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1

Interviewing / Re: Why should we not hire you?

« on: August 26, 2010, 03:04:01 PM »

I too was asked this weird question during my last interview. I wasn't expecting such a reverse psychology-type of a questions so my response at the time was not all that impressive. Later I thought about it and I think this following response would have been more ideal for that situation"

"Well, you are not concerned with the long term growth of the company, then I would recommended that you go with someone else who will be less passionate and less dedicated than I intend to be. In reviewing this position, I find that the company needs someone who will be focussed to not just the immediate success of the company, but also one who recognizes the competitive nature of this industry and is willing to invest their time and skills for the long term development of the company. I believe that I am that person."

Slightly cocky, but I am sure it will get their attention.

Good luck. 

2

Design / Which one should I go with AutoCAD or Microstation?

« on: April 26, 2010, 04:39:00 PM »

I am a recent civil engineering graduate and since I can’t seem to get a job, I have decided to teach myself engineering design software.  From what I understand, the two big players in this Arena  AutoCAD and Microstation. So, my questions to those who have previously used these programs is the following:

1.   Which of the two design packages should I focus on; and
2.   is there a way to get free licenses since I don’t have a job.

Any further advice will be much appreciated.
Thank you.

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LEED / Re: Is LEED certification necessary for civil engineers?

« on: January 23, 2010, 03:25:51 PM »

The problem is not that LEED is if LEED is necessary or not. Like it or not, it is becoming to gold standard when it comes to building and sustainable construction. Clearly, we can’t argue that there has been an exponential growth in the green buildings sector, and this remarkable momentum, signified by the international success of the LEED rating systems, will not come to an end anytime soon. Companies that have adopted LEED building standards are currently reaping the benefits of the increased awareness. What remains is for us all to fulfill our duty as good corporate citizens to do the right thing and contribute toward a more sustainable model of the built environment.

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The Economy / Re: Have you lost your job? How are you surviving?

« on: November 24, 2009, 11:50:14 AM »

If you have lost your job, here is some inspiration. Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.

5

Educational / If you ever have your own company, surround yourself with knowledgeable people

« on: November 05, 2009, 12:53:37 PM »

• you want to have your own company and feel that you would serve yourself better if you had a management degree. If you however feel that you management qualities already, I don't think you should have to waste your time and efforts paying for the school. You are probably better off spending the energy to grow your company. Then you can hire accountants and lawyers to do the things you are not good at.

I like this point.
I totally agree with you. Why clutter your mind with general knowledge when you can hire people to do that for you.
I was able to find a story which summarizes this point very well.
Enjoy.

During the first world war, a Chicago newspaper published certain editorials in which, among other statements, Henry Ford was called "an ignorant pacifist." Mr Ford objected to the statements, and brought suit against the paper for libeling him. When the suit was tried in the courts, the attorneys for the paper pleaded justification, and placed Mr. Ford, himself, on the witness stand, for the purpose of proving to the jury that that he was ignorant. The attorneys asked Mr. Ford a great variety of questions, all of them intended to prove, by his own evidence that, while he might posses considerable specialized knowledge pertaining to the manufacture of automobiles, he was, in the main, ignorant.

Mr Ford was plied with such questions as the following: "Who was Benedict Arnold?" and "How many soldiers did the British send over to America to put down the rebellion of 1776?" In answer to the last question, Mr Ford replied, "I do not know the exact number of soldiers the British sent over, but I have heard that it was a considerably large number than ever went back."

Finally, Mr. Ford became tired of this line of questioning, and in reply to a particularly offensive question, he leaned over, pointed his finger at the lawyer who had asked the question and said, "If I should really want to answer the foolish question you have just asked, or any of the other questions you have been asking me, let me remind you that I have a row of electric push-buttons on my desk, and by pushing the right button, I can summon to my aid men who can answer any question I desire to ask concerning the business to which I am devoting most of my efforts. Now, will you kindly tell me, why I should clutter up my mind with general knowledge, for the purpose of being able to answer questions, when I have men around me who can supply any knowledge I require?

6

Career / Interviewing for an engineering job with a governmental organization

« on: October 05, 2009, 11:58:52 PM »

Today I had an interview with the FDOT for a project management position. This was my first interview with a governmental organization and I was caught completely off-guard by the interview style and procedures they used.
Typically, engineering interviews I have been involved in follow a similar format consisting of introductions, specific questions from your resume and your experience followed by a question-and-answer session.  Such is the kind of interview I prepared for only to be utterly surprised.
Well, the interview with FDOT followed a structured format which involved a list of preset questions perhaps used on all the interviewees.
What caught me off guard was the fact that the questions had nothing to do with my former experience but included hypothetical situational questions, the how-you-would-act-in-situation-X -given-constraints-A-B-or-C type of questions. These are the type of questions you would get in a customer service type of position.
So, next time you are interviewing be aware of this strategy which I assume is protocol for government engineering jobs.

Have you had to go through an engineering interview with the government?
What was your experience?
What types of questions were asked?