You’re preparing for a transportation planning interview. What questions should you be ready to answer?

1 Your background and motivation

The first thing the interviewer will want to know is why you chose transportation planning as a career and what you have done to develop your expertise. Be ready to explain your educational background, your relevant work experience, and any projects or publications that showcase your skills. Highlight your achievements and the impact of your work, but also be honest about your challenges and how you overcame them. Show your enthusiasm and curiosity for the field, and how you keep up with the latest trends and innovations.

2 Your technical skills and tools

The interviewer will also assess your technical skills and knowledge of the tools and methods used in transportation planning. You might be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in using software like ArcGIS, TransCAD, VISSIM, or Synchro, or to perform calculations or analyses related to traffic flow, demand modeling, network optimization, or safety assessment. Be prepared to explain the steps, assumptions, and data sources you use, and how you interpret and present the results. If possible, bring some samples of your work or a portfolio to show your work quality and style.

3 Your approach and principles

Another important aspect of the interview is how you approach transportation planning problems and what principles guide your decisions. You might be asked to describe how you define the scope, objectives, and criteria of a transportation planning project, how you collect and use data, how you engage with stakeholders and the public, how you evaluate alternatives and trade-offs, and how you monitor and evaluate the outcomes. Be ready to show your critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, and how you align your solutions with the goals and values of the organization and the community.

4 Your knowledge and perspective

The interviewer will also want to know how well you understand the context and the challenges of transportation planning in different settings and scenarios. You might be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of the current and emerging issues, trends, and policies that affect transportation planning, such as climate change, equity, accessibility, technology, or land use. You might also be asked to provide your perspective or opinion on a specific topic or case study, such as a controversial project, a best practice, or a future vision. Be ready to show your awareness and insight, and to support your arguments with evidence and examples.

5 Your questions and expectations

The last part of the interview is your opportunity to ask questions and express your expectations about the job and the organization. This is a chance to show your interest and enthusiasm, and to learn more about the culture, the team, and the projects you might be involved in. Ask relevant and thoughtful questions that reflect your research and your goals, such as what are the main priorities or challenges of the department, what are the typical tasks or responsibilities of the position, what are the opportunities for learning or growth, or what are the values or norms of the organization. Be clear and realistic about your expectations, and show your willingness and flexibility to adapt and contribute.

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?