Our company prides itself on providing excellent customer service. How do you provide excellent customer service?

"I worked in hospitality for three years before pursuing a career as a building inspector, so I am very familiar with providing excellent customer service. I believe it starts with having a positive attitude and treating the customer with respect. When you listen to a customer's needs and provide a solution, they will be happy every time. If a customer is unhappy with something, I do my best to make sure their needs are taken care of and that they leave with a smile on their face."

Companies that provide excellent customer service greet customers with a smile and a greeting, listen to their customers, know their customers' preferences, and go above and beyond to make them happy. The interviewer asks this question to determine if your values align with theirs. The interviewer wants to hear how you provide excellent customer service to see if you will be a good fit for their team.

Think of how you like to be treated as a customer. Then, think of how you provide excellent customer service, treating your customers how you want to be treated. Describe the actions you take to provide excellent customer service to all, showing the interviewer you will be an asset to their team if hired. If you have received an award or recognition for the customer service you provide, be sure to include that in your response.

Some people think customer service is overrated and that the customer is not always correct. You might feel that way, but you want to avoid saying that during an interview. If the company prides itself on providing excellent customer service, it will want to hire others who feel the same way.

"I provide excellent customer service by introducing myself, shaking the customer's hand while smiling at them, and explaining what service I will provide. I answer any questions they may have and give them my business card after the inspection so they can reach me if they have further questions. I received an employee of the month award three times at my last job, highlighting the excellent customer service I provided."

"I value excellent customer service when I am the customer and provide the same service to my customers. I greet everyone with a smile; I introduce myself, ask their name, and how they are doing. I listen to their needs and provide a solution. I ask them if they have questions and clarify anything they do not understand. I thank them for their time and business and make follow-up calls to see if they are happy with my service."

How do you go above and beyond a normal inspection?

"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."

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 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

How can we motivate you on the job?

"I am motivated by being offered learning opportunities. I love to gain knowledge and feel that I am growing as a building inspector."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways you are best motivated on the job. The interviewer wants to see what motivates you and if you will be a good fit with the company culture if hired.

There is no right or wrong answer here. This is your personal observation of what drives you to do a good job and show up to work every day. You might be motivated by praise from your superiors, being recognized for a job well done, or being offered promotions or extra job duties based on your performance.

You want to avoid saying you are motivated by your paycheck or the number of vacation days you will receive. The interviewer wants to hear how the company can encourage you in your job as a building inspector.

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are being noticed. We have a leader board in my current position, and I like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition in me."

"I keep motivated when I know that my work makes a difference. Safety of others is at the heart of what I do, so knowing that what I do matters is all the motivation I need."

"I like to consider myself someone who doesn't need any help getting motivated. I usually lead the charge."

What are your strengths?

"My greatest strengths are my attention to detail and interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. I am meticulous in my inspections and do not let the smallest details go unnoticed. I can work well with diverse people, communicating clearly and effectively. I believe the customer comes first, and maintain professionalism with everyone I encounter."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if your strengths will complement and benefit the company if hired. Think of the personal strengths that make you excellent at your job. Advantages can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. In a work context, your strengths will help you complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and help you to apply what you have learned in your training. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this role.

Before the interview, review the job announcement and see what strengths the company is looking for in a building inspector. Then, focus on using those qualities to describe your strengths. For example, suppose the company is looking for an experienced building inspector with strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills who places customer service as a top priority. In that case, you can describe your strengths as those mentioned in the job description.

Most job descriptions use several keywords to describe the qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidate. Avoid using strengths that are not in the job announcement or that are not related to a building inspector's job. The interviewer wants to hear that your strength is a quality they seek in a candidate and that you will benefit the company if hired. Some great strengths to mention are: - Communicative - Loyal - Collaborative - Tech Savvy - Flexible in Schedule/Availability - Persistent and Determined - Eager for Knowledge/New Skills

"I am meticulous, efficient, and a strong communicator. I pride myself on not taking shortcuts and always producing quality results. I am honest and direct, but I also know how to speak to people thoughtfully and respectfully. I take the initiative in projects, and I am very personable."

"I believe that my greatest strengths are in my blend of experience, related education, and existing relationships with large developers and project managers across the state. I would bring a strong network to your organization to help build your business."

"My organization- everything has a place, and it should be there. My documentation and follow-through, I leave a paper trail so that anyone who looks at my work knows what I am doing and thinking. I am an extremely hard worker and give every assignment 100% of my attention. I am not embarrassed or scared to ask questions and get help so that I can learn."

"My work history has groomed me well to be a building inspector. I am very personable, communicate well, and listen and understand what is being said. I learn new skills and tasks quickly and retain the new information well. I believe and have demonstrated working in the public sector the importance of working and professionally presenting myself."

"My strength lies in my ability to handle pressure, attention to detail. I am very organized. I like to be one of the top performers."

What are your weaknesses?

"I tend to work too hard. I am always striving to be and do better that I forget sometimes it is best to embrace the chaos! Despite that, I make a point to have fun with it."

The interviewer asks this question to determine whether you are self-aware of an area that could use improvement as a building inspector and you have a plan to improve this weakness. Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan to improve on this weakness.

Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours! Focus on turning your weakness (a negative) into a strength (a positive).

You want to avoid saying you do not have any weaknesses. Everyone has an area that could improve, such as public speaking skills, increasing typing speed, or becoming proficient in using certain apps or software.

"I believe I could improve some technical skills, including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently, I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"

"This is super cliche, but it's also true. I am not good at delegating to others. When submerged in a project, I don't like to give away any control. While this can be good, it can also positively inhibit the project's outcome and my growth as a team player and individual. I am currently working on this, as I know it is a deficit."

"I tend to overwork some, and that might put off some people. I like to learn all I can about what I am doing so that I can do my best for you and me. I hyper-focus on new subjects and really get into the education, culture, and execution of said subject, and I can come off as a little intense, not rude, just serious."

"I like to keep a busy schedule and be hands-on, but at times it's hard to step back and get perspective. I need to look around for better ways to get things done."

What are your salary expectations?

"As a recent graduate, compensation is not my primary driver. I want to earn what is fair in this industry, given my blend of education and experience."

Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise. The interviewer wants to hear if your expectations are within the company's budget and whether you are willing to negotiate if necessary. The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example.

Focus on explaining what your current salary and benefits are and how you would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher, based on your experience. If you are more comfortable giving a range, shoot for higher than you want, so there is room for negotiations. However, you want to make sure you do not name a range higher than the job description lists, or you might talk yourself out of a job.

If the job announcement lists a salary range of $80,000 to $85,000 per year based on experience, you want to avoid asking for less than or more than the company's budget. If you ask for less than offered, it shows you do not value your education and experience. If you ask for more than offered, the interviewer may be hesitant to hire you unless you have advanced skills that will significantly benefit the company.

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

"I am currently making $80,000 per year with full medical benefits. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

"As I am new to this profession, I would like to earn fair compensation for my experience in Construction."

Our inspectors often present their findings to realtors and homeowners. Are you comfortable with that?

"I have presented a couple of times to my class during university and felt comfortable during the presentations. I am proficient in Keynote and PowerPoint and look forward to expanding my presentation skills in this role."

The interviewer would like to know that you can present your findings to the stakeholders involved in your projects and inspections. Talk about your previous experience in public speaking and any training you have received in presenting to groups, large or small. Sound technical abilities are always a desired skill! You can even highlight your strengths when creating presentations in PowerPoint or any other program.

Focus on assuring the interviewer that you are comfortable speaking and presenting information to realtors and homeowners. Be sure to describe past experience presenting your findings to these two groups.

One of the job duties of a building inspector is to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. If you want to be considered for the position, you want to avoid saying that you are uncomfortable presenting your findings to stakeholders. If you are uncomfortable presenting information, it is best to practice your public speaking and presentations skills before your interview. You can take communication courses, join public speaking groups, read books, and watch videos to help improve these skills.

"I am very comfortable presenting to clients of all types. I have performed about 25 presentations this year so far. Also, I am an advanced user of PowerPoint, which means that I can create engaging visuals to compliment my presentations."

"I am comfortable presenting to the stakeholders of my projects and inspections. I have presented over two hundred times as a building inspector and have also helped coach junior inspectors to gain confidence in their presentation skills."

"I conduct quarterly meetings with 50+ people and also do one on one evaluations, so I'm very comfortable presenting to other people."

"I would not have any issues with doing that. I often gave presentations to the management and proposed policy and procedures to them in my previous work."

Are you comfortable crawling into tight spaces?

"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."

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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

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

Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you have contributed to.

"I have not formally volunteered in recent years. However, I spend a lot of time helping my sister, who is a single mom. I will babysit on weekends, cook dinners for her, and drive the kids to appointments when necessary. I feel that it is essential to take care of the family's needs."

Many hiring managers will choose one candidate over another because of their volunteer experience. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness - all qualities that make a great employee. Talk to the interviewer about your willingness to give back to your community in some form of volunteerism. If you do not have formal volunteer experience, you can draw on things you do in your spare time to assist friends, family, or even your current employer.

The interviewer wants to hear about contributions you have made to the community in any form. If you have volunteered specifically in a manner related to your role as a building inspector, focus on describing the projects you have contributed to. If your volunteer experience does not include work-related contributions, that is fine.

If you do not have volunteer experience, avoid saying that you do. The interviewer may ask for a letter of recommendation from the volunteer coordinator or for a phone number they can call for a reference. You will not be disqualified as a candidate for not having volunteer experience, but you will be if you are dishonest in your interview.

"For the past eight months, I have volunteered every Wednesday evening at our local animal shelter. I help with grooming the animals, feeding them, and walking them. It's been an enjoyable experience and rewarding at the same time."

"I regularly contribute as a volunteer professor at the local community college. I teach various courses, including trigonometry, health and safety, and business ethics."

"When my son and daughter were younger, I was heavily involved in coaching their ASA softball and Little League teams and AYSO soccer team. We did travelling softball and frequently did tournaments for soccer. Now I'm heavily involved in two of the shooting ranges locally; organizing and running matches, helping with work parties. I was recently involved in setting up a large USPA match."

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

"As I am newer to my career as a building inspector, I have not had the opportunity to make changes in the process. However, I do have some great ideas, and I look forward to presenting them as my experience grows."

The interviewer wants to hear if you have been given the creative freedom to improve existing processes in the past. If you have had this creative freedom, explain what you did and how it turned out. If you have not taken an existing process and improved it, present the ideas you have to improve a current inspection process.

Focus on describing a situation where you took an existing inspection process and improved it. You might have streamlined a process using software or eliminated specific inspection procedures to remove redundancies. The interviewer wants to hear your creative ideas to determine if you will be an asset to the team if hired.

While it is great to be creative and have ideas to improve a process, you want to avoid coming across as a building inspector who wants to change every process a company has in place. It is beneficial to have creativity among the staff, but not to the point it disrupts current policies and procedures.

"Last month, my supervisor asked me to take our existing inspections training package and improve it. My goal was to make the system more engaging for new 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!"

"My current position offers me a great deal of autonomy to utilize some creative ideas with a great level of freedom. My most recent implementation was incorporating a team-based application called Trello. It has greatly helped with improving communication."

"In my current position, I have to inspect my plant every day. I run a very large plant, and it is difficult sometimes to remember the 100's of things I need to look at every day. I made my self a daily spreadsheet of all the things that I need to inspect for that day. I have broken it down to sections and times, so that throughout the day, I get all of my inspections done and I can check them off as I go so that I know they have been done."

"Since I am new to Inspecting, I have not had the chance to bring my own ideas to the table. I look forward to the opportunity, though. With all that, there is something to be said for the tried and true way."

Tell me about your relationship with your previous boss.

"I had a very healthy relationship with my previous employer. She was easy to approach, and we often bounced ideas off each other. I would sum it up as a relationship led by strong mutual respect."

The interviewer asks this question to see how you work with and speak of others. They want to know if you will be an easy person to work with or a challenge. When you answer this question, be sure to remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. Keep your answer short and respectful. Avoid talking about any previous drama, and do not speak poorly of your employer.

If you had a great relationship with your previous boss, explain what made it great. If you did not have a good relationship with your former boss, focus on saying, "I have had healthier relationships in the past with previous employers, but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were very different, making it challenging at times."

You want to avoid speaking poorly of your former boss, even if you did not get along. You also want to avoid saying you had an excellent relationship with them if you did not. The interviewer will call your references and find out you were dishonest in the interview.

"I have had healthier relationships in the past with previous employers, but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were very different, which made it challenging at times."

"I make a point of investing in coworker relationships. It's important to me that these relationships are established early on, especially with my boss. My current boss knows that he can rely on me for anything in his absence, and my responsibilities have consistently increased to reflect that level of trust."

"My current supervisor is a great guy. He is always there if I have an issue or question, and he is willing to ask someone else if he doesn't have the answer. He works hard at his job and expects the same from his employees. I have the utmost respect for him and find him to be a great example to follow."

"It was good. We were put into a tricky situation, with him receiving a dept. he was not familiar with, and me having years of experience in it. By the time it was over due to covid 19, we were on the same page with everything."

As a building inspector, clear communication is incredibly important. Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?

"I like to leverage both methods of communications when dealing with inspections. Sometimes, situations call for verbal communication, and other times, written. As a rule of thumb, I tend to practice verbal communications, with written follow up or vice versa."

The interviewer wants to know how you prefer to communicate - written or verbal. Discuss your preference with the interviewer and support your answer. However, it is best to say that you are good at both forms of communication since they are equally important in your role as a building inspector.

Focus on describing how you prefer each form of communication depending on the situation. Verbal communication is preferred when conversing with clients and explaining the results of your inspection so you can immediately answer any of their questions. However, written communication is ideal when sending a report, so there is documentation both parties can refer to if needed.

It is best to avoid saying that you are not comfortable with either form of communication. If you do not have strong written and verbal communication skills, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate with more robust skills.

"I prefer verbal communication because I feel that a lot can be misread with written communication due to lack of tone, fluctuation, expression, and body language. I will always choose a face-to-face conversation whenever possible."

"I do not lean one way or another regarding verbal or written communication. Both are equally important to me. If I have to choose just one, I will choose written communication as one can always look back on written communication for reference."

"I am very strong in both. I like to email so that I can always look back to see what I have asked before, what the answer was, and if I need more clarification at this moment. As a verbal communicator, I am a good listener, and I try to see both sides of an issue."

"I think I am equal in both, but verbal can be the easiest and best way to communicate since you can know for sure if you are both on the same page, with facial expressions and body language. You need to be equal in both, though because you can't always be there in person."

What are your career aspirations, in the inspection industry, beyond this job?

"I plan to stay with your company long term. One aspiration I have is to return to school to complete my bachelor's degree in engineering. I prefer to do this in tandem with full-time employment."

Everyone has a dream or aspirations on where their career could go. When you think about the future, think of what comes to mind. Openly share where you'd like to see your career take you with the interviewer. Be sure to include how you feel this particular company would fit in with those particular aspirations.

To be considered for the position, you want to focus on describing your career aspirations related to the company you are interviewing with. The interviewer wants to determine if your goals include their company and if you will be a long-term employee if hired.

Companies invest a lot of time and money into their employees, and they need to consider their investment when interviewing applicants. Even if you want to start a business of your own, you want to avoid mentioning that to the interviewer. If they feel you would use their company to gain experience and leave shortly after, they may pass you over for another candidate.

"I have some pretty lofty career aspirations, and after researching your organization and learning more about this position, I feel that this role fits with my future aspirations. I would love to see myself promoted based on my hard work and results, eventually managing a team of building inspectors."

"I want to get into a company that I can stay with and grow long-term. While change is good, I like the comforts of having something familiar or regular around me. I aspire to grow into a leadership position and teach newcomers the ins and outs of commercial inspections."

"As you can see from my history, I am very loyal, and I plan on being here for the rest of my career. I want to learn from my coworkers and get all of the experience I can. Moving up the ranks as I am needed and doing my best to ensure the integrity of this department."

"I would like to see myself as a top-notch building inspector, moving up in the organization. Nobody knows what the future will bring, but I would like to think I found my forever job. I have always had a passion for the building trades and would like to remain in them."

With the ongoing changes in the construction industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?

"My university professor made some great recommendations recently, including keeping on top of the local changes through our city and state's websites related to building inspections and construction. I have done this and set up a Google alert for related keywords. Do you have any additional recommendations for me?"

Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date on their respective fields, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! The interviewer asks this question to determine if you are proactive and dedicated to continuous improvement in your field. If you do not stay current with changes in the industry, it shows that you may be unmotivated to grow professionally.

Focus on listing several ways to receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends. Tell the interviewer about those daily email updates you receive from professional organizations, conferences you attend, seminars you have taken, and professional organizations you are a part of. Lastly, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two.

Avoid saying you do not stay current on the changes in the industry. If you do not attempt to keep your knowledge current, the interviewer will determine that you lack the motivation they are looking for in a building inspector. It is best to have at least a couple of resources you use to stay current on trends in the construction industry.

"Every morning, I listen to (X podcast) because I find the information fresh and valuable. In addition to this podcast, I also subscribe to a couple of industry blogs. One is ABC, and the other is XYZ. I greatly value the information shared among fellow professionals. What resources do you prefer to stay on top of industry trends and changes?"

"The construction industry changes quite frequently, and I understand the importance of keeping up to date. Our city has an official building inspections website that keeps me updated on new legislation and laws. I am also a part of the North Carolina Builders' Association which keeps me accountable for ongoing education opportunities."

"I plan on continuing with my ICC education as I can. I have set up google alerts so that when building codes are mentioned, I get an email, and I will be subscribing to websites that have to do with building inspection education and news."

"I know the International Code Council has webinars, seminars and other means of staying on top of things. I also plan on taking more college classes."

When have you been asked to perform an inspection-related task in which you had little or no experience in doing?

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"I have not had to do this yet, but I'm adaptable. I would use my best judgement."

Why do you want to work for us as a building inspector?

"I recently completed my diploma in building inspection technology and am eager to gain a successful start in this career path. I like the technical aspect associated with this career path and the fact that I can utilize my skills in detail management and accurate documentation. Your company can offer me the tools I need to achieve my goals."

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. It's essential for you to know what you have to offer them and what they can do for you. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, make some effort and research the opportunity. Think about how this position will help you in your career.

While your passion and excitement for the job are essential, it's always good to have some hard facts to back it up. For instance, saying, "I have heard great things about your company, and I know I would be a great fit for this job" is not very specific. If you find recent news articles or press releases that talk about the company's accomplishments, focus on mentioning how that impressed you.

You want to avoid saying that you want to work for their company because the pay and benefits are better than other companies. If the interviewer feels you are only interested in the monetary aspect of the job and not the company itself, they may pass you over for another candidate.

"I am excited about this opportunity because your values are very much in line with mine. I deeply care about giving back to the community, aligning with your mission statement. I also feel like this job will help me reach my goal of working in a management position because of the leadership opportunities within this role."

"I have worked as a building inspector, primarily in the residential circuit, for the past twelve years. I look forward to working as a building inspector for your company because you offer more exposure to larger commercial projects. This is the career trajectory that I am looking for."

"I have been in the construction industry now for 16+ years. I want to explore other aspects of the building industry, and I like to help people. I've read up on Orange Counties goals within the building inspection department, and they align with mine, and I would like to be apart of it. I have recently passed my ICC tests for Residential Structural, Mechanical, and Plumbing. I will be taking my Electrical test within the next two weeks, and I have already signed up for the Commercial (B2) test. This job will start me on a successful path to where I want to be in my career, and it will take advantage of my specific management skills and accurate record keeping."

"As a long time resident of this area, I would like to see the community grow with quality built housing and commercial buildings."

"I would like to utilize my knowledge and experience to help Santa Ana building Depart bring safety and well-being to the constructions within Santa Ana."

Have you ever been offered a bribe in order to pass a project?

"I have never been offered a bribe to pass a project. If that were the case, I would report the situation to my supervisor."

This is a question to test your morals and level of honesty. If you have ever been offered a bribe to pass a project, you can discuss the scenario and highlight that you reacted appropriately and professionally. If you have never been in this situation, merely explain what your reply would be if it ever happened to you.

You want the interviewer to understand that you hold yourself to a high ethical standard and would never accept a bribe if offered one. Focus on describing how you are honest and have a solid moral compass.

When responding to this question, you want to avoid saying that you have accepted a bribe to pass a project. If the interviewer deems you immoral or unethical, they will not hire you for the position.

"Thankfully, I have never been put in a compromising situation like that! If I were to be offered a bribe to pass a project, I would, of course, refuse. I would report the situation to the necessary parties as well."

"I have been offered a bribe once in the past. Of course, I declined and told the person never to offer me a bribe again. A large and well-known developer needed to pass a project through, or a lot of money would have been at stake. I gave them a tight deadline to complete the needed changes, which they did end up meeting."

"Since I am new to inspecting, I have not been offered a bribe. If I were to be offered one, I would explain to them that this is my job. And that I would not want to lose it. Then I would let my supervisor know of the situation."

Have you ever issued a violation notice or stop-work order?

"I have not yet come across the need to issue a stop-work order or issue a violation notice. I am eager to expand my knowledge in these areas however you see fit. I look forward to additional training!"

The interviewer would like to know more about your extent of experience in issuing stop-work orders and violation notices. You can briefly describe the steps you took and what the outcome was. If you have not taken on a task like this, be upfront about your lack of experience but be sure to highlight your willingness to learn.

Focus on giving an estimate of how many violations and stop-work orders you have given weekly or in the entirety of your career. The interviewer wants to see that you are comfortable and knowledgeable with these job duties as a building inspector.

If you have never issued a violation or stop-work order, avoid simply responding by saying that you have not given either of these without expanding on your answer. It is best to say that you do not have experience issuing a violation or stop-work order, but you are willing to learn.

"Yes, I have issued multiple violation notices and stop-work orders in my five-year career as a building inspector. Last week, I filed a stop-work order as there was a complaint of a residential homeowner building an addition without a permit."

"I have been a building inspector for the past four years and have issued at least one violation notice per day and one stop-work order almost weekly. Our city is booming with new construction which has kept me very busy as new and inexperienced boutique developers are starting to pop up more frequently."

"I have issued employee disciplinary notices. I had to sit down with the person, one on one, and explain to them the issue we are facing, ask them how they think they can remedy the situation, and then give them a time frame to rectify the problem or a warning about committing the same error again."

"I have not or have worked in a job that has this authority. I have relatable experiences on projects that I have designed where a discovery is made during construction observation that the contractor deviated from the approved plans. When this occurs, I consult with my client if they had an agreement with the contractor for the change/s. If my client has not approved the deviations, I request the contractor to stop work and consult with the client and me."

Are you able to quickly calculate and convert mathematical problems and measurements?

"I am strong in most areas of math, which was a must-have skill while obtaining my degree in architecture. My greatest areas of specialty are algebra, geometry, and trigonometry."

As a building inspector, you will be required to make accurate calculations, often on the spot. Talk to the interviewer about your mathematical skills. If you have taken any related education or training, this is a great time to discuss those. You can rate your abilities from 1 to 10 or tell the interviewer if you land in the beginner, intermediate, or advanced category.

Focus on providing the interviewer with the number of years of experience you have calculating mathematical problems or specialized training you have. You can also provide the grade you received in a math course if it was exceptional.

If you want to be considered for the position, you want to avoid saying that you have difficulty with math. Since math skills are required when working as a building inspector, you will want to work on improving those skills before your interview.

"I have always been great with math and calculations. I have also taken a course in Real Estate Math for New Agents because I felt that real estate math training would help me advance my skills as a building inspector. At this point, I would place my math skills in the intermediate to advanced category."

"Yes, I can very quickly calculate and convert mathematical problems and measurements. I have also taught these skills to junior building inspectors. I would rate my math skills a 9 out of 10 since there is always room for improvement."

"Math is also one of my strengths. Geometry, Algebra, reading graphs and tables, and converting fractions all come relatively easy to me. Math is where a lot of people might have anxiety, but finding the answer to a problem, and getting the situation solved correctly is very satisfying."

"Yes, I can make acceptably accurate estimated calculations or rule of thumb calculations. If a spot-on calculation is required, I really on calculators, and a construction calculator is typically the best tool."

"I have always been very strong with my math skills. I feel this area is a strength for me."

As a building inspector your will need to review and interpret plans, blueprints, and site layouts. How strong are your skills in these areas?

"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."

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.

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.

"I have approximately eight years of experience interpreting plans, blueprints, and site layouts. I would consider myself advanced in these skills."

"I am an expert in the areas of blueprint reading and interpretation. I have also trained junior building inspectors in these areas."

"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."

"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."

"With the time I have in the field, I would consider my skills very strong in this area."

Some inspections require you to maintain daily logs. Are you a strong and dedicated documenter?

"I am an excellent written communicator, and my professors will attest that I maintain strong attention to detail and submit good work."

Clear and honest documentation is essential in your role as a building inspector. The interviewer wants to be assured that you are the type of building inspector who takes attention to detail very seriously. The interviewer also wants to know that you have strong written communication skills and that your reports will be error-free.

Discuss how you ensure that your daily logs are adequately documented, and focus on mentioning any programs or software that you may be experienced using. If you have a past performance review or letter of recommendation that describes your documentation skills, be sure to mention that in your response.

You want to avoid saying that your documentation skills need improvement. Detailed documentation is essential in your role as a building inspector, and the interviewer will not hire you if these skills are inadequate. If you need to improve your written communication and documentation skills, it is best to work on those skills before your interview.

"I understand that clear documentation is incredibly important for building inspections. I maintain my daily log after every inspection rather than wait until the end of the day to do my documentation. I find that this practice allows me to provide the freshest and most accurate details possible."

"I maintain my daily logs very well. It's an important factor in being a successful building inspector. I have experience using programs such as Fluix and Pervidi Paperless Inspections. Could you tell me which software and programs are used here?"

"One of my strong points is my documentation organization. My current safety director commends me every time he comes to inspect my plant on my paperwork accuracy. I find it easier to keep extensive notes, file them in the correct places, and send them to the proper people than to try and play catch up at the last second."

"As a home energy rater, regular equipment calibration test needed to be documented and logged, inspection reports on the day of inspection were uploaded to the CalCerts website.As a residential designer, I maintain daily project notes and timesheets. I maintain financial records for taxes, invoicing, company projections, etc."

"I understand the importance of clear documentation. Keeping logs up to date is the best way for everyone involved to stay current on the project. Doing the logs daily and after every inspection is the best way to keep things fresh from your mind and on to paper."

What type of survey instruments and test equipment have you used?

"While completing my technical diploma in building inspection, I started building my toolkit in preparation for my first work experience. I have used, and can bring with me, a GFCI tester, a voltage indicator, and an infrared thermometer."

The interviewer would like to better understand the tools of the trade that you are comfortable using. Briefly list the tools and instruments that you are accustomed to using. You can also include the number of years of experience you have with these particular tools. This information will help the interviewer know the extent of training you will require if they hire you.

When reviewing the company's website and job announcement, see if they have listed the tools and instruments they use or prefer their building inspectors to know how to use. Then, focus your answer on highlighting the same tools you have used, showing the interviewer you are skilled and will not require on-the-job training if hired.

Avoid saying you have used a particular tool or instrument if you have not. If you say you are familiar with a specific device and do not know how it operates, if the company hires you, they will see you were dishonest in your interview.

"The tools I have the most experience using would be a GFCI Tester to test ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets. Also, a voltage indicator to confirm if there's any electrical current flowing through wires or devices. I have also been exposed to infrared thermometers, moisture meters, combustible gas detectors, and carbon monoxide analyzers."

"In my six years as a building inspector, I have used various survey instruments and test equipment, including GFCI testers, voltage indicators, infrared thermometers, moisture meters, combustible gas detectors, and carbon monoxide analyzers. Is there any other type of equipment you are looking for experience in?"

"I am proficient with a "wiggy" Volt/Amp/Current tester. I have seen a moisture probe used. Also, I can use a GFCI tester. I know there is a lot more to learn, and I am excited to use them."

"My survey tools are; tape measure, laser measuring device, angle finder, pitch finder, compass, bubble level, electronic level.Test equipment I have used; blower door tester, duct blast tester, refrigerant charge gauges, flow hood, volt/ohms/amp meter."

"I have some time behind a transit from concrete days. After that, my knowledge is limited."

Inspectors must have an overall knowledge of construction. How would you rate your construction knowledge?

"My knowledge of construction is strong. I recently graduated with my bachelor's degree in architecture, where I learned a great deal about construction best practices, building codes, and ordinances."

The interviewer would like to know that you have a sound knowledge base when it comes to construction. Highlight any construction-related education or on-the-job training that you have.

Focus on rating your construction knowledge from little knowledge to very knowledgeable. If you are new to the industry and have little construction knowledge, describe any courses you would like to take or books you have that will help increase your understanding of construction.

If you have little knowledge of construction, you want to avoid saying that you do not feel having that knowledge will benefit you in your role. If you are not motivated to improve and learn in your profession, the interviewer will look for another candidate.

"Although I do not have a formal degree in engineering or construction, I have taken many related courses on building codes and ordinances, electrical inspection, materials of construction, and concrete principles of inspection. I am confident in my ability to understand advanced construction-related topics."

"I would rate my construction knowledge as expert level. I previously worked as a construction project manager for seven years and have a degree in construction and engineering."

"Between my 16 years in the industry and my recent ICC testing, I feel my construction knowledge is well rounded. There is always more to learn, and I am eagerly looking forward to my continuing education."

"I have built two major home additions and several home renovations. This experience was essential for me to be successful in my residential design company. In my experience designing homes, I have become very knowledgeable about building codes and navigation through the codebooks for research. With my construction experience and my 15 years of design experience, I feel confident I possess the necessary skills to be a building inspector."

Tell me a few foundation problems you have witnessed.

"I have learned a bit about foundation problems in my architecture-related coursework. I am familiar with some of the more obvious signs of foundation issues, such as warping and ill-fitting windows. I look forward to gaining more hands-on exposure in this area."

The interviewer would like to know the extent of your experience by testing your knowledge of foundation problems. Briefly discuss your exposure to foundation-related issues.

The interviewer wants to hear about your experience with foundation issues and some of the warning signs. Focus on describing these warning signs that help identify a faulty foundation while doing an inspection.

If you are new to this profession, be honest and say that you have not witnessed faulty foundations. You want to avoid saying you have seen these problems if you have not. Then, from what you have been taught, describe some clues that might indicate foundation issues.

"The primary foundation problems that I have witnessed in my five-year career as a building inspector would be improperly fitting doors and windows, warped ceilings, and buckling walls. I am confident in my ability to notice even the smallest indicators of foundation-related issues."

"In my nine years as a building inspector, I am certain that I have seen it all when it comes to structural and foundation issues. The worst I have seen was a commercial building that needed to be evacuated immediately due to danger in the parking garage. I couldn't believe that a previous inspector hadn't condemned the building. This is an example of why it's so important to have people of integrity in this line of work."

"I am familiar with some of the basic foundation issues: warping walls, windows, or doors that are out of square or don't fit correctly: sloping floors and bad drainage. I've seen windows that have been cracked due to inadequate compaction and settling. Patios that are sloped toward the home and cause water to leak into the house. I know there are a lot more possible issues, and I look forward to learning them."

"In my time as a concrete person and carpenter, I have witnessed humps in the foundation causing walls to buckle and be taller than the bottom cord of the truss, doors and windows do not fit properly, and houses will not be square. I strongly feel with my background I would have a strong advantage in that area."

What makes you passionate about inspecting buildings?

"After graduating high school, I took a year to travel to various undeveloped countries. It shocked me to see what passed as safe living and work conditions. This experience is what sparked my interest in building safety. When I returned, I enrolled in engineering and architecture-related coursework."

Building inspectors are incredibly essential professionals because their work keeps us safe and keeps residential and commercial builders accountable for their quality of work. Give the interviewer a genuine reason as to why you are in this line of work. The interviewer wants to understand what factors drive you to take pride in your career.

Focus on answering what aspect of the job you like the most. Try to align your answer with the company's values and mission statement. When researching the company, you can find the mission statement on its website. When your answer aligns with the company culture, the interviewer will see that you are a strong candidate for the position.

You want to avoid saying that you are passionate about inspecting buildings because the job pays well. The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about your profession for other reasons, such as keeping people safe by identifying hazards.

"I am passionate about being a building inspector because our work is essential for the physical safety and the financial well-being of a potential home or commercial building buyer. I am proud that my work keeps others safe and ensures structural integrity."

"A thorough building inspection can prevent major damages due to the costly foundation or structural issues, vapor and condensation issues, decay, pests, flooding, mechanical and electrical issues, and costly plumbing concerns. I am proud to have the opportunity to prevent those types of disasters."

"I am passionate about inspecting buildings to prevent people from being taken advantage of. I've always loved watching home improvement shows and became amazed at how some contractors cut corners and take advantage of people who have put their trust in them to do a professional and safe job. Families are living in these structures, and people work in the commercial buildings, worrying about whether or not their home or workplace is safe shouldn't be a concern."

"Having been around construction since I was a child, following my Dad around, I have always had a passion for building. With my desire to do things right, I could help the building community with quality inspections."

Have you performed both residential and commercial building inspections? Of the two, which do you prefer?

"I have been trained in both residential and commercial building inspections. My internship was with a commercial developer, so I am most familiar with this area. With that said, I am eager to learn more about the residential side of inspection with your company."

Show the interviewer that you are interested in residential and commercial work unless otherwise stated in the job posting. Make sure that you understand the requirements of this role when you answer this question! The last thing you want to do is pigeonhole yourself into one type of building inspection when the company primarily performs the other.

Focus on answering with the type of building inspections the company primarily performs. Be sure to state how you enjoy inspecting residential and commercial buildings, but you prefer one type over the other. Be sure to explain why you like inspecting that particular type of building.

If you have not inspected both types of buildings, avoid saying that you have. You always want to be honest during an interview, and the interviewer will find out if you were untruthful.

"I have performed work in both residential and commercial building inspections. I believe both options have their pros and cons. Commercial work can have more red tape and be more complicated, so I enjoy that challenge, while residential work tends to have more unique challenges that test my knowledge."

"The position that I applied to put a significant emphasis on commercial property inspections, which is my area of expertise. I can perform this function in a residential setting, as I completed that type of work earlier in my career. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in the commercial space, which is why your job posting caught my eye."

"I will have passed all of my residential ICC tests by the first of the year. In the 16 years that I have been in the construction industry, I have watched many homes and commercial buildings being built. I am most familiar with the placement of concrete, but I am extremely eager to learn this new side of construction. I don't have a preference at this time. I'm just eager to learn more."

"I have inspected both commercial and residential buildings in my career other than a city building inspector that have overlapping skill sets. My experience at the moment leans heavier on residential, which I enjoy, and I am comfortable doing. My commitment will be to meet the city's expectation to reach the level of building inspector II where I would perform more complex inspections such as a commercial building."

"As I am new to inspecting, I have no experience inspecting either. Most of my work is residential, but I think what experience I have in Commercial will help in that area."

What is your educational background and how does it assist you in your career as a building inspector?

"I am a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in building inspection technology. This degree has taught me a great deal about the industry, and I look forward to more practical, hands-on experience in this role."

Most building inspectors do not have to have a formal education; however, some coursework in construction, real estate, or even business can really help you to be successful. Walk the interviewer through your formal or on-the-job training. Be sure to highlight the education that has assisted you most as a building inspector. You can discuss your favorite courses or any classes/workshops that you feel helped you the most in your career.

Focus on describing any degrees or certifications you have that qualify you to work in this field. If you have no formal education but have construction experience, highlight your hands-on experience.

If the position calls for a degree or specialized certification, you want to avoid not meeting the company's requirements. When applying for any job, you want to be sure you meet the company's minimum requirements before submitting your application.

"I completed my building inspector certificate in 2002 from DeVry University. From there, the majority of my education has been on-the-job training. I found the certificate helpful initially, but after working in the industry for a few years, my knowledge is much more robust and practical. I am also proudly certified by the International Code Council."

"I began working in inspections for my father's independent inspections company at a very young age. I did not return to university to obtain a degree; however, I have taken a variety of coursework in business, construction, and mathematics."

"My education has been more practical than scholastic. At my plants, I have been responsible for all of the construction done. I am the one who has to make sure that all of the different aspects of the project are done correctly, safely, and on time. I have been inspecting construction for years but never with the ICC certifications and never in the public sector. I am eager to learn the inspection side of construction as a building inspector."

"First off, I have twenty plus years in the building trades. With significant time as a carpenter, finish carpenter, concrete form setter and finisher. I also have time as a roofer and electrical wire puller. I started as a laborer and moved up to foreman. I received my ICC B1 cert in April 2020 and took a Mesa Community College class for the 2018 IBC Building code in June 2020."

As a building inspector, what experience do you have training others?

"As a new inspector in this field, I have not had experience training others. However, I have been a soccer coach for five years, training kids aged 12-15. My experience as a coach has taught me how to be patient and mentor others in a way they need to be taught, as everyone learns differently."

The interviewer will ask this question if one of the job duties is to train others. It could be that your job would be to train coworkers, the community, or businesses on building hazards and codes that affect them. The interviewer wants to determine your experience and qualifications in a teaching capacity to see if you will be a good fit for their agency.

Focus on describing the number of years of experience you have training others and in what capacity. Explain if you have trained and mentored new inspectors, provided continuing education training, or taught construction classes at the community college or trade school.

This question applies to training others while working as a building inspector. Avoid describing training others in a different capacity unless you are a new inspector with no prior experience. If that is the case, you can use an experience where you trained others as a coach, a tutor, or new employees at a previous job.

"As a building inspector for the past seven years, I train others daily. Whether I train customers on the building codes or ways to prevent hazards or mentor new hires, my job requires educating others."

"I have worked as a building inspector for the past ten years and have trained the public on building codes, construction students at a community college, and mentored new inspectors at different companies I have worked for. I feel very confident in my teaching capabilities."

How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?

"I determine priorities based on project value and receptiveness of my client. The most engaged clients get my attention and the fastest turnaround."

The interviewer asks this question to understand your organizational skills. Assure the interviewer that you can be diligent when assessing your priorities. When you feel torn between multiple projects or tasks, explain how you decide which one needs your attention the most.

Focus on describing the techniques you use to prioritize projects and meet deadlines. The interviewer wants to hear that you will be an asset to the company if hired.

You want to avoid not being able to describe how you stay organized and ensure projects are completed on time. If you cannot explain how you prioritize multiple projects, the interviewer may feel you are not a strong candidate for the job.

"I will determine which project requires my attention by the number of hours we are behind and the project size. I am comfortable delegating tasks when needed, but I am also aware that these times will require additional hours from me. Never have I underdelivered on a deadline."

"Assuming that the projects have different stakeholders, I interview each to determine the value of increased productivity, morale or revenue, decreased costs, and the overall impact."

"My priorities at my plant are1) Safety -- does this issue present a safety hazard2) Production -- is this issue going to inhibit production in any way3) Urgency -- does this need to be done now or can it waitSafety is always my top priority. I need my employees to go home the same way they showed up, better if possible."

"I will determine the priority by location, the size of the project, the time it will take to complete, and how far behind we are and its importance. I also realize it will take commitment from me to finish."

How do you handle a dispute with a coworker or supervisor?

"Luckily, I have had good coworkers and supervisors in the past with minimal conflict. If there is an issue with a colleague, I like to nip it in the bud. I ask them to speak in private, address the issue, and come up with a resolution that makes us both happy."

It is not uncommon for coworkers or supervisors to have a dispute or disagreement with someone they work with. The interviewer knows this and wants to see how you have handled disputes in the past. How you respond gives the interviewer insight into your problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution skills, which are essential skills to possess as a building inspector.

Focus on giving a detailed explanation of how you handled a past disagreement with a supervisor or coworker. You do not necessarily need to describe the reason for the dispute, just how you dealt with it. The interviewer wants to hear that you dealt with the conflict privately, calmly, and maturely and that there was a resolution.

You do not want to say that you avoid or ignore disagreements or get angry when a dispute arises in the workplace. The interviewer does not want to hear that you lack conflict resolution and communication skills. You also want to avoid speaking poorly of the person you had the dispute with or placing the blame solely on the other individual. You need to be responsible and recognize your part in the conflict.

"Fortunately, I have only had one dispute in my career with a coworker. There was a misunderstanding in our respective job duties, and my coworker thought I was trying to undermine his position. I handled it by recognizing we had an issue and asked my coworker to speak in private. I calmly asked him why he thought we had a conflict and what we could do to resolve the issue. Once we cleared up who was responsible for each job responsibility, we never had an issue again."

"Over the years, I have found all conflicts can be fixed with honest, open communication. When both parties can explain why they are bothered by something and decide how to handle the situation maturely, it seems less conflict will happen in the future. Most conflicts are simply a misunderstanding or lack of communication."

Building Inspector Interview Questions

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1. Our company prides itself on providing excellent customer service. How do you provide excellent customer service?
2. How do you go above and beyond a normal inspection?
3. How can we motivate you on the job?
4. What are your strengths?
5. What are your weaknesses?
6. What are your salary expectations?
7. Our inspectors often present their findings to realtors and homeowners. Are you comfortable with that?
8. Are you comfortable crawling into tight spaces?
9. Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you have contributed to.
10. When have you taken an existing inspection process and used your own creativity to make it better?
11. Tell me about your relationship with your previous boss.
12. As a building inspector, clear communication is incredibly important. Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?
13. What are your career aspirations, in the inspection industry, beyond this job?
14. With the ongoing changes in the construction industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
15. When have you been asked to perform an inspection-related task in which you had little or no experience in doing?
16. Why do you want to work for us as a building inspector?
17. Have you ever been offered a bribe in order to pass a project?
18. Have you ever issued a violation notice or stop-work order?
19. Are you able to quickly calculate and convert mathematical problems and measurements?
20. As a building inspector your will need to review and interpret plans, blueprints, and site layouts. How strong are your skills in these areas?
21. Some inspections require you to maintain daily logs. Are you a strong and dedicated documenter?
22. What type of survey instruments and test equipment have you used?
23. Inspectors must have an overall knowledge of construction. How would you rate your construction knowledge?
24. Tell me a few foundation problems you have witnessed.
25. What makes you passionate about inspecting buildings?
26. Have you performed both residential and commercial building inspections? Of the two, which do you prefer?
27. What is your educational background and how does it assist you in your career as a building inspector?
28. As a building inspector, what experience do you have training others?
29. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?
30. How do you handle a dispute with a coworker or supervisor?

Building Inspector Interview Questions

1. Our company prides itself on providing excellent customer service. How do you provide excellent customer service?

2. How do you go above and beyond a normal inspection?

3. How can we motivate you on the job?

4. What are your strengths?

5. What are your weaknesses?

6. What are your salary expectations?

7. Our inspectors often present their findings to realtors and homeowners. Are you comfortable with that?

8. Are you comfortable crawling into tight spaces?

9. Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you have contributed to.

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

11. Tell me about your relationship with your previous boss.

12. As a building inspector, clear communication is incredibly important. Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?

13. What are your career aspirations, in the inspection industry, beyond this job?

14. With the ongoing changes in the construction industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?

15. When have you been asked to perform an inspection-related task in which you had little or no experience in doing?

16. Why do you want to work for us as a building inspector?

17. Have you ever been offered a bribe in order to pass a project?

18. Have you ever issued a violation notice or stop-work order?

19. Are you able to quickly calculate and convert mathematical problems and measurements?

20. As a building inspector your will need to review and interpret plans, blueprints, and site layouts. How strong are your skills in these areas?

21. Some inspections require you to maintain daily logs. Are you a strong and dedicated documenter?

22. What type of survey instruments and test equipment have you used?

23. Inspectors must have an overall knowledge of construction. How would you rate your construction knowledge?

24. Tell me a few foundation problems you have witnessed.

25. What makes you passionate about inspecting buildings?

26. Have you performed both residential and commercial building inspections? Of the two, which do you prefer?

27. What is your educational background and how does it assist you in your career as a building inspector?

28. As a building inspector, what experience do you have training others?

29. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?

30. How do you handle a dispute with a coworker or supervisor?