List of 30 Urban and Regional Planners Interview Questions & Answers
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1.
Why should we hire you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every interview question is an attempt for a hiring manager to gather as much information about your skills, knowledge, and previous experience as possible. All of this information will help them better understand if you are the best person for the role they're looking to fill.
How to Answer
You'll want to talk about what makes you a stand-out candidate for the role. You should be prepared to tell the hiring manager about yourself and communicate your top reasons for why you are the best person for this job - consider your industry experience, unique skills/technical skills, soft skills, key accomplishments, awards, and accolades.
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Anonymous Answer
"You should hire me because I am detail-oriented, self-motivated, and creative, with extensive knowledge in policy from the development phase through the implementation phase."
Stephanie's Response
Excellent qualities to have! If there are any additional ways that your values and goals align closely with the needs of this company, I suggest sharing this here as well.
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2.
Tell me about your portfolio. What were some of your favorite projects and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A portfolio can give potential employers a detailed look at your abilities and qualifications, and provide them with samples of your work. Bringing a well-articulated and polished portfolio with you to an interview can impress the hiring manager and make you stand out from other candidates.
How to Answer
Your portfolio is a collection of your best, completed work and demonstrates how you've applied your relevant skills, education, training, experience, and accomplishments. Employers want to hire people who are enthusiastic about the job. A portfolio can help show the hiring manager how serious you are about proving you're the right candidate for the role because you have taken the time to identify your skills and experiences and how they relate to the job. You can choose to present your portfolio as a website, PowerPoint presentation, or selection of printed documents. Take some time to describe the projects you are really proud of, but keep your descriptions brief.
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3.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Hiring managers want to know that you will be a fit for the company, in both the short and long term. They're trying to uncover how you see yourself growing and developing within their firm. They want to know that you are looking for something more than 'just a job' and that the role for which you are applying fits in with your larger professional goals.
How to Answer
When you answer this question be sure to include your thoughts on where you would like to be with this particular company in five years. Discuss how your professional goals and the job you're applying for aligning. It's okay to be a little bit more general in your response - avoid sharing too much detail when it comes to timelines and job titles.
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Anonymous Answer
"Roger County is changing for the better. I would be honored to be at the forefront of that change."
Stephanie's Response
It's wonderful that you want to contribute to positive change within your local community, but exactly how will you do that? This response should be further developed to show exactly what career goals you're hoping to achieve in the next five years, being as specific as possible. Your interviewer is hoping to learn more about your specific goals, along with what you're currently doing to work toward those goals.
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4.
Tell me about a project you studied in college that impressed you the most.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know what motivated and inspired you in college and keeps you passionate about the profession. They are looking for candidates that have developed their own thoughts and ideas on what makes for a good design and planning project.
How to Answer
The answer that you give will show the interviewer what types of projects are of interest to you the most. Be sure to give examples of why you found the project impressive. If, during college, you studied one of the past projects of this company you are interviewing with, even better! Highlight specific aspects of the project from college that you feel most passionate about. You can also describe how your instructor inspired and motivated you.
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Anonymous Answer
"We worked on a Master Plan for a 100 plus acre site. We worked as a cohort, maximizing our undergraduate degrees' strengths simulating a multi-disciplinary team. I worked closely with another architect to create the 3D model for the project. It impressed me the most because it helped me learn early on that some people are not going to put as much effort as others and will do just enough to get by."
Rachelle's Response
I was hoping this answer would end on a positive note! Your example sounded very team-oriented and then...whomp. Try talking positively about what you learned and how you yourself improved rather than focusing on others.
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"I studied Penalosa's project in Bogota, Colombia. I find it amazing that he was able to get everyone to not drive their cars for one whole day. It showed how much people were willing to sacrifice in order to live happier."
Stephanie's Response
Great specific example!
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5.
What do you know about our company?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to make sure you know who they are, and that you did some research before applying and interviewing. They don't want someone who's applying to several positions without even looking, or caring about the role. Additionally, employers want to hire someone who will be motivated and work hard in their job, and they figure if you have thought about your job search and have specific reasons for applying, then you're more likely to really stay in the job and contribute to their organization.
What You Need to Know
It's very important that you do research on the company history, mission, key leaders, and its past/current projects. Be prepared to name specific facts about their company and key projects. If you know absolutely nothing, it will greatly hurt your chances of getting the job. In addition, review their social media profiles to try to learn more about the company. You might find some unique information about recent developments, and mentioning this can help you stand out from other job seekers when you answer what you know about the company.
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Anonymous Answer
"I noticed you received the award for outstanding achievement for small TMA MPO. Great job!"
Stephanie's Response
This is a great start, but I suggest you do some additional research to learn more about the company's mission and values so you can reflect that in your response. Many companies really want to see that you've done your research and can easily distinguish them from competitors!
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6.
How have you incorporated public transportation into your past designs or planning projects?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to learn more about the complexity of the projects you worked on, and if your project work aligns with their projects and clients. With rising gas prices, environmental issues and climate change, and increasing populations, they want to see that you are addressing the challenges of transportation in your past design and planning projects.
How to Answer
Be sure to bring examples of your work with you. Sometimes it's easier to show than to tell. You can take the interviewer through your work history as well and touch on some of the designs you have done in the past by walking them through your portfolio/slide presentation.
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Anonymous Answer
"We did a project in a neighborhood that lacks connectivity. We integrated a new transit stop and increase connectivity and desired paths throughout the shopping parking lots."
Rachelle's Response
Great response! This project sounds like one with many moving parts, if you have a visual portfolio to support your answer, even better.
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7.
The planning process involves input from numerous groups, which requires great communication skills. When have you exemplified such skills in past work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Communication skills are essential to nearly every type of job. The hiring manager is looking to see if you can communicate properly in several different situations and styles of management. They want to see that you can be effective in the role, as well as positively impact the workplace and culture.
How to Answer
Demonstrate your understanding of key communications skills during the interview, such as active listening, clear articulation, confidence, and empathy. Good communication is sometimes saying less rather than more, so keep your answers concise and focused. Also, multiple groups mean multiple personalities, so it's best to give an example of a time when you were working with a team that didn't always see eye-to-eye and how you handled the situation.
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Anonymous Answer
"Working at the IRS I was constantly met with differing opinions on how to go about a particular job. Many times just listening to the opinions of others and then providing your own input helped in resolving an issue. Nothing gets accomplished through bickering."
Stephanie's Response
While you clearly identify a previous professional experience where you navigated communication challenges with colleagues, this response should better identify the specific communication skills that you employed. What was the impact?
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8.
Why are you the best candidate for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are several reasons why a hiring manager may ask this question, including determining what makes you unique in terms of your qualifications for the job. They also want to ensure you fully understand what the position entails and what they are looking for in a job candidate.
How to Answer
Fully understanding what the job will entail and the qualifications a candidate needs to have in order to perform the job is the first step in preparing for this type of interview question. Take time to read over the job posting, especially the areas that list the experience or requirements the company wants candidates to possess. See if you can find skill, experience, or education that matches your own, and make a note of this to mention when answering this question in the interview. This is a great time to brag about yourself a little bit! Also, talk about any awards or recognitions you've received, and be sure to include something unique about yourself.
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Anonymous Answer
"I love conducting research and writing. I also love interacting with the public and doing my best to help make the community as happy as possible. Planning lets me do all that and then some."
Stephanie's Response
You do a wonderful job of highlighting your strengths and how these strengths align with urban planning, but I suggest tailoring this response to show how your unique skills and experiences could add value to this specific company. Showing that you've done your research and that you have a full understanding of the contributions you are capable of making is helpful in strengthening your case for why you're the best choice candidate for this role.
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9.
How are your communication skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers seek employees who can get along with others and who can communicate well both verbally and non-verbally. During the interview, the hiring manager will be evaluating your listening skills, confidence, non-verbal communication skills, body language, and ability to be clear and concise.
What You Need to Know
Excellent communication skills are essential for workplace success. If you've landed an interview, expect to be asked interview questions about how you communicate, and to have your ability to communicate in the workplace tested and evaluated. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member, or even by yourself in front of a mirror. Even though it's not an actual interview, you'll be able to consider, in advance, how you will respond and how you will connect with your interviewer. Remember to be yourself, practice active listening, and keep it positive.
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Anonymous Answer
"I have spent my entire adult life honing my communication skills. From phone calls to emails to face-to-face."
Stephanie's Response
It sounds like you've put a lot of effort and intentionality into perfecting your communication skills! I suggest explicitly stating how you'd describe your written and verbal communication skills (example: exceptional, excellent.)
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10.
What cities have you studied that impressed you the most?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to understand that you have studied well-planned cities and that you've formed an opinion about what you consider to be good design and planning. They are looking to hire employees that have been inspired by strong city design and can bring those elements of creativity to their project work and clients.
How to Answer
You should use this opportunity to showcase your understanding of the elements of good city design & planning. Connect your field of study, and what you've gained educationally and professionally to the job you're interviewing for.
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Anonymous Answer
"Chicago, lakefront in public parks, also Paris, the height restrictions and scale of the streets works excellent."
Rachelle's Response
Good observations!
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"I am most impressed with Bogota, Colombia. How Penalosa was able to transform the drug capital of the world into the most innovative city in the world in less than two decades is nothing short of magical."
Stephanie's Response
Great start, but I'd like to see you take this a step further! Imagine that your interviewer doesn't know as much about Bogota as you do--what makes this city so innovative? What about this transformation really stands out to you? A few extra details will improve your response and make it more vivid and memorable.
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11.
Are you a detail-oriented person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employees who are detail-oriented are highly valued by employers because they produce exceptional work and require little to no supervision. Detail-oriented individuals often work more efficiently and need less guidance or intervention. These factors are attractive to employers and can result in higher-quality work that ultimately supports the success of the organization.
How to Answer
When answering questions about your detail orientation in a job interview, it's important to not just tell an interviewer that you possess this skill but to show them through examples as well. Detail-oriented means being careful and thoughtful in your work, and delivering your work on time and accurately. Detail-oriented people notice and care about each aspect of their work. They check their work for errors and take their time when necessary, instead of rushing at the cost of accuracy.
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"Working with the IRS I was given the opportunity to develop my attention to detail by analyzing a boatload of financial information and search for discrepancies."
Stephanie's Response
This is an excellent specific example of a time when you executed attention to detail, but I suggest providing a few more specifics about the process you took to check for errors, as well as the impact of your actions.
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12.
What projects have you worked on in the past?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job and have experience working on projects that are similar to the work they're currently doing. Your response to this question will inform the interviewer of your project experiences, what you are capable of doing, and the skills you may have learned that will benefit the company.
How to Answer
The way you answer this question will show what you value at work, if you can work in a team and how dedicated you are to your work. Talk about projects that used skills and traits that will be useful to the position you are applying for. Discuss what these projects have taught you. Consider talking about what made a specific project interesting for you - was it the topic, the level of difficulty, the teamwork, or some other factor.
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Anonymous Answer
"N/A"
Stephanie's Response
I suggest brainstorming examples for this response, even if it isn't an urban planning project. This response allows your interviewer to learn more about your approach to project management, even if the project is unrelated to this topic.
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13.
What professional organizations do you belong to?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Companies like to learn what potential hires like to do in their free time to get a sense of their interests, passions, and professional affiliations. This can show hiring managers if your values align with the company's goals and that your dedication to the field doesn't stop when you clock out.
How to Answer
Showing an employer that you're dedicated and have a passion for the field or industry is a great way to make a lasting impression. Make a list of groups or organizations ahead of time so you can provide a prepared and precise answer; you may also want to make a note of the dates when you joined. When discussing which organizations you belong to, always be honest. While it might make you look good to name a few relevant groups in the interview, the employer can easily fact-check your claims afterward.
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Anonymous Answer
"I am a current member of the American Association for Personal Administration. I'm also looking into joining the American Urban and Regional Planning Organization in the near future."
Stephanie's Response
Great--membership to these organizations shows a commitment to your professional goals and to improving the community!
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14.
What do you believe makes for a strong community?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to see how you understand a community and what some of the most important aspects are of one. Your perspective is what they're looking for, not simply a dictionary definition. They want to see how you interpret the underlying purpose for developing communities.
How to Answer
When preparing for the job interview, it's important to research the company and its interactions with its clients so you have a thorough understanding of their position. Try to draw from your own experience during the interview and share personal stories- think of the things that you really appreciate about your own community. Sharing your background and insights on the subject can demonstrate your passion and ability for building a solid community.
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Anonymous Answer
"Cycling paths, pedestrian zones, and wide pavements. Lots of green space--places where people can commune. Also, a sustainable city transport system that can help alleviate congestion."
Stephanie's Response
Great response--this definitely shows your understanding of the need for urban planning, as well as the needs of community members!
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15.
What is most important to you, something quick and flashy, or something that is timeless?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your response to this question will be important to the interviewer, as it will determine much about your potential fit within their organization. How you choose to answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your thoughts and approach to planning and what you value most in your work.
What You Need to Know
Take time before the interview to research the planning group, leaders, and sample projects on their website. Are they known for flashy and trendy work, or are they a reputable company with a reputation for long-standing planning solutions that stand the test of time and appeal to future generations?
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Anonymous Answer
"Something timeless, lasting design is a good design in my book."
Rachelle's Response
Well said!
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"Quick and flashy does not gratify the soul, only timeless things do that."
Stephanie's Response
Great start, but this response should be developed further. What does "timeless" mean to you? Can you provide an example of something timeless that means a lot to you? Why? A few additional details will take this response up a notch!
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16.
What would you begin to change about your community if you were given full access for planning today?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers are looking to hire candidates that have an opinion and can think for themselves. They're also interested in learning more about your commitment and interest in creating healthy and livable communities.
How to Answer
Before the interview, take time to research the company. Take time to research its values, mission, and various types of community projects. Also, consider the challenges that communities face and different ways to positively address those issues, improve, and enhance communities through strong planning practices.
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Anonymous Answer
"The way the permitting is done, I would transform it into an entirely cloud-based e-permitting platform that is a one-stop-shop on the front and back end."
Rachelle's Response
This sounds very convenient. Nice suggestion!
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"I would incorporate more compact and mixed development into our future plans to increase neighborhood security and overall happiness."
Stephanie's Response
This is a great start, but I suggest developing this response a bit more. What specific idea do you have for compact and mixed development? What other changes would you make?
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17.
Why is urban planning important to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is asking this question to learn more about what you are looking for in a new job. They want to see that you are passionate about urban planning projects with the intention of sticking with this career long-term.
How to Answer
When answering this question, it is important to stress your interest in the job. You should state your excitement or passion about the prospect clearly and concisely. Use specifics and explain why or how those particular details or aspects of the career or industry are important to you. Make sure to deliver a positive message.
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"Because I want to make people happier. Urban planning provides me that opportunity and then some."
Stephanie's Response
It's refreshing to hear that you're so committed to making others happier, but there are lots of career paths that allow for helping and supporting others--not just urban planning! What is it about urban planning, specifically, that you're passionate about? I suggest diving into this a bit more!
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18.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
An interviewer may ask this question to find out more about your motivations for the job. They also use this question to learn more about how you connect with other people and projects in the profession.
How to Answer
Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author - literally anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why. Your well-thought-out answer to this question can show the hiring manager that you have goals and motivations and that you look to leaders (or projects) in the industry as examples of what you can do to succeed.
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Anonymous Answer
"From nature, international visits, other cities that have prospered. Many different places."
Rachelle's Response
Great! Try adding in your favorite places to visit or specifics when it comes to landmarks, etc.
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"From visiting places, both urban and rural. I love learning the ins and outs of every place I visit. When I moved to San Diego I would spend hours upon hours just walking through different neighborhoods and hiking trails and just admiring nature and the wonderful architecture. I especially liked interacting with random people along the way."
Stephanie's Response
Excellent response--this really connects with your career path and paints an image of who you are as an individual, as well!
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19.
Have you studied a poorly planned city project? Tell me about it and what went wrong.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers ask this question to learn about your experience studying and learning from the built environment. They want to see that you are familiar with cities, both good and bad design planning, that you have a critical eye and are able to express yourself.
How to Answer
How you answer this question will show the interviewer more about your keen eye for detail and your ability to think critically. Give an answer that is concise, positive, and informative. Be careful not to be vague in your response, and do not give too much detail or go on for too long - there has to be a balance. Avoid bashing the work of another firm.
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Anonymous Answer
"I think rustbelt cities that were planned out around one industry are great examples of poorly planned cities because they have not all been able to adjust with the times very well."
Rachelle's Response
You make an excellent point here - well done!
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"Rust Belt cities that have been planned around a specific industry are undoubtedly some of the worst planned cities. A visit to Cleveland, Ohio recently really opened my eyes to this. It seems like no real initiative has been taken to help revitalize these cities."
Stephanie's Response
Great start, but I suggest diving a bit deeper into exactly what went wrong and what suggestions you have for fixing this or making it better.
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20.
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague, what was the conflict, and how did you resolve it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers want to make sure you're able to communicate effectively. They want to make sure you stay calm and professional when dealing with conflict at work and find a resolution or compromise that's in the employer's best interests.
What You Need to Know
You should be someone who leaves your ego behind and is willing to compromise and work with others to keep the company and projects running smoothly. Prepare your answer ahead of time - think of one specific disagreement or conflict so that you're ready for interview questions about the topic. To successfully answer this question, you should use the STAR method to provide essential information, including the situation, task, approach, and results. Try to pick a story where you were able to solve the disagreement and come to a positive outcome.
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Anonymous Answer
"It's growing and fast! Many people are moving from all around the country. Steps need to be taken to help accommodate this growth."
Stephanie's Response
Great--it sounds like you have a solid understanding of the current market!
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21.
What area of this city do you think has the most potential?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking to hire someone who has formed their own opinions and can articulate the elements that make a city successful and livable. They are probing to find out if you are truly familiar with the city in which the job is located and, if so, what your impressions are of the area.
How to Answer
The research you have retained on the company prior to the interview will be important when answering this question. It is great to tell the interviewer about the areas of the city you would love to see revitalized however, be sure to know the company's past, current, and future projects as well.
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Anonymous Answer
"I would be honored to help revitalize the north parts of the county. Looking over your highlighted projects I see you had a SE Gracie Hwy. sidewalk extension planned."
Stephanie's Response
This is a great start, but I suggest developing your response to show your understanding of the north parts of the county, what opportunities exist for revitalization, and why you believe this area has the most potential. While the research you've done on the company's sidewalk extension is important, it is more important that you're able to show the interviewer how you've thought critically about this topic and what area you feel most passionately about revitalizing.
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22.
What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as an urban and regional planner?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The answer that you give will help the hiring manager to determine if your greatest asset is something that they could use on their team. They don't expect or want you to list everything you do well, but they do want to hear about the specific attributes or natural talents and skills you'll use to excel in the position.
How to Answer
It's going to be a lot easier to give a clear, concise interview answer if you just pick one strength. It's best to choose something that will help you succeed in your job. Review the job description and figure out what the job requires or what's most important to the company.
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Anonymous Answer
"My passion for getting better and taking whichever community I am working for."
Rachelle's Response
Your passion for improving and helping others along the way is a high strength! Can you tie in how this helps you succeed in your career? The room for improvement sentence doesn't seem to fit here.
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"My greatest strengths are researching, writing, and coming up with creative solutions to complex problems. This is perfect because the bulk of a Planner's job is doing all three."
Stephanie's Response
You mention important strengths, which correlate well to working as an urban and regional planner. To deepen the impact of your response, I suggest providing a specific example as evidence of a time when you've used research, writing, and coming up with a creative solution to a complex problem. A specific example will go far in strengthening your response.
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23.
What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When hiring managers ask this question they are looking to see if you are honest, self-aware, and willing to improve. The hiring manager is also looking for indicators that show you've been able to learn new tasks and handle new challenges. So, this question is an opportunity to show that you've got the right assets for the job.
How to Answer
This answer should be focused on a work-related weakness but be careful not to say something you will regret later. Focus more on the positive. You should talk about a real weakness that you've been working on to improve. For instance, if you're not good at public speaking, but you're taking a course to help improve that skill, mention that in the interview. Or maybe you feel that you're easily distracted when working online, but you recently installed software that helps you stay on task. Answers like these show a desire for self-awareness, improvement, and discipline.
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Anonymous Answer
"I put too much into a project. I will work overtime because I am passionate about what I do, even if that has meant less family and friends time. I have taken steps against this, like turning off notifications of emails on my phone. On my latest vacation, I only looked at my email on the last day."
Rachelle's Response
I recommend choosing a weakness that does not sound self-serving. "I work too hard" is an answer that many hiring authorities report as being too far towards selling your weakness as a strength. This could backfire. Is there anything listed in the job posting or job description that is a job requirement that you are not a 10/10 in when it comes to skills and strengths?
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"I've never quite maintained a website before. I've worked on some WordPress blogs in the past but nothing as sophisticated as an actual organizational website. I'm definitely willing to learn!"
Stephanie's Response
In the "Revised Answer" section, I have included a suggestion for re-wording your response in order to improve clarity and impact.
"An area that I am working to improve is my comfort in building and maintaining a website. I've successfully created some WordPress blogs in the past, but never anything as sophisticated as an actual organizational website. While this is currently an area of growth for me, I am eager to learn, and I am currently practicing ________________ and __________________ skill in order to improve in this area."
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24.
Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as an urban and regional planner?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When a hiring manager asks you this question, they are not looking to know about your grades or specific courses you took. Instead, they are seeking to find out whether or not you have made any connections between your studies and the professional world. They want to know if you have chosen to involve yourself in certain interactions and projects that have helped to shape you as a professional and helped you work towards achieving your goals.
How to Answer
Preparing a good answer will help you to come off as confident- motivated and educated. You should talk about any academic activities you have done that you felt really prepared you to work. Talk about specific projects you've worked on in school or internships that really tied to real-world examples. Consider mentioning mention other things, such as case studies that taught you about specific topics or situations. If you have had any projects that relate specifically to the job you are interviewing for, now is the time to talk about them.
Answer Example
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Anonymous Answer
"I have a bachelor's degree in architecture with many classes in project management. I also have a master's degree in urban design. Not only can I design a project from a napkin sketch, but I can complete the cost estimate and manage the project from conception to completion."
Rachelle's Response
Perfect! Your answer highlights your education while also exuding a ton of confidence.
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"My bachelor's in political science has equipped me with the ins and outs of government, how to develop policy, do research, and analyze and understand data. Meanwhile, my MPA has given me the skills to address policy issues, develop and implement policy, and manage organizations in the US and other countries around the world."
Stephanie's Response
You do a great job of highlighting your post-secondary education and how your degrees have prepared you for a career as an Urban & Regional Planner. If you have taken any specific courses that align closely with this work, you may wish to mention those by name, as this will add an extra touch of personalization to your response.
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25.
Describe a time where you worked well under pressure.
What You Need to Know
Performing well under pressure is both a personal and professional quality and can make a difference between an average employee and an excellent one. Many jobs involve moments when, for varied reasons, unexpected situations occur and quick decisions are needed. The ability to stay calm, think logically, and act appropriately in such a scenario is a major asset for any employee.
How to Answer
This is your opportunity to show you are likely to perform well even under difficult circumstances. Be sure to use a recent and relatable example when you answer this question. Spend less time talking about the problem and more time talking about what you did to find a solution. Describe the outcome and what you learned and were able to apply on other projects.
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Anonymous Answer
"Writing my thesis paper for my MPA program while dealing with a big trust fund recovery penalty investigation. It challenged me quite a bit, but I was able to complete both with outstanding success."
Stephanie's Response
This sounds like a challenging time that you navigated--I am glad to hear that you had a great outcome! To develop your response, I suggest adding in an additional sentence that explicitly states your comfort and experience working under pressure. For example: "My past experiences have well prepared me to multitask and to perform under pressure; I am confident in my ability to navigate stressful situations as they arise."
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26.
How would your former employer describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If you are asked this question, it means your work personality and potential for camaraderie could factor into your decision-making process. Talking about previous reviews and past references is going to be really important when answering this question. When you can confidently say that your current or previous employer sees you as a valuable team member, the person interviewing you may see potential in you as someone easy to get along with well at work.
How to Answer
You want to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you have been able to build positive relationships with your previous employers. Prepare for this question by reflecting on how your past or current employer values you as a professional. Try to mention at least one specific trait. If you can give an example of when you displayed this trait or were recognized for it, you will be highlighting additional details about your work history that could impress your potential new employer.
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Anonymous Answer
"Hardworking, detail-oriented, great writing skills, always gets along with co-workers."
Stephanie's Response
These are all excellent qualities! To take your response one step further, I suggest providing a specific example as evidence of these qualities (how has being hardworking and having strong interpersonal skills shown up in your work?)
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27.
When have you worked with difficult individuals? For example, people that may have very poor communication skills. How do you handle these situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers may ask you to tell them about a time you worked with difficult people to make a behavioral assessment regarding how well you work alongside others and what strategies you use to handle conflict at work. Your response to this question will allow the hiring manager to glean insight into your personality, perspective, and approach as a professional. They are evaluating whether you're a good fit for their organization and workplace culture.
What You Need to Know
Answering this question can be a challenging task, as it requires you to avoid speaking negatively about your colleagues while explaining a difficult situation you encountered. There are difficult personalities in every industry and it's always best to talk about those situations in as positive of a light as possible. While discussing the situation, reflect on the experience and try to be accountable for your own actions. Consider whether there is something you might have been able to do to avoid the conflict you experienced.
How to Answer
As you finish your response, describe how you resolved the situation. Detail the specific actions you took to overcome the challenge you faced and mend your relationship with your colleague. From here, end your answer by discussing what you learned from this experience and how you've grown from it.
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Anonymous Answer
"I was in charge of sending out inspections for the General Business Licenses. When people didn't respond, I would send multiple emails requesting the information or send emails to their managers, copying the previous emails I sent to those people."
Rachelle's Response
Were you able to help these people become better communicators in the end? How did copying their managers on the email sequences help the situation?
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"When I was working for the IRS I would encounter taxpayers who would go to great lengths not to talk to me. The way I handled these individuals is that I would explain that I was here to help, not harm them. If they didn't take my word for it, I would show them, usually by giving them extra time to get me documents and information."
Stephanie's Response
It sounds like you worked out a great strategy for communicating with these folks, even when they tried to dodge you! To improve your response, I suggest adding a concluding sentence to show the impact of your actions. As a result of you forging these relationships and showing that you're there to help, what happened?
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28.
When have you had to explain a process or idea, to someone who was either stubborn to the idea, or just did not understand the idea or process?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Essentially, these are questions that are evaluating your problem-solving process, your industry expertise, and your communication skills. This is a common way for employers to get more information about your probable success in the position.
How to Answer
When you work as a manager, however, or have any position in sales, the skill to use persuasion to convince other people becomes critical for your professional success. You should be able to explain information so that it is easy for others (non-professionals) to understand. If you can't explain something simply, you may not have the best knowledge of it. Be prepared to give the hiring manager a complete example of a complex situation that you made simple for people who were not familiar with your industry's technical terms.
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Anonymous Answer
"During the process of getting important figures on board with the One Stop Shop permitting system it was difficult sometimes because some people did not understand the idea, so we had to set up multiple meetings and have much more communication with them than other people who understood the idea more easily."
Rachelle's Response
This is a good example of a time when you needed to account for people learning at various paces. It may be useful to add in a bit about your ability to remain patient and helpful through the process.
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"I tried to explain the process of my financial investigation to an irate taxpayer once. He couldn't quite grasp why I needed so much information from him. So I patiently went over every detail with him until he understood."
Stephanie's Response
This is a great example, but I suggest adding an additional sentence to show what the impact was. What occurred as a result of the taxpayer's understanding?
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29.
When have you provided an excellent presentation? Describe it to me and why it was successful.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When interviewers ask this question what they really want to know is how you engage others to persuade them. Good presentation skills are essential in most positions. The interviewer wants to know that you will want to share your ideas with others on a team and have the ability to create a strong presentation and the skills to deliver the message.
How to Answer
Use the STAR method to organize your answer: Situation or Task - Identifies the potentially negative situation or project; Action taken - Gives an explanation about what you did to address the situation or task; Results achieved - Shows the positive tangible results of your actions.
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Anonymous Answer
"I have provided many excellent presentations throughout my design career, specifically for the ULI competition in grad school. It was successful due to the amount of time and effort I put into the project, as well as the great infographics and renderings and how well everything connected to tell one cohesive story."
Rachelle's Response
This sounds like a success, indeed! If applicable, discuss a bit about who you presented it to, and in front of how many people.
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"I presented my thesis paper findings to my class. It was a big success because I felt like I hit every point quickly and concisely without mincing too many words. Needless to say, the professor was quite impressed and gave me an A."
Stephanie's Response
It's great to hear that you nailed your thesis presentation, but I suggest providing your interviewers with a few additional details. What was the topic of your presentation? What were the important points that you hit? How did your hard work on this project shine through during the presentation segment? A few additional details will make your response more impactful and memorable.
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30.
Do you have any questions for me?
What You Need to Know
Towards the end of an interview, the hiring manager will most likely ask you if you have any questions for them. Many candidates fall into the trap of giving them a resounding no and thanking them for their time. Not having any questions prepared for the hiring manager comes off as lacking enthusiasm and curiosity for the position.
How to Answer
You should come prepared with questions in mind based on your research on the organization and the specifics of the position. Consider asking questions about the company culture, details about the job that you may be unclear on, and types of projects currently underway.
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