UK Construction Industry - What Questions Should You Be Asking When Interviewing Candidates?

If you work in the construction sector, finding the right candidate for the job can be a daunting task, with such a wide range of experience and skills to assess! Even if you engage an expert recruitment agency such as us to source suitable personnel, it's important to ask the right questions during the interview process to ensure you make the right hire for your business. In this blog, we'll be discussing the top interview questions you should be asking…

Can you tell me about your experience in the construction industry? Asking this question will help you gauge the level of experience the candidate has in the construction industry and give you some more insight into the quality of training they’ve undertaken. It will also give you an insight into the types of projects they have worked on in the past, and whether their experience is correct for the work.

What construction skills do you possess? This question will give you a better understanding of the specific skills the candidate has and whether they fit with the requirements of the job. This question can also help you assess the candidate's willingness to learn new skills and improve their expertise. In the constantly evolving construction industry, the ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing technologies and techniques is critical for success.

Can you give me an example of a challenging construction project you have worked on in the past? Asking this question will help you assess the candidate's problem-solving abilities and their ability to handle difficult situations. It will also give you an insight into their level of determination and resilience when faced with challenging projects.

What do you think are the most critical elements for completing a construction project on time and within budget? This question will help you gauge the candidate's ability to plan and manage a project. It will also help you assess their understanding of the importance of budgeting and resource management in their job roles

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot an unexpected problem on a construction site? How did you handle it?Asking this question will help you assess the candidate's ability to handle unexpected problems that may arise on a construction site. It will also give you an insight into their problem-solving skills and how they approach and resolve issues. The ability to think on their feet and troubleshoot problems is a critical skill for success in the construction industry, making this a valuable question to ask during the interview process.

What do you think sets you apart from other candidates applying for this job in the construction industry? Asking this question will help you assess the candidate's self-awareness and their ability to differentiate themselves from other candidates. It will also give you an insight into their unique skills, life experience, and qualifications that they bring to the table. This question will help you identify candidates who are confident in their abilities and can demonstrate why they are the best fit for the job.

We have been interviewing trades & labour staff in the construction sector since 2007, helping place over 20,000 candidates into suitable roles for our clients. If you would like help sourcing and hiring reliable candidates for upcoming projects in the Housing, Civil Engineering, Shop Fitting & Interiors or Food Production sectors, give us a call today - 0115 9003 171

Or check out our tailor made packages we have available for firms looking to engage with us - https://www.approachpersonnel.co.uk/hiring-talent