I applied through university. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Hensel Phelps (Irvine, CA) in Apr 2015
Interview
I first applied online in January and received a rejection 2 weeks later. In March, Hensel Phelps was coming to my school to have an information session. I was contacted approx. 4 weeks later for a first round interview at their San Diego office. The interview consisted of 3 separate 15 minute interviews with Project Manager, Superintendent, and finally Operations Manager. Very straightforward. Hiring process was quick from then on. I was invited 2 days after the first interview for a second interview at the district headquarters in Irvine, CA. There was about 16 interviewees from different backgrounds. We were all given a schedule of what room to be in at what time and who our interviewers were. This stage consisted of another 3 separate interviews as well. It followed a "speed-dating" format. Received an offer a week later.
Straightforward questions. Interview was very conversational and was more or less driven by how you frame your qualifications and what you want to highlight that would make you a more desirable candidate. They really wanted to make sure I was a good fit based on my personality, work ethic, and motivation.
Advice: BE YOURSELF and have a genuine conversation.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
You are the chief of police for a large metropolitan area. Your men has apprehended a man who has claimed he planted a bomb in a highly populated area in the city. You have one hour, what do you do?
If you were to interrogate the terrorist, where would you draw the line?
I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Hensel Phelps (Irvine, CA)
Interview
Round Robin type interviews. So mentally prepare to do about 4~5 interviews over a few hours. Some interviewers felt almost identical but some really wanted to get to know you and hear your career story.
I attended the career fair and was able to secure a next-day interview. I had an hour-long interview where I was asked questions about myself and my experience, and I was able to ask multiple questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you solve a problem when two trades are clashing?
I applied online. I interviewed at Hensel Phelps (Phoenix, AZ) in Sept 2025
Interview
Good during process but, not good communication on a yes or no. This is not a good sign. Didn't bother to give me a generic sorry we won't be pursuing you.