As a building inspector your will need to review and interpret plans, blueprints, and site layouts. How strong are your skills in these areas?
The interviewer would like to understand better how you would rate your skill level when reviewing and interpreting plans, blueprints, and site layouts. It's always a great idea to use words like beginner, intermediate, or advanced, as these will give the interviewer a clear view of where your skill level is. You could also rate your skill level from 1 to 10.
"I have approximately eight years of experience interpreting plans, blueprints, and site layouts. I would consider myself advanced in these skills."
"Although I am newer to my career as a building inspector, I have had some exposure to blueprint reading and site layouts. I would say my skill level is a 6 on a scale of 10."
"I am an expert in the areas of blueprint reading and interpretation. I have also trained junior building inspectors in these areas."
Focus on rating your skill level, followed by the number of years of experience performing these skills. If you are a new building inspector, explain how you were taught these skills in school and how you are excited to gain experience using these skills.
When responding to this question, avoid saying you have zero skills in reviewing and interpreting plans, blueprints, and site layouts. The interviewer wants to hire a building inspector who has some background in these areas. Even if you do not have experience using these skills, you can take courses, read books, or watch videos to improve these skills before your interview.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am new to this side of construction, and I have not had a lot of interaction with blueprints or site plans. One of the courses I will be taking is interpreting plans, and I intend to make it one of my strengths.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds like this would be a helpful course, indeed! The interviewer should appreciate your eagerness to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
Anonymous Answer
My skills are very strong in this area. I have been designing and developing construction documents for new homes and additions for 17 years. The skillset to develop a completed detailed set of construction documents (blueprints) directly relates to interpreting them.
Rachelle's Feedback
Perfectly said! All of these skills are intertwined, and you have what it takes to meet these needs.
Anonymous Answer
With the time I have in the field, I would consider my skills very strong in this area.
Rachelle's Feedback
You sound confident! Try adding more measurable details vs general statements. I have offered an example below.
"I consider my plan review and interpretation skills to be advanced. I have (#) of years in (what field), where I have been exposed to plans, blueprints, and site layouts on a daily basis."
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