If you have an upcoming interview with a construction employer, congratulations! To prepare, consider the questions you might be asked and think about your answers in advance. Expect the interviewer to ask about:
1) Your skills: Highlight relevant skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and self-management.
2) Your strengths and weaknesses: Be ready to discuss both your strong points and areas for improvement.
3) Why you want this job: Explain your motivation for applying and why you’re interested in this specific role.
4) Your understanding of the construction industry and the job: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field and the particular position.
5) Your future goals: Share your long-term career aspirations.
**Competency-based questions will assess if you have the qualities and behaviors they seek. Examples of important skills include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, self-belief, self-management, leadership, and initiative. Be prepared to discuss situations where you’ve demonstrated these skills, such as overcoming setbacks.
**Situation-based questions will evaluate your approach to typical job challenges. Reflect on past construction experiences and consider how you handled various problems. Think about how you would deal with issues like negative feedback, team disputes, health and safety hazards, or delays due to unexpected events.
When asked, “What do you know about the company?” make sure you’ve done your research. Visit the company’s website, especially the ‘About Us’ section, to understand their values and goals. Check their social media for additional insights into their business interests. If applying for an apprenticeship or graduate position, explore what they offer and what qualities they seek.
Finally, when asked, “Why should we hire you?” use this opportunity to make a strong impression. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Connect your skills, knowledge, and experience to the job description, showing that you’re a perfect fit and would add value to the company. Remember, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation, so stay confident and positive.
Last but not least, some helpful DOs and DONTs are the following:
**DON'T:
- Inquire about salary, holidays, or early promotion.
- Repeat questions already thoroughly discussed.
**DO:
- Ask about the company's major projects, achievements, and areas of pride.
- Discuss current challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.
- Explore the company's methods for teamwork, training, and development.
