
Construction job interview formats have overlapping characteristics. Virtually all formats require researching the company and role, answering practice questions, and developing questions for the interviewer.
However, each job interview format slightly differs from the others. Understanding these differences lets you prepare for each. The more effective your preparation, the more likely you will land the job you want.
Implement these tips to ace different construction job interview formats.
Phone Interview
A phone interview may be used to gather general information about your construction background. This helps the interviewer understand your interest in both the job and the company. It also impacts whether you advance in the hiring process.
The following tips can help you prepare for a phone interview:
- Confirm the date, time, who is calling whom, and other relevant details.
- Choose a quiet, comfortable room to talk in.
- Ensure other people and pets do not disturb you during your interview.
- Close the door and windows to minimize noise.
- Tape to a wall your resume and a short list of your skills and qualifications for reference.
- Keep water nearby to sip during the conversation.
- Have pens and paper ready to take notes.
- Include your name when answering the phone. (“Hello, this is Angela.”)
- Actively listen to the interviewer.
- Pause to think about your answer before responding.
- Smile, speak slowly, and enunciate.
- Ask the interviewer questions about the job and company.
- Find out the next step in the hiring process.
- Ask for the interviewer’s email address.
- Email a thank-you note after your interview.
Skills-Based Interview
A skills-based interview may be used to determine whether your competencies match the job requirements. This helps the interviewer understand how you might handle a situation you could encounter while on the job. It also shows your professionalism in demonstrating your skills.
The following tips can help you prepare for a skills-based interview:
- Read the job description to determine the skills and qualifications required for the job.
- Think of examples that demonstrate you have these skills and qualifications.
- Quantify how you provided value for a previous employer in the relevant areas.
- Use the STAR (situation, task, action, results) method to answer the interviewer’s questions.
- Ask the interviewer questions about the job and company.
- Find out the next step in the hiring process.
- Ask for the interviewer’s email address.
- Email a thank-you note after your interview.
Behavioral Interview
A behavioral interview may be used to determine how you responded to a real-world situation. This helps the interviewer understand the value you provided in the situation. It also shows how you handle pressure at work.
The following tips can help you prepare for a behavioral interview:
- Review the job description.
- Consider the project you worked on.
- Think about your job performance reviews.
- Write down your professional accomplishments.
- Use the STAR method to answer the interviewer’s questions.
- Remain open and honest when responding.
- Answer each question in less than 2 minutes.
Need Additional Interview Preparation?
Partner with CCS Construction Staffing for more help preparing for interviews. Visit our job board today!