  We study the set of common $\mathbb{F}_q$-rational solutions of "smooth"
systems of multivariate symmetric polynomials with coefficients in a finite
field $\mathbb{F}_q$. We show that, under certain conditions, the set of common
solutions of such polynomial systems over the algebraic closure of
$\mathbb{F}_q$ has a "good" geometric behavior. This allows us to obtain
precise estimates on the corresponding number of common $\mathbb{F}_q$-rational
solutions. In the case of hypersurfaces we are able to improve the results. We
illustrate the interest of these estimates through their application to certain
classical combinatorial problems over finite fields.
