You’re an urban planner preparing for a video interview. What questions should you expect?

2 Showcase your skills

As an urban planner, you need to show that you have the skills and experience to plan, design, and manage urban environments. You might be asked to describe some of the projects that you have worked on, and explain your role, responsibilities, and achievements. For example, you could talk about how you conducted research, analysis, and consultation, how you developed and evaluated alternatives, how you communicated and collaborated with stakeholders, and how you implemented and monitored solutions. You should also highlight any relevant software, tools, or methods that you used or learned, such as GIS, CAD, or participatory planning.

3 Demonstrate your creativity

Urban planning is not only a technical field, but also a creative one. You need to have a vision and a passion for creating livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities. You might be asked to share some of the urban planning trends, challenges, or opportunities that you are interested in or inspired by. For example, you could discuss how you approach topics such as smart cities, climate change, social justice, or urban regeneration. You should also be prepared to showcase some of your creative work, such as sketches, maps, diagrams, or models. You could use screen sharing or a virtual background to display your work, or have a physical portfolio ready.

4 Express your personality

A video interview is not only an opportunity to show your skills and creativity, but also your personality. You want to convey that you are a professional, confident, and enthusiastic urban planner who can fit in the company culture and work well with others. You might be asked some behavioral or situational questions, such as how you handle stress, conflict, or feedback, how you work in a team or independently, or how you deal with ambiguity or change. You should use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer these questions, and provide specific and positive examples from your past experiences. You should also smile, make eye contact, and use a friendly and respectful tone.

5 Ask questions

At the end of your video interview, you will likely have a chance to ask some questions to the interviewer. This is a good way to show your interest and enthusiasm, and to learn more about the company, the role, and the project. You should prepare some questions in advance, and avoid asking anything that is too obvious or irrelevant. For example, you could ask about the expectations, goals, or challenges of the role, the work environment or culture of the company, or the timeline or scope of the project. You should also thank the interviewer for their time and attention, and follow up with a polite and professional email.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?