Wondering what the secret is to finding the construction industry’s top talent? You may want to look at the interview questions you put together for your candidates. Today’s construction companies are heavily dependent on the level of professionalism and expertise that can be brought to their clients. With that being said, companies need to be able to rely on the teams they’ve formed to complete projects efficiently within the scoped time frame.
This holds true specifically for the construction industry, as construction workers not only need to be prioritizing their personal safety, but also the safety and security of others around them. Having well thought out interview questions will give hiring teams direct insight into whether or not the candidate would fit well into the company culture.
Going through the process of properly vetting your candidates significantly increases your likelihood of securing qualified, trustworthy construction talent. As the employer, it can be difficult knowing whether you’ve prepped the right questions. Continue reading for construction interview questions along with the skill sets needed to be able to complete their job effectively.
8 Important Hard and Soft Skills for Construction Industry Employees
The construction industry isn’t known as one of the easier industries to be in. Workers need to be versatile in the duties they are able to perform, which requires a unique set of hard and soft skills to feel confident in what they’re doing. But what’s the difference between the two?
Hard skills make up the knowledge and technical abilities that are easier to measure and define. Soft skills are known as a worker’s personal traits that aid them in succeeding in their current role. Why is the combination of the two necessary? The versatility, independent responsibility and physical requirements of a construction job require a combination of the two to be able to effectively perform. Listed below are a few important hard and soft skills a construction worker should have when searching for a position.
Hard Skills
- Construction certifications: These display proven professional construction experience handling the many duties associated with the role.
- Physical strength and stamina: The ability to meet the physical needs that come with construction work.
- Technical building knowledge: Experience handling a variety of construction materials and tools, showcasing their previous experience
- Strong blueprint interpretation and math capabilities: The calculation of building materials and interpretation of blueprints are frequently required to accurately plan projects. Having well developed reading and writing capabilities makes completing these tasks much easier.
Soft Skills
- Leadership: Garnering leadership skills and also learning how to be a team player helps further the growth of construction professionals
- Time management: Being able to properly manage multiple projects at once is essential to succeeding within a construction job.
- Communication: Maintaining strong communication practices is good for a company’s culture and ensures everyone is up to date on all project logistics.
- Work ethic: A strong work ethic will help push through seemingly endless or incredibly daunting projects.
Questions to Ask Project Manager Candidates
1. Describe a time when a project was delayed and how you managed it.
Good construction workers should know how to get projects back on track when faced with unexpected delays. By asking this question you can get a glimpse into their leadership and communication styles.
What to look for:
- Communication style: How did they communicate with team members and stakeholders?
- Sense of project ownership: Did they accept responsibility for some of the delay or pass blame onto other individuals?
2. Detail some of the most recent projects you’ve managed from start to finish.
Project managers should come with experience planning different construction projects from start to finish. This question gives you a better understanding of whether a candidate can function independently and remain on schedule.
What to look for:
- Organization skills: Was the candidate able to strategize a course of action to tackle the main objectives of the project?
- Time management: Was the duration of each high priority task considered when designing the overall project schedule?
3. What are your first steps in planning a construction project?
Most construction projects require the creation of detailed plans. This question allows you to select a manager who is knowledgeable about the construction process.
What to look for:
- Confidence: Does the candidate seem comfortable describing their willingness to take on new development projects?
- Scape and scheduling: Does the candidate seem knowledgeable about project lifecycles and what needs to be done during each step of the construction process.
Questions to Ask Construction Worker Candidates
The role of a construction worker consists of assembling and deconstructing buildings according to the blueprints and its unique specifications. This involves operating heavy machinery, as well as interpreting building schematic to bring the client’s vision to life.
1. How familiar are you with interpreting blueprints and reading electrical maps?
A construction worker will likely be unable to complete the tasks of a construction project without the ability to interpret blueprints and electrical maps. The need to be comfortable handling various schematics given to them by clients and providing feedback on the plans outlined.
What to look for:
- Fluency: Is the candidate able to speak fluently when detailing blueprint schematics or electrical maps?
- Collaboration: Do they recognize the importance of asking for help from their foreman to save time and money?
2. Do you have a fear of heights?
Some construction jobs require workers to operate from high floors for long periods of time. Construction workers with height phobias may be unable to take jobs with uncomfortable heights, limiting their delegated tasks. Candidates need to be comfortable with all aspects of the job when applying for the position.
What to look for:
- Acrophobia: Does the candidate have a crippling fear of heights?
- An understanding of the job: Do they acknowledge the requirements of the job and what will be required from them on a daily basis?
3. Can you describe some of the construction projects you’ve worked on in the past year?
Construction workers who have garnered valuable experience will showcase their versatility in regard to the different projects they can handle. From putting down concrete to wiring garage light fixtures, a candidate should be able to describe the different projects they worked on and how they can use that experience to add value to their new team.
What to look for:
- Versatility: Does the candidate have experience with different types of construction projects?
- Ambition: Are you able to tell if the candidate has an eagerness to learn and build upon their current skill set?
The construction industry is undeniably on the rise. With the growth trajectory of the commercial and corporate real estate market, we can expect a surge in lucrative projects and workers looking for jobs. Utilize these questions to help you sift through to find the most qualified candidates and build a team you know you can count on.
