20 WSP Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at WSP, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your skills, experience, and qualifications. But you may also be asked some company-specific interview questions.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some common WSP interview questions and answers. These questions will give you a better idea of what to expect during your interview and how to best showcase your skills and qualifications.

WSP Interview Process

The interview process at WSP can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally speaking, it is a fairly lengthy and difficult process. The first step is usually an initial phone screen with a recruiter, followed by one or more in-person interviews with members of the hiring team. These interviews can be quite challenging, as they often include behavioral and technical questions. Overall, the interview process at WSP is very competitive and can be quite stressful for perspective employees. However, those who are able to successfully navigate the process often find that it is a great place to work.

1. Why do you want to work at WSP?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate and their motivations. It can also be an opportunity for you to share what makes your company unique. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific that attracted you to WSP.

Example: “I want to work at WSP because of its commitment to innovation. I have read many articles about how WSP has been developing new products for years. This really impressed me because I am passionate about science and technology. I think working here would allow me to use my skills in a meaningful way.”

2. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working on a team project?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. Teamwork is a vital skill for any WSP professional, so it’s important that you can demonstrate how well you collaborate with others.

Example: “I think the most important thing when working on a team project is communication. It’s crucial to make sure everyone understands what their role is in the project and that they’re able to communicate with each other about any questions or concerns they have. I also think it’s important to be open-minded when collaborating with others. Sometimes there are different ways of doing things, and by being willing to listen to new ideas we can all learn from one another.”

3. Tell us about a time where you had to deal with an upset client, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle conflict. This is an important skill for a WSP because they often work with clients who are upset about their water quality or the services they’re receiving. Your answer should show that you can remain calm and solve problems effectively.

Example: “I once had a client call me in a panic because her pool was green. She wanted me to come out immediately, but I explained to her that it would be better if she waited until the next day so I could test the water myself. When I arrived at her house the next day, I found that there was nothing wrong with the pool. The problem was simply algae buildup from not being used during the summer.”

4. Give me some examples of things that set you apart from other candidates for this position.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time when you faced adversity or overcame a challenge. It can also be beneficial to discuss any unique skills that you have that could benefit the company.

Example: “I think one of my greatest strengths is my ability to work well under pressure. I’ve had many projects where I was given a deadline but needed to complete them without certain resources. In these situations, I learned to prioritize what tasks were most important and delegate some of the less urgent ones to other members of my team. This helped me meet all deadlines while still maintaining high-quality results.”

5. Can you tell me about a successful business decision you made recently and why you decided to make it?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s decision-making process and how they apply it in their daily work. It also allows you to see if they have any experience making decisions that impact large groups of people or projects.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project with several other designers when we realized we were going to be short on time for one aspect of the project. We had already completed most of our design work, so we couldn’t change much without starting over. Instead of scrapping the entire project, we decided to focus on the areas where we could make the biggest impact first and then complete the rest later. This allowed us to meet our deadline while still providing quality work.”

6. Do you have experience using computer-aided design programs? Which ones are you familiar with?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the technical skills necessary for this role. If you don’t have experience using CAD programs, consider mentioning other computer-aided design software you’ve used in previous roles.

Example: “I am familiar with AutoCAD and SolidWorks, but I also use Microsoft Visio quite often. In my last position, we used these three programs regularly to create designs and collaborate on projects. I’m confident that I can learn any new software needed for this role.”

7. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would lead a team of WSP professionals. Your leadership style is an important part of your overall professional development, so it’s important to be honest about what type of leader you are and how you’ve been successful in the past.

Example: “I believe that my leadership style is collaborative. I like to work with my team members to come up with solutions to problems or challenges we’re facing. I also think it’s important to delegate tasks when appropriate, which helps me focus on the most important aspects of projects. In my last role as a project manager, I found that this strategy helped me manage multiple projects at once while still maintaining quality results.”

8. Are you prepared to travel if needed for projects?

Working in the construction industry often requires traveling to different job sites. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for this aspect of the work. In your answer, explain that you understand the need to travel and how it fits into the role. Share that you have experience with this type of work.

Example: “I am prepared to travel if needed for projects. I know that working in construction means spending time on-site at various locations. I’ve worked as a carpenter for five years now, so I’m used to traveling to new places every day. I always arrive early to each site and leave late to ensure all my work is completed by the end of the day.”

9. Describe a time when you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and ability to persuade others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you were able to convince someone of something that was important to you or the company.

Example: “In my last role as a project manager, I had a team member who wasn’t meeting deadlines on several projects. I approached them about their performance and explained how it was affecting our department’s overall productivity. They understood but said they couldn’t meet the deadlines because of other commitments. I told them that if they could find a way to complete all of their work by the end of the week, I would give them a bonus at the end of the month.”

10. What kind of budgeting or cost estimating tools are you familiar with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with different tools and how you apply them to projects. Your answer should include a list of specific tools you’ve used in the past, along with what you like about each one.

Example: “I’m familiar with several cost estimating tools, including Microsoft Project, Primavera P6 and Oracle’s Enterprise Resource Planning system. I find that these tools are useful for creating budgets and tracking costs throughout the project lifecycle. However, I prefer using Microsoft Project because it allows me to create detailed timelines and organize my budgeting information into easy-to-read reports.”

11. What do you find most challenging about engineering?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you approach challenges. Your answer can also tell them about your personality, values and goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an example from your past that shows you overcame a challenge.

Example: “The most challenging part of engineering for me is when I have to work with clients who don’t understand what we do or why we do it. It’s important to me to educate my clients so they feel more comfortable with our process and confident in our abilities. In my last position, I had a client who was very skeptical of our team. I met with them multiple times before any project started to explain all of our processes and show them examples of our previous projects. By doing this, they were much more comfortable with our work.”

12. If you could build any structure in the world what would it be?

This question is a great way to see how you apply your skills and knowledge in the workplace. It also helps employers understand what types of projects you enjoy working on most. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific type of structure or building that you would like to create.

Example: “If I could build any structure in the world, I would want to design an amusement park for children with special needs. I have a niece who has cerebral palsy, so I know how important it is to provide her with fun places to play and interact with others. I think it would be amazing to create a place where she and other kids like her could go and feel included.”

13. When was the last time you worked on a large group project? How did you organize your responsibilities?

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to work with a team and manage multiple projects at once. Your answer should highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as an environmental engineer, I worked on several large group projects that required collaboration between different departments. For example, one of our company’s clients needed us to create a plan for their waste management system. My team and I divided up responsibilities based on our strengths and expertise. We also set weekly meetings to discuss our progress and make sure we were all on track.”

14. Tell me about a time when you helped a fellow engineer with a difficult problem.

This question can give the interviewer insight into your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Example: “When I first started working for my current employer, there was an issue with one of our projects. The client wanted us to change the color scheme of the website we were designing because they didn’t like it. My colleague who worked on the project wasn’t sure how to proceed, so he asked me for help. Together, we decided to meet with the client to discuss their concerns. We explained why changing the color scheme would be more costly than expected and offered to redesign only certain elements of the site. The client agreed, and we were able to complete the project without any further delays.”

15. Do you consider yourself a creative person?

This question is a great way to determine whether you are the right fit for this role. Employers ask this because they want someone who can be innovative and think outside of the box when it comes to their work. They also want someone who has an eye for detail, which is important in this position. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your creativity and attention to detail.

Example: “I definitely consider myself a creative person. I have always enjoyed art and design, so working as a web designer was a natural career choice for me. I am constantly thinking of new ways to improve my designs or create something unique that will help my clients. I also take pride in my attention to detail, which helps me ensure all of my work is done correctly.”

16. Do you prefer working independently or in groups?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your ability to work with others. Your answer should show that you are willing to collaborate and communicate with other team members.

Example: “I prefer working in groups because I find it easier to bounce ideas off of one another. However, I am also comfortable working independently if necessary. In my last role, I worked on a project where we had to create an ad campaign for a new product. My group was tasked with creating the slogan for the product. We all bounced ideas off each other until we came up with something that everyone liked.”

17. Have you ever used 3D modeling software for structural analysis?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the software and how you use it. If you have experience using 3D modeling software, explain what you used it for and if you had any challenges with the software or its application.

Example: “I’ve used 3D modeling software in my previous role as an engineer at a construction company. I was responsible for creating structural models that were accurate and detailed enough to be reviewed by senior engineers. The most challenging part of this process was learning how to use the software because there are so many different tools and functions within the program. However, once I learned how to navigate the software, it became much easier to complete projects.”

18. Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you have the ability to get to work on time. They also want to know that you can drive a company vehicle if necessary. If you do not have your own transportation, be honest about it and explain how you plan to get to work.

Example: “Yes, I do have my driver’s license. However, I live with my parents at the moment because I am in school. My parents are willing to drive me to work every day. When I graduate next year, I will move out and buy a car so I can commute to work.”

19. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and how they handle challenges. It also helps you understand what they’re passionate about, which can be an indicator of their career goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to focus on your personal growth from the experience and highlight any skills or knowledge that you gained as a result.

Example: “My biggest professional disappointment was when I didn’t get a promotion after my first year at my last job. At the time, I felt like I had done everything right and worked hard for the company. However, I later learned that there were other factors involved in the decision-making process. While I was disappointed at the time, I used it as motivation to work even harder and prove myself to my employer.”

20. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you helped a customer in an unexpected way or went above and beyond what was expected of you.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a client who called us multiple times with questions about their website. They were having trouble uploading new images and updating content on their site. After working with them over the phone, I realized they didn’t have any experience using websites. So, I offered to come into their office after hours to help them learn how to use their website.”