Difficulty Rating

40%

Interview experience

Positive

100%

Neutral

0%

Negative

0%

  • Cost consultant

    Difficulty Rating

    40%

    Interview process

    I had an interview through an agency. I managed to get to the interview an hour late (I left Leicester and had planned my journey so that I could arrive to the interview in London with an hour to spare but somebody had jumped in front of the train so all trains were delayed and cancelled) but my interviewer was fully understanding as I had informed them throughout my journey. The interviewer tole me about his company. The projects they are currently doing and a brief history about his beginnings. He then asked me to talk him through my cv and a brief history about me - personal interests, ambitions and goals for the future etc. The last stage of the interview involved a few technical questions based upon a scenario about a client wanting to build an office block and what I would do.

    Most difficult question

    How would I be able to get a rough estimate of a typical 7 storey office block.
    If time was not an issue, what type of contract would I use if cost and quality were important?
    How would I select sub contractors for the job and how many would I short list?
    What if materials chosen were sourced outside, what steps would I take?

    Interview tips

    Arrive with plenty of time to spare and if there are delays let your agency / HR know straight away, Don't be nervous - I applied for a graduate job and although I got a few of the questions wrong it was expected as I had little experience of the construction world but he was impressed with my confident approach. Always try to be honest in your answers as they will spot lies a mile away! The interviewer was pleasant and I enjoyed talking to him. One last thing - do research ie past projects, know the company history and share price if possible and finally dress to impress...

    Experiences at the assessment centre

    No assessment centre

    Interview steps

    Interviews:

    • Phone
    • 1:1
    • Group / Panel
    • Senior Management
    • Video

    Tests:

    • Numerical
    • Personality
    • Verbal reasoning
    • Psychometric

    Other:

    • Assessment centre
    • Group exercise
    • Background check
    • Presentation
    • Competency based questions

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