30 Environmental Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Environmental Engineer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Behavioral Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Compatibility Questions
- 5. Competency Questions
- 6. Conflict Questions
- 7. Cultural Fit Questions
- 8. Discovery Questions
- 9. Education Questions
- 10. Job Questions
- 11. Knowledge Questions
- 12. Management Questions
- 13. Self-evaluation Questions
- 14. Situational Questions
- 15. Technical Questions
Accomplishment
1. What are you most proud of?
How to Answer
Employers ask this question to learn more about you and understand your definition of success. You should reflect on your top professional achievement that showcases characteristics like integrity, resourcefulness, intelligence, persistence, etc. Based on your answer, the interviewer can tell how ambitious and goal-driven you are. Make a list of your accomplishments before the interview and choose an accomplishment that is relevant to the specific role you're interviewing for.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm most proud of managing a successful team of engineers for three years. I oversaw a team of five employees. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that our projects ran smoothly, and it showed in our company's overall success. The leaders in the firm recognized us for our dedication to quality, and we won an Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science award. I was also awarded a promotion after leading the team."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Behavioral
2. How do you keep other team members informed about information that affects their jobs?
How to Answer
Part of being an effective team member and manager is engaging and motivating other team members by consistently informing them about all project-related situations. If not informed, team members can become unambitious and unengaged in their work. Eventually, productivity will slow, and you will miss important deadlines. Letting your team know what's expected of them and how they are performing is key to ensuring the overall success of your project and ultimately, the business.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"Generally, I try to use a combination of two methods of communication with team members. First, I try to find a direct way to contact other staff members, either through email, phone, in-person meetings, or regularly scheduled team meetings. I also think it's important to update a common project database on a server that all staff can access. Finally, I like to follow up with staff to ensure we are still in sync."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Behavioral
3. Tell me about a time when you and your previous supervisor disagreed but you still found a way to get your point across.
How to Answer
By asking this interview question, your interviewer is trying to gain an understanding of your approach to problem-solving. You should give an example that demonstrates your ability to stay true to yourself and express your opinion and expertise while also listening and respecting a senior leader. You should stay away from accusatory claims, and do not speak poorly of your previous boss. Hiring managers are looking for honest, confident individuals who can collaborate with other team members.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I once disagreed with my supervisor over how to best respond to a consultant on our team who was becoming difficult to work with. Rather than question her authority in front of everyone, I talked to her privately over lunch. I was open and honest about the problem I was having with the consultant, and we were able to work out a solution without compromising the work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Behavioral
4. Tell me about a recent job that you would describe as a real learning experience. What did you learn?
How to Answer
This question addresses how well you learn from your past experiences and if you are open to learning new things. Respond to the question with specific examples that show you recognize and welcome learning opportunities. Instead of simply stating that you've learned certain skills in your past jobs, present the highlights of how you came to master these skills and how you expect them to help you in this new position. Talk about how you've refined these skills through various experiences in your education and professional experience.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I tackle each opportunity from a student's point of view and not as an expert. In my past position, the company implemented a new design program that I had no experience using. I needed to understand the ins and outs of the program quickly to work effectively on my largest project at the time. I spent extra time researching the program, reviewing tutorials, and learning from other team members."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Career Goals
5. How does this position fit into your long-term personal and career goals?
How to Answer
This question is designed to establish if you have long-term ambitions. For top environment and sustainability professionals, applying for a new job is a deliberate career move that helps you reach your ultimate goals, which could be personal, professional, or both. Use this as an opportunity to show you are committed and intend to grow your career as an environment professional.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think this position will offer challenges and opportunities to grow in my career and allow me to progress to a senior environmental position at the company in the next three to five years. I also enjoy working outdoors and traveling around the country, which I understand this position offers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Career Goals
6. How do you stay abreast of developments in the environmental engineering field?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to see if you understand the current and relevant issues in this profession. This question is an opportunity to talk about your education, cite academic journals, blogs, and other media. You should also mention any environmental conferences, virtual events, webinars you have attended as part of your efforts to stay informed. Make sure you keep abreast of the latest environmental news and trends to ensure you are knowledgeable. Read the latest news in trade and national media to stay up-to-date on the latest legislation and how it might affect your career and companies. Before your interview, make a list of environmental experts, articles, and blogs, as well as conferences and events that you may be interested in attending in the future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I read the trade and national press to stay up to date on the latest news and environmental legislation. I also enjoy attending networking events and recently met with an environmental group and discovered what they're doing to overcome pollution problems in Los Angeles."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Career Goals
7. Where do you see your career one year from now?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that, if hired, you will see this as a long-term position. Interviewing, hiring, and onboarding is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor for any company. Take this opportunity to discuss your career plans and goals and explain how those fit with what this company is offering. Describe your passion for this career, how you hope to make a difference, and what you like about the company for which you are applying. Research the company's vision and mission statement and understand the company culture, learning/leadership training opportunities, and other employee programs, such as community outreach and volunteer programs. Then, find ways to align this with your goals and values.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"The environment is at a risk; pollution levels, deforestation, and climate change are on the rise. My goal is to continue to stay abreast of all relevant environmental issues, new technologies, and innovative methods and try to reduce the risk and safeguard the environment on every project I'm involved in, even if it's on a small scale."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I am thrilled to be interviewing with you for your environmental engineer opportunity. I believe with my experience and the skill sets I bring to your team, we can solve some very complex and challenging environmental problems. This role is the opportunity I've been seeking for some time now, so I plan to stay for the long term should I be fortunate enough to be hired."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Career Goals
8. If you could accomplish anything, what would it be?
How to Answer
Hiring managers want to hear about your goals and ambitions because they reflect your values and priorities. People who aim to achieve something, whether in their work or their personal life, are typically desirable employees because they have a reason to work and enjoy life, and this is reflected in their attitude towards their position. Whether you choose to talk about work-related goals or some higher ambitions, you should speak with enthusiasm and passion.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I want to get the most out of the opportunities I've been given. I believe there are many things that we cannot change, such as our genetics or our upbringing, and this has a huge impact on us. Once we grow up and have our own choices, we are given plenty of opportunities to make changes for the better in our own lives, in our environment, and in the lives of people we have contact with. I do not want to let these opportunities pass without taking advantage of them."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Compatibility
9. If you are hired, what is the first contribution you will make to this company?
How to Answer
Often in job interviews, you will get a question about how you will contribute or add value to a company. This question gives you a chance to explain what makes you stand out from the other candidates and how you will be an asset to the company. The best way to answer is to give examples of what you have accomplished in the past and relate them to what you can achieve in the future.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"My previous work experience included innovation in many areas, including developing strategies for more effective teamwork. At my previous company, I devised strategies for improving teamwork and communication among the members of team projects. This resulted in more efficient projects with higher profits for the company. I can bring not only my ideas from my previous job but also my general passion for innovation to your organization."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Competency
10. Why do you feel you will excel at this job?
How to Answer
Employers often ask this question, so you should be prepared to answer it. You should review the job description closely, practice, and think about your answer before the interview. The interviewer wants to see if there is anything unique about you that will help you perform well and advance in the job. Don't just share random pieces of your background. Think about what will help you to succeed in this specific job that you are interviewing for. That's what will impress the interviewer.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I noticed that the job description mentions that direct team leadership is preferred for this position. Leadership is one of my greatest strengths. In my last role, I managed an entire department of engineers, including five full-time employees and two interns. If I am hired, I feel I'll immediately be able to come in and be successful in this position."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Competency
11. Tell me about a time when you had to use your authority to get something done.
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking how effective you are in persuading others. A good interviewer will ask for specific examples of when you influenced others, including the circumstances of the situation, how you handled the situation, and the eventual outcome. You should choose an example in which you influenced others to make the right decision. Make it data-driven, not opinion-driven. You should not make it appear that you are inflexible when considering the views of others.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current position, my engineering department had been continuing to work with a consultant for many years due to familiarity. It was easier to simply continue working with this consultant and renew the retainer contract each year rather than consider other alternatives. While my CEO initially objected, I explained that I was willing to take time to research and evaluate other leaders in the field and present him with alternatives. I was managing the team and our day-to-day projects, and we were not getting the quality of work we needed. We considered a total of five other consultants who were winning awards on projects. In the end, we selected a new consultant who had the skills and experience to help us win new projects and secure new long-term contracts with clients."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Conflict
12. Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
How to Answer
Employers are always looking for individuals with leadership and conflict resolution skills. It's not uncommon for a team member to have difficulty working with a manager, so if you had an experience like this, you should share it. Just make sure to use the experience to showcase your ability to deal with conflict in a productive manner. Provide an honest and specific example if possible. Take this opportunity to emphasize the skills you possess that make you an ideal team player and potential leader.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"Our project team had a rocky start with a new project manager who was hired to replace our previous project manager. The new project manager had a very different personality than the previous project manager. He was gruff and uncommunicative. His management style was having a direct effect on the project quality and the team's productivity. I explained to the manager how we felt. I was surprised by his response. He explained that our project was months behind schedule and over budget. If things didn't turn around quickly, he, along with the rest of us, would likely be let go. He apologized for having been difficult but wanted me to know that he was stressed and felt that he was in a difficult situation. He then surprised me again by asking if I had any ideas to turn things around, build morale, and increase productivity. Even though the new project manager's personality didn't change much, I gained a new appreciation for why he acted the way he did. I even came to agree that maybe he was the type of manager that was needed to head our project.."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Cultural Fit
13. What is your ideal working environment?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to assess your personality and fit for the culture of the company. Before answering this question, take into account how this company is structured in terms of workdays, time spent in the office vs in the field, casual vs formal, small start-up vs. large corporation, etc. Since most environmental projects are organized around teams, highlight your desire to work in a team-oriented workplace. Discuss your work style and try to word your answer so that it blends well with the company's vision. Don't talk about how your ideal workplace is one with lots of vacation time, and don't directly recite the job description or company's 'about us' page. Make it personal to you.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"My ideal work environment promotes teamwork and inspires collaboration. I'm interested in working with a diverse group of people where I can have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and share my own experiences. I find that I work best when I can openly communicate and share ideas with other team members to achieve a common goal."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Discovery
14. If you were interviewing candidates for this position, what would you be looking for in the applicants?
How to Answer
The hiring manager wants to make sure that you understand the expectations of the position. Your main goal when answering this question is to convince the interviewer that you understand what it takes to do the job and that your attitude and abilities would make you a great addition to the company. Prepare for this question by researching the company's mission statement and the detailed job description. Consider what skills and traits make you a good match for the position and discuss those in detail during the interview. You can also briefly mention some examples of times when you exemplified those qualities.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"Based on the job description and what I know about the company, I would look for a candidate with strong technical skills and the ability to work well with a team of scientists and other engineers. With several years of experience, I have developed the necessary technical skills for this position. I have also been praised by my former employers for my ability to collaborate and explain complex technical ideas to people in other departments."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Discovery
15. What advice would you offer someone considering a career in Environmental Engineering?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to hear more about how you got into environmental engineering and what you like most about it. They want to know more about what aspects of the profession you are most passionate about and if that fits with their company's goals and vision. You can discuss how a professor or relative inspired you to pursue the career or discuss your strong interest in protecting the health, welfare, and security of future generations.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"A lot of people I've talked to think that engineering of any sort, not just environmental engineering, is just about math, science, and formulas, and it's not. It's a very challenging and rewarding career that is essential in solving modern-day problems and environmental issues that we are facing as human beings. There will always be engineering jobs. An increase in public awareness of environmental hazards and a dramatic rise in populations is likely to contribute to the rising demand for those who have the knowledge and skills to lead the pack as environmental managers."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Discovery
16. How did you become interested in Environmental Engineering?
How to Answer
Before the interview, think of 3-5 core things about that industry and profession that you're passionate about. You should express an interest in the environment, science, technical writing, and problem-solving. You should show an understanding of the profession as a whole and an eagerness to experience all aspects of the job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always been interested in the environment, ecology, and solving problems. I felt like Environmental Engineering was a great fit. It combines all of my interests and skills. This a career that is challenging and rewarding and offers opportunities to work on meaningful projects and develop solutions that have an impact on the quality of the lives of people and communities."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Education
17. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking this question to see if you are a life-long learner who consistently seeks to gain knowledge to improve the work you do. Businesses and strategies constantly change in fast dynamic environments, so companies must continue to adapt to stay profitable. This means that as the company changes, its workforce needs to adapt too. Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. College courses, self-study, and learning a new software program are good examples.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I enrolled myself in an environmental seminar on climate change that was useful for the next phase of a project I was working on. The seminar featured some of the leading experts in the industry and included training sessions such as managerial skills improvement."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Job
18. Why do you want to work for us?
How to Answer
The hiring manager is trying to determine if you would be a fit for the company culture and if you would add value to their existing team. An engaged employee that is aligned with the company's mission and values will be more productive, take on more responsibility, and stay at the company longer. When crafting your response, you should customize it for the company you are interviewing with and demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Research the company and what they're known for and align your answer with something specific about the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to a forward-thinking company, and I feel I can do so with my experience in biology and my strong interest in developing innovative solutions to environmental problems."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Job
19. What do you know about our agency?
How to Answer
This is a common interview question, and you're most likely to encounter it early in the interview. This question can be challenging to answer, especially when you try to wing it. Read up on what's happening at the company and review their website. Research types of projects/clients the company takes on, its leadership, the people who work there, and the company culture. You should express interest in working for their company and briefly explain why you are well suited for the position. The company wants to hire someone who believes strongly in the company's mission and wants to make a positive impact on the organization, its clients, customers, and the environment.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I researched your company, and I'm familiar with your clients and projects. I'd like to work for a larger company that has a diversity of talent, including engineers with different backgrounds and specialties Your company has a reputation as a leader in the industry, and I want to work for a large, innovative company that takes on complex and challenging projects."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Knowledge
20. Which environmental issues will require the most attention in the next ten years in your opinion?
How to Answer
This question tests a candidate's depth of expertise or interest in environmental management. Hiring managers look for candidates that discuss relevant issues, such as climate change and food security as critical issues in the near future. Be prepared to answer this question: research and make a list of environmental topics, and cite specific examples in your response to this question.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"Climate change is the big environmental problem that humanity will face over the next decade, but it isn't the only one. Water shortages and loss of biodiversity are other challenges we have ahead of us. According to the UN, global warming, due to CO2 emissions, have increased by almost 50% since 1990. This acceleration in climate change threatens the survival of millions of people, plants and animals, and is responsible for causing detrimental meteorological events like droughts, fires and floods, which are becoming increasingly frequent and more extreme. This means we will need to take additional measures in the work we do to mitigate its effects and adapt to its consequences."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Knowledge
21. How do you explain engineering ideas to an audience who's unfamiliar with the topic during a presentation or an important meeting?
How to Answer
An environmental engineer will work with many different people. It's essential to let your interviewer know that you're confident in communicating complex engineering topics to people of any skill level and background. Your answer should clarify that you have a strong understanding of engineering concepts and understand the importance of communicating those concepts. Before the interview, consider listing some complex engineering concepts and how to simplify them so that others can understand the big idea in terms they can relate to.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do my best to give examples of engineering concepts that are easy to understand and that might relate to a person or their specific situation. For instance, if I'm sitting down with a group of construction workers, I will compare what I am saying to the process of paving roads. Relating complex engineering concepts to real situations gives my audience a better understanding of the project in terms they can understand."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Management
22. What is the most important quality a supervisor should have?
How to Answer
The hiring manager seeks to understand and analyze your approach to management. This question is designed to test your understanding of your place in the bigger picture of your department, company, community, and profession. The safest approach to answering this question, if you are a candidate for a non-management position, is to start with a statement about your flexibility and adaptability in dealing with different styles of management. If you are a candidate for a management job, select some qualities (like your ability to empower your team, give constructive criticism, etc.) and cite examples of how you have applied those assets to bring about positive results as a manager.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"The key quality of a supervisor should be leadership, the ability to be a visionary for the people who are working under them. The manager should set the course and direction for their subordinates. A manager/supervisor should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach their best potential."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Communication
"I believe that the best supervisors clearly convey their expectations in a timely fashion, as well as keeping their teams 'in the loop' regarding new changes in the workplace. Although I feel I work very well independently, I also like to touch base regularly with my supervisor to ensure that our projects are all on track - either informally through emails or at formal weekly staff meetings."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Management
23. Tell me how you plan, organize, and prioritize your work.
How to Answer
Interviewers ask this question to gain insight into how you manage your time and organize your workload. They want to better understand your time management skills and assess your ability to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. You can use your answer to highlight how you communicate with teammates about urgent tasks and deadlines, how you balance your workload and personal time, and how you handle unexpected changes in your assignments.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"My daily task list helps me manage and prioritize a steady workflow, but I understand that priorities can shift unexpectedly. Knowing this, I try to limit my number of daily tasks and reserve time in case I need to make adjustments for any changes to my daily workload."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Management
24. How do you make the decision to delegate work?
How to Answer
As a leader, delegating is important because you can't do everything yourself. Delegating empowers your team, builds trust, and assists with professional development. The people who work with/for you will be able to develop new skills and gain knowledge, which will prepare them for more responsibility in the future. It also means you understand and can identify who is best suited to tackle tasks or projects. Delegation of work is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of a strong leader.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my past position, I assigned tasks based on the strength of the individual and found that this builds trust and respect with team members. I also look for ways to mentor less-experienced staff and consider what team members are interested in learning more."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Self-evaluation
25. What will be your biggest challenge in this position?
How to Answer
In an interview, the employer's ultimate goal is to assess if you are a good fit for the position. To do this, the interviewer may have you reflect on what you think are the most challenging aspects of the job. As you prepare for your interview, take some time to think through how the role will challenge you. Review the job description to inform your answer. Start by breaking down the job into its various components and thinking about what you need in terms of skills and knowledge to accomplish each task. Think about any elements of the job that will require training or additional time to learn, and be honest in your response. You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, can effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of my biggest challenges will be adjusting to the new workflow technology and creating a new type of report to present to your clients. I plan to ask a lot of questions when preparing my first technical report. I'll also ask a colleague to review the report before sharing it with the client."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Situational
26. What have you done to reduce costs, increase revenue, or save time on a project?
How to Answer
Being able to provide an answer to this question shows that you have made a legitimate contribution to a previous employer. Your answer should show that you can successfully identify problems and recommend improvements. Even if your only experience is as an intern or in an entry-level role, you have most likely created or streamlined a process that has contributed to the growth or efficiency of the practice. Choose at least one suitable example and explain how you got the idea, how you implemented the plan or program, and the benefits to the company.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I first started working at my last job, I noticed there was a common problem with estimating time and resources to complete projects. Deadlines were consistently missed, and we were losing money. After learning more about the company's outdated project management tools, I asked my supervisor if I could learn a new PM software program. After about two weeks of training, I convinced my supervisor to purchase the new platform and train the staff, resulting in 8% profit on projects."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Situational
27. What kinds of challenges did you face in your last job? Give an example of how you handled them.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like details on a project that went sideways. This interview question is not meant to solely highlight what went wrong but to see how you react when things do not go your way on a project or in the workplace. Give an overview of the problem while focusing primarily on the action you took to address the situation. Be sure to express what you learned from the situation. Consider all past challenges you've experienced with a difficult team member, client, or complex project and choose an example that you can describe in a fairly short amount of time.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"I had the opportunity to work with a large, diverse team of consultants on a government awarded environmental impact study. Another engineering firm was leading the project and proposed unrealistic goals and an unattainable schedule that would be impossible to achieve. I believed we were better suited to lead the project since we had related experience with other complex government projects. I worked with my internal team of engineers to communicate this to the lead engineer. We were able to change the course of the project and redefine the scope of work for the client before the project began. Although we weren't able to achieve everything we had hoped for, we were successful in meeting all of the deadlines and winning approval, which resulted in additional project work."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Situational
28. Describe a team experience you found rewarding.
How to Answer
Teamwork questions are the most common of all behavioral interview questions. The interviewer is asking this question to learn more about your ability to work on teams and with other related consultants to achieve a common goal. Environmental engineers usually work with other engineers and scientists who design other systems and with technicians and mechanics who implement the designs. The ability to work well with others is a critical skill for most positions. This question is also meant to determine your priorities in the workplace. All candidates, whether seeking management or non-management-related positions, should be prepared to answer interview questions about working on a team.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"My most rewarding experience was hiring and training five new interns during our annual summer internship program, all of whom developed into excellent full-time employees and contributing members of the teams that I managed."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Situational
29. As a leader of a project team, how do you typically handle conflict between team members?
How to Answer
Team leaders must provide effective leadership, exemplify organizational values, and ensure projects are completed properly and on time. Additionally, team leaders are responsible for resolving problems and conflicts among peers and other team members, keeping management informed about progress, and motivating team members. When individual team members are underperforming, it's the responsibility of the team leader to assist them.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"When resolving problems among team members, I typically meet with them individually and collectively to collect facts and propose a solution. I typically try to remain objective and not involve myself in the conflict itself."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Technical
30. What's your experience in technical writing?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you have related experience in technical writing, conducting research, and analyzing data related to a product or project. Projects often require some form of written documentation, including input from subject matter experts (SME), testing, sampling, and case studies. Often environmental engineers are responsible for contributing to technical documents and environmental investigation reports by sharing their expertise, data analysis, statistics, etc. Be ready to describe your skills and experience in writing.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021
Answer Example
"Before I start any project, I research the context and surrounding areas, investigate all related technical, political and socio-economic issues, and document my findings. To ensure there are no factual mistakes, I also talk to the Subject Matter Experts and learn more by studying other similar projects and case studies. Although writing technical reports is not my passion, I understand the importance of collecting and presenting accurate data and consider myself a thorough investigator and writer."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on October 30th, 2021