This article will help you to bring knowledge about Construction Interview Questions with sample answers.
The development in the construction industry directly explains the economic aspect of a nation. It was understood that the wealth of a nation is directly proportional to the Infrastructure of the country. For instance, take a look at Dubai’s infrastructure development. There are so many construction masterpieces that it has attracted many tourists. Besides that, Dubai has harsh weather conditions. Still, Dubai’s revenue from the tourism sector in the first six months of 2021 is about 3billion US dollars.
Which directly increases employment and again country construct its way to provide a better life to their citizens. The expanse of the construction industry is so huge that it requires a high level of experience. The states offer many rules and regulations, and a contractor should be aware of them. Having a valid license can increase the chance of a contractor winning a bid. Now we directly jump into the questions, which are quintessential to note to ace the interview.
Construction Interview Questions
Q.1 What license do you have? Do you know the importance of a license?
ANS. 1. It is very important to have a license.
- First, it assures the security of the building as the state provides licenses to only those contractors who have proper knowledge of construction.
- Secondly, the Lien Rights help a contractor to avoid any betrayal by the client.
Types of licenses
Every state of America provides different procedures for licensing. However, there are two general licenses.
- General contractor license
- Specialty Contractor license.
I have a specialty contractor license because it is applicable in most states.
Question. 2 How do you evaluate success on a construction site?
Answer. I think that to achieve success in a construction project.
- Raw material should be of superior quality with the least possible cost. Experienced Labour should be used efficiently to increase the overall effectiveness. To sum it up, Economic construction is done without compromising the quality.
- Construction should not harm the environment.
Q.3 How have you responded to challenges during construction projects in the past? Give one such instance from your experience?
Answer. Yes, I have been working in this field for the past few years. According to my experience and knowledge, we should always be prepared for the worst possible condition. Many things are not predictable, such as the health of laborers, weather conditions, and many more. If I talk about one such incident, I faced a situation of shuttering failure. While Concreting it was so sudden that every worker was astonished. Then I suddenly stopped mixing extra concrete to avoid wastage, and now I have to utilize the prepared concrete. Then I told the laborers to spread the concrete in on the other side slowly. When they assured me that another side’s shuttering was fine, I told them to spread it properly.
Q.4 How do you check the level at the construction site?
ANS. For Basic use, one of the most straightforward and standard devices is a spirit level. However, other more advanced instruments are also present, for example, dumpy level, a visual tool used in surveying for leveling.
Q.5 How do you calculate the weight of steel bars at a construction site for a given length and Diameter?
Ans. There is various construction materials present for which most contractors should know the quality checks and estimate the material.
We can easily calculate the weight of the steel for a given diameter and length. We can use the relation
{D²/162}X L
Where
D= Diameter of steel bar
L= length of steel bar.
Q.6 What is the job of a Project manager at a construction site?
ANS. Construction work needs to be done in a proper sequential manner. Not taking a helpful check on storage of building material. It will increase the project’s cost by many folds. A project manager requires to manage a vast amount of labor and raw material at the same time. Project manager Manages work, equipment, and tools for the project and Estimates of time of completion and money for the project.
Q.7 What is the bidding process for a construction process?
In the bidding process, a person opens a tender to be undertaken by Contractors to complete the construction project successfully. There are various steps involved in the process.
- Bid Solicitation: In simple words, in this step, the owner provides the necessary documentation to all contractors to estimate their amount and take part in the bidding process. The interested contractors take part in the bidding.
- Contractual Formation: After reviewing all the bids, the owner selects one contractor for the further process. After the selection of a contractor, a legal document is formed between the owner and the contractor. In which the owner and the contractor agree on the total cost and work of the contractor.
- Project starts: After it, the contractor begins the construction.
Q.8 What types of construction machines you had used?
ANS. There are a tremendous amount of construction machines.
- Concrete mixing machines
- Cranes
- Excavators, JCB
- Drilling Machines
- Trailers
- Heavy-duty trucks for material transportation.
And many more.
Q.9 What are the ways you can adopt to reduce a project’s cost without compromising quality?
ANS. There are some basic ways by which any contractor can reduce the cost.
- The First Thing is to do Market research. This will let me know that from where I can get raw material at a low cost.
- Avoid unnecessary wastage of labor costs and materials. This can be achieved by a proper check on the amount of raw material. Suppose I have only two days’ stock of Cement. I will order it before its total consumption, so my labor will not rest the next day.
- Quality Assurance check is made on both sides on Shop from where the raw material is coming and at the site after the raw material reaches the site.
- Perfect Site organization should be made to avoid unnecessary wastage and theft activities.
Q.10 What do you know about labor laws?
Ans. Various administrations set up multiple laws and rules to look over Labor cozenage. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum salary, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and minor profession standards. Other authorities have some sets of rules which can not be overpassed anyway. The general rule is the duty of good faith, and fair dealing is implied.
Q. 11 What inspires you to become a contractor?
Ans. There are many reasons due to which I wanted to be a Contractor.
- Flexibility: Flexibility in terms of working hours, working days, and many more.
- Maintain a good work-life balance: as I can work according to my pace, it would help me to manage my professional life and personal life.
- Interest: Most critical factor is that I have a keen interest in this field.
- Family background: This might be the reason for my interest in the construction field. My father is a civil engineer. Many times took me to his site when I was a kid, which might be the foundation of my interest.
Q.12 What are basic safety measures with which you are familiar?
Answer. Safety is the first priority for me. Construction site uses some heavy machinery and electricity if not used sincerely can induce serious injuries. I follow these basic steps to avoid unnecessary harm at the construction site.
- Heavy machinery should be given to professionals only.
- Proper safety equipment is provided to the laborers.
- Emergency equipment like a Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, and a four-wheeler is kept at the construction site.
- Use of proper signboards in high-risk areas.
- No use of bare wires for transmission of electricity.
- Scaffoldings are appropriately constructed.
And the list goes on.
Skills required for a contractor
A Contractor is a job profile where he had to manage labor, deal with the suppliers of raw materials, and many other tasks required to talk to other people. The contractor also looks at the progress of the work. It is his duty to avoid delay in any construction work.
- Management.
- Communication skills.
- Crowd handling.
- How to handle difficult situations.
How to prepare for interviews?
Suppose you have not joined any coaching for interviews. You can follow the following steps.
- Prepare a well-structured self-introduction.
- Practice it as much as you can. Watch some interview videos on youtube and practice accordingly.
- Practice in front of the Mirror. It will let you know our expression.
- Create an actual environment while practicing. Dress up in the same manner. Ask for help from Elder Brother to be an interviewer. Take feedback and improve the mistakes. If support is not available. Record your practice, watch it and look for errors. Use the flashcard for questions.
- Don’t take Practice sessions Lightly. It will multiply the chance of your selection. Those aspirants who will go after a long practice will perform exceptionally.
Places that offer job opportunities
Some of the highest paying cities for a contractor.
· Alaska
· Nevada
· California
· Texas
· Oregon
· Washington
These are some of the major cities. These cities provide some of the best opportunities for a contractor.
Conclusion
As a contractor, one must know the basics of civil engineering. The reason behind it is apparent that you must know all the necessary data and have knowledge. Civil engineering principles will help you in the field as well as in life also. Some of the subjects which are quintessential for you are explained above. To become a highly reputed, remarkable, trusted, and most notably the most efficient contractor in the market, you should know the basics of all necessary topics.
You should be aware of the stocks of the construction firm to have an idea about the upcoming market value of the construction materials. Prepare a well-structured self-introduction. Remember the dates which were written in your resume. If you want to succeed in the construction interview, prepare it smartly, to go only to the technical knowledge prepare some extra general questions.
- What are your hobbies?
- What do you do in your past time?
Present things simple and sweet. Keep a bright face with a smile and a confident body posture. It will come if you practice more and more.
FAQs
Q.1 What is the education qualification for a Contractor?
ANS. A high school diploma or any other equivalent degree is necessary.
Q.2 What are the field of knowledge should a contractor should possess?
ANS. Basic knowledge of civil engineering is required. Some basic but essential subjects like
- Estimation and costing
- Building Materials
- Construction Project Planning and Management.
- Some other subjects.