MockQuestions

Construction Manager Mock Interview

35 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Construction Manager interview, here are 35 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

35 Construction Manager Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   What is your greatest strength?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is commonly asked at interviews to determine if your greatest strength will be an asset for the company. Look at the job announcement and review the qualities the company is looking for in its ideal candidate. Find keywords that describe traits you feel are your greatest strength and use one of those keywords in your response. For example, suppose the company is looking for a construction manager with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. In that case, tailor your response using one of those qualities you feel is your strongest.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

When asked your greatest strength, you want to use a strength that is relevant to the job. Avoid using a skill or strength that will not benefit the company, such as excellent cooking skills or navigating without a compass. Use a strength that makes you stand out as the perfect person to hire for their organization.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"My greatest strength is my interpersonal skills. I am an active listener, communicate clearly, have compassion for those around me, and I can collaborate and work well with diverse groups."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

2.   What is your greatest weakness?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is commonly asked during interviews. The interviewer wants to hear that you are self-aware and can identify areas of improvement. They also want to see how you set goals to improve an area of weakness and take measures to turn that weakness into a strength. Describe an area where you can improve related to the position and what you are doing to improve.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

You want to avoid answering with a weakness that would prohibit you from successfully performing your job. If you describe your fault as being incredibly introverted, the interviewer might view that as something that would keep you from being an effective construction manager.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"My greatest weakness is creating PowerPoint presentations. I have the basics down, but I always ask for assistance when I need to add graphs or charts for a presentation. To improve, I bought a master class course on creating professional PowerPoint slide presentations. I have been moving through the course when I have time on the weekends and have already learned some valuable tools. Once I am done with the course next month, this should not be a weakness anymore."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

3.   There are times when we are placed under extreme pressure on the job. Tell about a time when you were under such pressure and how you handled it.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Working as a construction manager, you know you will encounter extreme pressure and stress. You could be under pressure to meet a tight deadline, work within a budget, satisfy clients' demands, and personnel issues can arise. The interviewer wants to see how you handle the pressures of the job while gaining insight into your critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Describe a recent project where it was a high-pressure situation and explain how you remained calm while working under stress.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

You want to avoid answering that you could not handle the pressures of the job or that you walked off the job site to collect your thoughts. You must show that you can sufficiently handle any pressure or stressors that come your way.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"Most projects I have worked on have some degree of pressure placed on me. The most recent project where I was placed under extreme pressure was a supermarket build. We had a certain amount of time to complete the project, or the company would be charged a hefty penalty for every day we went over the deadline. The timeline was doable, barring any problems. Everything was running smoothly until a crane collapsed on the project due to high winds, taking out part of the roof and injuring three workers. The job was shut down until an investigation was completed, and then the roof needed to be repaired. This accident set us back a month, and it was going to be costly for the company. I decided it would be cheaper to work around the clock and bring in extra crews to complete the project on time. We ended up finishing two days early, but it was a very stressful month, indeed."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

4.   Tell me about a time when your supervisor criticized your work. How did you respond?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

There will be times that a supervisor will criticize your work, and how you accept criticism is what the interviewer wants to hear. No one likes their work to be criticized, but if you look at the criticism as constructive feedback to improve, you will become better at your job. Describe how you view criticism as an opportunity to grow into a better construction manager and how you responded when your supervisor critiqued your work in the past. If you have not been criticized as a construction manager, use another job where you were given feedback about your work.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

When being critiqued or criticized about your work, it is common to become angry or defensive. You must avoid letting the interviewer know if you became angry or lashed out at your supervisor, and keep your response to the situation on a positive note.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have not had a supervisor criticize my work as a construction manager, but I have had work critiqued in the past. I worked as a stonemason apprentice, and my supervisor criticized my first attempt at building a rock wall. He said the wall was uneven and looked like a five-year-old made it. At first, I was embarrassed because he said that in front of the entire crew, and everyone laughed, but then I responded by using humor and said that my three-year-old could probably do a better job than me. The supervisor laughed and said he was joking with me but that I had room for improvement in choosing the correct rocks. I asked him to demonstrate what he meant because I wanted to do the best job possible. I view criticism as feedback which helps me improve in any role I am in."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

5.   What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

When an interviewer asks about a difficult period in your life and how you dealt with it, they want to see how you can handle personal and professional challenges. They can assess how you handle adversity and how well you might balance job responsibilities during challenging times in your life. Describe a personal or professional challenge that you consider the most difficult period in your life and how you responded to the situation. How you respond also shows them what you consider a hard moment, and they can determine if you will be tough enough for the job.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

It is alright to talk about a sad time in your life since that is probably the most difficult period you have gone through. However, you want to avoid talking for too long about this dark period while staying in control of your emotions. You are not trying to gain sympathy; you are merely answering the question.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"The most difficult period in my life was when my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given six weeks to live. We had a two-year-old daughter at the time, and I could not imagine losing my wife and the mother of my child. My wife opted out of chemo and radiation so she could live her life to the fullest before her death. I took two months of family leave to be with my wife and daughter and was with her when she died. Having that quality time made it easier for me to accept her passing, and it was a relief knowing we had that time together. After her death, I went back to work and met with a grief counselor once a week for three months. While it was the most challenging time in my life, caring for a young daughter made me quickly work through my grief."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

6.   What do you know about the projects we typically do at our company?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Before applying to the job, you most likely researched the company to see their work projects. You can visit the company, talk to staff, read online reviews, and look at the company website to learn more about the company. The interviewer wants to see that you have done your research, which shows your enthusiasm and excitement for working for them. Describe the types of projects they work on and any other information that will make you stand out, such as any awards or recognition they have from working on these types of projects.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

When you answer, you want to be detailed in your response and avoid a short answer. For example, suppose the company describes on their website that they build custom residential homes that appeal to multigenerational families. In that case, you don't want to simply answer that the company builds residential homes. Be as detailed as possible to show you have done your homework.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"I found when researching your company that you work on four types of projects: residential homes, condominiums, active living homes for retirement age, and multigenerational homes. I am impressed with the fact that your company has been awarded the Prestigious Excellence Award three years in a row for your multigenerational home designs, and I would be honored to work with your company on all types of projects."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

7.   How many times did you miss work last year, and why?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

When an interviewer asks about your work attendance, they want to see how dependable you are as an employee. They do not want to hire a construction manager they cannot rely on to show up for work. Describe how many sick days you took and why, and include vacation days in your response.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

You want to be honest in your response, but you may not be looked at as a favorable candidate if you called out from work repeatedly. Avoid answering that you missed work because the company cheated you out of paying overtime or that you felt entitled to take days off. You do not want to speak negatively of your previous employer under any circumstance.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"I missed work seven days last year when I used my vacation time, which was mandatory to use every year. It would not roll into the following year if I did not use my time. I also missed work three days when my father died, and I was able to use family leave time to go to the funeral."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

8.   Do you have reliable transportation?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer cannot ask you if you own a vehicle as it can be viewed as discriminatory, but they can ask if you have reliable transportation if it is a job requirement. They want to see that if hired, you will be responsible and show up to work on time and that transportation will not be an issue. Reliable transportation can be a personal vehicle, a motorcycle, public transportation, a taxi, carpool, bicycle, or walking. Describe how you plan to get to work if they offer you the job.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

You want to avoid responding in a way that makes the interviewer question your mode of transportation. For example, if you answer that you have an old car that breaks down sometimes or has trouble starting in cold weather, the interviewer might not view your transportation as reliable. If you own an unreliable vehicle, describe an alternate method that will be more reliable, such as a taxi or bus.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"Yes, I have a two-year-old Ford F-350 that is very reliable. I bought it new and have never had any issues with it. I follow regularly scheduled maintenance and keep it in excellent condition."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

9.   How important is safety to you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

On any construction site, safety should be your top priority. Many things can happen on a project that could injure, disable, or kill a worker, and the interviewer wants to hear that you take safety seriously. There are many laws and regulations regarding safety, and the interviewer wants to be assured that you follow these guidelines to prevent accidents on the job site. Give an example that shows how important safety is to you.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

Avoid answering that safety is not that important and that the employees are adults and can take care of themselves. If you give any flippant response, the interviewer will immediately decide that you are not the best candidate for the company. They are looking for a construction manager who lists safety as a top priority.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"Safety is my number one priority on any project. Before starting a project, I hold a safety meeting with my crew and explain what safety measures need to be followed. I require hard hats, steel-toe boots, and long pants on every project. When operating specific tools and machinery, I require eye and hearing protection. When warranted, gloves are provided to all employees, and when working above six feet off the ground, safety harnesses are to be used. I value all crew members and want them to go home safe and uninjured at the end of the day."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

10.   Why do you want to work for our construction company?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Before applying to the job, you most likely researched the company to see if they were a company you wanted to work for. You can visit the company, talk to staff, read online reviews, and look at the company website. The interviewer wants to see that you have done your research, which shows your enthusiasm for working for them. Describe the reasons you want to work for their company while finding unique qualities that make their company stand out from others.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

When responding to why you want to work for their company, do not mention money or benefits. If you say you want to work for their company because they pay the highest in the industry, you will look as if you are only applying for monetary reasons and not because you are interested in other aspects of the company.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"I want to work for your company because you are known in the industry for integrating cutting-edge technologies that enable you to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. I like your mission statement, which highlights your vision of benefitting communities through sustainable living. I hold the same values and want to be a part of your award-winning team."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

11.   Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

When the interviewer asks this question, they want to learn more about you than what is on your resume. While you can pack a lot into a resume, some achievements, recognition, or awards don't make it due to room on your resume or CV. Give an example of a professional achievement you are proud of relative to the position of construction manager.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

While you can tell the interviewer a personal achievement that is not on your resume, it is best to describe something about yourself that relates to the job position. Avoid talking at great length when answering this question, and be sure not to cite your resume word for word. The interviewer wants to learn something new about you that they have not already read or heard during the interview.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"Something that is not on my resume but I am proud of is being placed on the Dean's List four years in a row at Everglades University. I achieved commendation for maintaining a 4.0 cumulative GPA throughout eight semesters as a full-time student while also working full-time in construction."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

12.   What is your greatest personal achievement?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer will ask about your greatest personal achievement to see what inspires and motivates you. How you respond shows the interviewer what you value and perceive as an achievement. They will also know if you set personal goals and follow through to reach your dreams. What you achieve in your personal life reflects on your professional life, as well.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

Avoid mentioning an achievement that might be considered immature or unprofessional, even though it is a personal achievement. An example would be saying that your greatest personal achievement is winning a beer pong champion title while attending college or something else along those lines.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"My greatest personal achievement was training for and completing the Ironman competition, placing in the top five in my age group. I'd never competed in anything before and decided a year before the race to start training. My goal was to be in the top five, which I accomplished. To date, that has been my greatest personal achievement."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

13.   What three words would your previous employer use to describe you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer can call your previous employer for a reference, but they want to hear how you think your previous employer would describe you. If you have a letter of recommendation or an employee performance review, use three words that your previous employer used to describe you. It is best to review the job announcement and find keywords the company used to describe their ideal candidate, showing that you have the qualities they are looking for in a construction manager. After telling the interviewer the three words they would use to describe you, give an example of why they used those words.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

When answering with three words your previous employer would use to describe you, avoid any terms that can be construed as a negative quality. You might be a person who jokes around or uses humor on the job, but if you describe yourself as comical, the interviewer may view that as unprofessional.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have a letter of recommendation from my previous employer, and they described me as honest and dependable with excellent interpersonal skills. They said they trust me with any of their clients and crew, and if I say I will do something, I follow through. In my five years with the company, I called in sick three times due to having pneumonia, which was backed up with a doctor's note. They described my interpersonal skills as excellent and said I could communicate effectively with a diverse group of people."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

14.   What do you like least about working as a construction manager?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to hear what you like the least about working as a construction manager to ensure you have the qualities they are looking for in a candidate. Describe what you like least, then explain how you work around that aspect of the job. You want to end on a positive note, showing that what you dislike will not keep you from performing your job.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

You want to avoid responding with something that could be a deal-breaker for the interviewer. For example, if you say you do not like working with people, you will not be considered for the position since construction management is a people-oriented profession.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"What I like least about working as a construction manager is working in humid conditions. I can handle the heat just fine, but it makes it more challenging when you add humidity. Over the years, I have found I am starting to acclimate to the humidity, but it is still not enjoyable. I make sure to drink plenty of fluids, wear breathable clothing, and take breaks where there is air conditioning."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

15.   Where do you see yourself in five years?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

It is expensive for companies to hire employees, and the interviewer wants to see if you see yourself with their company in five years or if you will be a short-term hire. The interviewer also wants to hear if you have set professional goals for yourself and plan to further your education. Describe where you see yourself in five years with this company and any plans for professional growth.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

What to Avoid

It is best not to say that you see yourself taking over the interviewer's job or that you see yourself becoming the company's CEO. The interviewer might feel threatened by you and feel that their job is in jeopardy if they offer you the position.

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

Answer Example

"In five years, I see myself obtaining my master's degree in construction management and leading your alternative construction team. I like that your company offers room for professional advancement, and I can see myself growing within your organization."

Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021

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