6 Sample Civil Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Every roadway, bridge, and structure we use to navigate our lives was likely designed by a skilled civil engineer. The need for up-to-date infrastructure is not going away any time soon—communities need to replace bridges, construct new buildings, and upgrade roadways. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% increase in new civil engineering jobs over the next decade.

Want to join their ranks? Drafting strong, smart answers to these six common civil engineer interview questions will help get you there.

6 Common Civil Engineer Interview Questions

1. What Drew You to Civil Engineering?
2. What Qualities Do Competent Civil Engineers Have?
3. What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges Civil Engineers Face?
4. Tell Me About an Issue You Solved in Your Last Job.
5. What Factors Do You Take into Consideration When Starting a Project?
6. How Will You Ensure the Safety of a Construction Site?

Question #1: What Drew You to Civil Engineering?

One of the most common civil engineering interview questions is, “Why do you want this job?” Employers in the construction industry look for candidates who see civil engineering as more than just a job. They want to know how passionate you are about the field and how much enthusiasm you’ll bring to the table.

Be sure to include the following details when answering:

• What you like about being a civil engineer.
• Your career goals as a civil engineer.
• How you plan to help the company meet their goals.

How You Could Answer

“As a kid, I always excelled at math. I wanted to pursue a career that would utilize my math skills, so I decided that engineering would be the best path for me. I got into civil engineering because I believe infrastructure is the foundation of our civilization. Without it, we wouldn’t have safe and efficient roads to drive on or a healthy economy. What I enjoy about civil engineering is my part in the creative and visionary process. I get satisfaction out of knowing that I’m making a difference to the way people live and work.”

“I have worked as a civil engineer for the last six years and feel that I have the experience to take on a civil engineering role in your company. I would eventually like to obtain my Professional Engineering license and advance to a project management position. In the meantime, I would like to use my skills to design functional infrastructure for this company.”

Question #2: What Qualities Do Competent Civil Engineers Have?

Civil engineer interview questions regarding skills and qualities are designed to gauge your competency. When hiring civil engineers, employers look for excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills. Additionally, you must demonstrate good leadership, organization, math, and communication skills.

Consider including the following in your answer:

• How creativity and problem-solving skills are vital to civil engineering.
• The importance of decision-making and leadership in a civil engineering role.

How You Could Answer

“I think the two most important qualities that make a good civil engineer are creativity and problem-solving skills. They go hand in hand because you have to be able to think outside the box to solve complex infrastructure problems. Creativity and problem-solving set the groundwork for technical skills and decision-making strategies to work by providing a blueprint of what needs to be accomplished. Good leadership and communication skills are also vital to civil engineering, because ideas need to be expressed clearly to senior management and construction teams.”

Question #3: What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges Civil Engineers Face?

Having adequate knowledge of the civil engineering field includes understanding common challenges. By successfully answering civil engineering interview questions such as this, you show employers that you’re prepared for whatever stumbling blocks you encounter on the job.

Here are some suggestions of challenges to mention:

• Safety challenges.
• Design feasibility.
• Sustainability.

How You Could Answer

“I feel that the health and safety of construction workers is a major challenge faced by civil engineers. Construction workers face several hazards on the job, from environmental factors to poor configuration of a construction site. The feasibility and sustainability of infrastructure designs are additional challenges civil engineers face. Before a design can be put into action, it must work for the environment and location, as well as fit its intended purpose. Otherwise, it’s back to the drawing board.”

Question #4: Tell Me About an Issue You Solved in Your Last Job.

You likely already have your problem-solving skills laid out in your civil engineer resume. Now it’s time to provide some concrete examples during your interview. To best answer civil engineer interview questions regarding problem-solving, draw from your own experience and describe your personal approach to solving problems.

Ask yourself the following when devising an answer:

• What was the issue you faced?
• What was your strategy to solve it?
• What was the outcome of your effort?

How You Could Answer

“At my last job, I worked alongside a seasoned civil engineer to develop a large commercial shopping center. The increase in traffic the new construction would bring was a major concern among nearby residents. To best solve the traffic problem, we created a design to replace three intersections with roundabouts. Once the shopping center was built, the roundabouts improved the flow of traffic and prevented roadway backups that would have otherwise occurred.”

Question #5: What Factors Do You Take into Consideration When Starting a Project?

To further demonstrate your knowledge and competency, be prepared for civil engineer interview questions regarding the construction design process.

Include the following factors in your answer:

• Locations.
• Construction costs.
• State and federal regulations.
• Building materials.

How You Could Answer

“The factors I take into consideration are specific to each project. If a construction project involves upgrading an existing roadway or bridge, the location has already been established. However, I would still have to factor in construction costs, the building materials needed, and state and federal regulations. When designing a new road or structure, surveying would have to be done to ensure that the location is feasible.”

Question #6: How Will You Ensure the Safety of a Construction Site?

Safety on construction sites starts with adequate planning. That includes foresight of the location of a construction site, materials needed, material storage, and environmental hazards. Show your interviewer that you make the safety of your construction team a priority.

Reflect on the following details when providing answers to safety-related civil engineer interview questions:

• The materials needed for a construction project.
• Proper material storage.
• The location and environment.

How You Could Answer

“The safety of the construction team should be a top priority when surveying an area and configuring the construction site. It’s important to be aware of potential flooding, trench hazards, ground wires, gas lines, and the materials used during construction project, which need to be durable and of high quality. Plus, they should be stored and retrieved properly to prevent serious accidents from occurring.”

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