Urban and regional planners, also called city planners, develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth and revitalize physical facilities.
Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Analytical skills
- Decision-making skills
In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Urban & Regional Planner positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!
Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.
Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates
Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.
Analytical skills
Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:
Urban and regional planners analyze information and data from a variety of sources, such as market research studies, censuses, and environmental impact studies. They use statistical techniques and technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in their analyses to determine the significance of the data.
Communication skills
Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:
Urban and regional planners must be able to communicate clearly and effectively because they interact with colleagues and stakeholders, prepare research reports, give presentations, and meet with a wide variety of audiences, including public officials, interest groups, and community members.
Related: GIS Technician Interview Questions & Answers
Decision-making skills
Why interviewers are interested in your decision-making skills:
Urban and regional planners must weigh all possible planning options and combine analysis, creativity, and realism to choose the appropriate action or plan.
Leadership skills
Why interviewers are interested in your leadership skills:
Urban and regional planners must be able to manage projects, which may include overseeing tasks and planning assignments.
Learn more about leadership interview questions and how to answer them!
(source: bls.gov)
Urban & Regional Planner Job Interview Questions & Answers
During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:
- Employment history
- Skills and abilities
- Accomplishments
- Job qualifications
- Educational background
- Career goals
- Personality
Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.
Examples Of General Urban & Regional Planner Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- How would you describe yourself?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What interests you about this position?
- Walk me through your resume.
- What motivates you?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- Describe your work ethic.
- What is your greatest strength?
- How does your experience qualify you for this job?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
- What are your expectations for this position?
- What are your career goals?
- Why should we hire you?
- What did you like most about your last position?
- What did you like least about your last position?
- How do you handle stress?
- What is your greatest accomplishment?
Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!
Examples Of Specific Urban & Regional Planner Behavioral Interview Questions
Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.
- Describe the most challenging project you have worked on so far in your career. What made it such a challenge? How did you deal with it?
- Give me an example of how you determine if and how a new building or road may impact an area?
- What software do you use in your daily work? Are there specific programs you prefer? Why?
- How would you deal with a situation if you noticed corruption or fraud? What steps would you take?
- Tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict between stakeholders in a project you were working on.
- What skills do you think are essential for an urban or regional planner to succeed? Can you give me an example of how you use these skills in your work?
- Tell me about a time you took the lead on a project. How did you manage it to make sure all deadlines were met?
- Describe a time you had to gather information from multiples sources. How did you determine which information was relevant?
- Give me an example of the cities you have studied. Which impressed you the most? Why?
- What is your communication strategy to ensure that you present your plans in a clear and engaging way?
Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.