The Top 32 GIS Interview Questions You Should Know Before Your Next Interview
Interviews are an important part of the job application process. Geographic information system candidates should prepare for interview questions based on their education, experience, and training. A comprehensive preparation assures a smooth interview and, preferably, a job offer. We describe geographic information systems and explore how to prepare for common interview questions in this post. The Top 32 GIS Interview Questions
What are geographic information systems, exactly?
Geographic information systems (GIS) are data structures designed primarily to manage data presentation using geographic markers. For example, GIS specialists can use GIS technology to create a layered map of data points displaying weather variations over time. GIS technology and GIS specialists are used by a wide range of industries and businesses to manage data, discover patterns, and create simple representations.
Environmental science and GIS technology are widely used by GIS specialists. Candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and related experience are preferred by the majority of businesses. In addition to geographical understanding and related critical thinking, GIS specialists should understand design applications that allow them to create 3D visualizations of their data.
When interviewing for a career as a GIS specialist, you may expect to be asked a variety of standard questions about your general background, education, experience, and field specialties.
General questions
Hiring managers commonly ask the following general questions to gain an understanding of your personality and work style in order to decide whether you’ll be a good fit for the company:
- Describe a time when you made a mistake at work and how you fixed it.
- What do your coworkers think about your personality?
- What are your professional goals?
- What piques your interest in geographic information systems (GIS)?
- Why do you want to work for this specific company?
- How do you deal with workplace stress?
- Describe your ideal work environment.
- Do you enjoy working in teams?
- How do you want to be managed?
Questions regarding your educational background and work experience
Questions about previous job experience and educational background help hiring managers determine whether you have the requisite training and skills to perform the duties of a GIS specialist:
- Where did you go to school?
- Do you believe your education prepared you for a career as a GIS specialist?
- What abilities did you develop in your prior position?
- How do you maintain your professional vigilance?
- Are you a member of any professional organizations?
- What piques your interest in the field of geographic information systems?
- What is your most proud professional achievement to date?
- What would your primary priority be during your first three months on the job?
- Tell me about a challenging issue you faced in your prior position.
In-depth investigations
To demonstrate your capacity to apply your knowledge to work-related difficulties, in-depth questions typically require problem-solving and critical thinking:
- What’s the difference between join and relate?
- Which programming languages are most useful for GIS experts to be familiar with?
- Share your favorite mapping project with us.
- What was your most recent endeavor?
- What are the main components of GIS?
- Explain GIS commands.
- What is a linked display, exactly?
- What role does geostatistics play?
- Check out this online map. How does it function? What might you have done better?
Example answers to interview questions
Review the following frequently asked GIS interview questions and example responses to prepare for your next GIS expert interview:
- What skills do you believe are essential for a GIS specialist?
- What’s the difference between geocoding and georeferencing?
- How does GPS assist GIS?
- To a fifth-grader, explain geographic information systems (GIS).
- Do you think you’re ready to take on this role? Why?
What skills do you believe are essential for a GIS specialist?
GIS specialists must have a varied range of hard and soft skills to do their tasks well. The hiring manager may inquire as to the skills you value the most in your job and whether those capabilities align with the company’s goals.
Example: “GIS professionals should have a range of skills, but I believe patience, technical problem-solving, and communication are the most important. Patience is necessary because collecting and reviewing data before making the map takes time. Because information may be gathered or shown using multiple programs, technical problem-solving is essential, as is communication because explaining GIS to non-GIS colleagues is required.”
What’s the difference between geocoding and georeferencing?
This question necessitates specific GIS knowledge. The hiring manager may ask this or a comparable question to demonstrate that you grasp the complexities of the field.
Example: “While geo-coding and geo-referencing are comparable, they are not the same. Geocoding is the process of associating coordinates on a map to written data, such as a place name or an address. Georeferencing is the process of taking a satellite image and assigning it map coordinates. Although the ultimate result (coordinate assignment) is the same, the method used to get there is not.”
How does GPS assist GIS?
GPS and geographic information systems are tightly connected. Hiring managers may ask you to explain the distinction not only to show that you understand how they compliment one another, but also to show your ability to convey complex subject.
Example: “GPS collects data from satellites to let people determine their exact location. GIS organizes the information gathered by GPS in a useful and understandable manner.”
To a fifth-grader, explain geographic information systems (GIS).
GIS is a complex field that might be difficult to grasp. You may have to collaborate with colleagues who do not have a background in GIS. Hiring managers may want you to describe GIS in layman’s terms to demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate complicated data findings to stakeholders.
Example: “Geographic data, such as coordinates and addresses, are analyzed by GIS to find patterns and trends. These patterns are used by GIS specialists to create visualizations and solve problems for corporations and businesses.”
Do you think you’re ready to take on this role? Why?
Hiring managers look for people who are knowledgeable and self-assured. When asked why you’re the greatest candidate for the job, you can describe how your skills and experience will benefit the organization.
Example: “I am fully prepared for this role. I’ve been in GIS for five years and attend industry conferences on a monthly basis to stay current on upgrades and new technology. I am confident in my abilities to lead a team and apply my GIS and management skills.”
GIS-related careers
If you want to work with the Geographic Information System, you might be interested in the following positions:
1. GIS specialist
2. Climate scientist
3. GIS architect
4. Geoscientist
5. Archeologist
6. Surveyor
7. Mapping technician
8. Remote sensing analyst
9. Cartographer
10. Geographer
