30 Civil Engineer Intern Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Civil Engineer Intern interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What is your dream job or project?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What hiring managers want to find out is what you're passionate about and what type of projects inspire you. They are not necessarily looking for you to say that their projects are what you dream of doing. They want to learn about your long-term career goals and figure out whether you'll be happy in this job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, make sure you're showing some overlap between the qualities you want in a dream project and dream role and the characteristics of the position you're interviewing for. For example, if you're interviewing for a highly technical role, talk about what types of technical challenges and projects you enjoy. Try to mention a well-known or award-winning project and talk about what works well and why you consider this one of your dream projects.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My dream job would be a combination of creating solutions that are making a difference in the world and getting a chance to share them with as many people as possible. I was excited about this position because I read that millions of people use your company's engineering products each day and it seems like the work you're doing is having a big impact on the world."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
2. How do you like to be managed?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is one of those questions that's about finding the right fit--both from the company's perspective and your own. The interviewer is trying to learn more about your personality and how they might anticipate your chemistry within the company's ecosystem and culture.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Think back on what worked well for you in the past and what didn't. Think about things previous bosses did that motivated you and helped you succeed and grow. Pick one or two things to focus on and always articulate them in a positive way--if you can give a positive example from a great boss, it'll make your answer even stronger. Your answer should contain an example of your past working experience and the reason why the management style worked so well.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I enjoy having my hands in a lot of different projects, so I like working with managers who allow their employees to try new things and work cross-functionally with other teams. At the same time, I really welcome it when a boss provides me with support, guidance, and mentoring. No one can do anything alone, and I believe when managers and employees collaborate together and learn from one another, everyone comes out on top."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
3. Describe a conflict you had with another student or professor and how you handled it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question provides an example that allows interviewers to assess your conflict resolution skills based on an actual event in your past. It helps them assess how you respond to conflict with peers or coworkers and how you work on a team.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
To answer this question, provide a specific example from your college experience when you had a conflict with another student or professor. Your response to this question can demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of working styles. When answering this question, explain how you respond to disagreements between multiple people and how you work to resolve them to accomplish individual or team goals.
It can be helpful to use the STAR method for your response:
Situation: Describe the conflict or challenge.
Task: Explain your role in the conflict.
Action: Discuss the steps you took to resolve the conflict.
Result: Describe the results of your actions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"For my senior project, I was working with a group of graduate students to prepare an innovative solution to a real-world engineering problem and prepare a presentation of the different options we considered. The group was responsible for conceptualizing the ideas and presenting a preferred project plan on how to implement the idea. Early on in the process, we developed an action plan for completing the presentation and alternative solutions. Two of the team members were busy with others things and wanted to work more independently, but this was a team project and we needed to find time to collaborate and meet regularly. Instead of starting an argument about the importance of meetings, I suggested that we gather everyone together to explain their reasoning for their side. Eventually, we decided to hold a daily, virtual meeting that would last no more than ten minutes to provide short updates on our task progress. We came together on Fridays for longer team meetings to discuss progress and assemble the final presentation."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
4. How do you feel about, and handle, constructive criticism?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers often ask this question to gauge whether you are someone who is open and accepting of constructive criticism. Being able to accept criticism can help you improve your overall performance and potentially even accept advancement opportunities within an organization. The interviewer is usually less interested in the type of criticism you received and more interested in how you handled it. Interviewers also use this question to determine how well a candidate can accept different management styles and in which type of work environments you will be most successful.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Because this is a challenging question, it's important to think through your response prior to the interview. Consider how your professors, teammates, or peers have offered constructive criticism. Think about the feedback they gave you and any suggestions they offered on how to improve in the future.
Also, consider your response to the criticism--whether you accepted and applied it constructively and what you would do differently. The best responses to this interview question explain how the feedback you received helped you grow personally and professionally.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Learning how to accept and respond to feedback is an important part of anyone's personal and professional development. Accepting and applying the feedback I've received from others on engineering projects, including professors, colleagues, and peers, has helped me examine my work more closely, become more successful, and meet the expectations I've set for myself and those that others have set for me."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
5. What type of work environment do you prefer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to establish how well you'll fit in at their company and with the company culture. It also helps them identify your most productive work environment--whether you are more comfortable in a traditional, formal work environment or in a casual office structure; whether you enjoy a team-based approach, or prefer working independently.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
When you are asked about work environments, your best bet is to try to stay relatively neutral. It's a good idea to maintain that you are flexible and adapt happily to any environment. You could say that you are flexible in terms of your work environment but that you perform best when you have a relatively quiet space so you can focus on solving tasks without distractions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I really enjoyed the environment in my past intern position. My supervisor was a great resource and always willing to help out when I had any issues. He also trusted me to get my work done, so I had a lot of freedom in how I scheduled and prioritized my time, which was very important to me during college. Everyone had their own space, so it was often pretty quiet while we got our work done, but we all got lunch together and our team had a lot of check-in meetings and communicated frequently via Slack so we still had a lot of opportunities to bounce ideas off each other. I liked working both individually and more collaboratively with the team. How would you describe the mix here?"
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I can be flexible when it comes to my work environment. From your website, it looks like the environment in your engineering department is fast-paced and structured to expand production. I enjoy working in an area experiencing rapid growth, and I think this kind of environment is exciting and conducive to innovation, new ideas, and applications."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What do you enjoy most and least about civil engineering?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers will often ask this question to determine your goals and motivations for being in the engineering industry. They realize that not every job is perfect--every job has some sort of undesirable components. They are expecting you to show enthusiasm for the things you enjoy and honesty about the things you dislike about the profession.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Start your preparation by making a list of what you enjoyed most and least about your engineering classes, your last job, and how this opportunity compares. Your answer should include the key parts of engineering you enjoy most/ least and the typical challenges you strive to overcome. You want the interviewer to think that the things you like most about engineering match up to the things that the new job can provide you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I really love the creative process and design work in engineering. I also enjoy the face-to-face interaction with clients and the opportunity to see projects come to life. But if I had to pick one thing that I don't enjoy as much, I would have to say it's contract preparation and negotiations."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I've always loved creating things and solving puzzles--and that's what engineering's all about. I believe that as an engineer you should see yourself as an Applied Scientist. After all, what we are doing on a day-to-day basis is taking scientific principles and applying them, sometimes in new ways, to the engineering project that we're working on. My least favorite part of the job is the bureaucracy and the regulations we have to work with, which are coincidently very important to ensure we get things built safely and for the long-term. However, they can slow down the process--sometimes it means that we have to think ahead to ensure things happen and get approved at the right pace."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
7. Can you describe a challenging situation that you faced during your college years and how you resolved it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question because they want to know how you handled challenges and adversity during your college career because invariably, your professional career will also present challenges that you'll need to overcome. The interviewer isn't necessarily interested in hearing about some horror story from your past. Rather, this question is designed to help the interviewer discover what type of problem solver you are.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Realize that you can draw from many different kinds of challenges when you answer this question. You don't need to have lived a life of adversity or oppression to have a meaningful challenge to discuss. Prior to the interviewer, take some time to consider challenges that you have encountered that helped you grow and develop. Decide on which challenge you want to share with your interviewer. It's wise to shy away from anything that's too personal--you don't want your interviewer to feel uncomfortable. If you struggled, but ultimately succeeded, in a specific class, you might find this to be a perfect topic to discuss during your interview. Other academic challenges include the demands of balancing schoolwork with a demanding role as the lead in a play or captain of the basketball team. The best answer will highlight your ability to navigate a challenging situation.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my junior year, I accepted a challenging summer internship at a small, local engineering firm. One of our clients suddenly wanted to change our entire approach within a few weeks of a major internal deadline. The client was unhappy with the team's first draft of the presentation, so we were tasked with redoing the entire plan and deck. We organized a late-night brainstorming session that evening. After hours of work, I asked to take on the lead role of putting together a new concept for the presentation. This was challenging because it was my first time putting a deck together in a professional setting. I overcame this challenge by looking at previously successful presentations for the client, analyzing the feedback they gave on our initial presentation, and incorporating all of the team's ideas into the new deck. The client was ultimately thrilled with the fresh plan and all of the new ideas we included!"
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
8. Who do you look up to in your professional life?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During an interview, the interviewer may ask you questions related to your career goals, professional values, and ideas about what makes success. They can gain insight into your professional and personal values along with what motivates you in your profession. Your role model selection can indirectly show employers some of your personal qualities and how you may apply these qualities in this position you're interviewing for.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
You may have a list of people in mind that you can mention for this answer, but take some time to think about who would be the best person to mention based on the type of position you are interviewing for. Your role model may be someone you know personally, professionally, or someone you've never met, including professors, experts in your field, someone famous, or a past supervisor or coworker.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I really look up to my colleague, Robert. He's my role model because of his confident determination to try new methods, whether they're a success or don't work out. He is always taking on new challenges and learning from his failures. I've learned a lot from him over the years in college and consider him one of the best young civil engineers I've ever met. I plan to stay in touch and continue to network with him in the future; hopefully, we can speak at a conference about some of our ideas."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
9. Do you have any questions for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Asking thoughtful questions in your interview reaffirms your interest in the job. It also shows the hiring manager that you've thought seriously about what it would mean to be employed in this role at this company. With the right questions, you'll be able to illustrate your knowledge of the company and industry along with your drive to excel in the new position.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Just as companies rely on job interviews to determine if you are a fit for the role or their brand, an interview is your opportunity to assess if the job is right for you. Prepare a few questions to ask during the interview. If the interviewer doesn't ask this question, request the opportunity to ask a few of your own questions at the end of the conversation. Consider asking 2-3 questions that will help clarify if this is the right position for you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I have a few questions for you, thank you for asking. What training will I receive and how long is the onboarding process? And, are there any special projects coming up you'd like me to work on?"
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
10. Tell us about a project or accomplishment you're proud of and why.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to learn a few important things about you. First, this question helps them understand your definition of success. Based on your answer, they can tell how ambitious and goal-oriented you are. They also want to know what skills helped you reach this achievement.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Your answer gives you the opportunity to explain how your skills led to your success. You'll want to exude confidence and positivity and show that you are a person who considers choices thoughtfully, which portrays a potential for growth. Prior to your interview, it's a good idea to reflect on your past accomplishments and the things you're proud of. Prepare for this particular question by making a list of all of your accomplishments. When thinking about your response, review the job posting and research the company. This way, you can see which of your accomplishments best align with the job you're interviewing for.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm most proud of completely overhauling the technical document library we had at my last employer. For months, my supervisor had been complaining that the tech manuals were out of date. The past tech manual team had been sloppy, and there were massive amounts of updated information that had yet to be included in our library. On top of that, they'd simply stockpiled the required updates by tossing them into an unused closet in the back of our office, resulting in an almost overwhelming mountain of manual updates that had yet to be implemented. I finally managed to convince my boss that what we needed was a focused and uninterrupted block of time where a small team of junior engineers could update all the manuals at once. It was a massive amount of work, but the feeling of pride I got when we put the very last updated manual on the shelf was incredible. Getting this all done reminded me how much I really enjoy a well-organized work environment. I'm proud to say that the library system is still being utilized and has been very successful."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
11. Tell us about a time you had to learn something new or improve on a skill quickly.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers ask this interview question to assess your commitment to professional growth. If the hiring manager selects you for the position, it may be important for you to adapt to a new work environment and learn new skills to fulfill your job responsibilities. Knowing that you have experience acquiring new skills quickly will show them it won't take long for you to make positive contributions to their company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Recall a learning experience that relates to the job you're seeking. Talk about the situation that led to you gaining a new ability and what transpired after you became proficient. Discuss your commitment and the actions you took to learn the content, task, or responsibility within a short amount of time. Your response to this question can also indicate your learning preferences, which can help the employer train you effectively.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I started in my first internship role during college, I thought I was quite proficient at Excel. I had told my employer that I knew how to calculate complex formulas, but I quickly discovered that my experience was well behind that of my peers. I didn't want my boss to know that I was trailing in my capabilities just as I stepped into the new role, so I came up with a plan to teach myself everything I was missing. Every day after work, I watched at least an hour of Khan Academy videos. Within a few weeks, I was nearly as fast and fluent as my colleagues."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
12. Tell me about a time when a project or assignment didn't go as planned. How would you approach the situation differently in the future?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By asking this behavioral interview question, your interviewer is trying to gain an understanding of your approach to problem solving. The interviewer won't believe you if you say you've never failed before. They are people too and they know that things don't always go as planned, so don't feel like answering honestly will backfire or cost you the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Be honest in your response. Instead of harping on the negative, focus on the positive aspects of how you turned the situation around and what you learned along the way. You should give an example that demonstrates your ability to recover when things go wrong
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my final semester of undergraduate studies, we had a group project that took approximately eight weeks. Around week four, we realized that one of the group members was not pulling her weight. The work she agreed to do was not getting done. I took charge of the situation and scheduled a group meeting with our team to discuss the issue. Ultimately, that person dropped the course, but by addressing the problem head-on, the group was able to divide up our work and complete the project on time. In the future, I would make sure that the group has weekly meetings to assess our progress. That would make sure the project was on track and that the work was getting done."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
13. Why did you choose a career as a civil engineer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers in the engineering and construction industry look for candidates who see civil engineering as more than just a job. They want to know that you are passionate about the industry and that you'll take on the role with enthusiasm.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Be sure to include the following details when answering this question: what you like about being a civil engineer; your career goals as a civil engineer; how you plan to help the company meet its goals. Try to answer in a way that shows your interest in and dedication to the profession. Consider telling a short story about who inspired you to become a civil engineer or early experiences that set you up for pursuing this profession.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I decided to become a civil engineer because of my father who shared a love for solving mathematical equations and other types of puzzles. He was always challenging me to think outside the box to solve each problem. He encouraged me to have a curious mind and to always explore not only how something was built, but also how it worked and how it was assembled. He inspired me to figure out if the design could be improved upon by utilizing different means."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"As a kid, I always excelled at math and science. I wanted to pursue a career that would utilize my skills, so I decided that engineering would be the best path for me. I got into civil engineering because I believe infrastructure is the foundation of our civilization. Without it, we wouldn't have safe and efficient roads to drive on or a healthy economy. What I enjoy about civil engineering is my part in the creative and visionary process. I get satisfaction out of knowing that I'm making a difference in the way people live and work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
14. What qualities do you believe are most valuable in a team leader?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers ask questions about leadership skills to understand what guides you in your decisions, how you facilitate communication, and how you may fit into the organization long-term. Also, employers depend on strong leaders who can guide them to success--individuals who are passionate about their work, confident about who they are, and trust and respect their team and managers.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
What You Need to Know
A strong team leader possesses several skills that allow them to effectively and positively interact with their team to achieve a shared goal. In some cases, these leadership skills come naturally, while others learn through experience and formal training. Many employers are looking for these skills in the candidates they hire for management positions, but leadership skills are valuable for any employee to have, no matter their role.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I believe honesty and integrity are the most important qualities that any leader should possess. A leader should also be inspiring and confident and a great communicator with a forward-looking vision. They should be willing to delegate and empower the team by letting go and trusting others to take on meaningful tasks."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I feel that a strong team leader should be motivating, competitive, and a natural mentor. I have had leaders with these qualities, and they make any team project run much more smoothly. When I lead a team, I do my best to emulate these qualities as well."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
15. What can you bring to the company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewers ask this question, they don't just want to hear about your background. They want to see that you understand what problems and challenges they're facing as a company or department, as well as how you'll fit into the existing organization. Interviewers are looking for specificity, creativity, and authenticity. They are interested in one thing above all else: whether or not you can add value to the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Take time before the interview to read over the job description closely and to do your research on the company. The key is to connect your skills and experiences to what the company needs and share an example that shows how you've done similar or transferable work in the past--either in school or a past job. This is your time to shine. As you're putting your answer together, align your past experiences with the company's needs and clearly state your value and how you can make things easier for the company, team, or person interviewing you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My problem-solving abilities allow me to work extremely well under pressure, which I understand is a common occurrence in this role. In a previous position as an engineering intern, I had to decide which tasks I could shortcut and still stay within budget, but I had a limited amount of time to make a decision. I quickly created a spreadsheet that helped me compare the options that would allow us to stay on time and within our budget. I used the spreadsheet throughout the rest of my time with the company to help them save over $100,000 on various projects. I plan to bring the same creative approach and motivation to make an impact at XYZ Company."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
16. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewers ask you to identify your greatest weaknesses, they are looking for the following things: honesty--they want to know if you're honest enough to give a real weakness; self-awareness--the ability to analyze yourself and recognize the areas you need to work on; and your willingness to improve. Even though the question is about weaknesses, your answer should always be framed around the positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Framing your weaknesses positively can be challenging, but when you combine self-awareness with an action plan, you can quickly stand apart from other job applicants. The key to preparing for this question is to identify weaknesses that still communicate your strengths. This will show the interviewer you're introspective enough to know your areas of opportunity. Discuss the steps you're taking to improve yourself.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is time management. I have always been very detail-oriented, so it sometimes takes me longer to finish a project than I initially think it will. This is why I started using time-tracking software in my last job. It made me more conscious of the time a task takes me and helped me to never miss a deadline again."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
17. What would a past professor say is your greatest strength?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a common entry-level interview question. Interviewers ask how your professors would describe you to get a sense of how others perceive you as well as to gauge your self-awareness. The interviewer is always trying to get a sense of what you'll be like as an employee--what's your work ethic; how do you deal with challenges; and what kind of attitude and personality do you have at work.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Reflect upon your past successes in academic projects, jobs, internships, and volunteer and campus activities. Identify personal attributes that enabled you to achieve success in those roles. Consider asking professors to write recommendations for you so you can gain an understanding of how they have viewed your academic work. Other forms of recognition, such as honors for academic achievement, awards for leadership, or performance bonuses, can be mentioned as evidence that particular qualities helped you excel in academic, co-curricular, or employment arenas.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My civil engineer professor and academic advisor recently nominated me to be the student representative to the engineering department. They cited my leadership ability and presentation skills as reasons for the nomination."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Behavioral
18. Tell us about a situation where you took initiative or took on a leadership role.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewers ask you this question, they are trying to get at your true character as it relates to motivation. Interviewers will use it as a way to probe not only your ability to take initiative but also your willingness to do so. They are looking for you to discuss an example of a time when you took initiative to determine the type of work environment you might be best suited for and other influential factors.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Use the STAR method when answering this question--talk about a Situation or Task (S-T), the Action you took (A), and the Results achieved (R); and talk about what motivated you to take initiative and stand out as a leader. The best answer would also involve others, but it can also be simply taking personal initiative on your own--where you took action independently without prompting from others.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my internship project, I took the lead in researching several different engineering best practices at our competitors. I decided to capture this information by compiling the external information, along with our internal data, to write up a best practice white paper which is still in use by the firm today. In fact, that white paper earned me the CEO Award at the end of my internship. I was the only intern to ever receive that award."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Career Goals
19. What are your career aspirations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The hiring manager wants to know if you've set realistic expectations for your career, if you have ambition, and if the position aligns with your goals and growth. They may also want to get an idea of how committed you will be to your job and how long you plan on staying with the company. They also want to see if the position you are applying for makes sense for your ideal, long-term career.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Before the interview, think carefully about why you want the job you are applying for. Think about possible ways you could learn and grow from working in that position. Think about how this job will support your long-term goals. Think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines. If it's early in your career, It's okay to say that you're not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"In five years, I'd like to be in a position where I know more about my long-term career aspirations as an engineer. By then, I will have had experience working for a large, multi-disciplinary firm and know more about the industry overall. I'll have grown my technical skills and learned how to take feedback from clients and incorporate it. I'll also have had the opportunity to work on different types/scales of projects--including roads, bridges, and buildings--for a variety of clients to see where I really feel at home before settling on a long-term focus."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Competency
20. What skills do you have that will help you excel as an engineer, and how will you implement them while working with us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know more about your abilities and if you have the skills to do the work you are applying for. Your answer will enable the employer to gauge how much training you might need in order to master their required skills. The answer you give will also enable the interviewer to decide whether you are a good fit for the position.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, try to talk about your leadership skills, technical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. Civil engineers must have advanced technical skills that are based on mathematics, physics, and mechanics. Knowing the codes is important too. Most importantly, having cultivated what is called "engineering judgment"--the ability to approach engineering challenges in a systematic manner and capture the key factors that affect the success of the project--is key.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have various skills that apply to this engineering job. I am a very strong data and problem analyst with excellent design thinking and creative problem-solving skills. I also possess the technical skills and the knowledge required for the design and operation of core products and services. I have been told that I have excellent verbal communication skills, including my ability to create and deliver presentations. During my internship with your company, I will use my problem-solving skills to develop new solutions by first identifying the source of the problem, then creating and testing viable solutions. I will also use my math skills in calculus and mathematical analysis for design and troubleshooting."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Competency
21. How would your past supervisor or colleagues describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers want to get an honest sense of your strengths and weaknesses, and this usually gets a more honest answer than simply asking you to describe yourself. Also, they want to make sure you're honest and self-aware.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
First, and foremost, be honest and try to give a genuine answer. The interviewer is trying to learn about who you are as a worker and a person when they ask this question. It's best to pick one or two traits that you feel are true and beneficial--especially traits that will benefit you in this employer's job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Actually, in my most recent performance review in April, my direct supervisor described me as someone who takes initiative and doesn't shy away from hard problems. My internship role involved a lot of on-site, construction observation, and when things went wrong, it was usually up to me to record the problems and discuss them with my team to help find solutions quickly. Rather than punting the problem back to the supervisor, I always tried to do what I could first to solve the problem on-site. I know he appreciated that about me."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"My past colleagues would describe me as a natural leader. I often take the lead on projects and facilitate communication between different groups to make sure we're all on the same page. This is why, on my last team project in college, the professor put me in charge of leading and coordinating our final project--which was submitted for a national award."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Competency
22. Tell me about a time when your communication skills greatly benefited your team.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When you interview for a job, the hiring manager will typically ask about your communication skills, including how you address issues, how you handle challenging situations, the style of communication you expect from management, and other questions related to your ability to communicate. In a work environment, a lot of processes rely heavily on sharing information. Therefore, strong communication skills are essential in order to deliver and understand information accurately and quickly. Poor communication skills can negatively impact business processes and could cause misunderstanding, frustration, and even failure.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Questions about your communication skills are asked to measure your ability to communicate in different situations and with different personalities. The ability to communicate efficiently is needed not only for being productive in your work, but also for creating a healthy work environment. Responding effectively means achieving a balance between listening to what the interviewer is asking and providing a well-thought-out response to questions.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"Communication and meeting deadlines are two areas of strength that I feel will benefit your company. During my time as an intern at XYZ company, I helped to streamline communication among several project members, onsite and remotely. I tested and suggested apps that helped keep all members up-to-date and improved our ability to communicate quickly and meet deadlines. You mentioned your department has had challenges getting projects done on time, and I think my experience would help improve this for you too."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Competency
23. What do you think makes a great engineer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is designed to gauge your competency and understanding of what makes for a truly great engineer. When hiring civil engineers, employers look for candidates that possess excellent decision-making, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
What You Need to Know
For civil engineers who are early on in their career, or for those who are looking to further their career success, it's important to have certain qualities and essential skills that are necessary for civil engineers today in order to be successful. Civil engineers often work on multiple projects, so they must be able to organize complex project information, work with different teams and management styles, and allocate resources where necessary. The best engineers show great attention to detail and spot small issues before they become major problems.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"In my opinion, a great engineer has good judgment about what matters most at any point in time. They're customer-focused, not just technology-focused. They're ambitious, and they make sure they're solving valuable problems to create safe and thoughtful solutions."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I think the two most important qualities that make a good civil engineer are creativity and problem-solving. They go hand in hand because you have to be able to think outside the box to solve complex infrastructure problems."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Education
24. What subjects did you like at university and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The purpose of this interview question is to get an understanding of what you're passionate about and to find out whether you take a thoughtful approach to your education. Interviewers want to learn more about you and find out things other than the information shown on your resume--your personality, interests, and goals.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
When applying for an internship or entry-level position, you might encounter a job interview question about what college subjects you liked the most and why. It's an important question because you don't have a lot of real work experience or job history under your belt yet. Name a specific class and share a reason that makes sense. Consider using your chosen subject to tell a personal story about beating a challenge. While it's important to emphasize your passion for subjects related to the job, don't be so quick to dismiss "unrelated" areas of study. Research has shown, for example, that arts education is beneficial for STEM students, helping them develop into better, more creative scientists.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My favorite courses in college were those in the hard sciences. In particular, I thrived in my chemistry and organic chemistry classes. I loved the process of discovery in the laboratory. I served as a lab assistant for a year, helping freshmen who were struggling with their chemistry lab assignments. This interest in lab work and scientific exploration combined with my love for problem-solving and construction is a big reason why I am passionate about a career in civil engineering."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Education
25. What resources do you use to keep up with the newest engineering technology and developments?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this tech question to gauge your enthusiasm for the profession--and open up a conversation about your interest in professional development and continuous learning. They are also trying to find out whether you will be able to help their business by taking advantage of new technologies to deliver better products and services or reduce costs.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
What You Need to Know
In the STEM fields, things change quickly. Having an engineer who is at least aware of current technology or the direction technology is going is much more valuable than one that only focuses on what they know and is not willing to look outside their own skillset to learn new things.
The question isn't really about what you use to stay current; it's more about the fact you make an attempt to stay current in the first place. An appropriate answer is anything that demonstrates that you try to keep your skillset updated, or at very least, are aware of changes in the engineering world. Some examples include online articles, virtual webinars, blogs, and community forums.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I keep up with the engineering industry in several ways: subscribing to industry newsletters, attending monthly meetings with my peers, and following thought leaders on Twitter. My usual newsletter is a STEM newsletter that summarizes news, stats, and trends in the industry. Monthly meetings not only open up new ideas but also create opportunities to forge new connections. Lastly, my Twitter feed is a real-time view on what top industry leaders are currently reading and commenting on."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Experience
26. Have you ever interned before, and what engineering experience did you gain?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By asking this question, an interviewer wants to know if you have some experience working as an engineer and if you know how to act and perform in a professional setting. They also want to see if you will require any specific training upon being recruited.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Your answer should address your past experience and any other internships. It should highlight your strong working knowledge of industry platforms, programs, and types of projects.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"During college, I took a year off from classes and interned at XYZ Engineering firm for an entire year. During this period, I was tasked with working on several different teams solving complex structural engineering calculations, conducting research, and estimating costs for materials. I believe that these technical skills, together with the soft skills that I acquired during my one-year internship program, helped me to understand the industry at a deeper level."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Goals
27. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers want to see if your professional goals align with the job for which you're interviewing. If the two don't match, the hiring manager might doubt that you'll be motivated to develop in your role or stick around long enough to make a difference--which makes you a risky investment from their point of view. Hiring managers want to know that the candidate will be a fit for the company in both the short and long term.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
The best way to respond is to show intentionality with direction, but flexibility in the details. Show how your professional goals and the job you're applying for align. Also, focus on the skills you want to learn and get better at.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm really excited about the [industry vertical] space right now. I hope that in five years, I'm continuing to get better at [skills] and learning more about how to become an expert in [skills] so that I can ultimately [goal that aligns with job description]."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Knowledge
28. Why are you interested in joining our firm?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to determine if you did your homework and researched the company and if you would fit in at the company and add value to their existing team. An engaged employee that is aligned with the company's mission and values will be more productive and stay at the company longer. The hiring manager is trying to find out if that person is you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
When crafting your response, you will want it to be customized to the company you are interviewing with. Design a response that demonstrates how your personal goals are in line with the values of the organization. It's critical that you take the time before the interview to learn everything you can about the company. Visit the company website and read the About Us section, check out their social media accounts to get a sense of their culture, and search for press or articles about innovative things the company might be doing.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting and forward-thinking engineering company. I've heard of your reputation in the industry from my professors, and I would be proud to work for a company with such an excellent track record and a strong example of leadership in the industry."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Leadership
29. Share an example of how you've been able to motivate team members.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer isn't really interested in the details of your job or the specific problems you had with those you worked with. What they really want to know is how you handle challenges--particularly those with peers or other employees who are less than motivated to do their job. They are interested in candidates who have the ability to motivate and inspire others to do their best.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about a time when you headed up a project, took the initiative to propose an alternate process, and/or helped motivate your team to get something done. Then use the STAR method to tell your interviewer a story, giving enough detail to paint a picture and make sure you describe the results. In other words, be clear about why you're telling this particular story and connect all the dots for the interviewer. As with any part of a successful interview, answering behavioral questions takes practice. Take extra time to prepare and review your answers--this can make all the difference between you and the competition.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"When motivating others, I try to tailor my responses to their personal strengths and capabilities. For example, at my last internship, we had a team member that was quiet and shy and never seemed fully invested in the project. In order to motivate him, I made a conscious effort to get to know him better by stopping by his desk every morning. I complimented him on the things he had done on the project and pointed out the skills I noticed he had that were essential to what we were working on. Over a period of a week or two, he started voicing his opinion and giving us original, creative ideas during our team meetings. He felt valued and like he had something to offer, and he was no longer afraid to show it because he knew others felt the same way."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Management
30. How do you organize your time and prioritize tasks during a busy day?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers may ask you this question to gain insight into how you manage your time, organize your workload, and how you approach handling changes in your assignments. Your answer to this question allows the interviewer to get an idea of how you would manage and complete your work assignments should they hire you for the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
During your interview, provide examples of how you plan out your daily schedule and set deadlines for urgent and important tasks. Highlight your time management skills, organizational skills, and your ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Be specific in your answer about how you manage your daily work assignments. For example, if you create a to-do list first thing in the morning, explain how you list your tasks and rank them in order of their urgency and importance. This shows the interviewer your initiative and your ability to effectively organize your workload.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I'm busy, I seem to get the most done. My to-do list helps me prioritize and maintain a steady workflow, but I also realize priorities change unexpectedly. With that in mind, I try not to overload my list with too many tasks to make room for any necessary adjustments. In college, I used a color highlighting method and made the most urgent tasks red--knowing that these were my priorities for the day."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022