Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a major change in a construction project midway.

Construction Surveyor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

Ah yes, I remember a project where we had to change gears halfway. The original plan was to construct a commercial building, but mid-way, the client decided they preferred a residential building. I had to adapt quickly; getting new measurements and adjusting calculations. I communicated with the team about this change, made suggestions on how to proceed, and stayed on top of things to ensure we were making progress in line with the new plan. Although it was a big change, we managed to deliver the project successfully and in a timely manner.

A more solid answer

I was working on a commercial project a while back. We were about 50% done when our client decided to switch to a residential building instead. With that, our team had a mountain of adaptations on our plate. I promptly revisited the measurements, realized the existing plot layout was still workable, but the dimensions of the structures drastically needed adjustment. Taking charge, I ran new calculations using our CAD software, focusing on ensuring accuracy and precision. I coordinated with our project manager and the construction team, articulating the changes clearly. During this exercise, being conscious about time, I worked out a new schedule factoring in the shifts and potential delays. We managed to pull it off without extending our deadline which was a big win. In hindsight, it was a great learning experience in adapting to changes.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This is a better response because it provides more specifics on how the candidate handled changing plans. It displays analytical and problem-solving abilities, detailing how they quickly ran new calculations and found a workable solution. The candidate emphasizes effective communication with the team and mentions the use of CAD software, a critical skill for this role. It includes time management skills wherein the candidate outlines how they revised the project schedule to accommodate the changes. However, it still lacks examples of how the candidate ensured accuracy in the measurements and attention to detail, two crucial skills for a Construction Surveyor.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a Construction Surveyor, a notable change occurred during a commercial project we were handling. Around halfway, the client abruptly decided to convert the project into a residential building. The shift required sudden adaptation and a fresh perspective. I knew my role was pivotal. With the help of our surveying instruments, I swiftly revisited the area, re-calculating specifics according to residential building code, ensuring absolute precision to adhere to legal regulations. I then used the CAD software to plot the new layout and dimensions. Timeliness was essential, and I worked extra hours updating all the sketches, maps, and detailed drawings to reflect the sudden shift. Communicating with the project manager and engineering staff was crucial, and throughout the adaptation process, we brainstormed and collaborated to confirm that our work aligns perfectly with the changed requirements. We managed to pivot effectively within our original timeline. The episode reinforced my adaptability and how impactful clear collaboration and communication can be.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This response is exceptional because it thoroughly explores how the candidate confronted and managed a significant change in a construction project. It displays the candidate's attention to detail and analytical skills, with references to recalculating specifics, updating drawings, and using CAD software. It portrays a candidate who's proactive in problem-solving, willing to put in extra hours to adapt swiftly. It showcases the candidate’s excellent communication skills by emphasizing their constant communication and collaboration with the team. Finally, it reflects the effective time management and responsibility to adhere strictly to legal regulations related to residential buildings, further portraying a compliance-conscious Construction Surveyor.

How to prepare for this question

Remember to align your answer with the job description, emphasizing skills like analytical abilities, problem-solving, attention to detail, strong communication, and time management.
Prepare examples where you've had to adapt to change. This demonstrates that you're flexible and can handle unexpected situations.
Discuss your role in detail, highlighting how you've effectively used required tools and technologies like surveying instruments and CAD software.
Emphasize any challenges you faced during the adaptation process and how you resolved them, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and resilience.
Ensure your examples showcase effective team collaboration and clear communication skills, as these are crucial for a Construction Surveyor role.

What interviewers are evaluating

Attention to detail
Analytical skills
Problem-solving abilities
Good communication and teamwork
Time management