In my experience, I have had the opportunity to talk to many companies typically Construction companies which are always actively looking for employees. The market for Construction Project Engineers is at a good level for us graduating I signed my job Offer about 6 months ago now with Turner Construction based in Portland! An interview is not only for the employer to get to know you but it is as well where you find out more about the company and the general job description you are applying for.
I have had many good and bad interviews yet the worst of them all was a construction company 2 years ago which did not let me speak my mind. It started like any other interview with introductions and a quick look into what their company is like, there were 7 of them dressed in business casual. I had just gotten out of a midterm and rushed to get to the interview, when I walked I said hello to everyone but only 2 of them responded kindly. In the next hour, I would be criticized for not wearing proper attire for an interview and many other things.
My best interview was with Turner, they were kind and genuinely wanted to know about my life story. It was a round-robin interview which gave me the chance to speak to 5 of their employees 1 on 1 for 20 minutes, it ended up not being enough time. there were some technical questions yet I never felt pressured to get it right, they just wanted to see my thought process and how well I can explain my actions. It was highly interactive and entertaining for both parties.
Overall I would recommend trying and getting to know each other as much as you can in 5 minutes haha, it’s very hard but it is doable if both the employer and candidates are open to talking with each other. It shouldn’t feel like a test but more of a laid-back assessment where skills can be shown. In the end, as the videos said it is important to be kind yet ask all the important questions needed. I would recommend to employers having a hard time getting the candidates they want to show off their company culture, many people look for that sort of thing and if it does not resonate with them that’s fine but it is still the best way for someone to know how your company runs the business.
