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​What Personal Attributes are you Presenting in Job Interviews?

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Whether you’re a project manager, engineer, or quantity surveyor, your CV will get you in the room—but it’s your attitude and presence that will help you land the role.

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At Aldwych Consulting, we’ve sat in on hundreds of interviews across the construction and engineering industries. While technical skill is essential, we see time and time again that personal attributes—how you come across in the interview—can be the deciding factor.

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Here are the key qualities employers look for and how to show them in your next interview:

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1. Positivity

Construction and engineering projects are complex, fast-paced, and often unpredictable. Employers want someone who brings energy and a “can-do” mindset to the team.

​How to show it:​

· Talk about challenges you’ve overcome and what you learned.

· Smile and maintain open body language.

· Avoid negativity—especially about past employers.

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2. Passion for the Industry

Hiring managers are drawn to candidates who genuinely care about the work. Whether it’s infrastructure, residential development, or building services, show that you’re excited by your field.

​How to show it:​

· Share what attracted you to the industry or the role.

· Mention recent projects that inspired you.

· Keep up to date with industry news and trends.

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3. Reliability and Ownership

In construction and engineering, small mistakes can have big consequences. Employers want to know they can trust you to take responsibility and follow through.

​How to show it:​

· Give examples of when you owned a task or resolved an issue without being asked.

· Use phrases like “I took the lead on…” or “I made sure we delivered…”

· Highlight your punctuality, planning, or attention to detail.

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4. Team Spirit

Even technical roles are collaborative in this sector. Whether you’re on-site or in the office, your ability to work well with others matters.

How to show it:

· Talk about how you’ve supported colleagues or worked across teams.

· Use “we” as well as “I” when describing project success.

· Mention specific communication tools or styles that work well for you.

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5. Adaptability

Projects change. Clients change. Site conditions change. Employers want people who don’t panic but adapt and move forward.

​How to show it:​

· Share a story where things didn’t go to plan—and how you stayed solution-focused.

· Emphasise your willingness to learn new tools or methods.

· Mention any cross-functional experience or fast-paced environments.

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6. Professionalism

You don’t have to wear a suit to show you’re serious. Being prepared, respectful, and engaged in the process speaks volumes.

How to show it:

· Turn up on time, do your research, and ask thoughtful questions.

· Follow up with a thank-you note or email.

· Speak clearly and avoid slang or overly casual language.

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The best candidates don’t just list their experience—they bring it to life with energy, humility, and self-awareness. The technical boxes might already be ticked; the interview is your chance to show you’re someone the team wants to work with.

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At Aldwych Consulting, we don’t just match CVs to jobs—we match people to teams. If you’re preparing for an interview in the construction or engineering sector, we’d be happy to help you show off your best self!