1 How familiar are you with interpreting blueprints and reading electrical maps?
Without a proficient background in interpreting blueprints and electrical maps, a construction worker may not be able to fulfill the requirements of a given construction project. The candidate should be more than comfortable dealing with various blueprint schematics and electrical maps. You should be able to give the candidate an example and have them give their thoughts and the potential structure.
What to look for:
1 Do you routinely perform pre-building assessments prior to beginning a project?
A foreman should be proficient in performing pre-building assessments, which will allow them to plan and strategize the different aspects of a construction project that need to be completed. This enables them to see the full project scope and determine an estimated financial cost.
What to look for:
2 Can you describe some of the construction projects you’ve worked on in the past year?
Highly valued construction workers showcase their versatility when it comes to the range of projects they can handle, both independently and with a team. From laying concrete to erecting scaffolding, a candidate should be able to speak to the differing projects they’ve worked on that highlight the skill set they will bring to their new team.
What to look for:
What are your first steps in planning a construction project?
All construction projects require detailed planning, from creating labor schedules to maintaining worksite safety standards. This question ensures you’ll have a manager with project management experience who is knowledgeable about the construction process.
What to look for:
Example: “Humans have different skin colors because we live in different environments. Our bodies adapt to our surroundings by changing our skin color. For example, if I lived in a hot climate, my body would produce more melanin so that I could stay cool. Melanin is responsible for giving us our skin color.”
Example: “Animals have many adaptations that allow them to survive in their natural habitat. For example, some animals are nocturnal so they can avoid predators during the day. Some animals hibernate during the winter when food is scarce. Other animals migrate to find food and water. These adaptations help ensure the survival of the species.”
Example: “Adaptation is the process of changing something to fit a new situation or environment. In my last position as a marketing manager, I had to adapt our company’s social media strategy after we changed our target audience from millennials to baby boomers. We needed to change our content to appeal to older audiences, so I worked with my team to create more visually appealing posts that would resonate with older generations.”
Example: “Natural selection requires an environment where organisms can adapt or change in order to survive. For example, if there’s a drought, only those animals with adaptations like long legs or large bodies will be able to find food and water. In this case, adaptation is required for survival. However, not all environments require adaptation. If there’s plenty of food and water, then no adaptation is needed.”
As the world changes, so do the challenges faced by businesses. To stay ahead of the curve, companies need employees who are adaptable and can think on their feet. That’s why more and more employers are looking for candidates who have the ability to adapt to new situations.