Job Interviews

How to Prepare and Conduct Yourself

Having reached interview stage, this is the time for you the candidate to do yourself justice, and to prove to the interviewer the good judgement of your recruitment consultant in arranging the meeting.

The following suggestions will give you the confidence that you have prepared fully for your job interview/s, and are presenting yourself in a positive manner at every opportunity.

Preparation

  • Check out your route to your destination and the anticipated travelling time beforehand. Memorise the name and correct pronunciation of the person interviewing you to avoid embarrassment
  • Read up on the company (size, divisions, latest projects etc) before the meeting to demonstrate your genuine interest in working for them
  • Dress appropriately – if unsure ask your consultant for guidance. If you are coming straight from a construction site to attend an interview, it is courteous to inform the interviewer about this via your recruitment consultant beforehand
  • If it becomes unavoidable that you are going to be late, inform your recruitment consultant so they can liaise with the interviewer
  • If meeting virtually using Zoom or Teams, dress appropriately and make sure the background that is in view is appropriate for a business meeting.

Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer

The best questions often become apparent during the meeting. However it is always good practice to have a few basic questions that show you are interested in your potential new employer eg.

  • How do you divide your civil engineering and rail businesses up in operational terms?
  • How optimistic is the company about winning a significant slice of the water AMP6 contracts?
  • Once the current MTR contracts all finish in Hong Kong, what other projects have you in the pipeline to move people onto?
  • What prospects for career progression are likely to be open to Project Managers with £20M road construction experience once this current job finishes?
  • What is the best thing you like about working for the company?
  • Why did you join this company yourself and how long have you worked here?

Answering Challenging Questions

Difficult questions can sometimes be asked more to test how you respond to an awkward situation rather than the interviewer looking for you to supply a ‘correct’ answer.

  • Avoid detailed negative comments about any previous employers as this can reflect badly on you
  • Consider your answer before starting a response to a difficult question
  • If needed, ask the interviewer to explain the question further before starting to answer it

Manner During the Interview

  • Smile on first contact
  • Give a confident handshake
  • Speak to all the people in the interview room rather than just the person asking the question
  • Identify your potential line manager (if present) and establish a relationship with them
  • Even if meeting virtually via Zoom or Teams, consider wearing business attire to give the right impression.

Enthusiasm and Professionalism

  • A valuable way to win over the interviewer is to let your general enthusiasm and professionalism become apparent.
  • If you have got the interview on the basis of your literacy, academic knowledge or the personal traits you have described in your profile, you need to showcase them now.
  • Many candidates, but in particular first time job seekers take the risk of putting too much emphasis on questions relating to salary and package; it is worth demonstrating what you can offer the company before discussing what you would like them to be paying you.
  • It is important to avoid coming across at interview as being a job hopper. This is particularly the case if the company is considering investing heavily in your training or providing course sponsorship.  Make a point of explaining the good reasons for changing jobs where appropriate

At the End of the Interview

  • If you have liked what you have heard say so. You could do this by summarising the points discussed that you most liked which join together your skills and the job available.
  • Politely ask about how the selection process will move forward from here. If it seems appropriate ask how many other people they are considering for the role/s available and when they plan to make a decision. This may prompt them to ask you if you are keen to be considered further, which is never a bad thing if you are interested.
  • If you are keen to be considered for the next stage of the selection process, say so. It is not impossible that discussing this could lead to you being verbally offered the job on the spot. Even if not, it usually reflects well on you if you are seen to be showing confidence and initiative as long as it is framed in a courteous manner.

NEXT STEP

Job Offers and Feedback »

Contact Us

UK Head Office
0800 689 4841
+44 800 689 4841
uk@maximrecruitment.com

Asia Region
+852 5444 0094
asia@maximrecruitment.com

North America
Canada: +1 647 313 3371
canada@maximrecruitment.com

usa@maximrecruitment.com

Middle East Region
middleeast@maximrecruitment.com

Australia
+61 2 8011 3536

Newsletter

Get construction industry news relating to the UK, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and other worldwide locations.

Subscribe

Maxim Insights

Unlock Hidden Opportunities | Why Construction Professionals Should Register with Maxim Recruitment

In the world of professional construction, not all opportunities are visible on job boards or company websites. Many of the best roles are filled behind the scenes, through headhunting/talent acquisition. Maxim Recruitment can open doors you didn’t even know existed.…

Read more »

Construction Networking in Toronto, Canada

One of the pleasures of covering Business Development for Maxim Recruitment in multiple locations, is that you can pick and choose which construction and property events in each international location to attend each year. Here we look at what is going on in Toronto.…

Read more »

Selecting a Claims and Disputes Consultancy That Suits You

Selecting the right claims and disputes consultancy is a pivotal decision in your career, whether you’re stepping into a specialised claims role for the first time or seeking to advance within this competitive field. …

Read more »

How to Create an Attractive and Competitive Job Offer Package

Today, construction professionals view work and assess job offers differently compared to a decade ago. Candidates now seek comprehensive packages from employers that align with their values, lifestyle, and long-term goals. …

Read more »

Considering a Construction Job Overseas?

Working “overseas” means different things (and locations) to different people, however the construction industry is, in general terms a highly competitive and geographically mobile industry to work within and offers a range of exciting opportunities for those interested to discover them.…

Read more »

Industry News

Essex footbridge design shortlist revealed

Lower Thames Crossing project has unveiled the shortlisted designs for a low-carbon footbridge contest.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 6 December, 08:26

Read more »

Scotland sees build cost inflation soften

Construction input costs in Scotland have increased by an average of 4% over the past year, according to the Building Cost Information Service’s Scottish contractors panel.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 6 December, 07:50

Read more »

GRS JV takes over Surrey quarry

Construction materials group GRS has formed a joint venture to run a quarry and inert waste disposal business in Surrey.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 6 December, 07:43

Read more »

Rayner approves M&S Oxford Street demolition

Retailer Marks & Spencer has finally secured permission to demolish its former flagship store on London’s Oxford Street and replace it with a new building.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 6 December, 07:39

Read more »

Starmer doubles down on construction targets

Prime minister Keir Starmer is now promising 150 major infrastructure project approvals on top of the 1.5 million new homes that he intends to see built by August 2029.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 5 December, 03:26

Read more »