20 Mortenson Interview Questions and Answers

Mortenson is a leading construction management and development company with projects across the United States. Mortenson has been in business for over 60 years and has a reputation for being a great place to work.

If you’re applying for a job at Mortenson, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Mortenson interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Mortenson Interview Process

The interview process at Mortenson can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For intern and entry-level positions, the process is generally less formal and may only consist of one or two interviews. For more experienced positions, the process may be longer and include multiple interviews with different members of the company. Overall, the interviewers are friendly and seem interested in getting to know you as a person.

1. Tell us how you would handle a situation where your project is behind schedule.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle stressful situations and whether you have strategies for overcoming challenges. Use examples from your experience to explain how you would manage a project that’s behind schedule, what steps you would take to get it back on track and how you would communicate with team members or supervisors about the situation.

Example: “In my last role as an interior designer, I was working on a project where we were two weeks behind schedule. I met with my supervisor to discuss the issue and together we decided to hire more designers to help complete the project. We also set up weekly meetings to monitor progress and make sure everyone was meeting their deadlines. By the end of the week, we had caught up and finished the project ahead of schedule.”

2. How do you approach problem solving?

This question can help the interviewer understand your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to a work environment. Use examples from past experiences where you used critical thinking, creativity or other methods to solve problems quickly.

Example: “I approach problem solving by first identifying what the issue is and then determining its cause. I use my research skills to find solutions that are within my capabilities and resources available to me. In my last role as an administrative assistant, I noticed that our company’s sales were down. After researching the issue, I found out that we had outdated marketing materials. I worked with the marketing team to create new brochures and flyers for our products.”

3. What makes you stand out from other candidates applying for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of skills that relate to the job description. Use these skills to answer this question by explaining what makes you unique from other applicants.

Example: “I have experience working in construction, which is similar to this role. I also understand the importance of safety on a construction site, so I am familiar with OSHA regulations. In my previous position, I was responsible for training new employees on safety procedures. This helped me develop my communication skills and ability to teach others.”

4. When have you had to deal with difficult people and how did you resolve the issue?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict. This is an important skill for any job, but especially one that involves working with clients or customers. Your answer should show the interviewer that you can remain calm and professional when faced with a challenging situation.

Example: “I once had a client who was very demanding. He would often call me at all hours of the day to make changes to his website. I always remained polite and respectful in my interactions with him, even though he sometimes spoke to me rudely. Eventually, he realized that I wasn’t going to change my work style just because he wanted me to. After that, he became more respectful and we were able to continue our project without issue.”

5. Do you have experience working in a team environment?

Working in a team environment is an important part of the construction industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and can be a valuable member of their team. Use your answer to explain that you are willing to work as part of a team, but also highlight any specific skills you have that will help you contribute to the group.

Example: “I’ve worked on several different teams throughout my career. I find that teamwork is one of the best ways to get projects done quickly and efficiently. In every job I’ve had, I’ve been able to work well with other people. I’m always open to new ideas and suggestions from my coworkers. I think it’s important to listen to everyone’s opinions before making decisions.”

6. Have you ever been given negative feedback on a project, if so what was it and how did you respond?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you respond to constructive criticism. This can be an opportunity to show your ability to learn from mistakes and grow as a professional.

Example: “I once worked on a project that was due in two weeks, but I didn’t start it until the night before. I stayed up all night working on it, but when I turned it in, my supervisor told me there were several errors. I apologized for turning it in late and promised to fix the errors right away. I fixed the errors and turned it back in within 24 hours of receiving the feedback. My supervisor appreciated my quick response and willingness to take responsibility.”

7. Describe a time when you took initiative at work.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your ability to take on new tasks and complete them successfully. Use examples from your previous work experience that show you’re a self-starter who’s willing to do what it takes to get things done.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed we were running low on supplies for our clients. I asked my supervisor if there was anything I could do to order more supplies, and she told me to place an order with the company’s supplier. I did so, and when the shipment arrived, I helped unload it and put away all of the supplies in their proper places. This allowed my team to continue providing excellent service to our customers.”

8. Give an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your customer service skills. It also helps them understand how you might approach their company’s customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about a time when you helped a customer in need or went above and beyond for a client.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who was looking for a specific type of product that we didn’t have in stock. Instead of just telling her that we didn’t have what she needed, I offered to order the item from another location if she would like me to do so. She agreed, and I ordered the product from our other store. The next day, I called her to let her know that we got the product in and that she could come pick it up.”

9. What is your greatest strength?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit into their company culture. When answering, think of a strength that is relevant to the job description or one that will help you succeed in the position.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it, which has helped me develop many meaningful relationships throughout my career. In fact, I have several colleagues who I consider close friends. My willingness to collaborate with others also makes me an effective communicator, as I can explain complex ideas in ways that are easy for others to understand.”

10. What are your goals for the next five years?

Employers ask this question to learn about your career goals and how they align with their company’s objectives. When answering, be sure to mention any personal or professional goals you have that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “My main goal for the next five years is to become a manager at my current company. I’ve been working here for three years now, and I feel like I’m ready for more responsibility. I would love to take on a management role where I can help other employees grow in their roles as well. Another goal of mine is to start my own business one day. I know it will take time to get there, but I want to work toward that dream.”

11. Are you comfortable working long hours and weekends?

This question is a good way to determine if the company culture is one that values work-life balance. If you are interviewing for a position with long hours, it’s important to ask about the expectations of the role and how often overtime will be required.

Example: “I am comfortable working long hours when necessary, but I also value my personal time. In my last job, we had occasional deadlines where we needed to stay late or come in on weekends. However, I always made sure to communicate with my manager and coworkers so they knew why I was unavailable. I think it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

12. How do you prioritize projects?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your time management skills. Time management is an important skill for any project manager, and it can be especially useful when you’re working with a team of employees who are responsible for different projects. Your answer should show the interviewer that you have strong time management skills and can use them to complete tasks in a timely manner.

Example: “I always start by looking at my schedule for the week or month ahead. I try to plan out my days as much as possible so I know what I’ll be doing each day. Then, I look at all of the projects I need to work on and decide which ones I can do first. If there’s a deadline coming up soon, I make sure to get that project done before anything else.”

13. What is your experience with construction?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the construction industry and how you can apply it to this role. If you have experience with construction, describe what you did in detail. If you don’t have any experience, explain why you’re interested in working in construction.

Example: “I worked as a carpenter for five years before I started my current job. In that position, I was responsible for building houses from scratch. I also had to repair damaged parts of homes. My previous employer taught me many valuable skills that I use every day on the job.”

14. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would lead your team if hired. Your leadership style is a personal preference, but it’s important to be able to adapt to different styles as well. Describe your preferred leadership style and then explain how you would adjust your approach in certain situations.

Example: “I believe that my leadership style is collaborative. I like to involve everyone on the team in decision-making processes so they feel invested in the final outcome. However, I also understand that sometimes there are decisions that need to be made quickly or independently. In those cases, I am decisive and confident in my ability to make the right choice for the company.”

15. Provide an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade someone to see things your way at work.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your communication skills and how you persuade others to see things from your perspective. Use examples of persuasive techniques that you have used in the past, such as active listening or asking questions to understand another person’s point of view.

Example: “In my last position, I was working with a team on a project when one of my teammates suggested an idea that would take longer than we had anticipated. My teammate wasn’t sure if they should continue with their idea because it might cause us to miss our deadline. I asked them why they thought this idea would be beneficial for the company and what they hoped to achieve by implementing it. They told me that they wanted to make sure all aspects of the project were completed before presenting it to upper management.”

16. Tell me about a time you worked effectively under pressure.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to work under pressure. They want to know that you can complete tasks on time and with quality results. When answering, think of a specific situation where you had to meet a deadline or produce high-quality work in a short amount of time. Explain how you managed the task successfully and what skills helped you do so.

Example: “When I was working as an event planner, I had to plan a large corporate party for my client within two weeks. The client wanted me to include several unique elements into the party, which made it challenging to find vendors who could provide those things. However, I used my research skills to find companies that could help us create the perfect party. We were able to pull off the event without any issues.”

17. What is your experience with AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program that many construction companies use. If you have experience with AutoCAD, explain how it has helped you in your previous roles. If you don’t have any experience with the software, consider asking for an overview of what it does and if there are similar programs you can learn to do the same job.

Example: “I’ve used AutoCAD since my first internship at a civil engineering firm. I was able to create floor plans, elevations and other drawings using this software, which saved time and allowed me to focus on more complex tasks. In my last role, I also learned SketchUp, which is another 3D modeling tool that uses simple shapes to build models.”

18. Why should we hire you over another candidate?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of three or four reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Focus on skills that match what the employer is looking for in an employee.

Example: “I am the most qualified candidate because I have experience working with large groups of people. In my last position as a project manager, I managed a team of 10 employees who were all working toward the same goal. My ability to delegate tasks and motivate others helped me achieve success at my previous job.”

19. What is your experience with Microsoft Excel?

This question is a great way to see how you use Microsoft Excel, which is an important skill for the job. If you have experience with other programs like Access or Word, be sure to mention that as well.

Example: “I’ve used Microsoft Excel since my first job in accounting. I learned it quickly and was able to create spreadsheets and reports for my team. In my last position, I created weekly reports on sales and inventory using Excel. I also used it to track our budget and expenses.”

20. What is your experience with managing teams?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you interact with others. Use examples from previous experiences to highlight your ability to work as a team, delegate tasks and motivate employees.

Example: “In my last position, I managed a small team of five people who were responsible for creating marketing campaigns. My role was to oversee their projects and provide guidance when needed. I also helped them develop strategies that would allow them to complete their assignments on time while maintaining quality. This experience has helped me learn how to manage teams effectively.”