DayShift / Job descriptions / Civil engineer

Civil engineer job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume

Applying for civil engineer at a construction firm or consultancy? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.

Duties to write on your resume

Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.

• Prepared structural and site drawings using AutoCAD and followed approved plans
• Computed material quantities and prepared bills of quantities for projects
• Inspected construction work on site and checked it matched specifications and standards
• Monitored daily progress and reported delays and problems to the project manager
• Coordinated with foremen, subcontractors and suppliers to keep work on schedule
• Checked concrete, rebar and other materials before they were used on site
• Wrote site reports, inspection records and as-built documents
• Followed site safety rules and helped keep the work area safe for workers

A resume objective you can adapt

Licensed civil engineer with site and AutoCAD experience, looking for a role where I can support project design and construction work and grow with a strong team.

Skills employers ask for

• Reading and preparing plans and drawings
• Using AutoCAD and Excel
• Estimating materials and quantities
• Solving problems on site quickly
• Writing clear reports and working with a team

What the interview asks

1. Tell me about a project you worked on. What was your part? Name the project type, your tasks and one problem you solved.
2. How do you check that work on site follows the plans? Explain how you compare the work to drawings and record any difference.
3. What would you do if a worker was not following safety rules? Stop the work, explain the risk and report it to your supervisor.
4. What would you do if materials arrived late and delayed the work? Say you would tell your manager, talk to the supplier and adjust the schedule.

The questions every interview asks, with sample answers

How to get hired

1. Finish a degree in civil engineering, which is what most posts ask for.
2. Pass the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination to get your PRC licence, which working as a civil engineer needs.
3. Prepare a resume, valid ID, NBI clearance and your government numbers such as SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and TIN.
4. Apply on job sites or directly to firms, and bring your PRC licence and school records to the interview.
5. Expect a technical interview and sometimes a short skills test.

Licence or certificate

• Working as a civil engineer needs a PRC licence: pass the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination, which asks for a degree in civil engineering. Source

What the work is like

You split your time between the office and the construction site. Weather, tight deadlines and changes to the plans are the hard part.

Use the civil engineer resume template

Questions

Do I need experience to work as a civil engineer?

Not always. Many firms hire fresh licensed graduates and train them under senior engineers.

What should I study to become a civil engineer?

You need a degree in civil engineering. It is also what the licensure exam asks for.

Do civil engineers only work on site?

No. Some work in the office on design and estimates, and many do both.

Similar jobs

• Project engineer
• Architect
• Quantity surveyor
• Project manager
• Safety officer

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