How do you go above and beyond a normal inspection?

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The interviewer would like to know that you are the type to go above the call of duty without being prompted by your manager or supervisor. Describe how you go above and beyond a routine inspection to show the interviewer you have the qualities they are looking for in a building inspector. Some ways that you can go above and beyond:

- Be extra thorough in your inspections and double-check your work
- Have a complete understanding of codes
- Study codes in your spare time

Focus on providing detailed examples of how you provide exceptional service when performing routine inspections. It could be that you take the time to explain building codes to customers, or you follow up on reported repairs.

When responding to this question, you want to describe how you go above and beyond a routine inspection, but you want to avoid having the interviewer think you spend too much time on regular inspections. If the interviewer thinks you take a long time doing routine inspections, they may feel that the time you take will cost the company money.

"I go above and beyond normal inspections by working with the client's schedule. Sometimes, clients have a difficult time meeting me when I arrange an inspection, so I like to let them choose the time to inspect. I also explain everything I find that needs repair so that they will understand the work that needs to be done."

"I try to go above and beyond a normal inspection by double checking all of my work. Also, the better knowledge I have of building codes, the better I can explain them to the necessary parties. I will also work overtime to ensure that an inspection is not rushed."

"I am a very thorough building inspector, and I take the time to explain my findings in terms that my clients or project managers will understand. I ensure that everyone involved knows and understands the next steps at all times."

Anonymous Answer

"I go into every situation prepared. Once I get my assignment, I research every aspect of that specific topic. I don't want to be surprised or seem like I don't know the subject. I want to make sure that the client has trust in me to do my job professionally and correctly. I double-check my work, ask questions where needed, and take any/all offered advice from co-workers with more experience."

Rachelle's Feedback

You seem very well rounded and eager when it comes to delivering a job well done. This is a great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"By gaining trust and rapport with builders through constancy and fairness. Also, by presenting myself in a positive manner where the builder feels I want them to succeed while not compromising the integrity of the inspection."

Kevin's Feedback

The manner in which you approach fairness and collaboration to build trust and a solid rapport is a good start, but on its own doesn't go above and beyond the status quo. Try to dig a little deeper into what you deliver that sets you apart, by offering more involved specifics. You can do this by displaying the thoroughness of your system's approach. What do you do that sets you apart from others and makes your service shine?

"It’s important to gain trust and rapport. By consistently delivering on the integrity of my inspections, my reputation stands strong. I have a systems approach where I always start at the bottom, work my way up inside, then back down outside, noting any question mark on what I notice. I never assume. I start in the basement and move my way up towards the roof. I note every detail that might trace back to the outside. Moving through every crawl space and inspecting every joint, I make my way to the roof and work my way back down outside. Then, I quickly revisit everything I’ve inspected just to make sure there was nothing I missed. I’ve always found, after you’ve seen the big picture, it’s easier to spot the little details you might have otherwise missed. I always pad the job. That’s my idea of integrity."

Anonymous Answer

"Some of the ways to go above and beyond are to double-check your inspection, don't try to rush, know the codes. I think staying on top of your building codes reading is Important."

Rachelle's Feedback

These all sound like excellent ways to go above and beyond as an inspector. Be careful of swapping between 'I' and 'You' language in your responses. I have offered a revision for you below.

"Some of the ways I can go above and beyond as a building inspector is to double-check my inspections and avoid rushing my work. Staying on top of my building codes will be very important, and I plan to do so by...(what actions will you take to deliver this above-average work?)."

How to Answer: How do you go above and beyond a normal inspection?