17 Building Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Building technicians are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a variety of buildings, including office towers, retail spaces, and residential complexes. As a building technician, you would be responsible for ensuring that the building’s systems are running smoothly and efficiently. You would also be responsible for responding to tenant requests in a timely and professional manner.

If you’re interested in a career as a building technician, you will need to go through a job interview. During the interview, you will be asked a variety of questions, including technical questions about your knowledge of building systems and your experience working with different types of equipment. You will also be asked behavioral questions about your customer service skills and your ability to handle difficult situations.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of sample building technician interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the use of blueprints and other construction plans?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your experience with construction plans and how you use them. If you have previous experience using blueprints, explain the steps you take when reading a plan or interpreting information on it. If you haven’t worked with blueprints before, mention that you are willing to learn more about them if necessary.

Example: “I’ve used blueprints in my past two positions as a building technician, so I am familiar with how they work. When working with blueprints, I first read through all of the notes and instructions included on the blueprint. Then, I measure the dimensions of each room and compare those measurements to the ones listed on the blueprint. Finally, I make sure that everything is accurate and complete.”

What are some of the most important skills for a building technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to the job.

Example: “The most important skill for me is communication. I find that being able to clearly communicate with my team members and clients helps everyone understand what’s going on during projects. Another skill I think is important is problem-solving. Building technicians often work on challenging projects, so having the ability to solve problems quickly can make a big difference. Finally, I think attention to detail is another important skill because building technicians are responsible for ensuring their work meets certain standards.”

How would you go about troubleshooting a malfunctioning electrical system?

This question can help the interviewer assess your troubleshooting skills and how you apply them to a variety of situations. Use examples from past experiences in which you used your problem-solving abilities to identify issues with electrical systems and implement solutions that helped resolve the problems.

Example: “In my last role, I was tasked with identifying why an entire floor’s lights were not functioning properly. After inspecting the circuit breaker for the floor, I noticed it had tripped. I reset the breaker but the lights still didn’t work. I then checked all the light fixtures on the floor and found one that wasn’t working. I replaced the fixture and the rest of the lights worked.”

What is your experience with using and maintaining various types of machinery?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using and maintaining machinery that is used in construction. Use examples from previous jobs or include information about any certifications you have for operating machinery.

Example: “I’ve worked on several types of machinery, including cranes, forklifts, bulldozers and excavators. I also have a certification for operating forklifts, which I earned while working at my last job. Forklift certification allows me to operate all different kinds of forklifts, so I can use the skills I learned there when operating other types of machinery.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and whether or not you have the ability to diffuse it. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your problem-solving skills to find solutions for both yourself and the client.

Example: “In my previous role as a building technician, I had a client who was very demanding. He would call me several times a day with questions about his property, which made it difficult to get other work done. Eventually, I scheduled a meeting with him to discuss his concerns. I explained that while I wanted to be responsive to his needs, I also needed to focus on other projects. After our discussion, he understood where I was coming from and became more patient.”

If hired, what would be your area of specialization?

This question is a great way to determine what the hiring manager wants from you. If they ask this, it’s likely that they want someone who can specialize in one area of construction and help their team complete projects more efficiently. When answering this question, be sure to mention an area of specialization that matches your background and experience.

Example: “I would specialize in working with concrete. I have five years of experience working with concrete, including pouring, finishing and curing. I also worked on a project where we poured a new sidewalk for a local school, so I am familiar with the process of pouring large amounts of concrete.”

What would you do if you noticed a co-worker engaging in unsafe work practices?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in the workplace. They want to know that you will report unsafe practices and not engage in them yourself. In your answer, explain how you would approach the situation and what steps you would take to ensure the work environment is safe for everyone.

Example: “I would first talk to my co-worker privately about their actions. I would let them know that I noticed they were engaging in unsafe work practices and that it could put themselves or others at risk. If they continued to engage in these behaviors, I would report them to a supervisor so they can address the issue.”

How well do you work under pressure?

Building technicians often work in high-pressure situations. They may be responsible for completing a project on time, which can affect their company’s reputation and bottom line. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to handle pressure well. In your answer, explain that you are able to manage stress well. Explain how you plan ahead to avoid last-minute problems.

Example: “I am someone who thrives under pressure. I always complete my projects before deadlines. When I start a new job, I create a schedule of when I will finish each task. This helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t rush at the end of a project. It also allows me to anticipate any issues that might arise.”

Do you have any experience working with hazardous materials?

If the position requires you to work with hazardous materials, employers may ask this question to make sure you have experience working with them. In your answer, share what types of hazardous materials you’ve worked with and how you handled them. You can also mention any certifications or training you received for working with these materials.

Example: “I haven’t had much experience working with hazardous materials, but I do have a certification in hazmat transportation. This certification allows me to transport dangerous materials safely without putting myself or others at risk. I am always willing to learn more about handling hazardous materials, though.”

When was the last time you updated your certifications or licenses?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you stay up-to-date on industry standards. They want to know that you’re committed to your career and willing to invest in yourself. If you haven’t updated your certifications or licenses recently, explain what steps you plan to take to do so.

Example: “I just renewed my certification last year, but I’m planning to take a course on the newest building techniques next month. I’ve been researching online courses and have found one that looks like it will be helpful for me.”

We want to increase our sustainability initiatives. What are some of the green building practices you are familiar with?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can help an organization achieve its sustainability goals. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your understanding of green building practices and what they entail.

Example: “I am very familiar with LEED certification and have worked on several projects that were aiming for LEED certification. I also understand the importance of using recycled materials in construction and have implemented those strategies into my work. For example, at my last job, we used scrap wood from other jobs to create new flooring instead of purchasing new lumber.”

Describe your process for completing a project on time and within budget.

The interviewer may ask this question to understand your time management skills and how you prioritize tasks. Use examples from past projects that show your ability to meet deadlines while still producing quality work.

Example: “I always start by meeting with the client to discuss their expectations for the project, including budget and timeline. Then I create a plan for completing the project in phases so I can manage my time more effectively. For example, when working on a new construction site, I’ll first focus on installing plumbing and electrical wiring before focusing on interior design elements like flooring or paint colors. This helps me stay within budget and complete the project according to the client’s needs.”

What makes you stand out from other building technicians?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates. When answering this question, think of a skill or quality that you have that others may not. Try to choose something that is relevant to the job.

Example: “I am certified in several different areas of construction. I can work with wood, metal and concrete. Many building technicians only specialize in one area. This shows my commitment to learning new things and improving my skills. It also means that I can help out on any project, no matter what materials are needed.”

Which building systems are you most familiar with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise. You may want to highlight systems you have worked with in previous roles or those that are relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I am most familiar with HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems. I’ve been working as a building technician for five years now, so I’m confident in my ability to troubleshoot issues with these systems. However, I also understand the importance of learning new things, which is why I regularly attend training sessions on other systems.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful team member?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the right attitude for their company. They want team members who are hardworking, honest and dependable. When answering this question, think about what qualities your previous teammates had that made them successful. Try to highlight those qualities in your answer.

Example: “I believe the most important quality for a successful team member is reliability. If I am not reliable, then my coworkers cannot count on me to do my job well. In addition, it makes things more difficult when someone else has to cover for me or help me with my work. Another important quality is communication. It’s important to be able to communicate clearly with others so we can all understand each other and work together effectively.”

How often do you perform routine maintenance on your tools and equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your attention to detail and how you care for the tools you use on a daily basis. Your answer should include information about what types of maintenance you perform, when you do it and why you choose to maintain your tools in that way.

Example: “I clean my tools after every project I complete. This helps me ensure that they are ready to use at any time and prevents them from getting damaged or worn out. I also make sure to store all of my tools properly so they don’t get lost or damaged. For example, I keep all of my screwdrivers in their own drawers and place all of my wrenches in a toolbox.”

There is a new technology that could drastically improve the way you perform your job. How would you go about learning it?

This question is a great way to determine how you approach new technologies and the steps you take to learn them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you are open to learning new things and that you would seek out training opportunities or online resources to help you understand the technology.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my job performance. If there was a new technology that could make my work easier, I would definitely want to know about it. In this situation, I would first look into what the technology does and then find out if our company uses it. If we do not use it, I would ask my supervisor if they would consider implementing it.”