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Estimator Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Estimator interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you organise updates and additions to projects? See answer
  2. Describe a time you missed an important deadline. See answer
  3. What is your experience with project management regarding estimating? See answer
  4. What experience do you have with AutoCAD software? See answer
  5. What education or training do you have that would make you a successful candidate? See answer
  6. How do you prioritise your workload? See answer
  7. What experience do you have with using estimating takeoff software? See answer
  8. Tell me about your experience with reading project drawings and specifications. See answer
  9. How do you maintain accuracy when estimating projects? See answer
  10. Describe a time when you had a customer who was unresponsive after completing the estimation. See answer
  11. Describe your daily organisational habits. See answer
  12. What is your least enjoyable part of estimating? See answer
  13. How do you build professional relationships with suppliers and subcontractors? See answer
  14. What is your experience in reading project tenders? See answer
  15. Why are you looking to leave your Estimator position with your current employer? See answer
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Estimator Interview Questions and Answers

How do you organise updates and additions to projects?

An Estimator needs to manage multiple projects and additions and updates throughout the estimating process. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate organises their projects. What to look for in an answer:

  • Solid organisational skills to manage multiple projects at various stages
  • Attention to detail to highlight changes and catch updates as they happen
  • Solid foundation in computer and software usage

Example:

"I keep my current estimating projects organised on a spreadsheet. At a glance, I can see where they are in the process, when the customer requested updates, and when I complete the updates from my end. The spreadsheet allows me to stay organised and always know the status of my projects."

Describe a time you missed an important deadline.

An Estimator needs to be aware of critical deadlines, as project bids need to be received by a specific date. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's time management skills, how they handle a deadline, and take accountability for missed deadlines. What to look for in an answer:

  • Time management skills to remain aware of important deadlines
  • Willingness to accept accountability for mistakes and errors
  • Communication skills to express thoughts effectively

Example:

"Several years ago, I missed a critical deadline for a project bid. As a result, our company missed out on an opportunity. I learned several lessons from that event. For example, I now keep records for every job with multiple reminders in my calendar."

What is your experience with project management regarding estimating?

Although an Estimator rarely functions as a project manager, they are an integral part of the team. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's level of experience with the project management process. What to look for in an answer:

  • Solid organisational skills to contribute to the project team
  • Time management skills to work efficiently and effectively
  • Communication skills to provide crucial updates to the project team

Example:

"As an Estimator, I work closely with project teams and have a solid understanding of the process. I maintain accurate files so that the project manager has the most current information at all times. I come prepared to project meetings with all expected deliverables so that I don't hold up the process for the entire team."

What experience do you have with AutoCAD software?

Depending on the company, an Estimator might need to read blueprints, specifications, and gather other information from engineering software. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's level of experience using industry-specific software, such as AutoCAD. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with company or industry-specific computer software, as required
  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
  • Knowledge and understanding of working with engineering drawings

Example:

"Part of my training to become an Engineering Estimator was learning to use the basic features of AutoCAD software. I can create elementary drawings and I have a solid knowledge of printing drawings, gathering project specifications, and other practical functions."

What education or training do you have that would make you a successful candidate?

Depending on the company, you may require a candidate to have formal training and education, such as a technologist diploma or relevant degree. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's educational background and training related to the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field, specific to the company's requirements, or equivalent experience
  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
  • Communication skills to express thoughts and concepts effectively

Example:

"I received my certificate in construction estimating from the British Columbia Institute of Technology last year. Before that, I also earned my construction engineering technologist designation."

How do you prioritise your workload?

An Estimator typically works on various estimating projects in different stages throughout their workday. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate prioritises their projects. What to look for in an answer:

  • Time management skills to meet deadlines
  • organisational skills to manage multiple projects effectively
  • Ability to prioritise projects and understand the urgency and importance of tasks

Example:

"When prioritizing my workload, I typically work backwards from the required deadlines and milestones within each project. Once I know the important dates, I can manage my tasks to complete them within the timeframe. I mark dates in my project management calendar and prioritise them."

What experience do you have with using estimating takeoff software?

Depending on your company, you may require candidates to have previous experience with industry-specific programmes, such as estimating takeoff software. These software programmes help an Estimator takethe raw materials needed for a project and accurately create an estimate based on qualities like square footage. The question's goal is to determine the candidate's level of experience with estimating or takeoff software. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with industry or company-specific software, such as Esticom, Stack, or PlanSwift
  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
  • Solid foundation in computer skills and software usage

Example:

"In my previous positions, I have manually estimated projects using excel spreadsheets I created. I also have some experience using estimating and takeoff software called Stack. I found it easy to use and helped me manage my projects effectively."

Tell me about your experience with reading project drawings and specifications.

Typically, an Estimator needs to read engineering drawings and other specifications to estimate the materials needed for the project accurately. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's level of comfort reading and interpreting drawings and diagrams. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, diagrams, bills of material, and specifications
  • Attention to detail and ability to calculate formulas accurately, such as square footage
  • organisation skills to keep detailed records and updates

Example:

"I am comfortable reading project drawings to gather the information I need to provide an accurate estimate. When I was completing my technologist diploma, part of our training was learning to understand drawings and specifications. Now, it is a common function of my job that I do daily."

How do you maintain accuracy when estimating projects?

An Estimator provides the most accurate estimate possible based on the information they have. The goal of the question is to determine how the candidate maintains accuracy. What to look for in an answer:

  • Attention to detail and ability to focus on variances and changes throughout the project
  • Strong math skills to provide accurate calculations
  • Interpersonal skills to develop professional relationships with vendors and subcontractors

Example:

"When estimating a project, I stay current with any changes or additions so that my estimate remains accurate. I also have many contacts that I can rely on for competitive pricing on materials and labour. I double-check all calculations before submitting the estimate to minimize errors."

Describe a time when you had a customer who was unresponsive after completing the estimation.

Depending on the company, an Estimator may follow up with a customer on the provided estimate. The question's goal is to evaluate the candidate's communication and interpersonal skills with direct customer contact. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and a professional working relationship with customers
  • Communication skills to interact with customers respectfully
  • Customer service skills to follow up and answer questions and concerns

Example:

"One example was a large project we were working on, and after presenting the estimate, the customer became nonresponsive and didn't return our calls. I consistently followed up in multiple ways, such as email, voicemail, and even regular mail. I remained professional and polite and came from an angle of wanting to ensure I answered their questions."

Describe your daily organisational habits.

A successful Estimator must remain organised when managing multiple assignments. The question's goal is to determine how the candidate organises their day for maximum efficiency and production. What to look for in an answer:

  • organisational skills that provide structure and clarity for daily workload
  • Ability to prioritise tasks independently
  • Time management skills to remain effective and productive throughout the workday

Example:

"Several things I do to stay organised are keeping a daily journal, using a project management tool, and visual reminders. I use a daily journal to jot down notes, reminders, and keep a to-do list. I use a project management tool on my computer to keep detailed records of each assignment I am working on. I keep visual reminders in my office."

What is your least enjoyable part of estimating?

The goal of the question is to determine what the candidate least enjoys about the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive and enthusiastic attitude regarding the position and duties
  • Communication skills to express ideas and concepts effectively
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving to overcome obstacles and challenges

Example:

"My least favourite part of being an Estimator is dealing with tight timelines. The reason this is not enjoyable is a tight timeline prevents me from providing the best estimate I can, as I often need to use historical costs and information instead of real-time pricing."

How do you build professional relationships with suppliers and subcontractors?

An Estimator needs to have contacts and business relationships with vendors, wholesale suppliers, and trade subcontractors. The goal of the question is to evaluate how the candidate develops and maintains good working relationships with outside contacts that support the business. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills to build relationships and networking with others in the industry
  • Communication skills to provide detailed specifications and requirements to vendors
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills to determine best pricing and quality for each project

Example:

"Having been in the construction industry for many years, I have developed professional relationships with various suppliers and vendors. By having an open dialogue about the project and requirements, I can secure the best price and quality for each estimate I work on."

What is your experience in reading project tenders?

A project tender is an invitation from an organisation to receive a bid on a construction project. An Estimator needs to understand the specifications of the project to provide an accurate estimate. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's experience with reviewing a project tender. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to adapt experiences to the current situation
  • Solid understanding of project specifications, materials required, and various aspects of the project, such as labour requirements
  • Interpersonal skills to work with others on the project, such as engineers, project managers, and administration support

Example:

"In my previous roles, the project manager is the person who receives the project tender. They would then distribute a copy to the team for review. As an Estimator, I am familiar with gathering information from the tender so that I can complete my estimates accurately."

Why are you looking to leave your Estimator position with your current employer?

The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's reason for changing employers. This can provide insight into the challenges they are experiencing in their current role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive attitude towards their current employer and position without negative comments
  • Communication skills to express thoughts effectively
  • Interpersonal skills to work independently and within a team environment

Example:

"The reason I am looking to leave my current employer is for a bigger challenge. Although I enjoy my current position, I have reached the peak of my development with them because of their size. I am excited about your open position because it would allow me to expand my skills and work on larger estimates."

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