We are going to give a comprehensive guide on how to be ready and be successful on the civil engineering job interview after graduation as a civil engineer with technical and behavioral interview questions, tips in refining a resume and how to make your self-confidence higher than the day before the interview.
The moment someone completed a course in civil engineering, the next thing that could happen are the excitement and fear of entering the job market. Be it a site engineer job, a design job, or a government engineering post, it is a stiff competition and it is best to prepare before an interview.
Why civil engineering job interview preparation is vital to civil engineers
It is only the initial stage to have a degree. Understanding of the engineering principles: What recruiters want to see out of you is the ability to apply classroom learning to the jobsite and interact with engineers and other individuals in the field. One of the most important things to know is how to communicate effectively and how to handle real-world situations
When you are well-prepared, then you have a better chance of in job interview :
- Getting shortlisted
- Answering confidently
- Being the best at being a fresher
- Winning a better starter package
Review Fundamentals of Civil Engineering
What interviewers require freshers to know are the basic theoretical idea and how this idea can be applied in practice. Focus to Review on subjects:
- RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) Design
- Structural Analysis
- Soil Mechanics
- Building Materials
- Surveying and Levelling
- Hydraulics and Irrigation
- Highway Engineering
- Construction Technology
Sample Questions:
- What are the types of foundations?
- What is a cantilever beam?
- slump test of concrete.
- Can you mention the IS codes that you know?
Coming up with Solution to Common Technical civil engineering job interview Questions
These are some of the common technical questions that are asked in civil engineering job interviews:
What They are Testing
- What is M20 and what is M25 concrete? Mix design Knowledge
- What is Bar Bending Schedule (BBS)? Information on reinforcement planning
- How do you do the proportion of the cement and sand in plastering? Estimation skills
- What is the load bearing capabilities of soil? Geotechnical knowledge
- So, what are the types of beams used in construction? Structural understanding
Hint: Memorizing answers is not enough.We need to share experiences of the internships.
Read New IS Codes and Industry Standards
In interviews, IS (Indian Standards) codes are very good in India.
Systems of general nomenclature:
- Plain Concrete and Reinforced Concrete (IS 456:2000)
- Composition loading IS 875
- Steel Design – IS 800
- IS10262 Design Of Concrete Mix
- Water retaining structures IS 3370
It is worth noting that the interview will give you the chance to provide the codes of which you are aware. It portrays weight and solemnity.
Savvy Resume Writing for civil engineering job interview
A good resume gives a first impression. Express it in detail, concise and to a point.
Essential Sections:
- Contact Information
- Civil engineering specific career objective Career Objective (universal)
- Academic Qualifications
- Technical Aptitude (AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, MS Project etc.)
- Internships & Projects
- Certifications
- Achievements & Extra-Curriculars
Hint: Tailor every resume to a job. As an example, in resume application to the position of the site, you may desire to point out project implementation and AutoCAD skills.
Technical and Software skills during civil engineering job interview
The current civil designers are also expected to be familiar with the design tools as well as managing tools.
The software, which the freshers ought to become aware of:
- AutoCAD Drafting and planning
- STAAD Pro Structural analysis and design
- STAAD Pro Characteristics and functionality
- STAAD Pro Geometry and modelling
- STAAD Pro Program features More
- MS Excel-Quantity-Estimation, reports
- Primavera/MS Project optional Project planning
- BIM tools/Revit Microsoft RevitBIM
Tips: The fact that you know something basic can be an advantage. Put the certifications on the resume.
HR Drill Behavioral for civil engineering job interview Questions
Non-technical rounds are also not taken into account by some freshers and it is so important. Be ready to answer such questions as:
- Tell about yourself?
- Why do you want to pursue civil engineering?
- What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses to be?
- What do you do about on site pressures?
- Have you ever been forced to cooperate with a group of people?
Conduct a Research about interrogation of the Company prior to Interview
The employers welcome the candidates who are aware of the company. Again it is homework time!
- Class of projects (infrastructure, highways, residential)
- Company culture
- new award, recognition, or achievement
When you say this in the interview it is helpful. It tells the person that you have a genuine concern about the individual that you are looking after or taking care of
Look and talk like professionals
Even as a fresher, professionalism is an issue
Tips:
- Wear smart attires (shirt, trousers and well-polished shoes)
- Are of a diplomatic, self-confident, and understanding nature
- Focus on the questions
- Look at a person with your eyes
- Simply avoid these filler words like “umm” or “you know” and so on
- Communication skills are discussed quite often, especially, in the position of site, and the top is held by the coordination skills.
Mock civil engineering job Interview and Practice frequently.
One needs to do as much as one can. Consider:
- You can practise with your seniors or your friends
- Mirror methods
- Recording your audio and follow ups on it
- The interest in the training sessions at the placement Attending the training sessions at the placement
- Interviewing via Internet in the form of practice interviews
- Write down 20 to 30 questions and rehearse your answer. Pay attention to both technology and HR related questions.
In Sequence Preparation of Documentation:
Make sure that you have a folder containing the following:
- Up to date resume (2-3 copies)
- Passport-size photos
- Educational certificates
- Internship certificates
- ID Proof
Things Freshers Do Wrong and How to Prevent Them
- Mistake Solution
- Failure to revision core subjects Properly study major issues at least 2 weeks to interview
- Ugly resume design Neat one-page designs
- Lying out answers Tell the truth,ivenessid tax other people out of saying you will learn
- Poor communication Get into the habit of it; read out loud
- Not participating to soft skill Participate group conversation and leadership team activity
Site Visits/Internships: What You Know/Apply to Them:
When answering questions use your real life experiences in case you have worked as an intern.
Example:
What is the in-situ quality maintenance?
In my internship at XYZ Constructions, I was present when the quality check was done cube testing as well as the reinforcement during concrete pours.
Create LinkedIn profile and Internet presence Developing an Internet presence on LinkedIn is more a step toward developing a business presence online than actually building a LinkedIn profile. These two factors go together and indeed cannot be broken.
The managers usually look at your LinkedIn page before short-listing you.
Include:
- Photo, professional (professional)
- Summary (What do you want to do with your life as a Civil engineer)
- Research, projects, certifications and internships
- Skills (AutoCad, rcc design, estimation)
- Recommendations of teachers or advisers
- Follow the groups related to civil engineering careers, GATE and NHAI/CPWD news.
Be Prepared to the private and the government sectors
In interviews that are conducted by Government departments (such as PWD, NHAI, CPWD and SSC JE) there is a tendency that:
- Written tests
- Group discussions
- Panel interviews
The major topics of interest of the Private companies (L&T, Tata Projects, Shapoorji, etc.) lie:
- Technical HR interviews
- Exposure site management
- Software knowledge
Familiarize yourself with the job recruitment procedures of every industry so that you can familiarize yourself.
It comes down to confidence and preparation to be successful.
Getting ready to go to a civil engineering job interview after graduating college is all about knowing your strengths, reviewing the major concepts, and practicing how to do it.
The civil engineering career holds a lot of potentials. By building and having a positive attitude, and preparing to give your best effort you can successfully get your first employment and begin your career as a skilled professional.