Construction Estimator Interview Questions

Construction estimators use their expertise as well as the resources at their disposal to estimate the amount of money, time, materials, and labor required to complete a given construction project.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Construction Estimator or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Construction Estimator position, these Construction Estimator interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Construction Estimator Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Construction Estimator interview questions.

1. Tell us about the worst estimate you ever made.
2. How would you estimate the labor costs for each stage of the construction project?
3. What was the largest estimation that you performed?
4. If given a tight, non-negotiable turnaround time, how would you create a construction proposal?
5. Can you walk us through your estimating process of a construction project?
6. As a Construction Estimator, how do you ensure the accuracy of your estimates?
7. What does quality mean to you in construction?
8. Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline with one of your estimates. What did you do to meet the deadline?
9. What construction estimating software do you have experience with? In your opinion, in which way is it superior to other competing software products on the market?
10. Describe a time you managed to reduce costs for a project.
11. What are the most important factors that affect overall costs? How do you communicate these with your team? 
12. What are the common metrics you use in your estimates? 
13. In your opinion, what role should a client play in the estimation process?
14. How do you choose external experts to review your estimates? Do you have a group of people you typically cooperate with. If you do, how did you choose them?
15. How do you handle a disagreement on cost when working with a team of estimators on a large scale construction project? 
16. What do you consider the most tricky part of each construction estimate, one that is most prone to error from your side?
17. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role as a Construction Estimator? How Did You Manage Them?
18. What do you do to stay informed about the best industry practices and latest changes to laws and regulations that have an impact on your work?

Construction Estimator Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Construction Estimator interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

1. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
2. Tell Me About Yourself
3. Why Should We Hire You?
4. Why Do You Want This Job?
5. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
6. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
7. What is Your Salary Expectation?
8. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
9. What is Your Greatest Strength?
10. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?