MockQuestions

Civil Engineer Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Civil Engineer interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Civil Engineer Interview Questions

20 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   When do you have difficulty working in a team environment?

How to Answer

The interviewer wants to hear that you enjoy being on a team and thrive in the team environment. Tell the interviewer that you really like working with other people, and you do not have difficulty working in a team environment. Share that the team environment excites you, and you look forward to getting to know your team members each time a new team project starts.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"For me, the best part of being a civil engineer is working as part of a team to solve difficult design problems. I love bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating to find creative solutions for our clients."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

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

3.   What is the best way to deal with a difficult client?

How to Answer

In retail, they say the customer is always right, and that applies to engineering to a degree. Civil engineers will no doubt cross paths with difficult clients throughout their career and will have to find a way to grit their teeth and get through it. A client may be too demanding or lacking in communication skills. It's up to you as the engineer to navigate your clients' whims and moods to prove to them that your firm has what it takes to get the job done. Highlight an experience you had with a difficult client and how you were able to make the relationship work and complete the job successfully.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"At my previous job, we worked with a land developer who was constantly micromanaging our work. He always felt he could figure out how to do the job better and was critical of our work. However, we knew that he was a valuable client with potential for repeat work, so we made it a point to afford him opportunities to feel involved in the design process."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

4.   What should be the top priority for civil engineers today?

How to Answer

Civil engineers will play a major role in moving humanity forward. Engineers will be involved in shaping the future of infrastructure in a sustainable manner. We must stay on top of emerging technology and trends to make sure we are doing our part to protect the earth and create a built environment that works fairly for everyone. In your response, make sure to show the interviewer that you value your role as an engineer and want to serve the public.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I believe the top priority for civil engineers is helping to build towards a more sustainable future. This means embracing green technology wherever possible. We should be studying new building materials and construction techniques that reduce waste or are more resilient. Civil engineers should also be pushing for more development of clean energy sources."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

5.   What do you think is the most important trait for a project manager?

How to Answer

Having strong project managers is one of the most critical aspects of running an engineering firm. The project managers are responsible for managing budgets and schedules, distributing workload fairly and efficiently and developing junior staff and helping them mature into more valuable members of the team. A good project manager needs to be organized, have strong attention to detail, communicate effectively and have confidence in their engineering judgement. Stress to the interviewer that you possess these traits and give concrete examples where possible.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"First and foremost, a good project manager must be organized and extremely focused on details. This helps keep projects on track. I have experience developing budgeting and tracking tools that contributed significantly to my prior firm setting new records for profitability in the last quarter."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

6.   Why are you interested in joining our firm?

How to Answer

Interviewers use this question to see if you've taken the time to do your own research on the company before you sit down in the interview chair. Before every interview, you need to spend some time on the company's website becoming familiar with their culture and type of projects they work on. When you answer this question, you need to show that you understand the company's priorities and profile.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I have always respected the work that this firm does. You are a leader in the field of bridge engineering and design, and it has always been my goal to work for one of the biggest firms in the business. I believe this will allow me to challenge myself with larger and more complex projects."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

7.   What was your favorite class in undergrad?

How to Answer

When a company is interviewing you for an entry-level position, they're really trying to do their best to get to know you. If you've made it to the interview, they're already interested in hiring you. Now, their focus is on getting a feel for whether or not you're a good fit for the opening. When making their recommendation, a good interviewer will also be honest about whether or not the position is a good fit for the applicant's career goals and passions. If you're applying for a job with a niche engineering firm, hopefully your favorite class falls into that discipline.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"My favorite class was Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering my junior year. I had no idea how interesting and complex soils could be. I love that geotechnical engineering doesn't always have a correct, by-the-book answer and that geotechnical engineers have much more freedom to exercise their own judgement when evaluating a site."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

8.   How familiar are you with using AutoCAD?

How to Answer

AutoCAD or any other similar CAD software will quickly become a part of your every day work when you enter the professional ranks of civil engineering. Entry-level civil engineers will likely use AutoCAD or Microstation on a daily basis. An employer won't expect their fresh hires to know everything there is to know about CAD right out of school, but they also don't want someone who has never opened the program. Be honest about your experiences, either in undergrad or as an intern. Don't inflate your AutoCAD experience, which will only set you up for failure.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I have been using AutoCAD for two years, dating back to my junior year of college. I have interned the past two summers at a small land development firm and have used AutoCAD to prepare subdivision and site plans."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

9.   Tell me about a time when you created a unique idea or solution, and it was rejected by your colleagues. How were you able to bounce back?

How to Answer

Putting yourself out there with new ideas can be intimidating because we all want to be accepted. Talk to the interviewer about how you would handle the feelings that come with having your idea rejected. Rejection is inevitable at all stages of your career as an engineer, so it's best to embrace it. Being rejected can only happen if you were willing to put yourself out there with an idea that you felt strongly about.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"A couple of years ago I made a recommendation for scheduling that would have included some split shifts. The result was less overtime and reduced expenses for the company. My colleagues were unhappy with the idea of split shifts. I was able to see their perspective which made it much easier to bounce back from the rejection. My overall attitude is, you win some - you lose some!"

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

10.   When have you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem?

How to Answer

Talk to the interviewer about a time that you have problem solved in a creative way. Highlight the specific challenges you faced on the project and how your approach deviated from your typical work. Explain how your creative problem solving pleased the client or helped your company improve its market position. If your solution won any awards or was featured in engineering publications, mention that.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"As the leader of my current firm's construction management practice, I have pioneered the use of drones to monitor construction activities and earthwork quantities. We believe drones are one of the major areas for growth in the field of civil engineering and have made several presentations at ASCE meetings on our findings. I believe I can help you implement similar solutions if given the chance."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

11.   When have you taken an existing process and used your own engineering judgement to make it better?

How to Answer

Innovation in the field of engineering happens when staff is given the freedom to draw on their own unique skills and experiences to make existing processes better. Being given the license to use your own creativity to improve an internal process is a sign that your coworkers and managers respect your judgement and think highly of your abilities as an engineer. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to take an existing process and improve it in a creative way.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I have developed a new approach for calculating bridge quantities using 3D modeling software. At my current firm, I have led the charge into changing the way we perform cost estimates by using the most current modeling software available to us and it has greatly improved our efficiency for quantity takeoffs. My method is now being implemented across the firms branch offices."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

12.   How do you handle stress on the job?

How to Answer

Talk to the interviewer about your ability to manage pressure in the workplace. Civil engineering isn't necessarily the most stressful career path in the world, but there will be times where you're facing a tight deadline or dealing with a difficult client with a long list of demands and little patience.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I think I handle stress very well. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress. I've found that I am able to manage my stress levels much more effectively when I keep a running checklist of tasks that need to be done each day."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

13.   What was the most challenging team you worked with? Why?

How to Answer

There are some people who create challenges at work by simply opening their mouth. Some individuals waste time and energy by causing distractions or being lazy. Working with personalities that are different from you can always pose an extra challenge. If you have experienced issues with conflicting personalities or worked with others who just didn't seem to carry their weight or weren't willing to work hard, share how you made an effort to bring the team together and work collaboratively.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"At my previous company, there was a senior engineer whose demeanor just rubbed me the wrong way, very abrasive and stubborn when it came to accepting other people's ideas. It's a difficult position to be in when you don't get along with someone in charge of you, but I handled it by striking up conversations with them unrelated to work and seeing where we had similar interests. We worked together much better after that."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

14.   What qualities do you believe are most valuable for a team?

How to Answer

We recommend listing 3-4 attributes that you feel are most valuable for a team. Good examples might include: trust, accountability, commitment, being humble, being results-oriented, ability to debate with each other, and respect for one another. All of these attributes are valuable in a team setting, and any of them will make sound examples for you.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I believe a team works at its best when members are willing to humble themselves for the good of the team and have a willingness to consider every member of the team's input on a problem. No one team member should view themselves as having all the right answers or being too good to take constructive criticism. Respect, strong communication skills, and perseverance are also important qualities to have on a team."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

15.   What role do you generally like to take in team projects?

How to Answer

Be candid with the interviewer. The interviewer truly wants to hear how you fit best with a team. Giving an honest answer will allow the interviewer to determine whether or not you'd fit well on their team. Being dishonest or trying to tell the interviewer what you think they want to hear could backfire on you if you are hired with the expectation that you will handle a role on a team that doesn't mesh with your personality. If you usually like to take the lead, speak up! If you usually like to generate new ideas and allow someone else to execute them, now is the time to share your creative side. If you usually like to carry out ideas as you are told, be sure to mention that you are the execution person. Whatever your strength is, now is the time to share it!

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"When I work on a team, I prefer to actively lead discussions and contribute my own ideas for the group to debate. I find this keeps me more engaged with the day-to-day project work and I enjoy developing creative ideas to share with the rest of the team."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

16.   When did you realize you wanted a career as a civil engineer?

How to Answer

This will be a very common interview question for internships and entry-level civil engineering positions. At this early stage of your career, companies aren't necessarily as interested in your technical engineering knowledge as they are about your willingness to learn and fit in the company culture. They'll be able to bring you up to speed on the ins and outs of actually working in the field after college, but they want to make sure you're enthusiastic and eager to learn as a young engineer. Companies are looking for people who are truly passionate about their work as engineers and are in it for more than a paycheck.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"As long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with bridges and skyscrapers --- structures that seem to defy gravity and stand as a testament to our human ability to solve impossible problems. I just marvel at some of our iconic bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge or Brooklyn Bridge that were built without computers and modern engineering software. So, studying civil engineering seemed like a natural fit for me, and I've concentrated my studies within the major in structural engineering. I have loved studying and learning about structural engineering and can't wait to start my career."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

17.   Tell me about an error or mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication from you or one of your team members.

How to Answer

On occasion, mistakes will happen and communication will be broken. Talk to the interviewer about a time that this occurred in the workplace. It's important to own up to your mistakes quickly as an engineer so that it can be taken care of before it snowballs and has farther reaching effects on the project. Every engineer will make a mistake at some point in their career, so remember that it's not the mistakes that define you, but how you respond to them.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"On one of my bigger bridge projects, we had to use more complex software that our team was learning on the fly. We did not realize until we began an internal QA review that our live loads were not being applied the correct way. Luckily we caught the error and adjusted our model before it was too late."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

18.   Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.

How to Answer

Possessing the skills to improve communication in the workplace is a very valuable asset. Being a good engineer at the senior level requires you to recognize how to communicate with your team. Everyone will have a different communication style, and it's up to you as the leader to meld the team's unique personalities and quirks into a cohesive unit with good communication skills. Talk to the interviewer about how you have identified breakdowns in communications based on difference in personality and worked to make things run more smoothly.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"In my current position I have one particular client who was an exceptionally brief communicator. If I asked two questions, he would answer just one. I learned quickly that he would not acknowledge anything he did not have a direct answer for. I began to ask him questions in a different way. For example, I would say 'Do you have an answer for me on question X?' and he would say yes or no. We would then go from there. This was an effective method of communication for that particular client."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

19.   Tell me about a time when your communication skills greatly benefited your team.

How to Answer

Strong communication skills are required in order to be an effective leader. Good project managers use their communication skills to keep everyone on the same page. They delegate tasks effectively and keep the project moving along without any snags or delays. Communication and teamwork are very important in the field of civil engineering, so highlight specific examples where you have used good communication to benefit your team.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"I have really honed my communication skills while working on a big project where work is being shared among three of my current firm's offices. Without good communication, the project would stall and we would lose track of which office was responsible for certain tasks. I lead a weekly conference call to make sure that the team is on the same page."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

20.   Describe an ongoing problem at your current or former employer that you were able to overcome.

How to Answer

Every place of employment will have it's challenges. Talk to the interviewer about a specific issue that you were able to overcome in your previous role. Be sure to remain positive. The interviewer isn't looking for you to dump all over your current boss or coworkers, especially if you're applying for a job with a competitor, so avoid complaining or saying negative things about your previous employer or co-workers.

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"In my most recent position we had an ongoing problem with different offices fighting with each other over who would work on a specific project. One office's work wasn't up to our high standards and we were slipping behind schedule, but they kept pushing to be included in the project. We had to have a difficult conversation with their branch manager and explain what needed to be done to keep the project on track."

Written by Josh Sadlock on January 1st, 2021

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