39 Brick Mason Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: January 17, 2020

Hiring a brick mason to work on construction projects can be a difficult decision. This is because employers need to hire people with excellent credentials and skills.

During the interview process, a brick mason will be asked questions regarding their knowledge of masonry work, laying and binding bricks, and repairing building structures.

Apart from work-related questions, a brick mason will also be asked questions to determine their personality.

Related: Stone Mason Resume

Some sample brick mason interview questions and answers are provided below for your reference:

Brick Mason Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a passionate brick mason and construction professional with 8 years of hands-on masonry experience. I am well versed in interpreting mason drawings, scale, and scope for execution. Also, I have a good understanding of masonry techniques and grading.

2. How did you find out about our company and this position?

Mr. Howard, who works as a supervisor with your company, mentioned that there was an open position that I could look into. When I saw the requirements, I could not help but feel that I was well-suited for it.

3. Why should we hire you?

I believe that I am the best person to hire because of my past experience, and associated skills. My qualifications are so well-matched with your requirements that I am sure that no one else is a better candidate than me.

4. Why do you want to work for us?

I want to be part of a professional exciting team performing quality construction projects.

5. What duties have you performed in a brick mason capacity before?

I have worked as a brick mason for 7 years. During this time, my duties involved measuring distances from reference points, calculating angles and courses, and laying blocks and bricks by following blueprints and designs. Also, my work included mixing and using cement, cutting and breaking bricks, molding expansion joints, and operating equipment such as forklifts, dump trucks, and flatbeds.

6. Why do you want to leave your current job?

I feel the need to do something a little different from what I do every day at my present place of work.

7. What are your key strengths?

My main strength is my knowledge of unique masonry techniques and equipment. In addition, I am skilled in all areas of construction, alteration, repair, and maintenance.

8. What is your biggest weakness?

Perhaps I work too hard – or so my coworkers and supervisors tell me. Because of this, I tend to burn out sooner than I would if I kept things in check.

9. What are you doing to overcome this weakness?

I am teaching myself to set realistic goals – ones that do not wear me down, and still help me reach my work objectives.

10. What has been the most challenging job that you have performed till now?

I was once part of a project that required me to build a huge structure, to honor a popular Hollywood actor, who had recently passed away. Working on that piece was probably the most difficult work that I have done till now.

11. How do you handle pressure?

I work extremely well under pressure. I ensure that I chart out all priorities before I begin working. This helps me handle pressure in a proper way.

12. What have you done in regards to personal development?

I have taken great steps to ensure that I train on a regular basis. I opt for training sessions every time the company offers them. If I find out that there are ones that the company is not offering, I take them up too.

13. What do you do to ensure safety on the job?

I make sure that I follow all safety precautions, and keep a constant lookout for safety issues.

14. What is the most important skill that a mason should have?

I believe that the most important skill that a mason should have is the ability to comprehend work processes and requirements.

15. Why do you think so?

This is because if a mason does not understand the basic concept of a construction project, there is a huge chance that the work will not be done properly.

16. Have you ever worked in a supervisory role?

Yes, I was once asked to oversee a team of brick masons in the absence of a supervisor. It taught me a lot, especially how to manage a large project, resources, and equipment.

17. In your opinion, what is the key to developing a good team?

A group of individuals, who know every aspect of a construction project make an excellent team. Constant oversight and training is required in order to do this.

18. Tell me how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work.

I start my day by looking through work orders, and determining what supplies and equipment I will need. Then, I ensure that I obtain all the resources that I need, often getting in touch with vendors and suppliers myself. After this, I see which part of the project is most important, giving it high priority.

19. What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about working towards my goals.

20. What did you like most about your previous position?

The company that I was working for happened to obtain a lot of interesting construction projects. I loved this about it, as I learnt a lot, and have worked on many different projects, and gained excellent experience.

21. What did you like least about your previous position?

To be perfectly candid, I loved my previous work, and there is nothing that I dislike about it.

22. How do you handle stress?

Stress is a given in any work. However, the pressure of deadlines can get one down. I focus on starting work well, and then setting deadlines for myself. This makes it easy for me to reach the actual deadline without any stress involved.

23. How would you define success?

A job well-done is success.

24. What is your dream job?

My dream job is to work in a role that provides consistent learning.

25. What is your ideal working environment?

My ideal work environment is one with growth prospects, and continuous learning.

26. What can you tell us about your physical strength?

I am a physically dexterous person, who can work on rotating and back to back shifts. I make sure that I keep my physical health in check as working as a brick mason requires one to be on one’s feet at all times. It is hard labor.

27. Describe a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty?

About 6 months ago, 5 brick masons that I was working with called in sick due to a flu virus that was going around. Even though I was not specifically asked to do this, I performed their work by working 3 back to back shifts. I was highly commended on my conscientiousness and hard work.

28. Are you a leader or a follower?

I can be both, depending on the need of the day.

29. Tell me about a time when you got angry at work. What happened?

I was once working on a construction project, where I discovered that the vendor was supplying very low-qualitybricks and cement. Upon mentioning this to him, he offered me a price to keep quiet. This made me very angry as low-quality supplies could mean grave danger to people. I immediately reported him to the supervisor, and the vendor was sacked from his contract.

30. When were you most satisfied in a previous job?

I believe that satisfaction comes from a job well done. I have been satisfied off and on at every job that I have held.

31. What was your greatest failure? What did you learn from it?

I was once working on a project that was shelved halfway because the client decided to commission another company. He felt that our work was not satisfactory. He was right. The team had not given it their 100%. I learnt that you have to give all projects your best if you want to be successful.

32. Describe your work style?

My work style is participatory. I believe in working hard, and I love input from peers and supervisors.

33. Who has impacted you most in your career?

I began my work as an apprentice 7 years ago. My supervisor and trainer is someone whom I look up to the most, as he is the one who taught me everything that I know today.

34. What is your biggest regret?

I have led a pretty regret-free life till now. I make decisions carefully so that I do not have to regret anything later.

35. Do you find it difficult to adapt to new situations?

Not at all. In fact, I can fit into most situations, and can learn effectively from all types of people.

36. I see a gap in your resume. Please explain why this is so.

I had to take a 1-year hiatus because of an on-site accident that I was involved in. I fractured my left leg, and was unable to put too much weight on it. It took about a year to heal perfectly, which is why you see a gap of 12 months in my resume.

37. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to work in a position that requires me to train apprentices.

38. What are you doing to reach your 5-year goals?

I am learning as much as I can about the work, and I also closely follow my supervisor’s work to learn the work.

39. Do you have any questions for me?

I would love to know more about your company, and the projects that you have completed.

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