17 Restoration Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Restoration managers are responsible for the assessment and remediation of properties damaged by water, fire, wind, or other disasters. In the wake of a disaster, it’s the restoration manager’s job to oversee the repair process and ensure that the property is restored to its pre-loss condition.

If you’re looking for a job as a restoration manager, you’ll need to be able to answer a variety of questions about your experience, your qualifications, and your disaster restoration knowledge. We’ve put together a list of sample restoration manager interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next job interview.

Are you familiar with the different types of restoration services that are available?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the different types of restoration services that are available. This can help them determine whether you would be able to manage a team of restoration professionals who specialize in specific areas, such as fire damage or water damage. In your answer, try to list at least two or three types of restoration services and explain what they entail.

Example: “I am familiar with the different types of restoration services because I’ve worked with several restoration companies over the years. For example, when I was working for my previous employer, we had specialists on our team who specialized in both fire and water damage restoration. These specialists were responsible for assessing the damage and developing a plan to restore the property back to its original state. They also oversaw the entire restoration process from start to finish.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a restoration manager should have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you possess the skills and abilities that are necessary for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of these qualities and explain why they’re important.

Example: “The most important quality in a restoration manager is communication. This person needs to be able to clearly communicate with all members of their team, as well as clients. Another important quality is organization. A restoration manager should be organized enough to keep track of multiple projects at once. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are essential because there will always be unexpected issues during a project.”

How would you handle a situation where one of your team members was not meeting deadlines or following procedures?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and how you handle conflict. In your answer, try to emphasize the importance of following procedures and deadlines while also showing that you can help resolve conflicts with your team members.

Example: “If I noticed one of my team members was not meeting deadlines or following procedures, I would first meet with them to discuss their progress. If they were having trouble completing tasks on time, I would offer to provide additional training or resources to help them improve. If they continued to struggle after these efforts, I would consider whether a different position might be more suitable for them.”

What is your process for managing a budget for a restoration project?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you use your budgeting skills to manage a restoration project. Use examples from past projects to explain how you create and monitor budgets for each phase of the restoration process.

Example: “I start by creating a detailed timeline for the entire restoration project, including when I expect to receive bids on materials and services, when I plan to order supplies and when I anticipate starting and completing each stage of the restoration. Then, I break down the overall cost of the project into smaller phases so that I can estimate the costs for each phase of the project. This helps me stay within my budget while still providing quality work.”

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

Restoration managers often have to deal with challenging clients. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle difficult situations and still maintain a positive attitude. In your answer, try to show that you are able to remain calm under pressure while also being empathetic toward the client.

Example: “In my previous role as restoration manager, I had a client who was very upset about how long it took us to complete their project. They were especially frustrated because they had to stay in a hotel for an extra week. I listened to what they had to say without interrupting them. Then, I explained our process and why we needed more time than usual to finish the job. The client understood and thanked me for explaining everything.”

If you could start over, what would you do differently in your career so far?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s self-reflection skills and how they’ve grown over time. It also helps employers understand what you might do differently if given another chance at your career. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of one or two things that you would change in your past experience as a restoration manager.

Example: “If I could start my career again, I would have started out with an associate restoration management degree instead of going straight into restoration management. This would have allowed me to gain more hands-on experience before starting my career as a restoration manager. I would also have taken some additional training courses on leadership and communication skills.”

What would you do if you received a claim for a property that you had never heard of?

This question can help interviewers understand how you use your research skills to solve problems. Use examples from previous experience where you had to look up information on a property or company and successfully find the necessary details.

Example: “I would first try to ask my team members if they knew anything about this claim. If no one did, I would search for any records we have of that address in our database. If I still couldn’t find it, I would call the client who filed the claim to see if they could give me more information. If all else fails, I would contact the insurance company to see if they had any information.”

How well do you understand building codes and other regulations that apply to restoration projects?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the regulations that apply to restoration projects. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of these regulations and how you use them in your work.

Example: “I have a strong understanding of building codes and other regulations that apply to restoration projects. In my last role, I was responsible for ensuring all restoration projects followed local ordinances. To do so, I worked with our team to develop procedures for following these rules. For example, we developed standard operating procedures for documenting any changes to buildings before we started restoration projects.”

Do you have experience working with insurance companies to process claims?

Restoration managers often work with insurance companies to process claims and ensure their clients receive the money they need to repair damages. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with insurance companies and can help your company complete these tasks quickly and efficiently. In your answer, share a specific example of how you worked with an insurance company in the past.

Example: “In my last role as restoration manager, I had to work with several insurance companies to process claims for our clients. One client’s home was damaged by a fire, and we needed to file multiple claims with different insurance companies to get enough money to cover all of the repairs. I called each insurance company to explain the situation and request funds. Then, I met with the client to discuss what repairs were necessary and helped them choose contractors to do the work.”

When is it appropriate to start repairs instead of waiting for replacement parts or materials?

This question can help the interviewer determine your decision-making skills and how you prioritize tasks. Use examples from past experiences to show that you have the ability to make important decisions quickly and efficiently.

Example: “In my last position, we had a client who needed their roof replaced because of storm damage. We waited for the right time to replace it because we didn’t want to waste money on materials if they were still usable. However, after inspecting the rest of the house, I realized that most of the other repairs could wait until later. This allowed us to save money by only replacing the damaged parts of the home.”

We want to be able to complete most projects within a week. How would you structure your work schedule to meet this goal?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to see how well you can manage your time and prioritize tasks. Use examples from past experience to show the interviewer that you know how to plan your schedule effectively.

Example: “I would start by creating a weekly work schedule with all of my projects listed on it. I’d then assign each project to a team member based on their skill set, so we could complete each task as efficiently as possible. For example, if one person is better at repairing drywall than another, I would have them focus on those types of repairs while others focused on other aspects of the job. This way, we can get through most jobs within a week.”

Describe your process for delegating tasks to members of your team.

As a restoration manager, you’ll need to be able to delegate tasks effectively. This question helps employers understand how you plan and organize your team’s workloads. In your answer, explain the steps you take when delegating tasks to ensure that everyone on your team is working efficiently.

Example: “I first meet with each member of my team individually to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. I then use this information to assign them specific projects based on their skill sets. For example, if one employee excels at customer service but struggles with budgeting, I would give them smaller restoration jobs where they can focus on customer satisfaction while another employee handles larger projects like estimating costs.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

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 all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities.

Example: “I have five years of experience as a restoration manager, which makes me an ideal candidate for this position. I also have extensive knowledge of construction materials and techniques, so I know what it takes to complete projects within deadlines. In my previous job, I managed a team of 15 employees, so I am familiar with delegating tasks and motivating others to do their best work.”

Which computer programs or software do you use most frequently in your job?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your computer skills and how you use them in the workplace. If you are applying for a restoration manager position at a company that uses specific software, mention it in your answer. You can also talk about any other programs or tools you have used in the past.

Example: “I am familiar with many different types of software and I’ve worked with several throughout my career. In my last job as a restoration specialist, I used RestorationSoft’s proprietary restoration management system. Before that, I was a freelance restoration technician who used RestorationSoft’s restoration tracking app on my phone. I also regularly use Microsoft Office.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of quality control for a restoration project?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of quality control and how it relates to the restoration industry. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of what quality control is, why it’s important in a construction project and how you apply it to your work as a restoration manager.

Example: “I think that the most important aspect of quality control for any restoration project is communication. It’s essential to communicate with all members of the team about their roles and responsibilities so everyone understands what they need to do to ensure the quality of the final product. I also believe that regular check-ins are an important part of quality control because they allow me to evaluate my team’s progress and provide feedback where necessary.”

How often should you inspect completed restoration projects?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your attention to detail and ensure that the restoration projects you oversee are completed to a high standard. Your answer should demonstrate your commitment to quality work, so it’s important to mention how often you inspect projects and what steps you take to ensure they’re up to par.

Example: “I personally inspect every project before my team members leave for the day. I also make sure to check in on all projects at least once per week to ensure that our team is following proper procedures and using best practices. If I notice any issues with a project, I’ll have my team fix them immediately or reschedule the project until it can be done correctly.”

There is a conflict among your team members. How do you handle it?

Restoration managers are responsible for managing their teams and ensuring they work well together. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills needed to resolve conflicts among your team members. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation and what steps you would take to help your team members get along again.

Example: “I would first try to understand both sides of the conflict. I would then speak with each person individually about the issue. If that didn’t solve the problem, I would hold a meeting with everyone on my team to discuss the issue. During the meeting, I would listen to each person’s concerns and find a solution that works for everyone.”