Congratulations, you’ve landed a construction job interview! Now it’s time for you to prepare. Right now, the Irish construction sector is flourishing with ongoing residential, commercial and infrastructure projects leaving employers keen to hire. This is an opportunity for you to show why you are the right fit in the team with your expertise of the industry. This is what you should expect in your interview so feel confident and ready to put your best foot forward.
Understanding the Construction Job Landscape in Ireland
Whether you are interviewing for the role of general labourer or a quantity surveyor there is one thing you can guarantee. The fundamental questions and preparation remain the same. This applies from major contractors to smaller subcontractors, or a recruitment agency like us here at O’Neill & Brennan.
Pre-Interview Preparation
Before you prepare for what they might ask, you must do some vital research & analysis on the company and the role of which you are interviewing for.
Research the Company
There is a lot of insight to gain by checking out the website, social media pages and even looking into any recent news articles about the company you are interviewing for. You will be able to get invaluable understanding into their projects, values, and team.
Review the Job Description
It is important that your experience aligns with what they are looking for and you can do this by reviewing the job description as it will outline your role & responsibilities. Think of examples from experience that you can relate back to the questions.
Essential Documents to Bring
Besides your CV, be sure to pack:
- Safe Pass & Manual Handling Certificates
- Driver’s Licence or ID
- CSCS cards if applicable (e.g., for plant operators)
- References – names and contact details from former employers or site managers.
It shows you are organised and serious.
Types of Interview Formats
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 we now see a change in the ways candidates would have traditionally been interviewed. Here are some the formats employers & recruiters can discuss the role with you:
Phone Call
Often used for initial screenings. Keep it quiet, professional, and have your CV in front of you.
Video Interviews
Popular with HR managers. Check your tech, dress appropriately, and find a tidy spot with good lighting.
In-Person Interviews
Most common for site jobs or senior roles. You may meet a site manager, recruiter, or director.
On-Site Practical Assessments
Once on site, you will be continually assessed until you are deemed to be able to do the job.
Common Interview Questions
The time has come as you are now face to face with the hiring manager at your interview. To ease candidates into it, employers often ask simple questions like “Tell me about yourself.”
As the discussion progresses, they will begin to ask about your site experience with questions like “What construction projects have you worked on?” & “Have you worked under pressure or short deadlines?” This gains a basic grasp of your character and what you know.
Remember to give examples, be honest, and keep your answers structured.
Behavioural Questions
Employers want to know how you behave on site. That is where the STAR method helps:
S – Situation
T – Task
A – Action
R – Result
Example: “Tell me about a time you handled a disagreement on site.”
You could say:
“On a past project, there was a misunderstanding between the joiners and electricians over space for wiring. I spoke to both teams, clarified the plans with the foreman, and we resolved it before it caused delays.”
From these behaviour questions they can better understand what soft skills you possess whether that be Communication, Problem-solving or Reliability so, try make this apparent in your answers.
What Employers Really Want to Hear
It’s all well and good having preset answers for questions but this can often make you sound like a robot but if you were to ask hiring managers & recruiters, this is only a small part of what they want to get from talking with you. Here’s what they want to hear in the way you answer their questions.
- Skills – Are you able to give a good idea of what you are capable of on-site.
- Work ethic – Will you show up, work hard, and get stuck in?
- Enthusiasm – Show that you are enthusiastic about the role and getting started.
- Attitude – No ego, just a willingness to get the job done.
Conclusion
Remember to allow plenty of time for travel so you’re not rushed or late – arriving early gives you a chance to collect your thoughts and enter the interview calm and focused. First impressions are important, but final ones matter just as much. A short thank-you email after the interview shows professionalism and appreciation, and it helps keep you fresh in the mind of the hiring manager.
In the end, preparation is everything. If you go in unprepared, you’re already putting yourself at a disadvantage. But if you take the time to plan ahead, understand the role, and present yourself with confidence, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.
