What type of interviews should I expect from an construction employer?

Phone Screening Interview

This interview takes place over the phone and allows both the executive and employer to ask general or specific questions regarding the position and the executive's background. Employers try to determine if there is sufficient interest to take the next step and schedule a physical meeting with the executive. Executives should prepare a few key questions to help them evaluate the opportunity. This interview usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Physical Meeting Interview

Executives who have been prescreened by their resume of Screening Phone Interview get a chance to meet with the employer in person in a one-on-one with one or several executives over the course of the day. This type of interview is usually intense and exhaustive, but allows the executive to ask questions of each interviewer. The key for executives is to uncover information about the construction employer and the position from each interviewer, while conveying a consistent sales message regarding the executive's background throughout each meeting. This interview can last between 45 and 90 minutes per interviewer.

Group Interview

Often executives are brought before a team of interviewers or even the board of directors for an intense interview that is prescheduled for the convenience of the interviewers. It is difficult for executives to manage all the interviewers at one time, but it provides the employers an opportunity to see how an executive deals with pressure, and handles multiple objectives of all participants. Executives should learn about the interviewers prior to the meeting, and what the unique objectives are of each. When asked a question, respond primarily to the person who asked the question, while intermittently acknowledging the others in the room as you respond. Maintaining eye contact with all interviewers enhances your credibility and increases their comfort level with you. This interview usually lasts 60 minutes.

Dinner Interview

Often with executives, there is a dinner meeting which involves executives being tested for their grace, style, etiquette and ability to manage a business/non-business meeting. Executives should order food that is easy to eat and not messy. Alcohol should be avoided and an effort made to build rapport. This interview usually lasts 60 minutes.