Can you give an example of a particularly challenging surveying issue you encountered and how you resolved it?

Construction Surveyor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

Oh sure, I do remember this one job while I was doing my training. We were tasked with surveying land for a shopping center. Stuff wasn't adding up. My mentor was not around that day. I had to use the total station and GPS system to redo the entire survey. Once done, I found a discrepancy in the earlier measurements. I validated my findings with my mentor the next day, and we alerted the project manager. The issue was resolved, and the project continued smoothly.

A more solid answer

Absolutely, I recall an experience that occurred during my internship. We were surveying for a new shopping mall, the measurements seemed inconsistent. I decided to take the initiative, given my mentor wasn't available that day. I leveraged both the total station and GPS to reassess the survey. To ensure accuracy, I repeated the process thrice. Marginal deviations were found, indicative of errors in the first survey. Post getting these validated from my mentor the next day, we informed the project manager. The new measurements not only detected the error, but they helped sort potential construction issues before they occurred. This incident truly honed my problem-solving and accuracy skills.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This answer is better than the basic answer because it details the steps taken to identify and fix the discrepancy. The candidate demonstrates their attention to detail by repeating the survey three times and their problem-solving abilities by finding the initial error. However, there is no mention of teamwork or time management skills.

An exceptional answer

Certainly. During my internship, we were surveying an area for an upcoming commercial development. During the process, I discerned inconsistencies between numeric data we gathered with our total station and the resultant CAD depiction. Sensing something amiss, I meticulously scrutinied every step, from instrument calibrations to data transference. Realizing the anomaly originated from an incorrectly set contour interval in our CAD software, I reestablished it properly and verified the outcome by re-surveying select data points. Variances detected earlier were absent now, affirming the resolution. Even though this meticulous process was quite time-consuming and difficult to manage alongside my regular work, I managed to complete it without disrupting my daily duties. Additionally, communicating this issue transparently with my team and mentor ensured everyone stayed informed, fostering better teamwork. This experience thoroughly sharpened my analytical skills and instilled a strong attention to detail, both crucial attributes for a surveyor.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This response is excellent as it provides detailed and concrete examples of problem-solving, attention to detail, and analytical skills. This answer also showcases their ability to balance their time effectively and keep everyone informed, thus demonstrating good communication and teamwork skills.

How to prepare for this question

Be prepared to discuss specific incidents where you used your problem-solving and analytical skills.
Think of examples showcasing your attention to detail.
Provide instances where you had to manage your time and work with a team to solve complex issues.
Explain how you used technology and CAD tools in solving surveying problems.
Describe how your communication contributed positively in a challenging situation.

What interviewers are evaluating

Attention to detail
Problem-solving abilities
Analytical skills
Time management