Interview guides

Construction Professionals

Hire construction leaders focused on safety, timelines, and technology.

Architect

Project Scope

  • What product classes do you specialize in (office, institutional, residential)?
  • Were you project architect or support?

Client Consultation

  • What consultations did you handle (site, budget, design, approvals)?
  • What was your role in municipal/city approvals?

Collaboration

  • Which consultants did you work with (engineers, surveyors, planners)?
  • How important is being Prime on a project?

Construction Oversight

  • To what extent were you involved in contract administration?
  • What did you do when site work did not meet your design intent?
  • How did you address defective work or unexpected conditions?
  • What role did you play in payment approvals and change orders?

Technology & AI (2025)

  • What design platforms do you use (Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, BIM 360)?
  • Have you integrated AI generative design into your workflow?
  • How do you balance efficiency with creativity when using AI tools?
Architectural Technician

Projects

  • What types of projects have you detailed (municipal, commercial, residential)?
  • Have you worked on renovations or new construction?

Drawings & Specifications

  • Did you prepare drawings independently or with a team?
  • Did you handle specifications or work with a consultant?

Technical Expertise

  • What experience do you have with contracts and tendering?
  • What’s your knowledge of building envelope systems, waterproofing, roofing?

Software & Tools

  • Can you use AutoCAD and Revit?
  • Have you worked with MS Project, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress?
  • Do you have LEED certification or BCIN?
Construction Estimator

Project Scope

  • Have you closed large tenders independently?
  • What was the largest project you estimated (value, type, size)?

Estimating Process

  • Did you prepare instructions for bidders, clarifications, or bid packages?
  • Did you produce complete estimates and cost controls?
  • How did you ensure subcontractor participation?

Negotiation & Proposals

  • Did you negotiate with suppliers and trades?
  • Did you contribute to RFP responses?

Technology (2025)

  • What software have you used (BIM, Revit, Sage Estimating, PlanSwift)?
  • Have you worked with AI estimating tools or digital takeoff platforms?
Construction Manager

Career Path & Scope

  • How did you transition into management? How did your education prepare you?
  • How many sites have you managed simultaneously? What types of projects?
  • What was the typical team size and budget per project?

Management Style

  • Did you manage on-site, off-site, or both? How did you adjust your approach?
  • How did you liaise with architects, engineers, estimators, and surveyors?
  • Did you liaise directly with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers?

Project Control & Risk

  • How did you set up schedules?
  • What risks did you manage (environmental, financial, contractual, cash flow)?
  • How often did you deliver progress updates, and to whom?
  • How did you address delays, budget overruns, or quality issues?

Tools & Compliance

  • What project management software have you used (Procore, MS Project, Primavera, BIM 360)?
  • What pre-construction safety checks did you conduct?
  • Do you have experience resolving permit or neighbouring property issues?
  • Have you met with municipalities to obtain approvals or variances?

Financial & Legal Oversight

  • What role did you play in payment processing and consultant approvals?
  • In your view, when should a Construction Manager be brought into the project lifecycle?
Construction Project Manager

Project Scope

  • Describe projects you’ve managed (value, duration, team size).
  • Were you the sole PM?
  • Did you handle estimates, budgets, and costs?

Leadership

  • How many direct reports did you have?
  • What is your management style?
  • Describe how you handled an underperforming subcontractor or employee.
  • Do you have formal PM certifications (PMP, Lean Construction)?

Execution & Risk

  • How do you keep projects on schedule?
  • What’s your philosophy on change orders?
  • What do you see as the most common causes of cost overruns?

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Have you dealt with end users of the building?
  • Have you sought city approvals (permits, zoning, variances)?
  • Have you recruited or dismissed project staff?

Technology (2025)

  • What PM tools do you rely on (Procore, Primavera, BIM 360, Asana)?
  • Have you used AI forecasting tools to predict delays or cost overruns?
Contract Manager

Contracts & Negotiation

  • What types of contracts have you drafted or evaluated (purchase, subcontracts, licensing)?
  • Did you negotiate directly with clients, or through lawyers?
  • What role did you play in contract negotiations?

Administration

  • How did you track contractual records and changes?
  • Did you provide guidance to PMs on contract terms?
  • What departments did you liaise with (legal, risk, finance)?

Communication

  • How did you ensure contract awareness across the company?

Technology & AI (2025)

  • Have you used contract management software (DocuSign CLM, Concord, Procore)?
  • Have you worked with AI contract review tools (Kira, Luminance)?
Field / Project Engineer

Role & Responsibilities

  • Describe your role as project engineer. Were you the technical point of contact?
  • Did you bridge between design and construction teams?

Technical Functions

  • Shop drawing and plan review
  • Schedule preparation
  • Design interpretation with trades
  • Resource forecasting
  • Change order management
  • Financial forecasting & budgeting
  • Vendor performance & contract administration
  • Project controls & quality control
  • Material procurement
  • Progress payment tracking

Management & Leadership

  • Have you trained project staff or developed project policies?
  • How did you establish project controls to track performance?

Technology & AI (2025)

  • Have you worked with BIM (Revit, Navisworks) for coordination?
  • Have you used AI-driven clash detection or predictive scheduling?
  • Do you rely on cloud-based collaboration tools for field reporting?
Health & Safety Officer

Knowledge & Compliance

  • What’s your knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (across provinces)?
  • Did you conduct orientations and safety training?

Inspections & Incidents

  • Did you participate in inspections?
  • What was the most significant accident you investigated?
  • Did you report safety stats and trends?

Return-to-Work & Accommodation

  • Did your role include back-to-work programs?
  • How did you address accommodation needs?

Policies & Prevention

  • What H&S policies did you implement?
  • What is your experience preventing workplace harassment or violence?

Technology (2025)

  • Have you used digital safety management tools (SiteDocs, eCompliance)?
  • Have you worked with wearable tech or AI predictive safety platforms?
Initial Questions-All Roles

Background & Career Path

  • How many years of experience do you have in the construction industry?
  • What was your first role in the industry, and how have you progressed since?
  • What is your educational background? What would you consider your specialties?
  • On what types of construction sites have you worked (residential, commercial, industrial, multi-residential, office, retail)?

Project Experience

  • Describe your most recent project (value, size, square footage). What skills did you gain and challenges did you encounter?
  • What’s the most complex project you’ve worked on? What issues arose and how did you resolve them?
  • How do you approach reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings?

Leadership & Safety

  • Have you supervised workers on-site? In what capacity?
  • Have you dealt with an injury on a job site? What happened, and how did you respond?

Collaboration & Career Goals

  • Have you been in client-facing roles? Describe your interactions.
  • Have you worked primarily with owners, contractors, or subcontractors?
  • What’s your “ideal project,” and what role would you like to have in the next 5 years?
  • Construction is team-based — what team dynamic works best in your experience?
Inspector/Quality Control

Scope of Work

  • Did you inspect new construction, renovations, or both?
  • What areas did you focus on (structural, electrical, plumbing)?

Compliance & Testing

  • How did you ensure compliance with codes?
  • Did you inspect steel, concrete, or framework installations?
  • What issues arose most often?

Reporting

  • Did you prepare technical reports? For whom?

Technology (2025)

  • Have you used drone inspections, 3D scanning, or AI quality-check software?
Landscape Architect

Project Scope & Experience

  • Please describe the types of landscapes you have designed (public parks, playgrounds, golf courses, highways, bridges, corporate campuses, mixed-use developments, residential estates, waterfronts, etc.).
  • In what settings have you worked: urban, suburban, or rural?
  • What was the most significant environmental challenge you’ve faced in a project?
  • Have you worked with landfills or created green roofs? Please explain.
  • Describe a project in which you made use of space in a unique way.
  • Describe a project in which you added an element of fine arts or visual flair.
  • What was your role in managing the financials of past projects?

Design Approach & Technical Expertise

  • Among the following areas, what have you been most engaged in:
  • Landscape design
  • Site planning
  • Stormwater management
  • Restoration
  • Botany & horticulture
  • Soil management
  • Site servicing and grading coordination
  • What was your role in design and construction management?
  • Describe a time you were displeased with the final aesthetic outcome of a project. What would you have changed?
  • How do you ensure ecological sustainability in your designs?
  • Have you worked with groups representing environmental interests?

Technology & Tools

  • What design software do you use (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit Landscape, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, GIS tools)?
  • Do you render 3D models or animations of your designs? If so, with which platforms?
  • Have you conducted presentations freehand, or do you primarily use digital rendering?
  • How have you used AI-assisted design tools (e.g., AI-generated concept layouts, plant selection algorithms, generative design in Rhino/Grasshopper)?
  • How do you balance AI/digital design tools with maintaining client-driven creativity and environmental responsibility?

Sustainability & Regulations

  • Have you dealt with ecological sustainability standards in past projects?
  • Do you have experience with LEED or BOMA BEST certifications as they relate to landscape projects?
  • How do you incorporate climate resilience, biodiversity, and low-maintenance native plants into your designs?
  • Have you implemented stormwater management systems that meet municipal or federal sustainability guidelines?

Collaboration & Stakeholders

  • What client consultation activities have you been part of (evaluation of project site, budgets, materials, approvals, schedules)?
  • Which subcontractors and consultants did you coordinate with most (engineers, environmental scientists, surveyors, planners)?
  • How did you manage relationships between contractors, city planners, and environmental regulators?

Professional Development & Accreditation

  • Are you a member of any national organizations or regulatory bodies (OALA, ASLA, CSLA, etc.)?
  • Have you completed LARE exams?
  • Do you have LEED or other sustainability-related accreditation?
Property Manager

Portfolio

  • What types of properties have you managed (office, industrial, residential)?
  • How many properties did you manage simultaneously?
  • Did you have leasing experience?

Operations & Team

  • Did you build teams of technicians or custodians?
  • How did you train and motivate your staff?
  • Did you implement codes of conduct for contractors?

Maintenance & Safety

  • What maintenance schedules did you manage?
  • Were you responsible for inspections (fire, elevators, boilers, etc.)?
  • How did you plan for safety, security, and after-hours emergencies?
  • What environmental sustainability practices did you implement (waste, energy use, LEED/BOMA compliance)?

Financial & Software

  • Did you manage budgets?
  • What property management systems or ERP tools (Yardi, SAP, MRI) did you use?
  • Was accounting handled locally or centrally?
Site Superintendent

Project Scope

  • What types of projects have you worked on (fit-ups, renovations, new builds)?
  • Were you the sole superintendent? Did you oversee projects from excavation through finishes?
  • At what stage did you typically move on to the next project?

Trade & Stakeholder Relations

  • Describe your relationship with sub-trades. How were trades organized and chosen?
  • How did you set expectations with trades?
  • How did you collaborate with architects and owners?

Budget & Schedule

  • Were your projects typically on time? If not, how did you address delays with management or clients?
  • What was your role in project planning and scheduling?
  • Were projects within budget? If not, how did you obtain approval for overages?
  • How do you balance construction quality, budget, and schedule?

Workforce & Risk

  • How did you manage labourers to ensure productivity?
  • How did you address poor performers?
  • What mistakes did you frequently observe, and how did you prevent them?
  • What was your involvement with construction law (contracts, codes, bylaws, liens)?
  • What role did you play in risk management and safety oversight?

Technology & AI (2025)

  • Have you used Procore, BIM 360, Fieldwire, or similar site management tools?
  • Have you worked with drone inspections, digital twin models, or AI-based scheduling software?
  • How do you monitor productivity with digital dashboards or wearable safety tech?
Soft Skills for Construction Professionals

Communication & Collaboration

  • How do you explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., clients, city officials, neighbours)?
  • Give an example of a time you resolved a conflict between trades, subcontractors, or design teams.
  • How do you ensure clear communication when multiple languages or cultural backgrounds are present on a site?

Leadership & Team Management

  • Describe your leadership style on a job site.
  • Tell me about a time you had to motivate a team under tight deadlines.
  • How do you provide constructive feedback to underperforming staff or subcontractors?
  • Have you coached or mentored junior staff? How did you measure their progress?

Problem Solving & Adaptability

  • Tell me about a time you had to quickly resolve an unexpected issue (e.g., supply chain delay, weather disruption, labour shortage).
  • How do you stay calm under pressure when multiple problems arise at once?
  • What was the most creative workaround you implemented to save time or money?

Client & Stakeholder Relations

  • How do you manage client expectations when budgets, timelines, or scope change?
  • Describe how you’ve built trust with clients or owners on past projects.
  • How do you approach negotiating with subcontractors or vendors when there are disagreements?

Workplace Culture & Safety

  • How do you create a positive safety-first culture on-site?
  • How do you handle conflict or harassment complaints on the job site?
  • What steps do you take to ensure inclusivity and respect among diverse teams?
Technology & AI Skills for Construction Professionals

Project & Site Management

  • What project management platforms have you used (Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360, Primavera, MS Project)?
  • Have you used AI-driven tools for scheduling, productivity tracking, or forecasting?
  • How do you use cloud-based dashboards or mobile apps to monitor progress in real time?

Design & Modeling

  • What is your experience with BIM platforms (Revit, Navisworks, Tekla)?
  • Have you worked with AI-enhanced generative design or digital twin technology?
  • How do you handle clash detection and design conflicts digitally?

Estimating & Planning

  • What estimating software do you rely on (Sage Estimating, PlanSwift, CostX)?
  • Have you used AI or machine learning tools for predictive estimating or risk analysis?
  • How do you validate AI-generated estimates against traditional methods?

Safety & Compliance

  • What safety management systems or apps have you used (SiteDocs, eCompliance, SafetyCulture)?
  • Have you worked with AI-driven predictive safety systems that flag risks based on patterns or wearable tech?
  • Do you use drones, 3D scanning, or AI for inspections or quality control?

Sustainability & Innovation

  • What role has technology played in meeting LEED, WELL, or BOMA BEST standards?
  • Have you used AI or digital systems to track carbon footprint, waste reduction, or energy efficiency?
  • How do you see AI and automation reshaping construction roles in the next 5 years?

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