When interviewing for an Estimator position, you are likely to be asked a range of questions that test your skills, experience, and understanding of the role. To boost your confidence and enhance your chances of success, it may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the most commonly asked questions and consider how best to answer them.
| Job Description | An estimator is responsible for calculating the cost of a project or service. They analyze data, assess risks, and prepare detailed reports. Their work is crucial in helping businesses plan budgets and make informed decisions. |
| Skills | Analytical skills, Attention to detail, Negotiation skills, Excellent numerical skills, Knowledge of construction industry, Ability to read technical drawings, Estimation software knowledge, Project management skills |
| Industry | Construction, Automotive, Manufacturing, Software development, Engineering |
| Experience Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field |
| Work Environment | Office setting, with occasional site visits. Regular use of computers and specialized software. Interaction with project managers, clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. |
| Salary Range | $50,000 – $100,000 per year |
| Career Path | Starting as a Junior Estimator, progressing to Estimator, then Senior Estimator. With further experience and education, roles such as Project Manager or Construction Manager can be pursued. |
| Popular Companies | Turner Construction, Bechtel, AECOM, Fluor, Kiewit Corporation |
Estimator Interview Questions
Can you describe a time when your estimate was significantly off? What happened and how did you handle it?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to see how you handle challenges and how you learn from your mistakes. You should focus on what went wrong, how you dealt with the situation, and most importantly, what you learned from it.
Example:
In one of my previous roles, I was tasked with estimating the cost of a new construction project. Although I did a thorough analysis, unforeseen circumstances led to an increase in the costs of materials, and my initial estimate was significantly off. I immediately communicated this to the project manager and suggested possible solutions to mitigate the impact. Moreover, I reassessed my approach to include a buffer for such unforeseen circumstances in the future. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and constant communication during a project.
Can you describe a project where you had to balance the need for accuracy with the need for speed in your estimates?
How to Answer:
The best way to answer this question is by providing a specific example from your past experiences. You should describe the project, explain the circumstances that required a balance between accuracy and speed, and discuss the strategies you used to achieve this balance. Be sure to highlight any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.
Example:
In a previous role, I was working on a construction project that was running behind schedule due to unforeseen site issues. The client was anxious to move forward, so I was tasked with providing quick yet accurate estimates for the remaining work. I streamlined our estimation process by focusing on the most significant cost factors and used our past project data to make educated assumptions where necessary. By doing this, I was able to provide estimates quickly without compromising accuracy. The project was eventually completed within the revised budget and timeline, and the client was satisfied with our transparency and efficiency.
How do you handle disagreements with contractors or clients about your estimates?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to understand your communication and negotiation skills. When answering this question, demonstrate your ability to remain professional, assertive, and open-minded during disagreements. Explain your process for providing clear justification for your estimates, and how you would work towards a resolution that satisfies all parties.
Example:
In my previous role, I often had to explain my estimates to clients and contractors who, understandably, were looking to reduce costs. My approach is always to be transparent about how I arrived at my estimation. I make it a point to break down each component of the estimate, explaining the costs associated with each, and why they are necessary for the successful completion of the project. In cases where there are disagreements, I try to find areas where we could potentially reduce costs without compromising the quality or timely completion of the project. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that all parties involved understand and agree on the estimate.
Can you explain how you would handle a situation where you have to provide an estimate with limited information?
How to Answer:
A good response to this question would demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions based on limited data. You should explain your process of gathering as much information as possible, using your experience to fill in the gaps, and clearly communicating the potential for variation in the final cost.
Example:
In situations where there is limited information, I first try to gather as much information as possible. If there are still gaps, I use my experience and industry knowledge to make the most accurate estimation possible. I would also make sure to communicate clearly that the estimate is based on limited information and there could be some variation in the final cost.
Can you describe your process for updating estimates as new information becomes available?
How to Answer:
The candidate should explain their approach to updating estimates as new information comes in. They should emphasize their ability to adapt to new information, their attention to detail, and their communication skills. They should also explain how they ensure that all relevant parties are kept informed about changes to estimates.
Example:
My approach to updating estimates is to first thoroughly analyze the new information and understand the potential impact on the project. If the new information significantly changes the initial estimate, I would update the estimate accordingly and document the reasons for the change. I would then communicate this change to the relevant parties, explaining the reasons for the update and its impact on the project. Throughout this process, I maintain a focus on accuracy and transparency to ensure that everyone understands the current status of the project.
Can you describe a time when you had to provide an estimate for a project that was entirely different from anything you had done before? How did you approach this new challenge?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to understand how you handle unfamiliar territory and if you can adapt your skills and knowledge to new situations. Start by explaining the situation and why it was unique. Discuss the steps you took to gather information and create your estimate. Highlight how you used your skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities to handle the situation. Also, mention any lessons you learned or ways you grew professionally from the experience.
Example:
In my previous role, I had to provide an estimate for a project involving a new kind of technology that our company had never worked with before. It was a challenging task because there were few benchmarks or previous projects to reference. I began by thoroughly researching the new technology, consulting with experts in the field, and attending several relevant seminars and webinars. I also reached out to vendors for pricing information. Based on the gathered data, I was able to create a detailed and accurate estimate. My approach and the estimate I provided were well-received by our client and my team. This experience taught me the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in our ever-evolving industry.
What tools and software do you typically use in your work as an Estimator and why?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to not just list the tools and software you use, but also explain why you use them. Explain how these tools aid in your work and how they contribute to your efficiency and accuracy as an estimator. If the tools you use are common in the industry, explain how you use them effectively. If you use less common tools, explain why you prefer them over more common alternatives.
Example:
In my previous role, I used a combination of Excel and CostX for most of my estimating work. Excel is great for its versatility and I found it’s particularly useful for performing quick calculations and managing data. CostX, on the other hand, is a dedicated estimating software. Its ability to integrate with CAD designs and automatically calculate quantities saves a lot of time and reduces the chance of human error. I also used a project management tool called Asana to keep track of deadlines and collaborate with my team.
Can you discuss a time when you had to revise your estimate due to unforeseen challenges or changes in project scope? How did you communicate this to the project team or client?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, you should be able to demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and communicate effectively. Discuss the situation, the actions you took to revise the estimate, and the result. Be sure to highlight how you communicated the changes and managed the expectations of the project team or client.
Example:
In my previous role, we had a construction project that encountered unexpected soil conditions, requiring us to revise our cost and time estimates. I recalculated the estimates, taking into account the new conditions and the extra work needed. I then arranged a meeting with the project team and the client to explain the situation and the reasons for the changes. I presented the revised estimates and discussed the potential impacts on the project. The client appreciated the transparency and we were able to proceed with the necessary changes to the project.
Can you describe a time when your initial estimate was substantially increased due to the addition of unforeseen costs? What were these costs and how did you deal with them?
How to Answer:
The interviewer is trying to gauge how you handle unexpected situations and communicate changes. In your response, demonstrate your ability to adapt to new information and effectively communicate changes to relevant stakeholders. You should identify the unforeseen costs, explain why they were not included in the initial estimate, and describe how you revised the estimate and communicated the changes.
Example:
In one of my previous roles, we were estimating the cost of a new construction project. The initial estimate was based on the given specifications. However, during the construction phase, we discovered that the site required additional ground preparation work, which was not included in the initial estimate. This significantly increased the overall cost. I revised the estimate, clearly outlining the reasons for the additional costs, and communicated this to the client. They were understanding, and we were able to complete the project without any further issues.
How do you ensure accuracy in your estimates and what steps do you take to minimize errors?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to know about your attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work. Discuss how you double-check your work, use reliable data, and manage your time effectively. Mention any specific tools or methods you use to minimize errors, such as using software, creating spreadsheets, or consulting with experts.
Example:
I believe accuracy in estimates is crucial. To ensure this, I always double-check my work and cross-reference my estimates with similar projects we have completed in the past. I also use estimating software to help minimize human error. Additionally, I always allocate sufficient time to each project to ensure I’m not rushing and making mistakes. If there is a particularly complex aspect of a project, I don’t hesitate to consult with experts or experienced colleagues to ensure I’m making the most accurate estimate possible.