20 EllisDon Interview Questions and Answers

EllisDon is a construction company that specializes in building and civil infrastructure projects. The company was founded in 1951 and has since completed projects all over the world, including the Toronto skyline, the Vancouver Skytrain, and the Dubai Metro.

If you’re hoping to land a job at EllisDon, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and availability. In this guide, we’ve gathered a list of sample EllisDon interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

EllisDon Interview Process

The interview process at EllisDon can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, you may be asked to complete a one-way video interview, while for others you may have a more traditional in-person or phone interview. The length of the hiring process also varies, but generally it is not too lengthy. Overall, the experience seems to be positive, with most people finding the interviewers to be friendly and professional.

1. What would you do if a project was running behind schedule?

Employers ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. They want to know that you can stay calm and work through a problem to find a solution. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to solve the issue. Show that you are organized and able to prioritize tasks.

Example: “If I noticed a project was running behind schedule, I would first assess why it’s taking longer than expected. If there is an easy fix, like changing the deadline or delegating certain tasks, then I would do so immediately. If not, I would create a plan for getting back on track. I would make sure everyone involved in the project understood their responsibilities and when they needed to be completed by. Then, I would monitor progress regularly to ensure we were making progress.”

2. How much experience do you have in construction management?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how it compares to other candidates. If you have a lot of construction management experience, you may be more qualified for the position than someone with less experience. However, if you’re new to this field, you can highlight any transferable skills that are relevant to the job.

Example: “I’ve worked in construction management for five years now. I started as an apprentice on small projects before moving up to project manager. In my current role, I’m responsible for overseeing all aspects of a large-scale construction project from start to finish.”

3. Describe a time when you had to deal with conflict on a team, how did you handle it?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in any job, and employers want to know that you can work well with others. When answering this question, it’s important to show your ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflict.

Example: “In my last position as a marketing manager, I had a team of five people who worked on different aspects of the company’s social media presence. One day, one of our employees posted something controversial on our account without consulting anyone else first. This led to many negative comments from customers, and we needed to take down the post quickly.

I called a meeting with all five members of the team so I could explain what happened and discuss how we would handle similar situations in the future. We decided that each person should check in with everyone else before posting anything to ensure no one was working on a similar project. By doing this, we were able to avoid further conflicts.”

4. Do you have any experience working with different trades?

This question can help the interviewer determine your ability to work with different types of people. It also helps them understand if you have any experience working in a team setting. Use examples from previous jobs or volunteer experiences that highlight your teamwork skills and willingness to collaborate with others.

Example: “In my last position, I worked alongside electricians, plumbers and carpenters. While I was not formally trained in these trades, I learned how to communicate effectively with each group. For example, when an electrician needed me to move something out of their way, I would do so as quickly as possible to avoid disrupting their work. I also made sure to ask questions when I didn’t know what they were talking about.”

5. What is your approach to managing health and safety risks?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your risk management skills. They want to know how you plan for and respond to potential workplace accidents or injuries. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure the safety of employees. Share any specific strategies that have helped you manage risks in the past.

Example: “I believe it’s important to be proactive when managing health and safety risks. I always make sure my team members are aware of all possible hazards at work. We also regularly review our emergency procedures so everyone knows what to do if an accident occurs. Another way we reduce risks is by ensuring all equipment is well-maintained. For example, we perform regular inspections on ladders and scaffolding to make sure they’re safe to use.”

6. Tell us what you know about EllisDon’s core values.

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have researched the company and its values. This is an opportunity for you to show that you are interested in working with EllisDon and understand what they value as a company.

Example: “I’ve read about EllisDon’s core values, which include safety, quality, innovation, teamwork and customer service. I believe these values are important because they help ensure that projects are completed safely and efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality. These values also encourage collaboration among employees and provide opportunities for us to learn from each other.”

7. What are some of the challenges that you think construction managers face?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your construction management experience. Use examples from your past to explain what you think are some of the biggest challenges that construction managers face and how you overcame them.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges that construction managers face is keeping their team motivated. I’ve worked with many construction teams, and it’s important for managers to keep morale high among employees so they’re all working together toward the same goal. In my last position as a construction manager, I used several different tactics to motivate my team members. For example, I would hold weekly meetings where we discussed our progress on projects and set new goals for ourselves.”

8. What type of software do you have experience using?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the software they use at EllisDon. If you don’t, it’s important to show that you’re willing to learn new software and adapt quickly. When answering this question, be sure to mention a few programs you’ve used in the past and explain why you were comfortable using them.

Example: “In my last role as an engineer, I worked with Autodesk Civil 3D and AutoCAD. These are two different types of software, but both helped me create detailed designs for civil engineering projects. I’m also familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, which I used to create presentations for clients.”

9. Are you willing to work overtime or travel for work?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to do what it takes to get the job done. They want employees who are committed and hardworking, so they may be looking for someone who is willing to put in extra hours or travel for work. When answering this question, consider how much overtime you’ve worked in your previous jobs and if you have any concerns about working long hours or traveling frequently.

Example: “I’m happy to work overtime when necessary. In my last position, I often stayed late to finish projects and meet deadlines. I also traveled quite a bit for that job, but I don’t have any concerns about doing so again.”

10. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a project and there was a change request, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you adapt to change and handle it. When answering this question, think of a time when you were working on a project and there was a sudden change that needed to be made. Explain what steps you took to ensure the change didn’t affect your progress or deadline.

Example: “I once worked on a construction site where we had to make changes to the building plans mid-construction because of some issues with the foundation. I immediately called my team together so we could discuss the issue and come up with a solution. We decided to build the house in sections instead of all at once so we could work on one section at a time while fixing the foundation. This allowed us to stay on schedule and complete the home by the client’s deadline.”

11. How would you prioritize your tasks if you had multiple projects going at once?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and workload. Use examples from previous experience to show that you can effectively plan your schedule and meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last role, I had multiple projects going at once. At first, it was difficult to prioritize which tasks were most important. However, after a few weeks of working in this environment, I developed a system for prioritizing my work. First, I would look at each project’s deadline. Then, I would assess what resources I needed to complete each task. For example, if one project required data analysis but I didn’t have access to the necessary software, I would put that project on hold until I could get the software.”

12. We want our field engineers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is a great way to determine if the company’s culture fits your own. Field engineers often work independently, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with this type of environment. When answering this question, make sure to highlight any skills or experiences that show you would be a good fit for an independent role.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for working independently as a field engineer. Throughout my career, I’ve had many opportunities to work on projects and assignments without supervision. In fact, I find that having no one looking over my shoulder allows me to do my best work. I’m confident in my abilities and know that I can complete tasks efficiently and effectively.”

13. Give an example of a time where you used your communication skills to get buy-in from your team.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you can use your communication skills in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight how your communication helped achieve success for your team or company.

Example: “In my last role as an account manager, I had a client who was very particular about their social media content. They wanted me to create all of their posts and make sure they were always on brand. This meant that I needed to work with our marketing department to ensure we were creating content that would align with what the client wanted.

I met with the marketing director to discuss the client’s needs and expectations. We decided that I would write the copy for each post while the marketing director would take care of the design. By working together, we were able to provide the best experience for the client.”

14. What is one thing that you would like to improve about yourself as a leader?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are self-aware and willing to improve. It also shows them that you have the ability to be honest with yourself about your shortcomings as a leader. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you could have done better or an area in which you would like to grow.

Example: “I am always striving to become a more empathetic person. I know that sometimes my drive to succeed can make me forget how important it is to listen to others. In the past, I’ve had some team members who were struggling with their work but didn’t feel comfortable speaking up. As a result, they felt like they couldn’t come to me for help when they needed it. I’m working on making sure that I take time to really hear what people are saying so that I can provide support.”

15. In your opinion, what are the most important components of a successful project?

This question is a great way to assess your leadership skills and ability to prioritize. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list the most important components of a successful project in order from most to least important.

Example: “In my opinion, the most important component of a successful project is communication. If you’re not communicating with your team members or clients, then there’s no way for them to know what you’re doing or how they can help. I also think that having realistic expectations is very important because it helps prevent disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Finally, I believe that setting deadlines is essential because it allows everyone involved to plan their schedules accordingly.”

16. How do you make sure that you stay up to date with the latest industry trends?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and have a passion for the industry. They also want to see that you’re willing to learn new things, which is why they ask this question. Your answer should show them that you are passionate about your work and eager to learn more.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge of the industry. I subscribe to several newsletters and blogs that provide valuable information on current trends in the field. I also attend conferences and seminars where experts share their insights with others.”

17. What tools would you use to create a budget for a new project?

This question can help the interviewer understand your budgeting skills and how you use tools to complete tasks. Use examples from past projects where you created budgets, analyzed data or used other financial management tools to create a plan for future projects.

Example: “I would start by researching the client’s current spending habits and revenue streams. Then I would analyze the information to determine what areas of their business could be improved with new strategies. For example, in my last role as an accountant, I worked with a client who was looking to expand their online presence. After analyzing their current revenue streams, I determined that they needed to increase their search engine optimization to attract more customers. We then developed a marketing strategy based on our findings.”

18. Why do you want to work at EllisDon?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about working at EllisDon and why you’re excited to be interviewing with them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the job that appeal to you. You can also talk about how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position.

Example: “I’m interested in working at EllisDon because I’ve heard so many positive things about the company culture. I love the idea of being part of a team where everyone works together to achieve common goals. I think my background as an engineer would help me excel in this role, especially since I have five years of experience designing buildings.”

19. If hired, what would be your approach to creating a schedule for a large scale construction project?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to plan and organize. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for creating a schedule, including how you would manage the time of multiple teams working on different aspects of the project.

Example: “I would first create a detailed timeline that includes all major milestones and deadlines. I would then assign each team member their specific tasks and set individual due dates. I would also make sure to communicate regularly with my team members so they know what’s expected of them and when they can expect to receive feedback from me.”

20. What is your experience with handling procurement activities?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with procurement and how you might handle similar activities in this role. Use examples from your past to explain what you did, how you did it and why you were successful.

Example: “In my last position as a purchasing manager, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of procurement. This included managing vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring that we had enough inventory on hand to meet customer demand. I also worked closely with other departments to ensure they had everything they needed to complete their work. For example, if marketing needed more brochures, I would make sure our vendor could deliver them by the deadline.”