At Company ABC we do what we can to take environmentally friendly actions. Are you familiar with the U.S Green Building Council and their purpose?

"The U.S Green Building Council is a member-based community of businesses and professionals who are active in green based building initiatives. They are a great resource for the construction community in ways that we can be more environmentally conscious during our projects."

The interviewer would like to know that you are familiar with environmental standards and efforts when it comes to the building products and construction industry. If you are familiar with the U.S Green Building Council: "The U.S Green Building Council is a member-based community of businesses and professionals who are active in green based building initiatives. They are a great resource for the construction community in ways that we can be more environmentally conscious during our projects."

If you are not familiar with the U.S Green Building Council: "I have not had direct exposure with the U.S Green Building Council; however, it sounds as though they would be a great resource for those wishing to take greener initiatives in the building products and construction industry."

What is LEED and how do you think it affects our day to day operations at Company ABC?

"From my understanding, LEED is the largest green building certification program in the world. It has significantly changed the way companies build. I would think that the LEED, and other environmental building initiatives, would greatly affect your day to day operations with Company ABC. Do you find that these initiatives significantly affect your business?"

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a must-know topic for anyone in the building products and construction industry. Take a moment to explain your understanding of LEED briefly and be sure to ask about the level of involvement Company ABC has with LEED initiatives.

"Because I am new to this industry, I am likely not as familiar with LEED as you are. I have conducted some research and believe that LEED in an environmental based building initiative. Could you elaborate for me? I would love to learn more."

At Company ABC we have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what sets us apart from the others?

"What sets Company ABC apart from the others in your industry is the fact that you have won so many awards for environmental innovation as well as customer service. I would be proud to work here over any of your competitors. Company ABC is doing a great job!"

It is essential to research Company ABC before your interview so that you can fully understand why they are the top choice for your particular job search. Go to the Company ABC website and check out any recent news, press releases, announcements, or awards/accolades they have recently achieved. Keep your answer brief and decisive.

"Through my research on Company ABC I have found that you have the best online reviews and some very loyal customers. Company ABC has the strongest reviews on Google and Yelp, which is great to see!"

At Company ABC our customers, vendors, manufacturers, and wholesalers are all important to us. How do you keep a healthy balance to ensure that everyone is happy?

"In my current position I am tasked with anticipating the needs of our customers based on last years' trends. This approach means ensuring that our vendors keep us stocked - and at the price that our customers have come to expect. I find that the best way to keep a balance of satisfaction is by always being honest. When all parties maintain a healthy and realistic expectation, projects seem to run smoother."

Balancing the needs of multiple parties can be a challenge. Discuss with the interviewer how you ensure that everyone involved in a project is feeling happy and listened to. Provide some information in regards to how your current position requires the same of you.

"It certainly can be a juggling act to keep customers, vendors, manufacturers, and wholesalers happy...all at the same time! I know that situations come up and you cannot make all parties happy at the same time. With that said, my relationship with my customers always come first. I am kind and patient with our manufacturers and wholesalers because we need them too, but I am always clear with them on our project needs and deadlines."

Company ABC has taken much care over the years to create healthy vendor relationships. How would you handle it if a vendor shorted you on inventory, resulting in a costly project delay?

"In my current position, I have strong relationships with my vendors. If it ever happens that inventory is short, they will usually go out of their way to source the product from another one of their contacts."

Show the interviewer that you can work proactively with vendors when it comes to fixing errors and managing inventory expectations. Display your ability to remain professional, yet firm.

"If a vendor shorted me on inventory, which resulted in a project delay, I would be clear with them about the repercussions while, at the same time, giving them the wiggle room to work hard to fix the situation."

At Company ABC we treat each of our customers, and their projects, as a priority. What is your customer service philosophy?

"My customer service philosophy is that knowledge is power. The more I can inform my customers about the products available to them, the more educated their decisions are. This approach results in a better-finished product where everyone wins."

Your attitude towards customer service will reveal to the interviewer a lot about your work personality. What can Company ABC expect from you when it comes to your interactions with their customers?

"My philosophy is to treat every single customer the same, regardless of the size of their project. Everyone should feel heard, and receive great service at all times."

Every step counts for a successful project so at Company ABC we prefer to hire those who come highly trained. Do you have any post-secondary education related to project management, or construction?

"I am PMP Certified from the Project Management Institute. In addition to this certification, I also possess a degree in Business Management from Strayer University. These education related successes have helped me to learn more about multitasking during complex projects, anticipate building product needs, and put safety at the forefront of a project."

Assure the interviewer that you come equipped with the knowledge level appropriate for this position. If you do not have a post-secondary education, then be sure to make a statement regarding your ability to perform the tasks required of you for this role with Company ABC. If you have project management or construction related post-secondary education: "I am PMP Certified from the Project Management Institute. In addition to this certification, I also possess a degree in Business Management from Strayer University. These education related successes have helped me to learn more about multitasking during complex projects, anticipate building product needs, and put safety at the forefront of a project."

If you do not have project management or construction related post-secondary education: "My formal education, related to building products and construction is limited; however, I bring 15 solid years' experience in the industry. My knowledge level is strong, and I am confident in my ability to surpass your expectations."

At Company ABC we use robust internal inventory management and project management systems. Do you have experience in SAP, Auto CAD, or Project Insight?

"I have used Program ABC for Inventory Management which I understand is similar to Project Insight. I am an intermediate user in SAP and also have about ten years' experience in Auto CAD. I am confident in my ability to learn your programs quickly as I consider myself to be a robust technical user."

Assure the interviewer that you have the technical skills and abilities required of you in this role. You may not have experience in the specific programs and software systems used at Company ABC but perhaps you have a general understanding of how they work. Briefly discuss the programs you have used in your recent positions and rate your level of expertise with each.

"I am well versed in SAP, Auto CAD and Project Insight. I used SAP for approximately 12 years when I was with Company A. With Company B; I used Project Insight for about two years. I am more advanced with AutoCAD, having taken some college coursework in this program."

This position is an entry level role. Where would you like to see your career with Company ABC take you?

"I saw on your website that you are hiring estimators. I would like to work my way into an estimator role with Company ABC once I have proven my capabilities and completed any required education."

Interviewing and hiring new employees is a time consuming and often costly venture for Company ABC. Assure the interviewer that you genuinely want to work for Company ABC by talking about the career growth that you anticipate.

"I would love the opportunity to stay with Company ABC for the long term; eventually growing into a management position. I see that many of your management level employees started in entry-level roles. I appreciate that you promote from within, whenever possible."

Where did you come across our job posting?

"I initially saw your job posting on LinkedIn, however; I have been exposed to your organization many times before through your radio commercials and advertisements on Facebook."

The employer would like to know what methods you are using in your search and which job ad methods are working for them. You can expand your answer to include any other exposure you have had to Company ABC.

"I have had my eye on your organization for some time now and keep an auto-alert on Indeed for new job postings with Company ABC."

Looking at your resume, you've had a number of job changes, what would make me think that you will stay with Company ABC?

"Leaving Company X was due to a merger, and my role was eliminated. Company Y was a seasonal role, and I am now looking for a new position because my contract with Company Z is complete this March."

Most hiring managers will consider more than two jobs in the past five years to be frequent movement. Take some time to explain your career progression to the interviewer. Be sure to avoid speaking poorly of any of your previous employers. This question is not the time to ramble on about how your former company did you wrong. The only appropriate answer is a short and sweet one.

"I have had a couple of positions in the past that I took too quickly, and should have researched further. I am much more selective in my job search this time. I appreciate what Company ABC stands for, and I see a long-term fit here."

Tell me about a time at work when your integrity was challenged. How did you handle it?

"Last year our manager went away on vacation for three weeks. Some of my co-workers wanted to falsify our time sheets to reflect overtime hours that we did not work. I disagreed and was able to convince them that it was a bad idea and certainly not worth being fired over."

Have you ever faced a time, in the workplace, where you were put to the test when it came to your integrity? Perhaps a co-worker has asked you to lie, or you were tempted to be dishonest on your time sheet when the boss was away. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you overcame the temptation to be dishonest.

"I worked with a Project Manager some time ago who always wanted to cut corners to save time and cost. It challenged my integrity because I value putting out great work. I ended up leaving that position because I was unhappy with the low standard of work expected of me."

Do you have experience in corrective discipline and terminations?

"I have been a part of individual terminations and group lay-offs throughout my career. I am comfortable with these types of tasks."

Terminations and corrective discipline measures can be very difficult to do but, with experience, they do get more comfortable. Talk to the interviewer about the extent of your experience with terminations and discipline. If you do have the experience: "I have been a part of individual terminations and group lay-offs throughout my career. I am comfortable with these types of tasks."

If you do not have the experience: "I have not been in a position to perform terminations or hold corrective discipline meetings; however, I would be willing to perform these types of tasks with a small amount of training and research."

What kind of people do you enjoy working with?

"I best enjoy working with individuals who are driven, positive, energetic, and take accountability for their work. I do have the ability to work with a large variety of individuals; however, these are the ideal traits I would see in future colleagues."

Culture fit is a significant factor when looking for a new position. Talk to the interviewer about the types of personalities that you best work with. Be sure to remain positive and avoid using this as an opportunity to speak poorly of previous colleagues.

"I work well with a wide variety of personalities; however, I work best with those who are honest and hard working. Working alongside like-minded people, versus those you are at odds with, always makes a project run smoother."

On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?

"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself a nine because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."

Do you feel that you are a sincere person or do you have room for growth? This question could be a tricky one as nobody is always 100% honest. Answer to the best of your ability and back your reply by speaking about your ethics.

"Honesty is fundamental to me, and I was raised to be a truthful person at all times. For this reason, I would rate myself as a 10/10 for honesty."

Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.

"3 years ago, I worked for Company X in a very similar position. It required less team supervisory experience but additional educational components. The role also involved shift work and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis. These factors prepared me for a position like this one with Company ABC."

This question is an excellent example as to why it is crucial for you to review the job description, in detail, before your interview. Have you ever held a similar position to this one? Can you draw any similarities between this role and another job that you have had?

"This position with Company ABC would be my first role in the building products/construction materials industry; however, I have worked for manufacturers in the past. These roles taught me useful transferable skills such as customer service, inventory management, and health and safety best practices."

When given an important assignment, how do you approach handling it?

"When my supervisor gives me an important assignment or task I am sure to assess the depth of the project then take a look at my schedule to see how I can appropriately balance it with my other work. I do not procrastinate because then it's easy to forget to fit them in."

Are you the individual who will approach an assignment head-on, or do you need to research and plan first? Do you jump in and get it all done immediately or do you balance it with other assignments? Talk to the interviewer about how you approach essential assignments at work.

"When given an important project, I will first review all of the details while gathering any questions that come to my mind. From there, I will research answers to the questions and then approach my supervisor with any questions that remain unanswered. At that point, I will dive into the project. My method is very calculated, and I have never missed a deadline."

When have you taken an existing process and used your own creativity to make it better?

"Last month my supervisor asked me to take our existing sales training package and improve it. My goal was to make the system more engaging for recruits. Once we implemented my ideas, we increased our new trainee retention rate by 16%. I was quite proud of what my creativity could do!"

Are you given the creative freedom to improve existing processes? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to take an existing process and develop it creatively.

"I created a new training manual for our labor employees, last year. It included safety tips, training suggestions, and how-tos. Our employees appreciated having the resource, and I enjoyed creating it!"

What feedback did you receive at your last job?

"My manager told me that I was spending too much time on the details of a project. I realized that I could be such a perfectionist that I lose track of time and hyper-focus on things that aren't that important. I'm learning to prioritize the steps I need to take and the tasks that need completion when working on a bigger project."

Every manager has a different approach to giving feedback. Some prefer to save it for the performance review while others dish it out on the regular. Your response to feedback is much more important than the input itself. Even if it was negative, if you can take it as constructive criticism, you can improve yourself and your skills.

"Every performance review, in my previous position, was very positive. I like to achieve greatness in everything that I do, and my manager appreciated that."

How would you describe your personality?

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. Traits could include buzzwords such as extroverted, energetic, and confident.

Here are some other words you can use to describe your personality without using overused keywords: - Adaptable - Balanced - Capable - Disciplined - Eloquent - Flexible

How would you describe your written communication skills?

"I would describe my written communication skills as very strong and would rate myself as a 9/10. I have always had a penchant for writing and have taken university courses related to communication, writing, and journalism."

Being a clear communicator, in written form, is a crucial skill to master. Have you taken any courses in communication and writing? Are you confident in your written communication skills? Talk to the interviewer about your written communication abilities and support your answer with a brief example or story.

"Although my written communication skills are strong, I am still working on improving them because I do find verbal communication to be a more natural skill. One way that I am improving my written communication skills is by spending more time crafting emails and other forms of written communication to my staff and clients."

How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

"My coworker and I had a misunderstanding about the schedule. We both got frustrated, so I took a step back and asked if we could talk about it when we were both calm; so the tension didn't escalate. The next day I pulled him aside and asked if we could talk. We both shared our sides of the story and realized it was just a miscommunication."

The tension between coworkers can be draining, mainly if you work in a high-stress work environment. When asked a question about dealing with conflict or overcoming a challenge, think of an example first. Having a concrete situation to draw from will help you to think through the steps you take to deal with conflict.

"Conflict in the workplace is sometimes unavoidable when you have so many personalities working together. When faced with conflict, I will remind myself to keep a level head, hear all sides of the story whenever possible, and remove myself from any situation that becomes heated."

Give me an example of a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed.

"I was an executive for a Home Renovations DIY blog, and after a google search algorithm update, our traffic declined 30% overnight. I quickly researched what the change was, how websites were affected and made the decision to hire more writers immediately. The decision created better content on the blog, and our traffic gained 50% by the end of the year."

Everyone has difficult decisions they have made in their career where little information was present. Focus on a choice you made in your job where you wanted more time to gather information, but instead, had to make a fast decision. Remember to pick an example that results in a positive outcome.

"I had a customer who was unhappy with the performance of one of my project managers. I had heard this complaint about the PM before so it was not completely out of the blue, but I did want to get his side of the story before taking disciplinary action. He would not return my calls, so I decided to take disciplinary action without his side of the story, going primarily by his work history and previous actions."

When were you able to resolve a problem within work?

"In my most recent position we had a consistent problem with employees showing up late for their shifts or calling in sick at the very last moment. Rather than the typical documenting and reprimanding style that management usually takes, I decided to track the results of an accountability reward system. For 180 days, my employees received a reward for coming to work 10 minutes early. Also, for every month with zero sick days, a bonus was added. In the end, we awarded those with perfect attendance a $600 bonus. The bonus' cost us less money, in the end than the cost of lowered productivity due to absent employees. The program was a success, and upper management chose to keep it implemented for another six months. We will re-assess in December, but it seems to be working very well."

Problem-solving and dispute resolution are fundamental skills to possess. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving within the workplace.

"We have a problem with being short on labor hands quite often, due to the high employee turnover in our industry. I solved this issue by engaging a placement agency that specializes in temporary labor staffing. Whenever we are short on labor hands, they have a roster of individuals we can hire last minute and for the short term. Surprisingly, before I started with this company, they had never utilized this resource. Everyone is quite pleased with how this has worked out so far."

If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

"I certainly do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to start over in a new direction completely I would likely pursue my Degree in Education and become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers, and they seemed to have a very fulfilling career. I enjoy coaching and leading others so, any tasks in my current career that related to these skills, are very welcome."

A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. If you could do anything over, what would you do, and why?

"If I had to start my career over again, I would take the same direction! Working in this industry has been incredibly fulfilling for me, and I have zero regrets with the path my career has taken me."

What is your current salary?

"I am currently earning a base salary of $78,000 plus a car allowance of $900/month and health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."

A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests.

"I am currently earning less than the average professional in my line of expertise. In my next position, I would like to make a base salary in the $80-$84K range. What salary range are you offering at Company ABC?

Building Products and Construction Materials Interview Questions

Go Back

1. At Company ABC we do what we can to take environmentally friendly actions. Are you familiar with the U.S Green Building Council and their purpose?
2. What is LEED and how do you think it affects our day to day operations at Company ABC?
3. At Company ABC we have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what sets us apart from the others?
4. At Company ABC our customers, vendors, manufacturers, and wholesalers are all important to us. How do you keep a healthy balance to ensure that everyone is happy?
5. Company ABC has taken much care over the years to create healthy vendor relationships. How would you handle it if a vendor shorted you on inventory, resulting in a costly project delay?
6. At Company ABC we treat each of our customers, and their projects, as a priority. What is your customer service philosophy?
7. Every step counts for a successful project so at Company ABC we prefer to hire those who come highly trained. Do you have any post-secondary education related to project management, or construction?
8. At Company ABC we use robust internal inventory management and project management systems. Do you have experience in SAP, Auto CAD, or Project Insight?
9. This position is an entry level role. Where would you like to see your career with Company ABC take you?
10. Where did you come across our job posting?
11. Looking at your resume, you've had a number of job changes, what would make me think that you will stay with Company ABC?
12. Tell me about a time at work when your integrity was challenged. How did you handle it?
13. Do you have experience in corrective discipline and terminations?
14. What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
15. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?
16. Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.
17. When given an important assignment, how do you approach handling it?
18. When have you taken an existing process and used your own creativity to make it better?
19. What feedback did you receive at your last job?
20. How would you describe your personality?
21. How would you describe your written communication skills?
22. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
23. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed.
24. When were you able to resolve a problem within work?
25. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?
26. What is your current salary?

Building Products and Construction Materials Interview Questions

1. At Company ABC we do what we can to take environmentally friendly actions. Are you familiar with the U.S Green Building Council and their purpose?

2. What is LEED and how do you think it affects our day to day operations at Company ABC?

3. At Company ABC we have many strong competitors. In your opinion, what sets us apart from the others?

4. At Company ABC our customers, vendors, manufacturers, and wholesalers are all important to us. How do you keep a healthy balance to ensure that everyone is happy?

5. Company ABC has taken much care over the years to create healthy vendor relationships. How would you handle it if a vendor shorted you on inventory, resulting in a costly project delay?

6. At Company ABC we treat each of our customers, and their projects, as a priority. What is your customer service philosophy?

7. Every step counts for a successful project so at Company ABC we prefer to hire those who come highly trained. Do you have any post-secondary education related to project management, or construction?

8. At Company ABC we use robust internal inventory management and project management systems. Do you have experience in SAP, Auto CAD, or Project Insight?

9. This position is an entry level role. Where would you like to see your career with Company ABC take you?

10. Where did you come across our job posting?

11. Looking at your resume, you've had a number of job changes, what would make me think that you will stay with Company ABC?

12. Tell me about a time at work when your integrity was challenged. How did you handle it?

13. Do you have experience in corrective discipline and terminations?

14. What kind of people do you enjoy working with?

15. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?

16. Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.

17. When given an important assignment, how do you approach handling it?

18. When have you taken an existing process and used your own creativity to make it better?

19. What feedback did you receive at your last job?

20. How would you describe your personality?

21. How would you describe your written communication skills?

22. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

23. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed.

24. When were you able to resolve a problem within work?

25. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

26. What is your current salary?