35 Construction Interview Questions & Answers
Behavioral
1. Do you have the ability to see a finished product before it is done?
How to Answer
As a construction worker, it is essential to have a vision of the finished product before it is done. Having a vision helps you successfully build a product without errors along the way. The interviewer wants to know if you can visualize a finished product before it is done to determine if you have what it takes to work for their company. Describe your ability to see a finished product in your mind before it is completed.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have the ability to see a finished product before it is done. I enjoy drawing and always have a vision in my mind of something I want to build. I think that helps me to see a finished product before it is completed, which guides me when building that product."
Behavioral
2. How well do you pay attention to detail?
How to Answer
As a construction worker, it is crucial to pay close attention to detail. If you do not take the time to square things up, properly place a tile, or lay roofing correctly, it will cause problems down the road. The interviewer wants to hear that you pay attention to detail to ensure that you will be the best candidate to hire. Explain the importance of paying attention to detail and give an example of how you do so.
Answer Example
"I always pay attention to detail. During my apprenticeship, I learned how even a minor error could cause problems with the build. My mentor taught me to measure twice and cut once, and he was very strict about making every cut perfect. He instilled those habits into me, so I always pay close attention to the details."
Behavioral
3. Could you work with little or no supervision?
How to Answer
Describe what category you fall into. Ideal employees with experience can work with little or no supervision, and the interviewer wants to see if you fall into that category. If you are inexperienced, you will need supervision at the beginning. Explain that once you are confident in your work, you can work with little or no supervision.
Answer Example
"Yes, I can work with little or no supervision once I am confident in the work I am doing. Since I am just starting in this profession, I will need some supervision until I understand what I am doing. Once I am comfortable with the work, I will not require supervision and will ask my supervisor if I have any questions."
Behavioral
4. How high are the expectations that you strive to meet?
How to Answer
Working in the construction industry, it is crucial to work towards meeting high expectations. If you do shoddy work, it will cause problems in the build down the road. The interviewer wants to hear that you place high expectations on your work. Explain the importance of producing high-quality work and give an example of how you do it.
Answer Example
"I put very high expectations on my work. My father was a finish carpenter and taught me to pay attention to detail and to take the time to produce high-quality work. I had a great role model and continue to do the best I can in everything I build."
Behavioral
5. Do you take criticism well?
How to Answer
Nobody likes to be criticized, but criticism is valuable for self-improvement and growth. If you consider criticism to be feedback, you can learn where your weaknesses are and improve. In the construction industry, you must be thick-skinned and able to accept criticism. The interviewer wants to hear that you are tough, will take criticism well, and improve where needed. Describe how you handle criticism and turn it into a positive experience.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do take criticism well. I use criticism to improve my work. If someone criticizes my work, I want to learn how I can do a better job. I would rather be criticized and improve my weaknesses than produce mediocre work."
Direct
6. Have you ever been late for work?
How to Answer
There are times you may be late to work due to an unforeseeable circumstance. If you have been late to work because of traffic, weather, a flat tire, or another situation, describe why you were late and what you did to keep it from happening again. If you are late to work often because of poor time management, the interviewer will view you as irresponsible, and you might be passed over for the job. The interviewer wants to see that you are responsible and value being to work on time. Explain if you have been late and who you notified about your delay.
Answer Example
"I have been late to work once in my career. I witnessed an accident on my way to work and stopped to help since I have first aid training. I called 911 to report the accident, rendered aid until emergency services showed up, and called my supervisor to explain why I was running late. I ended up being half an hour late to work, but my supervisor was understanding of the situation and had heard about the accident on the news."
Direct
7. Do you have your own tools?
How to Answer
The job description should state whether or not having your own tools is a requirement of this job. If it is a requirement, the interviewer wants to see that you meet their requirement before hiring you for the job. If you do have tools, explain what tools you have. If you do not have tools, tell the interviewer, and ask what you need to purchase if hired.
Answer Example
"I do have some tools and am gradually adding more as I have the money. I have a skill saw, a toolbox with basic hand tools, a cordless drill, levels and squares, shovels and pickaxes, and a wheelbarrow. Are there other tools I would need to own if I were hired for the position?"
Direct
8. Do you have reliable transportation?
How to Answer
The interviewer is not allowed to ask if you own a vehicle, as it can be discriminatory. However, they can ask if you have reliable transportation if it is part of the job requirement. Reliable transportation can include a private vehicle, bicycle, bus, train, subway, carpool, taxi, walking, or a motorcycle. The interviewer wants to know that you will show up to work on time and that transportation will not be an issue if they hire you. Describe your means of travel and a backup plan if the other mode seems unreliable.
Answer Example
"Yes, I have several means of reliable transportation. I have a motorcycle and a truck, both of which are less than five years old. They have both been reliable, and I have never had an issue with either. I perform regularly scheduled maintenance and have AAA if I ever need roadside assistance."
Direct
9. Are you willing to work overtime without overtime pay?
How to Answer
This is a tricky question to answer in an interview. Federal and state laws require most employers to pay overtime after an employee has worked 40 hours per week. An employer may get away without paying overtime if this is provided in their contract at the time of hire. Since every state and industry is different, you must check your local laws regarding overtime pay. Let the interviewer know you are a team player and willing to work overtime, but they should also realize they need to respect your experience and talent and compensate you for your time. Explain that you are willing to work overtime when required, but you expect to be compensated for your time. You do not want to set a precedent where the employer feels they can make you work overtime without overtime pay.
Answer Example
"I am more than willing to work overtime, but I need to be compensated for my time. I bring six years of experience and talent to the table and cannot work for free."
Direct
10. Are you okay working in poor conditions, such as heavy rain or cold weather?
How to Answer
As a construction worker, you will be working outdoors in all types of weather. Some days the foreman may call off a job due to inclement weather, but other days you might have to work in it. The interviewer wants to know that you can work in poor conditions. They do not want to hire someone who will call off work if it is cold or rainy. Describe how you feel about working in these types of conditions, giving an example from the past. If you are not okay working in poor weather conditions, you will likely be passed over for the job.
Answer Example
"Yes, I am fine working in poor weather conditions and have done so in the past. I did my apprenticeship in Colorado and would work throughout the winter. I have worked in heavy rain, snow, and freezing conditions. I plan accordingly and wear the proper clothing to stay warm and dry."
Discovery
11. Why do you want to work with our construction team?
How to Answer
Before you apply for a job, you should research the company to find out all you can and see if they are a company you want to work for. The interviewer wants to know that you have done your research and to hear your reasons for choosing their company. When responding, the interviewer will determine if you would be a good fit for their team. If the company has won awards for its work, has excellent customer reviews, or has other achievements listed on its website, include them in your response.
Answer Example
"I want to work with your construction team because your company values your team members and offers opportunities for advancement. Your team is recognized as the best in the region, and I want to learn and grow with your company. I am fairly new to construction and want to excel in this field. I know working with your team will offer me that."
Education
12. Do you have any education in construction?
How to Answer
Many companies will hire construction workers without any experience in construction but may require a high school diploma or equivalent. These companies will provide on-the-job training to their employees. Other companies may require education in construction, such as an apprenticeship or an associate's or bachelor's degree in construction management or construction technology. Describe any education you have received in construction.
Answer Example
"I just graduated from high school, where I took classes to prepare myself for a career in construction. I took courses in carpentry, algebra, mechanical drawing, physical education, and physics. My goal is to receive my associate's degree in construction management. I have enrolled at the local community college and will start next semester."
Education
13. How did you obtain your general knowledge of construction?
How to Answer
There are many ways you could have learned about construction, and the interviewer wants to hear how you obtained your knowledge. You might have taken shop or carpentry classes in high school, learned from a friend or family member, read books and applied hands-on learning, watched how-to videos, gone through an apprenticeship, or taken construction courses in college. Describe how you have learned about construction.
Answer Example
"I obtained my general knowledge of construction from my older brother and my shop teacher. Growing up, my brother was always building things out of wood. In high school, he took a woodworking class and started selling furniture to make money. I would help him assemble the furniture, sand it, and stain it. When I was a little older, he showed me how to measure and cut the wood and run it through a planer. I was interested in woodworking and took shop classes in high school. Our final project was building a house for a local veteran, and that is how I became hooked on building houses."
Experience
14. How many years of experience do you have working on new construction?
How to Answer
Your resume should state the number of years you've worked in construction, but the interviewer asks specifically about your experience with new construction. The company may primarily work on new construction, and they want to see how familiar you are in this area. Tell the interviewer how many years of experience you have and give examples of the work you have done. If you are new to construction, explain that you are just starting in this career, but you learn quickly and are excited about the possibility of working for their company.
Answer Example
"I have three years of experience working on new construction. After graduating high school, I worked as an apprentice for a company that built specialty homes and learned all aspects of the build, from the foundation to the roof. I have worked as a framer, roofer, and drywall installer and have some knowledge of plumbing and electrical."
Experience
15. Do you have any drywall experience?
How to Answer
If the interviewer asks if you have drywall experience, the company most likely installs drywall as part of its services. If the company prefers drywall experience, they will typically post that preference or requirement in the job posting. If you have experience working with drywall, describe your experience. If you have not worked with drywall, explain that you have not worked with it, but you are willing to learn.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have drywall experience. I have worked with drywall on four residential home projects and know how to measure and cut drywall, install it, and tape and mud the joints."
Experience
16. Do you have any roofing experience?
How to Answer
If the interviewer asks if you have roofing experience, the company most likely installs roofing as part of its services. If the company prefers a construction worker with roofing experience, they will typically post that preference or requirement in the job posting. If you have roofing experience, describe your experience. If you have not worked with roofing, explain that you have not worked with it, but you are willing to learn.
Answer Example
"I have worked in construction for two years and have not had any experience with roofing. The jobs I have worked on had a roofing team come in after we framed the house, so I have not learned how to install roofing. I am eager to learn, and I pick up new skills quickly."
Experience
17. Do you have any experience remodeling older homes?
How to Answer
If the interviewer asks if you have experience remodeling older homes, their company most likely does remodeling work. They want to know what experience you have incorporating newer building practices into older homes. Describe your experience with remodeling older homes. If you do not have experience, explain that you are excited to learn to remodel.
Answer Example
"Yes, I have three years of experience remodeling older homes. I have worked on four remodels, one of which was a 100-year-old Victorian. That was challenging because we needed to upgrade their electrical and plumbing while trying to stay within the guidelines of the historical association. I find it challenging but rewarding to upgrade older homes."
Experience
18. What do you know about electrical work?
How to Answer
You may have experience with electrical work, or you may not. The interviewer wants to determine if you have experience or if they would need to train you in electrical if hired. Be honest, and describe how much you know about electrical work.
Answer Example
"I know a little about electrical work but have never officially been trained in electrical. I watched an electrician wire a breaker box for a residential building, and she explained the process as she worked. I do not have hands-on knowledge, but I am interested in learning more."
Experience
19. What experience do you have in tiling?
How to Answer
If the interviewer asks to hear what experience you have with tiling, it may be part of the job expectations. They want to determine if you have experience or if you would need to be trained if hired. Be honest and describe the knowledge you have and what type of tiling you have done. If you do not have experience, explain that you have no experience, but you are willing and excited to learn how to tile.
Answer Example
"I have two years of experience tiling. My first job in construction was with my dad, who is a General Contractor. I helped him build a home for my sister, and he taught me how to lay tile. We tiled the entryway, the kitchen, laundry room, and three bathrooms. After that job, we worked on a restaurant. My dad put me in charge of tiling two large restrooms, the entryway, patio, and kitchen. I feel very confident in my tiling and grouting skills."
Experience
20. What overall experience do you have in construction?
How to Answer
Some companies hire construction workers with little to no experience, as they will do on-the-job training. Other companies will only hire workers with a minimum number of years of experience. The job description should state what type of experience the company requires, and if you made it to the interview, you must have met their requirements. Describe your experience with anything related to construction.
Answer Example
"I have over 15 years of experience in construction. I started as a young child working with my dad on the construction site. He would pay me to pick up nails and clean the site at the end of the day. As I got older, I started learning how to read blueprints, frame, and put in studs, floor joists, headers, and the subfloor. I also have experience in roofing, electrical, and plumbing. I feel comfortable with all aspects of construction."
General
21. Do you have any questions for me?
How to Answer
This question will often be asked at the end of the interview, and it is recommended to ask the interviewer questions when asked. When you ask questions, it shows you are interested in the company and the position, and you want to learn all that you can. Make sure your question(s) cannot be answered on the company website or job announcement and that your questions do not involve pay or benefits. Those questions may have been posted in the job announcement or will be answered by Human Resources when you are offered the job.
Answer Example
"Thank you for asking; I do have a few questions for you. How long have you worked for this company, and what do you like the most and least about the job?"
General
22. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks about where you see yourself in five years for several reasons. They want to determine if your five-year plan is to be working for their company or if you would be a short-term employee. Second, they want to know what type of professional goals you set for yourself to determine your motivation. Describe where you see yourself in five years related to this position and what goals you have set to get there.
Answer Example
"In five years, I see myself as the foreman of a construction crew with your company. Since high school, I have wanted to work for this company, and I love that you offer opportunities for professional growth. I am enrolled in a construction management course at the community college and will have my associate's degree in a year and a half. After that, I want to continue my education and receive my bachelor's degree in management, which will allow me to develop as a leader."
General
23. Do you have any questions about the position?
How to Answer
Before your interview, it is good to review the job announcement to see if you have any questions about the position. It is always recommended that you ask a question or two, which shows your eagerness to learn all you can about the role. You might ask a question about the first project you would be assigned, the size of the crew, who you would report to, or what the schedule would be. Be sure that the questions you ask are not answered on the job posting, which would show you did not pay attention.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have a few questions about the position. Thank you for asking. If hired, what would be the first project I would be working on, and what would the schedule look like?"
General
24. What do you dislike the most about working in construction?
How to Answer
There are many different reasons you might dislike working in construction, such as the unpredictability of work, inclement weather, rude clients, digging trenches, lazy managers, or cleaning up job sites. When you respond, avoid talking negatively about clients or supervisors, which will make you look immature and disrespectful. Choose what you dislike the most, but explain that you still enjoy your profession and do not let that aspect of construction keep you from performing your job.
Answer Example
"What I dislike the most about working in construction is getting laid off during the winter. I enjoy physical labor and do not like having to take three or four months off. When I am laid off from a job during the winter, I go to the gym and build furniture in my workshop. But, I always enjoy when winter is over, and I can get back to working in construction."
General
25. Who did you work for in the past?
How to Answer
The interviewer can look at your resume to see your past employers, but they want to hear from you who you have worked for and where you gained your experience in construction. If you do not have prior construction experience, name your previous employers and your job title. There is no need to name employers unrelated to construction if you have construction experience.
Answer Example
"I worked for Caribou Construction, which is a company that specializes in custom homes. I worked for them for three years as an apprentice. I then worked for Granite Construction Company for three years as a framer building commercial buildings."
General
26. What are your strengths in construction?
How to Answer
There are many aspects to working in construction, and different people will have different strengths. You might be well trained in tiling, drywall, and painting, while others might be better at framing, roofing, and installing insulation. You can describe your strong points as related to hard skills, as mentioned, but you should also include your soft skills. You could add that you work well on a team, have excellent communication skills, and have a strong work ethic. The interviewer wants to determine that your strong points will benefit the company if they hire you.
Answer Example
"My strong points related to the construction industry are tiling, framing, and electrical. I also have excellent interpersonal skills. I am punctual and honest, and I work well with others."
General
27. Would your previous employer give you good reviews based on your past work?
How to Answer
As with any interview question, be completely honest when answering this question. The interviewer will typically call your previous employer for a reference, so they can ask the same question. Your previous employer may have spoken to you about your work or written about the quality of your work in a letter of recommendation or performance review. Describe what your previous employer would say about the quality of your work using an example.
Answer Example
"Yes, my previous employer would give me good reviews about my work. My previous employer was my mentor and taught me how to produce high-quality work. If anything was not completed perfectly, he would make me fix my work until he approved."
Scenario
28. Suppose you put a piece of roofing on wrong. You could let it go, but you know in ten years a leak will occur. What would you do?
How to Answer
The interviewer will ask this question to see if you will admit when you make a mistake and take measures to correct it. If you do not do your job correctly and fix an error when one happens, it shows that you do not take pride in your work and will take shortcuts. The company does not want to hire someone who does shoddy work that could cause problems down the road for the customer.
Answer Example
"If I realized that I put a piece of roofing on wrong, I would take the time to correct it. I would fix the mistake right away because I do not want to do inferior work that would cause problems for the client down the road. I take pride in my work and always want to do the best job possible."
Situational
29. If I ask you to do something in a way you are not used to, how would you handle this?
How to Answer
If you are asked to do something in a way that is unfamiliar to you, communication is the key to understanding. The interviewer wants to hear that you will speak up and ask them to clarify or explain what they want you to do since you are unfamiliar with their method. Explain how you would handle this situation.
Answer Example
"If you asked me to do something in a way that was unfamiliar to me, I would tell you that I do not understand your method and ask you to show me what you would like done. Once I am shown your method, I will know how to do it in the future and will not need further clarification."
Situational
30. What was the toughest situation you've had remodeling an old home?
How to Answer
There can be many challenging situations when remodeling older homes. There could be permit issues, mold or dry rot, asbestos, or improperly installed plumbing or electrical that need to be replaced. If you have experience remodeling older homes, describe your most challenging situation and how you handled it. The interviewer wants to see your problem-solving skills and how you deal with challenges. If you have never remodeled an older home, explain that to the interviewer and describe how you would handle a tough situation if faced with one.
Answer Example
"I have remodeled three older homes, and the most challenging situation I had was discovering the house was infested with termites. They were eating the subfloor and support posts, and we had to call an exterminator in to take care of the termites before we could replace the damaged wood. After the exterminators were done, we had to jack up the house to replace the support posts. Finding the termites delayed the project for a month while we took care of the situation."
Situational
31. When you make a mistake, how do you go about fixing it?
How to Answer
In any industry, mistakes are bound to happen. The interviewer wants to hear that you recognize a mistake when you make one, admit to your mistake, and find ways to rectify the situation. If you try to cover up a mistake without taking care of the error, it shows you do not take pride in your work and are willing to take shortcuts that could cause problems later on down the road. Describe how you acknowledge a mistake when you make one and what measures you take to fix your error, giving an example when you have made a mistake in construction in the past.
Answer Example
"I am very careful not to make mistakes, but when I do, I acknowledge that I made an error and figure out how to correct it. I made a mistake when I was first starting construction and inadvertently tiled over a shower drain. I did not realize my mistake until I started grouting. I told my supervisor what happened, then cut out the tile in the area where the drain was. I had to replace some of the tiles and regrout, but the problem was fixed, and I never did that again."
Situational
32. What was the toughest construction job you've worked on?
How to Answer
There could be many reasons that a job is particularly tough. You could have had staffing issues and not enough workers, the weather could have been inclement throughout the project, or you might have had unfriendly clients or a project manager who made your work difficult. The interviewer will ask this question to see what you consider challenging and how you handle adversity. Avoid talking negatively about coworkers, supervisors, or clients and while describing this challenging job.
Answer Example
"The toughest construction job I worked on was replacing a roof on a residential home. It should have been a straightforward job, but we had terrible weather throughout the project. We had freak afternoon thunderstorms, and we had to tarp the entire roof every day for a week. Then, near the end of the project, a hurricane came through and ripped the roof completely off. That was definitely the most challenging job I have ever worked on."
Teamwork
33. Do you like working with other people?
How to Answer
As a construction worker, it is imperative that you like working with others. You will be part of a crew that must work well together to achieve a common goal. You will also be working with clients and people in other trades. The interviewer wants to determine if you will be a team player and work well with others. If you answer that you do not like working with other people, the interviewer will likely pass you over.
Answer Example
"Yes, I enjoy working with other people and being part of a team. All my previous jobs involved working with others, and I am most comfortable in this type of position."
Teamwork
34. Do you adapt well to working on a new team?
How to Answer
As a construction worker, you must adapt well to the team. You will be part of a diverse crew that must work well together to achieve a common goal. The interviewer wants to determine if you will be a team player and adapt well to the crew, should they hire you. If you answer that you do not adapt well with the team, the interviewer will likely not consider you for this position.
Answer Example
"Yes, I adapt well to any team I work with. I started playing team sports in high school and learned the importance of working well with diverse groups of people. I have worked with many different crews and always get along well with others."
Technical
35. What is your specialty in construction?
How to Answer
There are many specialties a construction worker might have. You may be a framer, roofer, electrician, plumber, painter, or drywall installer. Explain what skills you will bring to this company if hired and how you would benefit the company. If you have multiple specialties, describe your skills and choose one that you feel is your strongest.
Answer Example
"I have worked in many different aspects of construction, such as framing, carpentry, masonry, installing insulation, and painting. Out of all the different jobs I have performed, I feel that building cabinets is my specialty."