When have you been asked to perform an inspection-related task in which you had little or no experience in doing?
The interviewer asks this question to see if you have ever taken on a task or a role you felt was over your experience level. They want to know if you ask questions when you are unsure of an assignment or if you work your way through it.
"When my manager went on unexpected medical leave for three months last year, I was asked to step into her position in the interim. I knew the basics but was certainly not trained on the specifics of the role. I was able to take on her tasks successfully by leaning on my team, reading a lot of policy-related manuals, and asking many questions. Once my manager returned, she was very pleased with my progress, and I was awarded a promotion."
"Honestly, I have not had much experience with this. However, I am adaptable. I will use all available resources and research possibilities to determine what I need to do and how to do it."
"I am often asked to perform tasks outside of my wheelhouse. This includes dispute resolution and interviewing potential new employees. I am a diverse building inspector and am happy to take on additional functions."
The interviewer wants to learn more about your problem-solving and communication skills. Focus on describing a situation where you have had to perform an inspection-related task you were unfamiliar with. Explain if you asked questions to understand the assignment or if you self-taught your way through it.
Avoid giving an example not related to inspections unless you have no prior inspection experience. In that case, explain how you have no prior building inspection experience but can provide an example from a previous job or school assignment.
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
Yes. Electrical installation/inspection is still a learning process for me. The electricians are spread thin at my current company, so any inspections fall upon the plant manager, me. When I come across something that I am unfamiliar with, I have made sure that I have the phone numbers of 2 of our electricians and my supervisor, who is very familiar with electrical and have them answer my questions and/or walk me through the process.
Rachelle's Feedback
You sound very willing to jump in and learn new processes and skills.
Anonymous Answer
As a residential designer, there are times that a faulty or failed existing condition will need remediation before a renovation can begin. Before the design goes to an outside source to be structurally engineered, I have had contractors inspect and analyze the defective condition. This is out of my scope of practice, so I explain that a structural engineer needs to make those determinations.
Rachelle's Feedback
Referring to the appropriate party is a wise choice, and the interviewer should be happy to hear that you have no hesitation in doing so.
Anonymous Answer
I have not had to do this yet, but I'm adaptable. I would use my best judgement.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's fantastic that you would use your best judgment. If you have an example of a time when you have been asked to perform a new task, you could also pivot your response to include a related story, not necessarily inspection-related but construction-related.
Unlock all 30 Building Inspector questions
Unlock expert responses for municipal and private sector building inspection interviews.
Get Started