How to Find Construction Jobs in the UK: The Complete Guide for 2025
Job Search Tips
When you’re in the heat of a job interview, it’s easy to misstep. Whether you’re too honest, too vague, or trying too hard to impress, the wrong answer can quickly derail your chances. At Atkins Search Recruitment, we understand what interviewers are really looking for, and more importantly, we know how to help you deliver answers to common job interview questions that resonate.
This guide breaks down five of the most frequently asked job interviews questions and reveals what employers want to hear. We also dive into how our recruitment experts can help you prepare via our free and tailored coaching prior to your interview.
Job Interview Question 1. “Tell Me About Yourself”
What They’re Really Asking:
Why does this role interest you? Does your background align with the opportunity? Are your skills a match?
How to Answer It Well:
Structure your response into three clear parts:
- Your background: Highlight your education and relevant experience.
- Your skills: Emphasise the skills that match the role.
- Your future goals: Explain why this position excites you.
Atkins Search Recruitment support: We will help to fine-tune your pitch and tailor it for your sector, whether you’re in construction, civil engineering, or consultancy.
Job Interview Question 2. “Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”
What They’re Really Asking:
Are you moving forward positively or simply running from a negative situation?
How to Answer It Well:
Focus on growth. Mention what the new opportunity offers, rather than focusing on any dissatisfaction.
Atkins Search Recruitment support: We coach our candidates on how to position themselves positively, even when leaving a role under complex circumstances. This professional narrative can be the difference between a callback and a cold shoulder.
Job Interview Question 3. “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”
What They’re Really Asking:
Can you reflect critically and learn from your mistakes?
How to Answer It Well:
- Own the failure without excuses.
- Highlight what you learned and what you should do differently.
- Share a follow-up example where you applied the lesson.
Atkins Search Recruitment support: We help you develop authentic but strategic examples, especially when interviewing for roles in high-responsibility sectors like building surveying or quantity surveying.
Job Interview Question 4. “How Would Your Friends Describe You?”
What They’re Really Asking:
Do you have soft skills that will help you fit into the team?
How to Answer It Well:
Avoid clichés like “funny” or “nice.” Choose qualities that relate to the role such as, “analytical,” “dependable,” or “resilient.” Think in terms of emotional intelligence and team collaboration.
Atkins Search Recruitment support: Our consultants regularly conduct mock interviews and provide feedback that refines how you present yourself to help you demonstrate your personality and professionalism.
Job Interview Question 5. “Are You Interviewing Elsewhere?”
What They’re Really Asking:
Are you in demand? Do we need to act fast?
How to Answer It Well:
Be honest but steer the conversation back to why this role is your top choice. Mention your interest in the company values or growth opportunities.
Atkins Search Recruitment support: When working with Atkins Search, you’ll benefit from exclusive insight into client timelines and current projects, allowing you to pace your job hunt strategically.
Why Partner with Atkins Search Recruitment to Help you Answer Job Interview Questions?
Atkins Search Recruitment acts as a career partner for professionals across the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, London, and Yorkshire. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview in Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield or further afield, our interview coaching services and sector knowledge will elevate your performance.
Our focus industries include:
- Built Environment (Construction, Civil Engineering, Consultancy)
- Infrastructure & Property
- Specialist Roles in Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Design Management, Building Surveying, Site Management, Bidding, Tendering, Estimating and Pre Construction.
Whether you’re actively interviewing or just starting your job search, we’re here to support your journey. Contact us at Atkins Search Recruitment today to discover how we can help you prepare, perform, progress and for our free interview tips on:
- Planning your answers
- Navigating challenging questions
- Asking insightful questions
- Following up with impact
Explore our current opportunities in construction today!
FAQs – Common Job Interview Questions
What industries does Atkins Search support?
We specialise in recruitment for the built environment, infrastructure, and professional consultancy roles including surveying, project management, and civil engineering.
Do you offer one-to-one interview coaching to help answer job interview questions?
Yes. Our team provides personalised support (either online or in-person) to help you refine your answers and present your strengths clearly.
Can you help with interview preparation for senior roles?
Absolutely. We work with professionals at all levels, including senior managers and directors, offering tailored strategies for executive-level interviews.
Where are your recruitment services based?
Our office is in Nottingham, and we work across the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and North West.
What makes you different from other recruitment agencies?
Our deep sector knowledge, relationship-driven approach, and commitment to quality over quantity ensures we match the right people to the right opportunities and prepare you to succeed.
