.

Whether you saw the job posting on a site such as Glassdoor or Indeed, on a government job board, more specific public works sites such as Public Works Careers, or directly on their website, focus your answer on what it was that made this feel like the right fit for you. Also, if this qualifies as a union position, explore the recruiting efforts of the union as well. There was a NY Times article touching on jobs that are sitting empty in the public sector, and they explain how their unions have started pitching in to help those agencies recruit new talent. "Shortages of state and city personnel, especially those who must work on site, are so dire that unions are helping to get people in the door."

Do you have any emergency response training or certifications?

"Aside from my first aid and CPR certifications, I have received some critical emergency response training. Also, I have taken a few classes on EMT training as well. In my previous role, we were regularly trained for a variety of mission-critical situations including safety and accident prevention, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. One of my strengths is that in high-pressure situations, I have a level head and calm demeanor, and can work quickly and can think on my feet; giving me the ability to react professionally in any situation, including an emergency. I have confidence, and the confidence of my coworkers, in my ability to react quickly and appropriately in emergencies."

Your interviewer is curious whether you have any experience in emergency situations or as a first responder. Due to the potentiality of working in dangerous environments or around large heavy machinery, candidates with first aid, CPR, or emergency training are particularly desirable. Additionally, many public works services assist communities in crisis situations, states of emergency, and disasters.

If you don't have any training in this regard, consider exploring first aid, CPR, or emergency response training offered in your locality. There are many sponsored services that offer such credentialing for free, or at a very low cost. Even if you haven't taken the course by the time you show up for your interview, volunteering that you have a class scheduled in the near future can still go a very long way in increasing your odds of being awarded the position.

On the American Public Works Association's website, they issue a statement where they recognize Public Works Professionals as First Responders. "While police, fire, and EMS are often the three most recognized first responders, public works is also often silently there, providing vital support to emergency response partners, helping protect essential services, and restoring those services following an emergency. In alignment with the APWA strategic initiative to be the voice of public works, APWA is proud about the creation of a national 'Public Works First Responder' symbol as well as using it to support and promote public works first responders."

Tell me about your education.

"Well, I spent two years in community college and earned my associate degree, and then another two years at college and earned my bachelor's in project management. I enjoyed both experiences, but found most of my life lessons came from my experiences as captain of the swim team, and as lead lifeguard at the beach on the lake. Also, I volunteered a few times to teach our community first aid and CPR classes, which I still teach on occasion. There are a few of us who run it, and we take turns on a rotating basis."

This question offers you the opportunity to breathe more life and context into your educational background. Whether you earned a collegiate degree or not, your interviewer is interested in learning more about the valuable professional life lessons you've learned that helped you grow as a professional. Feel free to share any educational experience that had an impact on your professional growth, whether through a formal education or extracurricular leadership roles, lessons learned from a mentor or role model, or growth experiences while on the job.

Take time to explore their careers site and the educational or development opportunities they advertise that they offer. If any appeal to you, express your interest. Also, explore the educational and credentialing opportunities available to American Public Works Association's members. "Get ready to experience APWA's best in education and credentialing, because we're bringing you a dedicated learning experience each month with Focus on Public Works! Focus on Public Works will celebrate a new technical area each month, featuring expert-led online education, trending technologies, resources, networking, and more opportunities." If any of those interests you, share your intention to pursue those opportunities. The same could apply to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): "50 years of professional development training, 1200+ courses to choose from, 19k+ participants last year, offering courses on Architectural Engineering; Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Waterways Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering | Profession and Practice | Structural Engineering, Sustainability and Resilience, Transportation, Water and Water Resources."

Tell me about some of your strengths.

"Some of my biggest strengths include my mechanical knowledge and technical skills, my troubleshooting skills, and my ability to solve problems through reverse engineering. I am very comfortable around heavy machinery and am the poster child of safety. I've led several safety committees. I am also extremely adaptable, and able to switch gears at the drop of a hat, in most situations."

By this point, your interviewer is getting a sense of who you are as a candidate, or, at least, they are forming an opinion of you, and whether you would be an asset to their organization. With this question, they are providing you an opportunity to share something new. How you answer this question should also inform them of how you perceive yourself, and your self-awareness of how you are perceived by others. This includes being self-aware of how well you have performed in your interview so far.

Answering questions like these requires communicating a thorough understanding of what they are looking for in their ideal talent by aligning your self-perceived strengths with what they are looking for. You also want to introduce something new, rather than being redundant and reiterating previous statements you've made earlier in the interview. So consider quantifying your strengths with comments your coworkers or teammates have made about you in the past. Also, consider any positive remarks from your previous performance reviews or from feedback you've received. Anything that aligns you with what they are looking for is worth mentioning here.

Tell me about your greatest weakness.

"A while back in a performance meeting, my boss suggested I slow down. This advice came from recognizing my merits for setting the pace of my peers and consistently driving a sense of urgency with our work. But it was also a detriment when speaking in front of groups of people. I'd move through the talking point too fast for others to follow, which then made me uncomfortable and nervous communicating. So, in the past, I haven't been great at speaking in front of groups of people, nor a great mentor when training new hires. So, I had to get into the practice of slowing down and meeting other people where they were. I am a stronger communicator now, being transparent about my growth opportunities, reminding our new hires that I move fast, and for them to ask me to slow down or repeat a section of training anytime they need clarification. I created a framework to follow for each situation, methods of reminding myself to keep at it."

Your interviewer wants to learn more about your experience level and whether you take ownership of your own development. Typically, a person who is hesitant to share their weaknesses suggests they have something to hide, such as a fear of being caught or judged for a mistake they frequently make on the job, or something that would present them as a liability. This suggests not taking charge of their own development, repeating the same mistakes rather than learning from them. Whereas, someone who takes responsibility for their growth opportunities and admits to them shows courage, that they are aware of their growth opportunities, and continues to grow as a professional.

When discussing your weakness, or area for improvement, avoid volunteering anything that would present you as a liability, or that suggests you lack the skills necessary to perform according to the requirements of the job. Rather, focus on growth areas you are aware of and are already actively improving in. Showcase that you are open and receptive to feedback and proactively seek it out. As they state on the AWPA, Public Works employees should "encourage professional growth," and "demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement through self-assessment."

How do you balance your work life with your personal life?

"I prioritize time for preparing for my personal time and preparing for my work week. When I get off work, I make sure my gas tank is full, and grab any groceries or run any other small errands on the way, for both my personal and professional life. When I get home, I make sure I have everything I need for a good night's sleep. I make sure my clothes are clean, ironed, and organized. I make sure my meals are planned for the week and my coffee maker is ready to automatically turn on a few minutes before my alarm clock goes off. I also set aside time each weekend to manage my personal bills and finances, or to address any other obligations. I am always on time, to work, to a social gathering, an appointment. I also schedule time for myself where nothing happens. I call it blocked-off me-time, where I can sit on the couch and stare at the wall, read a book, or go to the gym... it's my free time."

Your interviewer wants to avoid hiring candidates who have difficulty balancing their personal life with their work life. Those who bring their personal issues with them to work may negatively impact team morale, or dedicate work hours to their personal obligations, both of which are detrimental to productivity. For those of whom this is true, they might get caught up in a cycle of making up for lost hours by bringing work home with them or losing sleep over their lost productivity, which perpetuates the problem.

So much of maintaining a strong work-life balance has to do with wellbeing. This can range from meditation to ironing your work clothes, planning your meals, or preparing for your week in your off hours. So spend time refreshing your mind on all the things you do to reduce stress in your life while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don't just limit this to physical activity, either. Consider all the things you do to take care of your physical and mental well-being and reduce your stress. The higher your job satisfaction and the less likely you are to burn out on the job, the more balanced you'll seem.

Many sources online attest to the majority of government positions offering a better work-life balance due to the stability they offer. While companies may go out of business in the private sector, or go through downsizing, restructures, or rebranding, the government won't go out of business. Additionally, most government businesses outmatch benefits offered by the private sector, such as lower-cost, superior health plans, and generous retirement plans. Additionally, time off is more than fair, where in most cases, federal holidays are observed. They are also known for work schedules offering more favorable hours, allotting time off for emergencies, flexible working patterns, and so on.

How do you stay current on the issues facing public works?

"Mostly email newsletters. My Apple news feed is pretty busy, and news related to work is like a needle in a haystack. But, my email is pretty clean, and I get email newsletters for the APWA, the ASCE, American Infrastructure Magazine, and Public Works News, to name a few. How about you? What sources do you rely on?"

This question is aimed at getting a more definitive notion of your experience level in your profession. Depending on your field, the extent to which you stay informed will potentially reveal whether you can be trusted as a reliable resource of information. It also stands to inform them of whether they can trust you to represent the views and positions of their agency.

Before your interview, familiarize yourself with the news and media content they offer on their website. Read through several of their blog postings as well. Then refresh yourself on the recent content offered by some of the most trusted resources for Public Works news, such as American Infrastructure magazine, APWA's News & Media, ASCE's email newsletters, publication and news, or any of your other favorite news sources. Be prepared to detail how you stay up to date on any legislative or regulatory changes at a local, state, or federal level.

What engineering and technology topics do you think will impact public works in the coming year?

"I'd say drone technology is the first. Being able to get aerial views is immensely valuable, especially for first responders. So much time is often wasted when first responders arrive at a scene and realize they need backup. Yet if a drone arrives first on the scene, while first responders are en route, and we can send backup before they arrive, that's huge. I'd say a close second is transitioning to fleets of electric vehicles."

It is common for an interviewer to pose a few similarly phrased questions, yet which are unique and distinct. This tests the candidate's attention to detail, and their experience level based on the originality of their answer. This question, although similarly phrased to asking how you stay up to date in your field, is also aimed at determining how effective and diplomatic a communicator you are. They may be interested in precisely how up-to-date you are on current events, legislation, and trends, based on what you volunteer. But, they also want to know how well your opinions and views align with that of their agency.

Be informed and respectful when answering this question. First and foremost, get a clear sense of the positions and views of the agency you are being interviewed by. Avoid any controversial subjects or volunteering strong opinions. Maintain a degree of neutrality, and speak on whatever subject you choose in a manner similar to if you were speaking as a representative of their agency.

Every year, the APWA hosts a contest to determine the top 5 trending technologies in public works. After gathering suggestions, they select "the 16 trending technologies that will impact public works in the coming year. Each contender is selected because of its projected impact on the public sector, across all departments and at all levels. The 16 trending technologies go toe-to-toe in an NCAA-style bracket challenge, where we open the voting up to the public to result in the Trending Technologies for the year." The five winners are announced each January. As a result of this contest, they are able to "develop education on trending technologies that can help public works professionals advance the quality of life for all by making their work more affordable and efficient."

Tell me about a time you failed at something.

"I've always wanted to do work that was personally rewarding, giving back and doing the right thing, not just doing what I am good at. But, when in college, I was in a phase of just overachieving, and my drive and ambition overshadowed my other priorities. So, I'd say one of my biggest failures was being hasty and overanxious in landing any job right out of college. At the time, I thought it was the right fit. I was excited to work for the company, but I didn't pay close enough attention to primary core responsibilities and culture, and the job wasn't the right fit. It was a great deal of data entry more than anything, and didn't match my skills or ambition, and was very repetitive. I am social and creative, and enjoy working in a more collaborative environment, so this position became tiresome very quickly. I decided to learn what I could during my time there, more about accounting, balancing books, and using more advanced software. I made some good connections and when I did decide to move on, I gave open notice. I accept responsibility for my mistake and consider myself a bridge builder. But, it turned out to be a bit of a setback for my career goals and timeline. Eventually, I was able to find employment elsewhere for a public works agency that made me feel self-gratified by the work I was doing, it was a better fit for my skills and values, and it was a more desirable work culture and environment."

Similar to asking about your greatest weakness, this common interview question is about whether you take responsibility for your setbacks and failures, and whether you apply the lessons learned from them to increase your chances for success in the future. This is opposed to someone who hurriedly tries to cover their tracks or remedy their setbacks or failures before their mistakes are noticed. Such individuals are less likely to learn from their mistakes, and more likely to repeat them. Therefore, by studying the subtle nuances of your response to this question, they might get closer to determining your fit for this position.

When answering this question, share your story with comfortable confidence to exhibit the amount of emotional growth you've experienced since. Remember, no one can hold over you that which you already own. Whereas, sharing an example with the fear of being judged might suggest you haven't fully taken ownership of your setbacks, nor grown from them.

Remember, in any public works job, it's not just your safety, but the safety of everyone working around you that you are responsible for. So, avoid sharing any stories that would present you as a liability, or incapable of performing the requirements of the job. Instead, consider sharing examples pertaining to your personal goals, deadlines, performance standards, or missed growth opportunities. The more you can showcase a focus on growth and continual development, the better.

Tell me about a time you helped lead your team toward success.

"I'm a great listener, a great encourager, and I work hard and often set the enthusiastic mood and set the pace. I can work well on my own as well but prefer the variety and excitement that comes with teamwork. I thrive in collaborative environments, and my current team is incredible. We work well together, with enthusiasm and camaraderie, and achieve consistent results through clear and positive communication. Recently, we had two big projects back to back. The first project was a major streets project that was severely delayed due to weather concerns. The weather issues even increased the repair work that needed to be done. So, after the push to complete the first project, everyone was pretty fatigued. But we had a little way to go with the final project, and I wanted it to be fun for everyone rather than a slog. So I created a fun, motivating playlist, brought in several Bluetooth speakers, cranked up the music while we replaced that old water main, brought coffee and donuts, and set the cheerful can-do vibe for the work that needed to be done. I set the pace, and everyone kept up. We came in ahead of the deadline and ended the day on a high note and celebrated at our local pub."

Coordination is integral to most public works projects. For example, street projects often require detours, traffic control, and limiting such projects to low traffic periods to minimize the impact. This not only requires coordinating with other public works departments, but carefully coordinating with your teams as well. On top of this, safety has to be the ultimate priority at all times. So, although this question may touch on your leadership potential, its primary focus is on determining how strong your sense of teamwork is. How you answer may potentially offer clues as to whether you are a singularly focused career-driven individual who prioritizes oneself, versus someone who views the success of the team as their own, takes pride in their contributions towards the group's goals, and thrives on collaboration.

It matters less whether you led your team in an official capacity. Your example could be as simple as going above and beyond in your performance and performing as an integral member of your team. So try to think of a time when your attitude, or team spirit, helped push everyone over the finish line. Even if you weren't solely responsible for the group's achievement, come up with an example where they couldn't have achieved success without you.

What leadership experience do you have?

"In high school, I served in our school government. While attending college, I joined a couple of clubs and volunteered as a tutor. I take every opportunity to lead by example, whether encouraging my team cheering on my peers, or coaching others on subjects where I know my job well and am confident in. I've never held an official management role, but have a strong work ethic and a positive can-do mindset. I always strive to be a positive example to others, and have seriously considered striving towards earning a formal leadership position."

Most interviewers are interested in cultivating their future leadership from within their culture. Therefore, questions such as these are intended to help them determine your leadership potential, and whether your style of leadership would complement or clash with theirs. How you answer could also offer clues as to whether you work well with, or have issues with, those in positions of authority.

Regardless of whether you have any interest in pursuing a leadership position with them now or in the future, your aim is to demonstrate occasions where you led by example, set the pace, exhibited integrity by doing the right thing, or took charge of your own development. Additionally, to showcase a strong work ethic by demonstrating your extensive knowledge and preparation for this interview, familiarize yourself with the leadership style they may elude to online, along with any leadership development opportunities they advertise as well.

If you are interested in moving into a leadership position or expanding on your already developing leadership experience, the AWPA has an "Emerging Leaders Academy, a national program offered by APWA that provides intensive leadership and management training within the context of public works. It encourages professional growth through a strong network of peers and offers an in-depth introduction to APWA at the national, chapter, and branch levels."

How difficult is multi-tasking for you in situations where priorities shift frequently?

"I know my limits, and I've never been effective in working at multiple things simultaneously. I need to dedicate my attention to one or the other. But I am adept at transitioning from one task to the next, and then back again. I have several little tricks I employ to make sure I don't lose track of my progress on any one thing as well. This comes in especially handy, considering that I answer to two supervisors in two different departments."

For most people, multitasking doesn't come naturally, and that is not really what this question is about. The true aim of this question is how effectively you can retain your productivity while not losing track of the progress you've made when forced to reprioritize. In situations where priorities shift, and a person has to stop what they are working on to address a larger concern, it can be difficult to pick up where one left off. For many, this results in rework, and lost time. So this question has less to do with how many tasks you can perform at the same time, and more to do with what systems and processes you practice to maintain your level of productivity.

How do you manage your stress in high pressure situations?

"I've been in situations that unraveled quickly, especially when dealing with crisis circumstances. In moments like that, with a lot of moving parts to deliver those critical services, there is a great amount of pressure, especially with your community relying on you with high expectations. So I aspire to meet those expectations with poise. I am resilient and handle stress well. My references can attest to this. I am focused and track our deadlines. I ask questions and establish clear channels of communication, request help when needed, and keep an open eye for detail at all stages of any project. But the second I let my stress get the best of me, that all falls apart. So I manage my stress by keeping my eye on the goals on the horizon, at all times."

The work situations presented to those in public works can often be stressful, especially in disaster or crisis situations. Therefore, your interviewer is curious whether you are able to manage and work through your stress, or whether you allow your stress to dictate your behavior. Someone who reacts situationally rather than emotionally in such situations is less likely to burn out on the job and more likely to react decisively when needed. Whereas someone who is overwhelmed by stress will make their emotions known and will experience task paralysis when decisive action is required.

According to the Public Sector HR Association, the leading international community for human resources professionals practicing in the public sector, "A lot of public service careers are stressful by nature. Staff shortages contribute to increased workloads and time pressures. Many workers report that covering unfilled positions makes their jobs more stressful. Firefighters, police, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, emergency and disaster response, among others, experience high levels of daily pressure." So, when communicating how you manage your stress, try to communicate your passion and drive for what you do. Balance the difficulties of the job with the rewards.

Public Works Interview Questions

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1. Tell me about one of your more recent significant accomplishments on the job.
2. How do you feel about working overtime, weekends, evenings, or holidays?
3. What questions do you have for me?
4. Why should we hire you?
5. Why are you looking for work?
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
7. How would you describe your communication skills?
8. Are you a member of the American Public Works Association? If so, which chapter?
9. Why do you want to work for public works?
10. What would you do if you thought you might be late to work?
11. In the past, how have you handled conflict on the job?
12. How would you approach a situation where you saw a coworker exhibiting unsafe conduct on the job?
13. How do you feel about union work?
14. Are you comfortable undergoing a background check and drug screening?
15. How do you like to spend your spare time?
16. Do you require any special accommodations, and are you able to meet the minimum physical requirements of this position?
17. Tell me about yourself.
18. How did you hear about this position?
19. Do you have any emergency response training or certifications?
20. Tell me about your education.
21. Tell me about some of your strengths.
22. Tell me about your greatest weakness.
23. How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
24. How do you stay current on the issues facing public works?
25. What engineering and technology topics do you think will impact public works in the coming year?
26. Tell me about a time you failed at something.
27. Tell me about a time you helped lead your team toward success.
28. What leadership experience do you have?
29. How difficult is multi-tasking for you in situations where priorities shift frequently?
30. How do you manage your stress in high pressure situations?

Public Works Interview Questions

1. Tell me about one of your more recent significant accomplishments on the job.

2. How do you feel about working overtime, weekends, evenings, or holidays?

3. What questions do you have for me?

4. Why should we hire you?

5. Why are you looking for work?

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

7. How would you describe your communication skills?

8. Are you a member of the American Public Works Association? If so, which chapter?

9. Why do you want to work for public works?

10. What would you do if you thought you might be late to work?

11. In the past, how have you handled conflict on the job?

12. How would you approach a situation where you saw a coworker exhibiting unsafe conduct on the job?

13. How do you feel about union work?

14. Are you comfortable undergoing a background check and drug screening?

15. How do you like to spend your spare time?

16. Do you require any special accommodations, and are you able to meet the minimum physical requirements of this position?

17. Tell me about yourself.

18. How did you hear about this position?

19. Do you have any emergency response training or certifications?

20. Tell me about your education.

21. Tell me about some of your strengths.

22. Tell me about your greatest weakness.

23. How do you balance your work life with your personal life?

24. How do you stay current on the issues facing public works?

25. What engineering and technology topics do you think will impact public works in the coming year?

26. Tell me about a time you failed at something.

27. Tell me about a time you helped lead your team toward success.

28. What leadership experience do you have?

29. How difficult is multi-tasking for you in situations where priorities shift frequently?

30. How do you manage your stress in high pressure situations?