How to Ace Your Construction Job Interview
You’ve landed an interview – great news - but now comes the part that can feel like the real hard work: preparing for the interview. For most, nerves are normal, with 93% of people in the UK admitting to feeling anxious just before a job interview. But don’t worry, feeling nervous is perfectly normal, and the good bit? With the right prep, you can turn those nerves into confidence. And that’s where Thorn Baker Construction has your back.
Whether you’re going for a temp job on-site or a permanent white-collar role, we’ve pulled together simple, no-nonsense tips to help you stand out.
First impressions matter - more than half of Hiring Managers say they know if you’re right for the role within 90 seconds… that’s not a lot of time, in fact it's less than the time it takes to make a cuppa! So, the way you come across right from the start really matters.
How to Prep for Temp Interviews (Phone or On-Site)
Most Site & Hiring Managers prefer short, phone call conversations for temp positions, usually to check your availability and skills. It’s often a fairly informal conversation, but it’s still your chance to make a solid impression. Here’s how to get it right:
Be clear on when you can start – today, tomorrow, next week. The quicker you’re available, the more doors it opens.
Know your work history and health & safety procedures so you can demonstrate you’re ready to hit the ground running
Shout about your skills, especially if you’re multi-trained. Flexibility is gold dust to site managers.
Look at the bigger picture – talk about the real difference you can make to the client, and explain how you’ll add value, even if you’re only on-site for a few weeks. Reliability, safety, and effort go a long way.
How to Stand out for White-Collar & Offsite Roles:
Construction clients are always on the lookout for experienced, skilled professionals in Project Management, Procurement, Design, and Health & Safety. For white-collar and off-site positions, most interviews are quite structured and often multi-staged. Here’s what to expect:
Get ready for competency and scenario-based questions around leadership, project delivery, health & safety, client management, and problem solving. Be ready for “tell me about a time when…” questions where you’ve dealt with a problem or resolved an issue in previous workplaces.
Talk about your career goals and achievements - this’ll show how you fit with the company’s culture, values, and long-term plans. Always make sure to research the company’s website beforehand so you can link your skills to their projects.
Know your CV inside out – remind yourself of your qualifications, certificates, experience… don’t get caught off guard.
Ask questions – about training, team culture, and future projects. It shows you’re serious and that you’re checking if the role fits you, too.
Preparing for an interview doesn’t need to feel stressful. With the right preparation, a positive mindset, and our support, you can walk in confident and ready to impress.
If you want a recruiter who understands construction and will help you prepare properly, get in touch with the Thorn Baker Construction Team today:
www.thornbaker.co.uk/disciplines/construction