- Tell me about yourself.
- What’s your communication style?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Do you like to set goals when you work? …
- How do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional life?
- What are your biggest strength and weakness?
Public Works Director interview questions
What candidates say about the interview process at Department of Public Works
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Some what fair but more of who you knowShared on January 8, 2020 – Heavy Equipment Operator / Sweeper Equipment Operator – Jersey City, NJ
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As expected for a summer jobShared on May 30, 2017 – Summer Employee – Swampscott, MA
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The interview was pretty cool, it was basically a group interview. The supervisors were very hopeful because most of them were once in our shoes, doing the same job. My experience was an eye opener be…Shared on May 11, 2017 – Street Sweeper – San Francisco, CA
How candidates received their first interview at Department of Public Works
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At the City Hall Office. It was short and they made me feel welcome.Shared on January 10, 2019 – City of New Britain (Seasonal Worker) – New Britain, CT
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Over the phoneShared on August 30, 2018 – Summer Helper – Burlington, WI
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Great. I was hired for the position.Shared on February 25, 2018 – Contract Admin – Los Angeles, CA
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at Department of Public Works
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They have incompetent people at all levels of city, county, and state government. Please choose more competent people to do the hiring. We are paying these people in these positions with our tax dolla…Shared on October 9, 2020
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Be honest and keep focus on ur dream!!!Shared on January 31, 2020 – Sanitation Worker – Washington, DC
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Have knowledge about what ever position you are applying for and know that what ever position you apply for you are mentally and fiscally prepared to do the jobShared on November 14, 2019
Interviews for Top Jobs at LA County Department of Public Works
Civil Engineering Assistant Interview
I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at LA County Department of Public Works (Los Angeles, CA) in Nov 2019
Interview
It is 2 rounds interview. First round interview is easy and straight forward. Then, there will be an written exam if you pass the first round interview. Lastly, a final video interview will be held
- Why do you apply this job?
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.
This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience with public works projects and how you’ve handled them in the past. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention some of the more challenging aspects of working on public works projects and how you overcame those challenges.
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 can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they’re looking for in a public works director. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the most important qualities that are listed on your resume and how those relate to being a public works director.
Public works directors are responsible for implementing new programs and initiatives to improve the quality of life in their communities. This question helps employers understand your ability to implement change within a public works department. In your answer, describe how you would approach this project and what steps you would take to ensure it’s successful.
Example: “In my last position, I worked with a variety of public works programs including road maintenance, water treatment and recycling. In my role as public works director, I also oversaw construction projects for new roads and bridges. These projects required me to manage large teams of engineers, architects and construction workers. I was responsible for ensuring that all projects were completed on time and within budget.”
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.”
Sticking to the rules by yourself, working hard and not mind participating on basic tasks is a good answer.
This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. This is why you need to be utterly familiar with the job description as well as the company culture. Remember though, its best to back them up with actual examples of say, how you are a good team player.
Companies love it when you discuss how youve made an impact on your teammates, clients, or partners in the business or in school. It should be rewarding because of the hard work and creative process that youve put into it.
Describe the attributes you liked about your favorite manager, typically attributes discussed are: Great at coaching, inspiring, motivating, empowering, trusting, delegating, leading, etc.
Bad Answer: Candidates who are unable to answer the question, or give an answer that is far above market. Shows that they have not done research on the market rate, or have unreasonable expectations. Good answer: A number or range that falls within the market rate and matches their level of mastery of skills required to do the job.
FAQ
Why do you want to work in public works?
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
- Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? …
- How did you hear about this position? …
- What type of work environment do you prefer? …
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? …
- Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
What should I wear to a DPW 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%
What questions are asked in public relations interview?
- What excites you about the public relations industry?
- What’s your ideal work environment?
- Do you work well in team settings?
- What are your biggest strengths?
- What sources of media do you regularly follow and why?
