How to Answer: How would you handle a situation where a design flaw led to a serious accident?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Civil Engineer job interview.
2. How would you handle a situation where a design flaw led to a serious accident?
How to Answer
Hopefully something like this never happens to you in your career as a civil engineer, but one of the biggest ethical dilemmas you may face is how to handle a situation where your error or your firm's error led to a serious accident or structural failure. Engineers are called on to take responsibility for their work -- even when something goes wrong. Especially when something goes wrong. Show that you're a stand-up engineer by offering an honest, ethical answer.
Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"Accidents are serious, and if our firm was responsible for a failure or accident, we would have to accept blame quickly and honestly. Doing so would allow us to work to remedy the design flaw and ensure that no further damage or harm occurs. If we are honest, it would help us salvage our reputation and move on as a stronger team."
Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021