17 Mason Interview Questions and Answers

Masons are the backbone of the construction industry. With the skills to build everything from houses to bridges, these professionals are in high demand. But before you can start working on the big projects, you’ll need to go through an interview process.

One of the most important steps in the interview process is preparing for the questions you’ll be asked. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some common questions that you can expect to be asked in a mason interview, along with some suggested answers.

Are you familiar with the different types of masonry tools and equipment?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your experience with the tools and equipment used in masonry. If you have previous experience working as a mason, describe what types of tools and equipment you’ve worked with. If you don’t have any experience, explain that you are familiar with the different types of tools and equipment used by masons.

Example: “I am very familiar with the different types of masonry tools and equipment. In my last position, I was responsible for maintaining all of our masonry tools and equipment. We had a wide variety of tools and equipment including bricklayers’ levels, trowels, chisels, hammers, plumb bobs, safety glasses, dust masks and ear plugs.”

What are the most important safety precautions that masons should follow?

Employers want to make sure that you understand the importance of safety precautions when working on a construction site. They may ask this question to see if you have experience following proper procedures and protocols. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others around you.

Example: “I always wear my hard hat at all times while I’m on the job site. This is because it protects me from falling debris or tools. It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid standing in one place for too long. If I need to move around, I do so frequently to prevent muscle strain. Another precaution I take is making sure that I am using the right equipment for each task. For example, I would never use a hammer to drive a nail.”

How would you rate your teamwork skills as a mason?

Teamwork is an essential skill for masons to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and get along with your coworkers. When answering, it’s important to show that you value teamwork and are willing to put in the effort to help your team succeed.

Example: “I think my teamwork skills as a mason are quite strong. I’ve always been someone who enjoys working with others on projects. In fact, I find it much more enjoyable than doing things alone. I also feel like I’m quite good at communicating with others and helping them understand what I need from them. This helps me build relationships with my coworkers and makes our team stronger.”

What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on as a mason?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to highlight a project that was challenging but also rewarding in the end.

Example: “The most challenging project I’ve worked on as a mason was when my team and I were building a new home for a family who had lost their house in a fire. The homeowner wanted to keep the same design of her old home, so we had to rebuild the entire thing while keeping the exterior looking exactly the same. It took us longer than expected, but we finished the job and the homeowners were very happy with how everything turned out.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond to finish a project.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle challenges and whether you’re willing to work overtime. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific project that took longer than expected and what steps you took to ensure its completion.

Example: “In my last position as a mason, I was working on a large construction site where we were building several new homes at once. One day, there was a storm that caused some damage to one of the houses we were working on. The supervisor asked me to repair the house while also completing my other duties for the day. I agreed, and I worked late into the night until the repairs were complete.”

If you had to train new masons on best practices, what methods would you use?

This question can help the interviewer determine your teaching skills and how you would train new employees. Use examples from previous training experiences to highlight your communication, leadership and organization skills.

Example: “I have experience training new masons on best practices in my current position as a senior mason. I use visual aids like diagrams and models to explain concepts and procedures. I also provide written instructions for each task so they can refer back to them later. This helps ensure that everyone is performing tasks correctly and efficiently. When working with new masons, I also make sure to be available to answer questions or clarify any information.”

What would you do if you noticed a mistake you made on a project?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to take responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to fix the mistake and how you would prevent it from happening again in the future.

Example: “If I noticed a mistake on a project, I would first try to determine if there was anything I could do to fix it. If not, I would immediately inform my supervisor of the situation so they can decide how best to proceed. I would then document the mistake in my planner or calendar so that I don’t repeat the same mistake twice.”

How well can you see without your glasses or contacts?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can see well enough to do the job. Mason work requires precision, so it’s important that you can see clearly while working. If you wear glasses or contacts for distance vision, be honest about your ability to see without them. Explain how often you use your corrective lenses and what kind of vision you have without them.

Example: “I only need my glasses for reading small print. I can read a newspaper with no problem, but I would struggle if I had to read something smaller than an inch. I also wear contacts for nearsightedness, so I don’t have much natural vision without them. However, I am comfortable doing masonry work without my glasses or contacts.”

Do you have a driver’s license?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you have a way to get to and from work. If you do not have a driver’s license, they may also want to know if you can take public transportation or if someone else can drive you to work. Having a driver’s license is not required for this position, but it can be helpful.

Example: “I do have a driver’s license. I live close enough to the construction site that I walk there every day. However, I am willing to drive if needed.”

When working with other tradespeople, what role do you prefer to take?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you interact with others. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you took on a particular role or responsibility.

Example: “I prefer to take the lead when working with other tradespeople. I find that my experience as a mason gives me an advantage over many of my colleagues, so I enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping others learn new techniques. However, I also understand that everyone has something to offer, so I try to encourage all of my coworkers to share their ideas and opinions.”

We want our masons to be detail-oriented. Describe a time when you noticed a small detail that made a big difference.

Mason work often involves small details, so employers want to know that you can pay attention to these important elements. Use your answer to highlight a time when you noticed something small and fixed it before it became a problem.

Example: “When I was working on my first project as an apprentice, I noticed that the brickwork around one of the windows wasn’t quite level. It was only by a few millimeters, but it bothered me because it didn’t look right. So, I asked my mentor if we could fix it. He said yes, and we spent about 30 minutes fixing the window. When the client came back to see the progress, they were very happy with how it looked.”

Describe your process for inspecting a completed project.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your attention to detail and how you ensure quality work. Describe a time when you noticed something was off with a project, what steps you took to fix it and the result of your inspection.

Example: “I always start by looking at the overall structure for any cracks or other damage. Then I look at each individual brick to make sure they’re all in place and there are no gaps between them. If I notice anything that looks like it could be an issue, I’ll remove some bricks to inspect the mortar underneath. If everything is okay, I’ll replace the bricks and move on to the next section. If not, I’ll take the necessary steps to repair the problem.”

What makes you most excited about this job opportunity?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your passion for the position. Masonry is a physically demanding job, so employers want to make sure you’re excited about working in construction and not just looking for any job. When answering this question, be honest about what attracted you to this role. Explain why you are passionate about masonry work.

Example: “I’m most excited about this opportunity because I’ve always been interested in construction. Ever since I was a kid, I loved building things with LEGOs, and I find it fascinating how architects can create such beautiful buildings. This job would allow me to use my skills as an artist while also getting some fresh air and exercise.”

Which types of stone do you prefer to work with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and whether you’re a good fit for their company. If they work with a specific type of stone, such as marble or granite, it’s likely that you’ll be working with those types too. It’s important to answer honestly about your experience but also highlight any interest in learning new materials.

Example: “I’ve worked primarily with limestone throughout my career, however I’m excited to learn more about other stones. I have always been interested in marble and would love to get some experience working with it.”

What do you think sets masonry apart from other construction trades?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the construction industry and how you fit into it. Masonry requires a unique set of skills, so you can use this question as an opportunity to explain what makes masonry different from other trades. You may also want to mention that these differences make masonry more challenging but also more rewarding.

Example: “Masonry is one of the oldest construction trades, which means we have a lot of experience under our belts. However, I think what sets us apart from other trades is our attention to detail. We are constantly working with materials like stone and brick, which require precision in order to look their best. This focus on quality over quantity allows us to create beautiful structures that last for decades.”

How often do you update your skills and knowledge as a mason?

Employers may ask this question to see if you are committed to your own professional development. Masonry is a trade that requires constant learning, and an employer wants to know that you’re willing to invest in yourself. In your answer, explain how you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in masonry. You can mention any certifications or training programs you’ve completed recently.

Example: “I am constantly looking for ways to improve my skills as a mason. I have taken several courses at community colleges over the last few years, and I also subscribe to several online newsletters about new techniques and materials. I think it’s important to keep learning because there are always new challenges in construction. For example, I learned about fireproofing when I was working on a project where safety was especially important.”

There is a new type of stone that you’ve never worked with before. How do you approach learning how to work with it?

Mason work can be very specific, so it’s important to show that you are willing to learn new techniques and skills. This question is a great way for the interviewer to see how you approach learning something new and gaining experience with different materials.

Example: “I would first do some research on the stone type. I would then find out what tools I need to use to cut or shape the material. Finally, I would practice working with the stone until I feel comfortable enough to start my job.”