Questions to Ask Your Future Employer

How to Find the Best Fit for Your Future as a Project Engineer

You’re probably no newbie to interviews,—from part-time jobs during the school year, to internships in the summer—but we know that interviewing for a “career” can feel stressful. Trust us, we have all been there.

Though it may feel daunting to prepare for your future in this way, you should find comfort in knowing you are also in control. Remember, you are interviewing potential firms as much as those firms are interviewing potential employees. You should feel comfortable asking interviewers about firm culture, professional development, and benefits. To lend a helping hand, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask when you interview at a potential firm:

• How do you foster teamwork and integration for new hires?
• Does the company promote from within or tend to hire for upper level positions?
• What geographical regions does the company work? Is there much travel?
• What sort of continued education/teaching/training does the company provide?
• What is the base benefit package provided by the company?
• How would you explain the firm’s culture?
• What does the first five years for a Project Engineer look like?
• How is a project typically staffed?
• Does the company self-perform work? If so, what scopes?
• What construction types/markets does the company focus on?
• What type of clients do you pursue?
• What do you believe is the biggest draw for a Project Engineer to join your company?

Additional Tip: Be sure to research the company before your interview. If you know the names of the people interviewing you, spend some time researching who they are, their role in the firm, and their background. This can help build a list of specific questions directly related to the firm and their leaders. Plus, you will look extremely prepared.