FAQs: applying for graduate jobs in civil and structural engineering

How do I apply for graduate jobs in civil and structural engineering?

Most larger civil and structural engineering employers will ask you to apply for graduate jobs through an online application system. Many of these will take the format of an application form with questions to which you respond, while some employers provide an online environment in which you can submit a graduate CV.

For smaller employers, submitting a CV and covering letter is more typical. You are likely to be asked to send these by e-mail rather than through the post.

Any quick tips for filling in an online application form for a graduate engineering employer?

• Tailor your application to each employer you approach – make them feel that they are the employer you want to work for the most. Accidentally leaving a competitor’s name in your application will do you no favours.
• The questions on an application form are designed to find out whether you have the skills to make a successful civil or structural engineer – they’ll ask for examples. Don’t just use examples to your course – think about part-time work, work experience and your social life, too
• Answer all the questions on an application form, don’t leave blanks and don’t leave any fields half filled in.
• Structure long responses so that they are to the point and demonstrate well that you have the competences and skills the employer wants. Use headings and bullet points to order the information.
• Keep your writing style punchy and professional – don’t be too informal just because it’s online.
• Always, always, always check your spelling and grammar carefully before you send your application. Don’t just rely on your word processor’s spellchecker as it’s easy for the correctly spelt wrong word to slip through.

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What's your advice for writing a graduate CV for a civils job?

• Make sure that the basic facts about you (your degree, your work experience and what type of role you are applying for) can be easily found on your CV and covering letter. Recruiters don't have the time to go searching for the information.
• Make sure that you draw out your skills so that you sell your attributes to recruiters. Tailor these to the specific job and employer.
• Leave out fancy formatting that can be corrupted in e-mail transit.
• Your CV shouldn’t be longer than two pages and your covering letter longer than a page.
• Either attach the covering letter with your CV or write it within the main e-mail message window. Remember to include your contact details on the covering letter.
• Ditch your drdeath666@hell.com e-mail address and set up one that sounds more professional for all your job-hunting correspondence.

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What happens after I send my application in?

Civil and structural engineering recruiters will assess your initial application and decide whether they want to find out more about you. If so, you’re almost certain to start with an interview (in person or over the telephone) and this may be followed by an assessment centre, another interview or a technical interview.

Generally, the first stage of the selection process will be about checking you meet the basic requirements for the job or programme (that you have the right degree background and core competences) and that you are who you say you are. Some employers may ask you to do online aptitude tests when you apply, such as basic numeracy tests.

Assessment centres are now common in the construction industry. As a general rule, employers design their own assessment centres to match their selection criteria. They should let you know the schedule beforehand, which will give you opportunity to do some preparation. Typical components of assessment centres include group exercises, in-tray exercises, psychometric tests and presentations. They may also include a second interview, a panel interview and/or a technical interview, depending on the role you are applying for.

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What could I expect from a technical interview with a civil or structural engineering recruiter?

Civil and structural engineering recruiters use technical interviews to assess your fundamental engineering skills and to see how you approach problem solving. Technical interviews are normally a second interview or part of an assessment centre.

The typical starting point for a graduate technical interview is a discussion of academic project work. You may explore subjects from your degree that you are particularly interested in or are relevant to your chosen sector. You may be asked how you would tackle some broader civil or structural engineering problems or hypothetical situations.

Technical interviews are as much about communication as they are about giving correct answers to questions. Even if you are presented with an unfamiliar topic or subject area, have a go. Explain what further information you need, what you deduce are the key issues to follow up on and the logical steps you would take to getting the answer.

• Succeed at a technical interview for a civil and structural engineering job

What kind of psychometric tests should I expect?

Psychometric tests are becoming increasingly popular with engineering employers. You might face psychometric tests at two points in the recruitment process. Some employers include tests as part of their online application process (typically numerical and verbal reasoning tests). Others will ask you to sit them at an assessment centre. You might be asked to do both, so you should never, ever cheat and get another person to do an online test for you!

Get some practice so that you are familiar with the way questions are asked. Visit your university’s careers service to see if they run any practice sessions.

What skills do graduate engineers need in a civils job?

Planning and organisation
The ability to manage your own time and develop efficient processes is essential in a project-driven world. You will need to plan and prioritise your activities to keep work flowing so that projects can be completed on time and to budget.

Teamwork
Civil and structural engineers never work alone so you’ll need to be able to function in a group, build positive relationships with colleagues, share information and show respect for the views of others.

Communication skills – both written and verbal
Engineers need to be able to communicate with a range of people in different situations: pitching ideas to clients, preparing written presentations, and communicating with other construction professionals.

Flexibility
It’s common to work on multiple projects at the same time so you’ll need flexibility to switch from one to another. You’ll also need to adapt to the different schedules and pressures of individual projects.

Problem-solving ability and logical thinking
The whole nature of engineering is about solving problems. In the commercial world you will also have to consider ‘non-engineering’ variables such as cost and time constraints.

Commercial awareness
You need to keep your eye on profit margins and seize any opportunities to reduce costs.

What work experience do I need to improve my chances of getting a civils graduate job?

The best form of work experience is an internship or an industrial placement with a civil or structural engineering employer but any relevant experience will light up recruiters’ eyes. If you are unsuccessful in gaining an industrial placement, see whether you can work shadow a civil or structural engineering professional for a week or so.

Don't forget about your other experience, however. Recruiters want to see that you have the general skills needed to work with others in a commercial environment, so they will be impressed by any experience that is sold well, whether it’s part-time or summer bar work or volunteer work.

In your applications and at interviews, use examples from your work experience to demonstrate that you have the competences employers want. Show how you have made the most of your opportunities to develop skills that will complement your professional career.