1. Tell me is demolition necessary?

In most cases, complete demolition isn't the first choice of the client. Repairs and remodels might be a faster process. In the case of residential demolition, there's usually some sentimental value to the structure, as well. So, your first question to your potential demolition contractor should be whether or not demolition is the only option. If you've reached the point of actually speaking with demolition companies, at least some demolition likely is necessary. But, you may be able to avoid total demolition in some cases, which will make the project move faster, require different permits and be cheaper.

2. Why should we hire you? I like what I'm hearing but we've got a ton of great candidates?

An easy question to answer well with one caveat – don't slam your fellow interviewee's. On the one hand, you have an opportunity to really stand out from the pack. Alternatively, You shouldn't assume the skills of other applicants. Focus on your own strengths, and if the interviewer hasn't given you an opportunity to mention that one “slam dunk” quality about yourself, now would be the time.

Is there a wrong way to answer this question? Consider the responses below:

☛ “I really need a job right now”
☛ “I need the money”
☛ “Your office is really close to my house”
☛ “I've always been interested in what you guys do”

3. Tell me what are your salary expectations as Demolition Specialist?

Many consider this question to be a loaded gun – dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. Often times, an interviewee will start talking salary before they've had an opportunity to illustrate their skill set and value making any sort of leverage valueless. Here, knowledge is power, as salary often comes down to negotiation. Do some research into your industry to establish base rates of pay based on seniority and demand but keep in mind – your employer is hiring you for what they believe you are worth, and how much benefit they feel you will provide.

4. Tell us what do you see yourself doing in five years as Demolition Specialist?

This one is all about job commitment.

Some people make job hopping a career in of itself, and your answer here can be telling. Here, your interviewer is determining if you are:

☛ someone who sets goals
☛ someone who has a vision
☛ someone who is reliable
☛ someone who demonstrates commitment
☛ someone who is loyal
While no interviewer expects someone to stay at a company forever, try and craft your response in such a way that shows progression in your career, and alignment with the Company's needs and future. Again, self awareness is key – your employer doesn't want to send you down an unwanted path, resulting in wasted time and energy for everyone.

5. Tell me what's the plan for hazardous materials?

Experienced demolition contractors will have come across a variety of projects that contain a variety of hazardous materials. If you've already performed a site assessment, you can tell them what materials they are likely to encounter and have them detail out a plan for proper handling and disposal. If you haven't performed an assessment, that's probably the first suggestion you're going to hear. But, finding out the remediation capabilities of your demolition team is important, even if you don't think there are hazardous materials involved in your project.

6. Tell us what experience do you have with respects to this particular DEMOLITION WORKER position?

Ever since my first paper route at age 10 I've been doing something to keep myself busy and earn money. Back then, it was obviously about earning some spending money. What I didn't realize was that I was actually starting the journey of establishing what I liked to do and how I fit in to the grand scheme of things. I then worked as a junior computer tech in my last 2 summers of high school. It was here that I discovered what I was passionate about and what I wanted to do. I enrolled in college to get my degree in computer sciences, and I have been working around technology ever since.

7. Tell me what's your safety record?

Safety is of the utmost importance for both construction and demolition. And when a contractor has a sparkling safety record, they'll probably bring it up before you have to ask. If they don't have a great safety record, it's a significant strike against them. In addition to their past record, it's important to look over their safety procedures to ensure they cover the safety of the personnel involved in the demolition, the surrounding community and the long-term safety of the near-by environment. This is how you find out whether a demolition crew is professional and experienced or not.

8. I don't expect you to go into too much details – but why are you leaving your last job?

An innocent question. But a question that if answered improperly, can be a deal breaker. While many individuals will be looking to a new job as a means of increasing their salary, “not being paid well enough at your last job” is not something you want to mention to your interviewer. After all, are you not likely to leave this particular job if you found you could make more down the street?

If you're currently employed and leaving of your own accord, craft your response around enhancing your career development and a seeking out of new challenges.

If your current employer is downsizing, be honest about it, remain positive, but keep it brief. If your employer fired you or let you go for cause, be prepared to give a brief – but honest – reply. No matter how tempting it may be, or how “unfair it was that they let you go” steer clear away from any and all drama and negativity. Any experienced employer understands that sometimes things happen. Staying positive is key here.

9. Tell us what have you done with regards to personal development when it comes to our posted DEMOLITION WORKER POSITION in the last 12 months?

That is a really great question. While I haven't had the opportunity to develop within this particular role per se, I have actually become very involved in my local foodbank this year. This has taught me a great deal about community, teamwork, and taking initiative.
I took it upon myself to enroll in a summer business admin course at the local community college. Through this, I picked up some really great knowledge on communication and teamwork, as well as further develop overall managerial skills. Though it may not be directly applicable to this particular job, I believe the overall experience I gained could be a real asset here.

10. What are your strengths as Demolition Specialist?

While this question is an invitation to do some chest pounding, remember to illustrate strengths that will benefit the employer and are relative to the position. For example:

☛ being a problem solver
☛ being a motivator
☛ being a natural leader
☛ the ability to perform under pressure
☛ a positive attitude
☛ loyalty
Are typically all solid strengths, but again, consider the position. For example, mentioning you are an excellent “team player” in a job where you largely work alone suddenly becomes irrelevant to the employer and demonstrates a genuine lack of self awareness.

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