Start the interview with a pleasant smile.
Always remember to give a firm handshake. If there are women in your interview panel, wait for the other person to extend the hand while shaking hands.
Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying
Stress on what you can contribute to the organization.
Remember that the employer is in control of the interview
Don't be too long-winded – say what you want to convey in crisp sentences and use terms that would convey your job & achievements.
Complete your sentences - don't answer just yes or no
What you don't know can be learned – tell them if you don't know something. But give instances of how quick a learner you are.
Do not boast. People on the other side are shrewd and can generally see through you. At the same time talk about achievements giving due credit to others.
When talking about yourself and your aspirations, do not sound vague or do not say that you don't know something. You should be very clear and precise about what you want to do, where you want to go etc.
If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification, don't answer vaguely.
Don't talk about your personal problems, why you need the job etc
Don't get personal – even if you know the interviewer personally
Don't be overconfident or too nervous
Don't badmouth your previous employer - you could do the same in the case of the prospective customer
Don't complain about politics, a bad boss or a poor salary - your reasons for change should be higher responsibilities, location etc.
If the interviewer is interrupted during the course of the interview, don't pick up papers on his/her desk and read them
Don't ask about salary before the offer is made
Strike a balance between what you actually are and what you want to be – don't paint a picture of yourself as somebody who is not concerned about money, social status etc.
Don't be in a hurry to complete the interview
Ask questions at the end of the interview – it could be about the company, the job or the next stage of the interview process. It will be an indicator of your interest in the position
Send a thank-you letter – outlining your interest in the job and why you are qualified for it
here are some typical questions you will be asked in a tuogh interview.
Q. Tell me about a task that really tested your analytical abilities as a civil engineer?
A. Effectively manages himself with reason and logic in resolving daily coding problems.
Q. Can you tell me about a situation where your analysis of a problem was deemed to be incorrect? Today what would you have done differently?
A. You have character to admit mistakes. More importantly, you learn from your mistakes and have become a stronger more analytical chemical engineer because of this?
Q. Describe how you handle complicated civil engineering problems, which contain a degree of vagueness and confusing data. Do you enjoy it?
A. Relishes complex problems, can master minute detail and ambiguous data and transform it into clear precise plans and flow charts. Give a few examples of this.
Q. Tell me about a time when you were unhappy with a segment of analysis complied by one of your senior colleagues. What action did you take?
A. You demand high analytical standards for all work done in your section, you pushed others to improve their standards by instructing them directly, if necessary.
Q. Do you always double-check your work? Tell me about a time when you didn't.
A. Is aware of quality processes and always tries to deliver flawless work.
Q. Tell me about an assignment that really stretched your attention to detail. What advice would you give somebody who has to do a similar job?
A. Knows that attention to detail in vital for quality output, may find it difficult but always perseveres to the end.
Q. During the working day as a civil engineer how do you decide what work to prioritize?
A. Is responsible and sensible enough to be able to be able to prioritize your tasks? Is sufficiently focused to get to the core point of any issue, Can also do this whilst under pressure?
Q. When you have an important structural type problem to solve, how do you decide what information is essential to making an informed decision?
A. Capable of deciding what data is important and what is not in making an informed decision; will also seek informed help and expertise to bring about a successful conclusion?
Q. Tell me about a project that really extended your powers as a civil engineer? Could you have pushed yourself further?
A. Illustrate your ability to think logically and imaginatively about problems; you expend great energy and imagination when completing projects.
Q. Tell me about one case when you tried to solve a problem with a totally new different approach than is normally used. What was the result?
A. Ready to solve problems in a different manner and ready to handle situations with innovative thinking. Is able to create new opportunities and procedures even out of problems
Q. What do you do when circumstances at work make you feel tense and pressurized?
A. Displays maturity and an optimistic attitude.
Q. Describe the last time when you were in a high-pressure situation?
A. Give detailed examples of a project where you performed effectively while under great pressure and a tight deadline; sure pressure inspires you.
Q. What steps do you take after you have isolated the cause of a problem? Give me a specific example.
A. Displays strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Q. Tell me about a recent solution you came up with which failed to solve the problem. What did you learn from this experience?
A. Has the character and honesty to own up to past failures. Get views of peers with relevant expertise and knowledge before implementing any solution.
Q. How do you keep up to date with recent developments in your field as a civil engineer?
A. Keeps up to date with the latest developments in his industry through seminars, industry newsletters, professional organizations, research papers and networking throughout the industry
Q. What is your approach to managing large civil engineering projects?
A. Give them an example which shows your ability to anticipate and resolve issues, as a direct result of being able to organize your project into manageable modules.
Q. When you were part of a very successful team, what in your opinion, were the reasons for its success?
A. You recognize the importance of a shared purpose, whereby everyone is prepared to collaborate and pool his or her resources.
Q. When you have worked on a team, as a crucial member, what was your role? In what way was this team effort different or similar to working on your own?
A. Give examples which show you have the capacity to work both as a team member and as an individual.
Q. Tell me about a time when your team working skills failed. What did you do about it?
A. You know that effective and strong team working is vital for the company to succeed, you are continually trying to improve your team working and cooperative skills.
Q. How could your work performance be improved by incorporating new technical knowledge and developments? Give me an example.
A. Show an eagerness and willingness to push for new technical training and to implement this new knowledge into work practices.
Q. Give me an example of a recent assignment, which involved learning a new technical skill.
A. Show a willingness to learn and progress, by learning and implementing new knowledge and programming skills.
Q. Tell me about a time when it was necessary for you to communicate technical information, clearly, to non-technical colleagues. Did you find it difficult?
A. Explain how you can communicate complex technological information succinctly and clearly, by adapting it to your audience.
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