Are you comfortable crawling into tight spaces?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example
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Being in tight spaces is a standard requirement for building inspectors. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of performing tasks in small areas. Talk about your experience with this by expressing how many times you have been in small crawl spaces or highlighting your years of experience.

Focus on describing some of the tighter spaces you have been, showing the interviewer that you are capable and unafraid of small spaces. This is especially important if you are a larger-sized person, as you do not want the interviewer to question your ability to perform your job based on your size.

You want to avoid telling the interviewer that you are not comfortable crawling in tight spaces or that you develop anxiety or claustrophobia when doing so. If you respond in that manner, the interviewer may deem you a liability and pass you over for another candidate.

"Although I am new to my career as a building inspector, I am confident that I can successfully work in small spaces. I have never experienced claustrophobia, even when crawling around my attic or under my house."

"I have been performing building inspections for three years now and can confidently say that I have been in small crawl spaces hundreds of times. I am fine with situations like this."

"I understand that working in tight spaces is a requirement of this role. As a building inspector with eight years of experience, I can assure you that I am more than capable in any situation."

Anonymous Answer

"Part of my current job is going into confined spaces to inspect aggregate scales. Once I find the issue, I might even have to repair the problem myself in the same confined area. I have no issues with confined spaces."

Rachelle's Feedback

You already have the experience, which is fantastic!

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Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I am very agile, and semi-regularly find myself in tight spaces for my line of work or my home improvements. As a city building inspector, most inspections are done in the order of construction that gives you visibility of the building components you inspect during that phase. I understand instances where the inspections are for the previous nonpermitted buildings to obtain an occupancy certificate."

Rachelle's Feedback

Great! You sound confident in your abilities while bringing a solid amount of industry knowledge and understanding to your response.

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, in previous experience, I have been in tight attics and crawl spaces with no incidents."

Rachelle's Feedback

Short and sweet and to the point :) You sound nice and confident in this area, which is great!

How to Answer: Are you comfortable crawling into tight spaces?