Public Works Director interview questions
Interviews for Top Jobs at LA County Department of Public Works
Civil Intern Interview
I interviewed at LA County Department of Public Works
Interview
Friendly HR department, interview has 2 steps, once you get the passing score from the HR department each department will call you and you will be interviewed by the supervisor.
- Wy do you want to work in the public sector?
Student Worker Interview
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at LA County Department of Public Works (Alhambra, CA) in Feb 2018
Interview
I feel like they’ll take any student and the interview is just a formality. Questions weren’t difficult to answer and they basically explain to you what your responsibilities will be.
- What traits do you think are important to have in the workplace?
Mechanical Engineering Assistant Interview
I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at LA County Department of Public Works
Interview
The hiring process is longer than most companies because it is a government job. So, you have the typical 1st interview (test) to place you in a list of candidates. Then you move on to 2nd interviews with the team that you will be working on.Both interviews were not bad. The first interview is more of a test to test your knowledge on certain areas of mechanical engineering that the department deals with. The rest are behavioral questions.The second interview was about my experience and how my experience fits with the job description in the team.Both processes were smooth and fast, the engineers that interviewed me were respectful, nice and fair. HR was also very helpful throughout the process.I ended up declining the offer because I was making more at my company at the time. For entry level, the County does not negotiate a higher salary, according to HR.
- Tell me what you know about one of the following three engineering topics: HVAC, hydronic design, and thermal and fluid design.
To help you prepare for a Department Of Public Works job interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.
In public works, there are a variety of areas in which you can work, including public recreational areas such as parks and green spaces. Public works can also include the care of community centers and government-owned building. Transport infrastructure and roads are often considered public works as well. In addition to these, public services such as water supply, sewage treatment, and electrical grids fall under the umbrella of the public works. The interviewer would like to know, aside from the role to which you have applied, what other areas of public works catch your attention. Discuss any other interests that you have.
“I have a variety of interests and, aside from this position, would be happy to learn more about water supply and treatment. I believe that water supply is one of the most important services we can provide to the public. Its important to me that I understand how water treatment processes work.”
“Although my primary interest is in the landscaping and beautification of public spaces such as parks and green spaces, I do have an interest in roads and infrastructure. If there were an opportunity to learn about other public works services at Department Of Public Works I would choose roads and bridges. Its fascinating to me how the city comes to decisions on road expansions and more.”
Public works projects often require the cooperation of many different departments and individuals. Employers ask this question to make sure you have good interpersonal skills. Use your answer to show that you are a team player who is willing to collaborate with others. Explain how you plan projects with input from other departments.
Public works directors often need to give presentations and write reports. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills needed for these tasks. In your answer, share a time when you gave a presentation or wrote a report. Explain how you prepared for it and what you learned from the experience.
This question gives you the opportunity to show your interest in the position and ask any questions you may have. When preparing for an interview, it can be helpful to think of a few questions that you would like to ask about the role or organization. This shows the employer that you are serious about the job and prepared to take on the responsibilities.
Example: “I am very open to collaborating with others on public works projects. I believe it’s important to get input from all relevant parties before making decisions. In my last role, we had several meetings where we discussed our plans for new infrastructure. We invited representatives from each department to discuss their needs and concerns. This helped us create a more comprehensive plan.”
The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the CIS, a database that public works professionals use to record information about projects and tasks. If you are not familiar with the system, explain why you would like to learn more about it and how you plan to do so.
FAQ
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What attracted you to our company?
- Tell me about your strengths.
- Tell me about your strengths.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?
Why do you want to work for public works?
How do you answer the question why do you want to work for our department?
- Express your personal passion for the employer’s product/service/mission.
- Explain why you would enjoy the responsibilities of the role.
- Describe how you can see yourself succeeding in the role, given your skills and experience.
How should I dress for a public works interview?
- Business casual (e.g. dress slacks)42%
- They didn’t have a dress code19%
- Formal (business suit)17%
- Special outfit (e.g. protective gear)12%
- Casual (t-shirt and jeans)10%
