What a civil engineer does
Australia's occupation list says civil engineers plan, design and oversee projects such as dams, bridges, pipelines and airports. The work includes:
- studying sites to judge whether a project is possible and what it needs
- doing calculations and writing design specifications
- reporting on environmental effects and checking projects meet the rules
- choosing construction methods, materials and quality standards
The US occupation database adds estimating quantities and costs, inspecting sites and managing construction. England's National Careers Service adds assessing risks and environmental impact, and working closely with clients.
Skills employers look for
England's National Careers Service lists skills including:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of building and construction
- maths knowledge
- design skills
- complex problem solving
- attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication
Registration and licences
Rules differ by country and state. Some examples, from each regulator or careers service:
- Canada: to practise engineering, you must hold a licence from an engineering regulator. Requirements vary by province or territory.
- Queensland, Australia: anyone providing professional engineering services must be registered as an RPEQ. The exceptions are working under an RPEQ's direct supervision, or to a prescriptive standard.
- United Kingdom: the National Careers Service says incorporated or chartered status can lead to roles with more responsibility.
In interviews, state your status exactly: graduate, registered, chartered or licensed. Never claim one you don't hold.
How the interviews usually work
You may meet a mix of these:
- A technical interview on design, materials, loads and site problems.
- A project walk-through, where you explain a design, a drawing or a decision.
- A site scenario, where you talk through what you'd do on the day.
- Behavioural questions about safety, deadlines, budgets and teamwork.
Ask what format to expect, and whether you can bring a portfolio or laptop.
Questions that test each skill
These are the kinds of questions that test each skill. They are examples, not a list from any one employer.
- Design: "Talk us through a design you worked on. What loads and limits did you consider?"
- Site judgement: "The builder wants to swap a material to save time. What do you do?"
- Safety: "Tell us about a time you raised a safety concern on site."
- Cost and time: "How have you kept a project on budget when costs rose?"
- Stakeholders: "Tell us about a time you explained a project to a client or the public."
- Sustainability: "How have you reduced waste or carbon in a design?"
What to prepare
- Choose two or three projects from work, study or placements.
- For each, write a one-page summary: the problem, your part, the numbers and the result.
- Revise the basics the ad names, such as structures, roads, water, drainage or a design code.
- Practise explaining a project to someone who isn't an engineer.
- Check you're allowed to share any work drawings. If not, describe them instead.
On a big project, explain the whole job in one line. Then focus on your part. Say "I" for what you did.
A worked answer for a civil role
Here is a made-up answer to a question that tests site judgement.
Made-up example
Hana, a made-up site engineer applying for a civil engineer job
Question
Situation
Task
Action
- I stopped work on that section and fenced it off.
- I photographed and measured the soft area, and took samples for testing.
- I called the design engineer with the facts, rather than guessing at a fix.
- We agreed to dig out the clay and replace it with compacted crushed rock, as the design allowed.
- I moved the crew to another section, so the day wasn't lost.
Result
Hana stops, gathers facts and brings in the designer. She protects safety and still keeps the job moving.
Questions
Do I need to be registered to work as a civil engineer?
It depends where you work. Canada requires a licence to practise engineering. Queensland requires registration, with some exceptions such as direct supervision. Check the regulator where you'll work.
Should I bring a portfolio?
If you can, yes. Bring short summaries of two or three projects. Check you're allowed to share any work drawings first.
How do I talk about a project run by a big team?
Explain the project in one line, then focus on your part. Say "I" for what you did and "we" for the team.
Sources
Written by Seal the Offer from these pages, last checked on . Rules change, so check the employer's own page and the job ad before you apply.