16 Inspector Skills for Your Career and Resume

An inspector is a professional who is responsible for examining products, materials, buildings, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations or safety standards. Inspectors use a variety of skills to perform their duties, including critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail. If you’re interested in becoming an inspector, understanding these skills can help you determine if this job is a good fit for you.

Quality Control

Quality control is the ability to ensure that a product meets certain standards. Inspectors use quality control when evaluating products and materials, as they must determine if these items meet safety regulations or other requirements. Quality control also includes ensuring that production processes are safe for employees and following up on any issues that arise during production.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is the ability to notice small details and make precise observations. Inspectors use their attention to detail when examining a building’s structure, reviewing construction plans or evaluating safety protocols. This skill can help you identify potential hazards in buildings and ensure that all aspects of a project meet industry standards. It also allows you to review large amounts of data accurately and thoroughly so you can provide accurate reports and recommendations.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is the ability to interpret and understand data. Inspectors use this skill when reviewing inspection reports, analyzing test results or examining any other type of data related to a project. Data analysis allows you to identify potential risks and safety concerns, determine if construction methods are effective and evaluate whether projects meet their goals.

Leadership

Inspectors often work in teams and may supervise other employees. Leadership skills can help you motivate your team members, encourage them to learn new skills and improve performance. You can also use leadership skills when managing a project or task, as you may need to delegate responsibilities and provide guidance. Strong leadership skills can also be beneficial for advancement opportunities within your organization.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Inspectors often have to be flexible when scheduling inspections, as they may need to change their plans if a client can’t meet certain time constraints or if unforeseen weather conditions prevent them from accessing a construction site. Flexibility also helps inspectors remain calm and composed in emergency situations, such as when an accident occurs on a job site.

Product Knowledge

Inspectors need to have a thorough understanding of the products they review. This includes knowing how these products are made, what materials they contain and their potential risks. Having product knowledge can help you identify any issues with a product or process so you can take action accordingly. It also allows you to provide detailed feedback on your inspections and make informed decisions when it comes to safety regulations.

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills are necessary for inspectors to use when they encounter challenges during inspections. For example, if an inspector notices a potential safety hazard in the workplace, they may need to solve this problem by informing the employer of the issue and suggesting ways to fix it. Inspectors also use problem-solving skills when they find defects in products or materials. They can use these skills to determine what caused the defect and how to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

Non-Destructive Testing

Non-destructive testing is the ability to examine materials without damaging them. This can be useful when examining items that are still in use, such as machinery or building materials. It’s also important for preserving historical artifacts and artwork. When performing non-destructive testing, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the material you’re examining so you know what types of tests to perform.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Inspectors use communication skills when they explain their findings, answer questions from clients or contractors and provide feedback on projects. Good communication can help you work with others more effectively and efficiently. It’s also important for conveying complex technical information in a way that everyone understands it.

Safety Regulations

Safety regulations are the rules that govern how a company or organization must operate. Inspectors use their knowledge of safety regulations to ensure companies follow them and to identify potential hazards in the workplace. Safety regulations vary by industry, so inspectors should be familiar with the regulations for the industries they inspect regularly.

Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis is the process of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of a problem. Inspectors use this skill when evaluating potential safety hazards in order to determine how to fix them. For example, if an inspector notices that several employees have experienced back pain while working at a certain desk, they might perform a root cause analysis to identify why these employees are experiencing back pain and what can be done to prevent it.

Auditing

Auditing is the process of reviewing financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Auditors use their knowledge of accounting practices, laws and regulations to evaluate a company’s books. Inspectors who have strong auditing skills can help companies maintain accurate records and reduce their risk of fines or other penalties.

Equipment Operation

Equipment operation is the ability to operate and maintain equipment used in construction. This includes tools, machinery and vehicles. Inspectors may need this skill to ensure that contractors are using safe equipment and following industry standards. It’s also important for inspectors to know how to use their own equipment so they can perform accurate tests and inspections.

Report Writing

Inspectors use report writing skills to create inspection reports that detail the condition of a property and any necessary repairs. These reports are important for real estate transactions, so inspectors should be able to write clear, concise reports that include all relevant information. Inspectors may also need to provide verbal feedback about their findings, so they should be comfortable speaking in front of groups.

Inspection

Inspectors use inspection skills to evaluate the quality of a product or service. They inspect products for defects and ensure that they meet industry standards. Inspectors also perform inspections on buildings, vehicles and other structures to make sure they are safe and comply with regulations. This requires attention to detail as well as an ability to identify potential issues.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Inspectors use organizational skills when scheduling inspections, recording inspection data and submitting reports. It’s important for inspectors to be able to prioritize their work so they can complete all necessary steps in a timely manner. Strong organizational skills also help inspectors stay focused on their duties and avoid distractions.

How Can I Learn These Inspector Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary inspector skills. Many of these skills, such as attention to detail, data analysis, and problem solving, can be learned through on-the-job training. However, if you want to become a certified inspector, you will need to complete a certified training program. These programs are typically offered by community colleges or technical schools. Many of these programs will also require you to have a certain amount of work experience in an inspection-related field.