How to Answer: Have you ever had a project go over the deadline for completion? If so, why did that happen, and how did you respond?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Construction Superintendent job interview.
1. Have you ever had a project go over the deadline for completion? If so, why did that happen, and how did you respond?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see how diligent you are in meeting deadlines. When projects go past the completion date, companies stand to lose a lot of money. The interviewer wants to hear if you have ever had a project not meet its deadline, why that happened, and how you handled the situation. The reason the project did not meet the deadline may be out of your hands, but the interviewer wants to see how you handle adversity and problem solve in situations like this.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 3rd, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you have had projects go past their completion date, choose one that was not because of an error on your part. Focus on a project that did not meet the deadline because of something out of your control. Some examples may be inclement weather, supply shortage, or change orders from the client.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 3rd, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving an example of a project that did not meet its deadline because you made a mistake. Describing a project that was not completed because you did not schedule the project appropriately or had insufficient staff shows the interviewer that you may not have the skills they are looking for in a Construction Superintendent.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 3rd, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I have had a project that went past the deadline. A client made 134 change orders during a residential build, which set the project back two months. I explained to the client that the magnitude of change orders would set the project back a few months and had him sign an agreement that he understood the new deadline. At first, he did not understand why we could not finish earlier, but after I walked him through the process and explained the amount of extra work we had to perform, he understood why the project would be delayed."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 3rd, 2022