Surveyor Interview Questions

The goal for a successful interview for a Surveyor is to assess their technical knowledge and expertise in surveying methods, equipment usage and data analysis, as well as evaluate their communication skills and ability to work with a team.

Situational interview questions

• You are working on a land survey project for a new development, and you have discovered some unexpected underground utilities. How would you go about resolving this issue and keeping the project on track?
• A client has requested a survey of a remote and difficult-to-access property. What steps would you take to ensure a thorough and accurate survey in these challenging circumstances?
• You have encountered a difficult boundary dispute between two neighboring properties that requires resolution. How would you approach this complex situation, while remaining impartial and respectful to all parties involved?
• While conducting a topographical survey, you have identified a significant environmental hazard that could impact the safety and ultimately the feasibility of a proposed project. How would you advise your client on appropriate action?
• You are working on a project that requires specialized knowledge and expertise beyond your usual skillset. How would you go about acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge, while still meeting the project deadlines and requirements?

Soft skills interview questions

• How do you handle conflicts or difficult situations when working in a team?
• Can you tell me about a time when you had to use your communication skills to solve a problem with a client or customer?
• How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple projects or assignments?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to unexpected changes in a project or work environment?
• How do you incorporate feedback from colleagues or clients to improve your work and personal development?

Role-specific interview questions

• Can you walk me through a recent project where you utilized advanced surveying technology to improve the accuracy of your measurements and results?
• Describe your experience with different types of surveying equipment, such as GPS, total stations, and digital levels. Which one do you prefer and why?
• Have you ever encountered discrepancies in survey data that required you to troubleshoot and find a solution before presenting your findings? If so, please give an example of how you handled the situation.
• What are some common challenges you face as a surveyor and how do you overcome them?
• Are you familiar with GIS software and how it integrates with surveying data? Can you explain a project where you used GIS to enhance the accuracy of your survey results?

STAR interview questions

1. Could you tell me about a situation when you had to conduct land surveys for a large construction project?

Situation: Conducting land surveys for a large construction project.

Task: Responsibilities included accurately surveying the land and ensuring all measurements were precise.

Action: Utilized state-of-the-art surveying equipment and techniques to gather accurate data and measurements.

Result: Successfully surveyed the land without any errors or miscalculations, which helped to establish a solid foundation for the construction project.

2. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult property owner during a surveying project?

Situation: Dealing with a difficult property owner during a surveying project.

Task: Responsibilities included effectively communicating with the property owner and resolving any disputes or conflicts.

Action: Initiated clear and concise communication with the property owner, listened to their concerns, and outlined possible solutions while adhering to the project’s overall requirements.

Result: Successfully resolved the conflict with the property owner, which helped the project to progress forwards with minimal delays and distractions.

3. Could you share an experience in which you had to conduct surveys in a particularly challenging terrain?

Situation: Conducting surveys in a particularly challenging terrain.

Task: Responsibilities included conducting surveys in a challenging environment while ensuring accurate measurements.

Action: Using specialized equipment, techniques and safety gear, we surveyed the challenging terrain cautiously, focusing on safety and accuracy.

Result: Successfully conducted the surveys without any safety incidents, proving that our team can work in various types of terrains.

4. Can you describe an occasion in which you had to manage a complex surveying project involving different stakeholders?

Situation: Managing a complex surveying project involving different stakeholders.

Task: Responsibilities included coordinating with multiple stakeholders effectively and achieving the envisioned goals.

Action: Created a detailed project plan that included timelines, identified key stakeholders, and provided clear communication and leadership throughout the project.

Result: Successfully completed the complex project within the established timeline and budget, which helped to establish the business’s reputation for successfully delivering complex surveying projects in the industry.

5. Have you ever employed innovative technology during a surveying project? Could you discuss its impact?

Situation: Employing innovative technology during a surveying project.

Task: Responsibilities included researching innovative technology, determining the best tech for the project and using it effectively to achieve the intended results.

Action: Researched the latest surveying technologies, identified the appropriate technology to use, implemented the tech during the project and determined its effectiveness.

Result: Successfully used innovative technology during the surveying project, which significantly improved results and data accuracy. The technology also improved efficiency, enabling the team to perform more surveying tasks in less time.