When have you provided an excellent presentation? Describe it to me and why it was successful.

"Just last month, I was asked to present a city community plan to the surrounding residents. The plans were going to interrupt some of the surrounding wetlands which meant that some of the attendees were skeptical. I created a very clear and entertaining presentation in Keynote and rehearsed it for a few days prior. After presenting this to the 50 attendees, many of them commented on my knowledge and ability to answer their questions and address their concerns. I feel it was successful because everyone left with a full understanding of the project's pros and cons."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

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?

"In my previous role, I was tasked with the training of a new, junior planner. We were learning some of the basic steps on a project and he could not seem to understand 'why' we were doing things that way. I was able to break down the reason for his inability to learn and it was simply because he didn't understand the larger picture or end goal. We were able to move past that and now I am aware of the best way to communicate with him."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

The planning process involves input from numerous groups, which requires great communication skills. When have you exemplified such skills in past work?

"I am continually working with multiple groups that do not necessarily see eye-to-eye. We almost always have the same end-goal in mind, but not necessarily the same ideas on how to get there. Strong communication is key since it is so easy to misunderstand. What I do is take my time to talk to the other party and repeat back what my understanding of it is. This way, we know for sure if we are on the same page."

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.

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.

"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."

How are your communication skills?

"I have been told by my current manager that my communication skills are very strong. I try to always break my emails and phone conversations down to the simplest facts so that everyone involved in receiving the most pertinent information. I also possess great follow-up skills."

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.

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.

"I have spent my entire adult life honing my communication skills. From phone calls to emails to face-to-face."

Describe a time where you worked well under pressure.

"Last week our client made some pretty significant changes to our plans just a few days before the submittal deadline. Everyone was really stressed during this time. I cleared my personal schedule and agreed to work several hours of overtime so that we could hit the deadline our client required. It's easy to freeze up in times like that, so I was sure to create milestones. I also made sure to utilize our technical staff and junior planners more than usual. We hit our deadline and our client was thrilled!"

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.

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.

"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."

Are you a detail-oriented person?

"I was always detail-oriented growing up. I believe I learned it from my parents. Paying attention to detail and working carefully and accurately become second nature over time, and this helped me greatly in college. I was able to lead team projects effectively and submit my own work on time and without errors. I earned a 3.8 GPA overall. I think being detail-oriented is a great skill to have in the corporate world, too, so I'm eager to find a job where I'll be able to continue benefiting from this trait."

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.

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.

"I am a very detail-oriented and careful planner. Just last month I was reviewing a co-worker's plans prior to client submittal. It was missing a small detail on the roadway which would have caused too severe narrowing and blind spots while turning around the corner. We fixed the error right away which saved us a lot of un-billable hours."

"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."

What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

"In my last performance review, my manager asked me to improve my working knowledge of GIS. I have since signed up for a course which will be complete in December."

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.

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.

"I have very strong attention to detail and sometimes, this can turn into a tendency to perfectionism. In the past, I found this leading me to triple-check every item on a spreadsheet, closely proofread emails to ensure I'd communicated what I was trying to get across in a clear, concise way, or fiddle with the layout of a presentation to ensure that it was perfect. I've since learned to successfully budget my time and gauge which tasks require and actually benefit from this level of precision."

"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."

"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!"

What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as an urban and regional planner?

"My greatest strength is my ability to see the project in a large, full picture, before beginning any solid plans. My ability to view all facets of a plan has been incredibly helpful in my career as it prevents me from making some unnecessary errors and oversights. My current manager has made this comment to me multiple times in my past performance reviews."

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.

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.

"My greatest strength is attention to detail. I've always been detail-oriented in my work, and it's something I really enjoy and take pride in. I noticed in your job description that this role involves a lot of detail-oriented work, which is one reason I applied. In my last job, I was frequently required to manage 4 to 5 projects at a time and often had over 50 different tasks going on in those different projects. Being detail-oriented allowed me to deliver 100% of my projects on time to our clients. In fact, I finished 45% of my assigned projects ahead of schedule."

"My passion for getting better and taking whichever community I am working for."

"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."

Why should we hire you?

"You should hire me because I am a very talented planner with direct experience in the types of projects that you focus on. I know the industry and hold a strong reputation within it. Knowing what I have told you about myself; is there any reason why you would hesitate to hire me? Is there anything more I can clarify for you about my background?"

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.

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.

"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."

What would you begin to change about your community if you were given full access for planning today?

"In my current community, I would start by adding more green space. The area is starting to see more young families and there are not a lot of options for them as far as parks and playgrounds go. I would also make room for more single-family homes. There are a lot of condo developments, which has caused some population congestion and parking concerns."

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.

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.

"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."

"I would incorporate more compact and mixed development into our future plans to increase neighborhood security and overall happiness."

How would your former employer describe you?

"My previous employer and I worked very closely together for many years. He would say that I am a hard worker who is willing to go above and beyond expectations to ensure a job well done. My performance reviews were always very positive. He will be happy to provide a strong reference for you. We parted on very amicable terms."

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.

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.

"Hardworking, detail-oriented, great writing skills, always gets along with co-workers."

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"One of the really big things that attract me to your company is the fast growth that you've displayed over the past few years. I would be thrilled to join a company such as yours and grow into a management position over time."

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.

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.

"Roger County is changing for the better. I would be honored to be at the forefront of that change."

What professional organizations do you belong to?

"I am a current member of the city's Urban Planning Association. I really enjoy staying current with new information and networking with other urban planners. I think that membership is invaluable and one of my goals is to be a speaker at their annual national conference in the near future."

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.

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.

"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."

Why are you the best candidate for us?

"I feel that I am the best candidate for you because I bring direct experience in the types of community and residential projects that you specialize in. I am also a very strong technical artist and won the design award last year in my current company."

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.

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.

"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."

How have you incorporated public transportation into your past designs or planning projects?

"As far as incorporating public transportation into my designs, I have had the opportunity to work on mass-transit and urban redevelopment projects with a strong emphasis on public transportation solutions, I think the public is very aware of sustainability in public transport, and while any transit option is better for the environment than a private car, individuals will have a hard time giving up their automobiles completely. I think all future urban design and planning projects will need to consider alternate forms of transportation to be sustainable in the future."

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.

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.

"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."

What area of this city do you think has the most potential?

"I feel that the Inglewood area has the most potential as it's central, has a great vibe, and has a lot of thriving small businesses to offer services to the residents. Your recent project in the Renfrew area is a perfect example of that. It's another great neighboring area that could benefit from revitalization."

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.

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.

"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."

Tell me about your portfolio. What were some of your favorite projects and why?

"My portfolio has a wide range of both commercial and residential planning. I began my career in commercial development and have since been working on building communities and park areas. I really like my portfolio - even my early work, because it got me to where I am today. I wouldn't change anything about it but I will say that my work has become much more detailed since the beginning of my career."

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.

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.

Have you studied a poorly planned city project? Tell me about it and what went wrong.

"I was tasked to study a couple of former city projects during my time in University. One is the residential community of Waterfront and the other is the residential community of Silverado. These projects are full of confusing traffic circles, which have made for an increase in vehicular and pedestrian accidents over the years. Drivers are afraid of missing their turn to get to the correct shopping area and they forget to keep an eye on the road."

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 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.

"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."

"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."

Where do you get your inspiration from?

"My early inspiration came from working with my mentor, a senior urban planner who was constantly pushing the envelope and going above and beyond. I'm also inspired by visiting a great project and seeing people using the spaces as they were envisioned. I'm also inspired by other designers and subscribe to a few architecture and planning magazines to learn more about what other planners are working on."

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.

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.

"From nature, international visits, other cities that have prospered. Many different places."

"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."

What cities have you studied that impressed you the most?

"For myself, I am very impressed with the design of Berlin, Germany. Berlin has become one of the greatest creative centers of the world and is now becoming a leader in design. Its focus is environmentally conscious and sustainable."

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.

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.

"Chicago, lakefront in public parks, also Paris, the height restrictions and scale of the streets works excellent."

"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."

Why is urban planning important to you?

"Urban planning is not only important because it creates a sense of order in a city, but it is also required for the safety of its citizens. As an urban planner, I feel I must respond to the challenges posed by the growing population, land-use pressures, rapidly evolving technology, and increasing government regulations. In today's rapidly changing climate, global warming is also a major concern that needs serious addressing."

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.

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.

"Because I want to make people happier. Urban planning provides me that opportunity and then some."

What do you believe makes for a strong community?

"The community in which we live has a great influence on our lives. When I'm planning a new community I think of public safety, green space, traffic flow, and accessible parks and recreation facilities. I look for ways in which community members can connect and engage with one another and create spaces and places where people can come together."

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.

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.

"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."

What projects have you worked on in the past?

"I've had the opportunity to work on a wide range of urban planning projects over the past 5 years, including large-scale master plans, campus redevelopments, Greenfield projects, and a few small-scale interventions and public spaces. In my first job after college, I worked with a large team of architects, engineers, and planners on the Denver downtown revitalization plan, including light rail and mixed-use. The project took over 2 years and allowed me the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of a complex project- it was an incredible learning opportunity."

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.

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.

What is most important to you, something quick and flashy, or something that is timeless?

"I fully believe that creating a timeless design is the most important. That doesn't mean that it can't be attractive or somewhat 'flashy' either. The best design and planning projects never really go out of style and are rooted deep in design & planning theory - they have that 'certain something' that helps them withstand the test of time."

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.

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?

"Something timeless, lasting design is a good design in my book."

"Quick and flashy does not gratify the soul, only timeless things do that."

Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as an urban and regional planner?

"I completed my degree in urban planning from McGill University in Montreal. For my senior planning project, I led a small team of students and worked with the local community to identify their tourism challenges. I also worked for ABC architecture and planning firm and was mentored greatly by one of the senior partners following graduation. These experiences gave me a really full and broad scope of the industry, local community input, and the complexities of getting your design and planning ideas approved. The high level of quality work that was expected was immense, but the pressure benefited me greatly."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

Tell me about a project you studied in college that impressed you the most.

"One stand-out project that I studied in college was the master plan development for Seaside in Florida. I understand that your company won the competition for this innovative community development. The fact that it was such an environmentally conscious and sustainable project was really impressive to me. Having an opportunity to work on a large, master-planned community focused on creating pedestrian-friendly and walkable streets is a big interest of mine."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

What do you know about our company?

"I've done a lot of research on your company because I want to ensure that it is the right fit for me as well. What stands out to me most is that, as such a well-established company, you are still developing new and creative ways to stand out from your competitors. Your reputation is impeccable and I really enjoy the projects that you do. They are unique and very well done."

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.

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.

"I noticed you received the award for outstanding achievement for small TMA MPO. Great job!"

Do you have any questions for me?

"When looking into your planning firm and the types of projects you work on, it seems that your organization strongly values teamwork and cooperation. Are there any other aspects of company culture you could tell me about?"

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.

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.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague, what was the conflict, and how did you resolve it?

"I actively readjust my attitude during a conflict situation. This means that I strive to listen to the other person's point of view without becoming defensive. I also attempt to move the confrontation to a private space to avoid further complications."

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.

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.

"S: Well, I understand that not everyone will get along 100% of the time while working together. T: When facing conflict, I prefer to handle conflict in a professional manner, privately with the other individual. A: By sitting together and talking one-on-one, you can often clear up miscommunications that cause most conflicts at work. R: Listening to the other person and understanding their position often helps diffuse a stressful situation where conflict arises."

"It's growing and fast! Many people are moving from all around the country. Steps need to be taken to help accommodate this growth."

When have you worked with difficult individuals? For example, people that may have very poor communication skills. How do you handle these situations?

"Working with difficult personalities is something that comes along with the job, from time to time. Being an urban planner, I find that the more difficult situations to navigate come when we need a work-around with a city design and dealing with city officials. The government is not the easiest to navigate and the employees are not always given the ability to make decisions. If I do not get the answer or response that I am looking for, I will call another time, until I reach someone that is interested and can steer us in the right direction."

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.

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

Urban and Regional Planners Interview Questions

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1. When have you provided an excellent presentation? Describe it to me and why it was successful.
2. 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?
3. The planning process involves input from numerous groups, which requires great communication skills. When have you exemplified such skills in past work?
4. How are your communication skills?
5. Describe a time where you worked well under pressure.
6. Are you a detail-oriented person?
7. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
8. What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as an urban and regional planner?
9. Why should we hire you?
10. What would you begin to change about your community if you were given full access for planning today?
11. How would your former employer describe you?
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
13. What professional organizations do you belong to?
14. Why are you the best candidate for us?
15. How have you incorporated public transportation into your past designs or planning projects?
16. What area of this city do you think has the most potential?
17. Tell me about your portfolio. What were some of your favorite projects and why?
18. Have you studied a poorly planned city project? Tell me about it and what went wrong.
19. Where do you get your inspiration from?
20. What cities have you studied that impressed you the most?
21. Why is urban planning important to you?
22. What do you believe makes for a strong community?
23. What projects have you worked on in the past?
24. What is most important to you, something quick and flashy, or something that is timeless?
25. Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as an urban and regional planner?
26. Tell me about a project you studied in college that impressed you the most.
27. What do you know about our company?
28. Do you have any questions for me?
29. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague, what was the conflict, and how did you resolve it?
30. When have you worked with difficult individuals? For example, people that may have very poor communication skills. How do you handle these situations?

Urban and Regional Planners Interview Questions

1. When have you provided an excellent presentation? Describe it to me and why it was successful.

2. 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?

3. The planning process involves input from numerous groups, which requires great communication skills. When have you exemplified such skills in past work?

4. How are your communication skills?

5. Describe a time where you worked well under pressure.

6. Are you a detail-oriented person?

7. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

8. What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as an urban and regional planner?

9. Why should we hire you?

10. What would you begin to change about your community if you were given full access for planning today?

11. How would your former employer describe you?

12. Where do you see yourself in five years?

13. What professional organizations do you belong to?

14. Why are you the best candidate for us?

15. How have you incorporated public transportation into your past designs or planning projects?

16. What area of this city do you think has the most potential?

17. Tell me about your portfolio. What were some of your favorite projects and why?

18. Have you studied a poorly planned city project? Tell me about it and what went wrong.

19. Where do you get your inspiration from?

20. What cities have you studied that impressed you the most?

21. Why is urban planning important to you?

22. What do you believe makes for a strong community?

23. What projects have you worked on in the past?

24. What is most important to you, something quick and flashy, or something that is timeless?

25. Tell me about your education. How has it prepared you for a career as an urban and regional planner?

26. Tell me about a project you studied in college that impressed you the most.

27. What do you know about our company?

28. Do you have any questions for me?

29. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a colleague, what was the conflict, and how did you resolve it?

30. When have you worked with difficult individuals? For example, people that may have very poor communication skills. How do you handle these situations?