Construction Interview Guide

Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to climb the ladder or just starting out in this field, interviews can be nerve wrecking! In this Construction interview guide we’ll cover everything from prep tips to handling those competency-based questions. Whether you’re meeting face-to-face, at a construction site, or virtually, we’re here to guide you.

Take a look at our interview checklist below for getting ready ahead of time and gaining valuable insights into the various interview styles you might come up against.

Things to prepare ahead of the interview:

• Company Homework: First, dig into the company—what they’re all about, their values, mission, take a look at their social media or see if they have had any recent news releases etc
• Research the Industry: Beyond just the company, understanding the broader construction industry can be valuable. Stay informed about industry trends, challenges, and recent developments to showcase your industry knowledge during the interview.
• Know Your Interviewers: Look up the people you’ll be talking to on LinkedIn, and come up with some questions about their backgrounds.
• Know the job description inside out: Read the job description carefully to figure out which parts of your experience match up with what they’re looking for. In the interview be sure to pepper the job description language throughout your replies
• Know your CV: You should be able to talk about your CV and experiences at length, and don’t shy away from explaining any gaps.
• Practice Your Answers: Get comfortable answering the usual questions out loud, like why you want the job, why you’re a great fit, what you know about the company, your strengths, and what your previous boss might say about you. Sometimes doing mock interviews with your family/friends or recruiter can be really helpful

Find out what type of Interview it will be

• Understand whether it’s going to be a casual chat or a more structured competency or behaviour-based interview. If it’s the latter, go through the job description to pick out key skills and have real-life examples ready. Particularly be sure to highlight relevant projects. If you have specific project experiences that align with the job requirements, prepare to discuss them in detail. Explain your role, the project’s challenges, and your contributions. 
• For competency based interviews Use the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to paint the whole picture.
• Quick tip: Some people tend to ace the “Situation” and “Task” parts but falter on “Action” and “Result.” Remember to cover all four aspects for a solid answer.
• Be sure to have some examples for some common competencies that may come up such as: teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.

Dress to Impress:

• Whether you’re meeting in person or on video, your outfit and demeanor matter. The days of strict suits and ties are fading, but looking professional is still a must. Go for smart or smart-casual attire, even for virtual chats.

Punctuality Counts:

• For in-person meetups, plan your route. For online interviews, do a tech check to make sure your internet behaves. Get in there a bit early to dodge any last-minute tech glitches. Be sure to silence your phone too!

Tech Check:

• Find a quiet spot at home, ensure your internet is solid, and give yourself extra time to log in. You don’t want tech stress messing with your interview mojo.

Nail the Non-Verbal Stuff:

• Whether it’s face-to-face or on a screen, start with a friendly smile and maybe a handshake (if it’s in-person). Keep that eye contact, sit up straight, and stay open and engaged. Be a good listener, show interest, and keep your body language positive. Politeness and respect are key, whether you’re in the same room or miles apart.

Ask Questions, Lots of Them:

• Interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re conversations. Don’t be shy about throwing your own questions into the mix. Prepare some good ones in advance to show you’re genuinely curious.
• We hope that through our Construction Interview Guide we have helped you gain some extra tools to handle interviews in the construction world. So, when you step into your next interview, be it in person, at a construction site, or online, we hope you feel prepared! Whether you’re a pro eyeing that next career leap or a newbie dipping your toes into a new field stay genuine, toss in some thoughtful questions, and make it more of a friendly chat than an interrogation! Best of luck!