At Calibre Search, we get it—interviews can feel like navigating a roundabout with no exit signs. But don’t worry; we’re here to confidently help you cruise straight into your next highway engineering role. Whether a seasoned pro or fresh out of university, these tips will help you impress even the most challenging interview panels.

1. Research the Company Like You Mean It

You wouldn’t start a project without surveying the site first. The same goes for interviews. Find out what projects the company is proud of. Are they all about smart motorways, sustainable transport, or significant urban developments? Mention these in your interview to show you’re genuinely interested—not just applying to every job you see.

Pro Tip: Instead of saying, "I want to work here because you’re a great company," try: "I was impressed by your work on the M62 smart motorway upgrade, especially how you integrated sustainable drainage solutions. I’d love to bring my experience in traffic flow optimisation to projects like this."

2. Know the Role Inside Out

Don’t just skim the job description. Dive deep. Spot the key skills they’re after—DMRB standards, traffic modelling, Civil 3D, MicroStation. Think of projects where you’ve used these skills. This isn’t the time for vague answers—be specific, detailed, and memorable.

Example: Instead of, "I have experience with traffic modelling," say: "In my previous role, I used PTV Vissim to model traffic patterns for a busy urban junction. I identified bottlenecks and proposed signal timing adjustments that reduced congestion by 18%."

3. Talk Tech, But Keep It Real

Highway engineering is technical, but your interview mustn’t be a data dump. Explain your work like talking to a wise friend—straightforward, confident, and engaging. Highlight the impact of your work. Did you improve traffic flow? Cut costs? Save the day? (Okay, maybe not the last one. But if you did, definitely mention it.)

Pro Tip: Connect the technical with real-world impact: "I designed a new roundabout layout using AutoCAD Civil 3D, which improved traffic flow and reduced accident rates by 12% in the first year."

4. Storytelling Isn’t Just for Kids

Competency-based questions? They’re just storytime for adults—without the bedtime part. Use the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the scene.
• Task: What was your role?
• Action: What did you do?
• Result: What happened because of your actions?

Example: "During a major road resurfacing project (Situation), I was responsible for ensuring compliance with new drainage regulations (Task). I worked with the design team to revise the layout, did site inspections, and provided feedback (Action). As a result, we met compliance ahead of schedule, avoiding fines and cutting costs by 10% (Result)."

5. Don’t Forget Your Soft Skills

Yes, technical skills matter. But so do soft skills. Employers want engineers who can communicate, lead teams, and work with stakeholders because even the best designs need someone who can explain them without putting people to sleep.

Example: "In a stakeholder meeting about a bypass project, I explained complex traffic modelling results to non-technical council members. I used simple visuals and analogies, which helped secure their approval for the design."

6. Ask Questions That Don’t Put Them to Sleep

Interviews aren’t interrogations—they’re conversations. Show you’re engaged with questions like:

• "What’s the most exciting project your team is working on now?"
• "How does the company support continuous professional development?"
• "What challenges is the team currently facing, and how could I help?"

7. Safety and Sustainability: Big Deals, Don’t Skip Them

Health, safety, and sustainability are massive in highway engineering. Be ready to talk about:

• How do you ensure safety in designs and on-site work
• Your approach to sustainability
• Experience with risk assessments or environmental strategies

Example: "In a recent project, I integrated sustainable materials into pavement design, cutting the carbon footprint by 15%. I also conducted risk assessments to ensure site safety during construction."

8. Dress the Part (Even on Zoom)

First impressions matter. Dress professionally, whether it’s in-person or virtual. For online interviews, check your tech and make sure your background doesn’t scream "laundry day." And yes, even if it’s a Zoom call—no one wants to see your Star Wars pyjama bottoms. (Unless it’s a Star Wars-themed highway project, then maybe.)

9. Follow Up Like a Pro

After the interview, send a short, polite follow-up email. Thank them, mention something specific you discussed, and express your excitement.

Example: "Thank you for the insightful conversation about the A14 improvement project. Our discussion about sustainable transport solutions resonated with me, and I’m excited about possibly contributing to your team."

Final Thoughts

At Calibre Search, we’re here to help highway engineers like you find roles where you can thrive. Prepare well, be authentic, and showcase your technical skills and personality.

Ready to land that role? Contact Calibre Search today, and let's get your career in the fast lane—no speed limits on success here.