17 Planning Technician Interview Questions and Answers

As a planning technician, you’ll be responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating land-use plans, zoning maps, and other public records. This is a critical role in ensuring that communities have up-to-date information about the use of land in their jurisdiction.

If you’re looking for a job in planning, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll provide you with questions and answers that are commonly asked in interviews for planning technician jobs.

Are you comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders?

Interviewers may ask this question to gauge your ability to work with a variety of people. They want to know that you can collaborate and communicate effectively, even when working with individuals who have different opinions or approaches than you do. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to listen to others’ ideas and incorporate them into your own planning process.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders. I find it helpful to meet with all the relevant parties before beginning any project so we’re all on the same page about our goals and expectations. This helps me understand what everyone wants from the plan and how they expect it to be implemented. It also gives me an opportunity to explain my role in the process and learn more about their concerns.”

What are some of the most important skills for a planning technician?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to the job.

Example: “The most important skill for a planning technician is attention to detail. This is because I will be working with many different types of data that must be entered correctly into the system. Another important skill is communication. As a planning technician, I will often work with other professionals who are also involved in the development process. It’s important to me that I am able to clearly communicate my ideas and questions so that everyone understands what I’m doing.”

How would you deal with a situation where multiple departments have conflicting plans for a particular area?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to work with others and resolve conflicts. In your answer, try to highlight your communication skills and willingness to compromise.

Example: “In my experience, it’s common for multiple departments to have conflicting plans for the same area. I would first meet with all of the relevant parties to discuss their plans in more detail. Then, I would help each department understand why the other’s plan is better for the community as a whole. After that, I would create a new plan that combines elements from both sides. This way, everyone gets what they want while also creating a final product that benefits the entire community.”

What is your experience with GIS software?

GIS software is a common tool used by planners and technicians. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience with the specific software they use in their department. Before your interview, research the company’s website to find out what GIS software they use. In your answer, explain that you are familiar with the software and can easily learn it if needed.

Example: “I’ve been using ESRI ArcGIS for over five years now. I started my career as an intern at a local planning office where we used this software. I learned how to use it quickly and efficiently. Since then, I have continued to use this software in every job I’ve had.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified a problem with a plan and how you resolved it.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you resolve issues with plans. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to identify a problem, research the issue and develop solutions for it.

Example: “In my last position as a planning technician, I noticed that one of our clients was having trouble finding contractors who could complete their projects on time. After talking with the client, I learned they were looking for construction companies that offered discounts or lower rates for completing projects ahead of schedule. I used my knowledge of local businesses to find construction companies that offered these types of discounts. The client hired two new contractors based on my recommendations.”

If you had to choose one area of planning that interests you the most, what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to determine what your interests are and how they align with the job you’re interviewing for. It’s also an opportunity to show that you’ve done some research on the company and its needs. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about the role or department you’re applying to.

Example: “I’m most interested in urban planning because I love working with people and communities. I find it fascinating to see how we can create spaces that make people feel safe and happy. In my last position, I worked with a team of planners to develop a new city plan. We spent several months surveying residents and holding community meetings to get feedback on their ideas for the future of the city. The final product was amazing, and I learned so much from the experience.”

What would you do if you noticed a mistake in a plan that had already been approved and implemented?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and errors in your work. Your answer should show that you are willing to take responsibility for your mistakes, learn from them and correct them as quickly as possible.

Example: “If I noticed a mistake in a plan after it had already been approved and implemented, I would immediately report the error to my supervisor so they could address it with the appropriate parties. If I noticed an error before the plan was approved, I would make sure to communicate the issue to my supervisor so they could ensure the problem was addressed properly.”

How well do you handle criticism?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you react to constructive criticism. Since planning technicians often work with clients, employers may want to know that you can accept feedback and use it to improve your work. In your answer, try to show that you value the opinions of others and are willing to make changes when necessary.

Example: “I understand that I am not always going to get everything right on my first attempt. When someone gives me feedback about something I’ve done, I take it seriously and consider their opinion. If they have a good reason for why I should change something, I will do so as soon as possible. However, if I disagree with their feedback, I will explain why I think my approach is better.”

Do you have any experience working with zoning regulations?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with a specific type of planning. If you have relevant experience, share it in detail to show how you apply that knowledge to your work.

Example: “I worked for a small town where we had very few zoning regulations. However, I did learn about different types of zoning and how they affect development projects. In my current position, I’ve been working on several large-scale developments that require more complex zoning regulations. I’ve learned how to use software programs to create maps that illustrate which areas are zoned for certain uses.”

When planning for a new community, what is your process for determining the appropriate number of schools, parks and other public amenities?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your planning skills and how you apply them in the workplace. In your answer, describe a specific process for determining public amenities and explain why it’s important to consider factors like population growth when making these decisions.

Example: “When I’m working on a new community plan, I first determine what types of residents will live there. For example, if the community is going to be primarily residential, then I’ll need to plan for schools, parks and other public amenities that families would use. However, if the community is more commercial or industrial, then I might not need as many public amenities. I also take into account projected population growth when deciding how many amenities are needed.”

We want to ensure our plans are as environmentally friendly as possible. How would you go about researching the environmental impact of our proposals?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of environmental impact and how it relates to the work you do. Use examples from past projects where you researched the environmental impact of proposals or helped develop plans that were more environmentally friendly than others.

Example: “I have worked on several projects in the past where we had to research the environmental impact of our proposals. In one instance, I was working with a team who wanted to build a new shopping center. We did some research into what types of plants would be best for the area and found that certain species could help reduce carbon dioxide levels in the surrounding environment. The company ended up using those plants in their landscaping plan.”

Describe your experience with AutoCAD.

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program that many planners use to create maps and other documents. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using the software, which can help you get up to speed quickly if you’re hired. In your answer, explain what AutoCAD is and how much experience you have with it. If you don’t have any experience with AutoCAD, consider mentioning another similar program or CAD program you do know how to use.

Example: “I’ve been working in planning for five years now, and I’ve used AutoCAD since my first job as a planner technician. I’m very comfortable using AutoCAD to create maps and diagrams of different areas. I also understand how to use its features to edit existing documents and add new information.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to this position. Focus on highlighting these skills rather than listing every skill you have.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me an excellent candidate for this position. I also have experience working with GIS software and data management systems, so I know what it takes to work in this role. My background in urban planning has given me valuable insight into how to use data to solve problems within communities.”

Which industries do you hope to apply your planning skills to in the future?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your career goals and how you see yourself growing in this role. Your answer should include details about what excites you about planning technician work, including any specific skills or experiences that make you qualified for this position.

Example: “I’m excited to apply my organizational and problem-solving skills to this role because I think they’ll be especially helpful here. In my previous job as an administrative assistant, I helped plan events for a local nonprofit organization, which gave me valuable experience working with clients and vendors to create unique event spaces. I hope to use these skills to continue helping organizations plan successful events.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of communication for planning technicians?

Communication is an important skill for planning technicians to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of communication in your role and how it can affect your work. When answering, think about what skills you use most often when communicating with others. Try to choose a skill that relates to planning or working with data.

Example: “I believe listening is one of the most important aspects of communication. As a planning technician, I spend a lot of time gathering information from clients and other professionals. If I don’t listen carefully, I might miss something important. In my last position, I was working on a project where we needed to gather a lot of information. I made sure to take notes during all meetings so I could remember everything.”

How often do you update your skills and education?

Employers ask this question to see if you are committed to your career and how often you update your skills. They want to know that you will continue to learn new things about planning, mapping and other related fields. When answering this question, explain what steps you take to keep up with the latest developments in your field.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge of the industry. I have taken several online courses on GIS software and data collection methods. I also attend conferences where I can meet professionals who work in similar positions. I find these events to be a great way to network and learn from others.”

There is a conflict between two department heads over how to plan an area. How would you handle this situation?

An interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your conflict resolution skills. This is an important skill for planning technicians because they often work with other professionals who have different opinions about how to plan areas. Your answer should show that you can use your problem-solving and communication skills to resolve the conflict between two department heads.

Example: “I would first try to understand both sides of the argument. I would then explain my understanding of each side’s position, which helps them know that I am listening to their concerns. After hearing both sides, I would propose a compromise solution that meets the needs of both parties. If both department heads agree on the compromise, we can move forward with our plans.”