Managed to secure an interview for a dream structural engineer job but not sure how to approach it? Well let us help with some interview tips and advice.
Structural engineers are likely to spend some time in an office and some working on construction sites, so working clothes day to day will differ, but interviews always call for smart dress with clean shoes, nails and hair. Check the location and times of interviews in advance, and make sure of directions, leaving plenty of time to get there; if there are delays, always call to let the panel know.
Do some homework on the company in advance and prepare some questions for the interviewers themselves, for example what do they enjoy most about working for this company? Ask the employment agency for their insight into what the company see as the most important criteria. Take copies of job applications and CVs, and practise talking fluently about the key learning from key employment or qualifications.
Information for structural engineer job candidates.
Structural engineers are likely to be working on a variety of projects with a wide spectrum of other employees, so it is important that potential employees can demonstrate reliability, flexibility and good communication and collaboration skills.
Excellent written presentation and reporting skills are vital too, as well as, obviously, possessing the technical and intellectual competence to do the job, demonstrated either by relevant qualifications or past experience. Good Structural Engineers are excellent problem solvers, and also need to be capable of taking on a high level of responsibility, as well as the willingness to continue their learning both on the job and through further qualifications where applicable.
Our engineering recruiters outline their top interview prep tip below:
Structural engineer job interview questions.
- When did you first think about a career as Structural Engineer?
- What appeals most about a career in Engineering?
- Can you describe what you think a typical day as a Structural Engineer would entail?
- What do you think are the trickiest parts of the role?
- What further qualifications would you like to undertake?
- Do you see yourself specialising in a specific area over the next few years? Why?
- The architects have made a series of decisions that you think are difficult to implement. How do you go about resolving the issue in a constructive way?
- You are involved in a flagship conversation project with numerous stakeholders. How do you ensure that you are able to resolve apparently conflicting priorities and help the team deliver the project on time, on budget and on spec?
General interview questions.
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What appeals most about working for this particular company?
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What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? Do you wish to undertake further qualifications?
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Why should we consider employing you? What are your unique points?
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Can you explain what you would see as your weaker points, and what you are doing to improve them?
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Are you prepared to move location across the country to work on different sites and projects?
Scenario interview questions.
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Can you talk me through a work or educational experience where you had to work closely with a group of colleagues to complete a task? What collaboration strategies were most effective?
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How would you deal with a disagreement about the timings of a construction project?
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Can you describe to me a situation you have dealt with which demonstrates your abilities to collaborate with a wide variety of people to deliver a high profile project?