21⟩ Tell me what do you enjoy most about being a cost estimator?
Being up to date with market prices for materials and products utilized in projects.
Estimator
Home Construction Estimator
“Estimator related Frequently Asked Questions by expert members with job experience as Estimator. These questions and answers will help you strengthen your technical skills, prepare for the new job interview and quickly revise your concepts”
77 Estimator Questions And Answers
22⟩ What is the project cost baseline?
The cost baseline is the information that deals with the amount of money the project is estimated to cost and what time during the project the money would be spent. The cost baseline is the estimate cost of the project plus the contingency reserve. The cost baseline is however constantly reviewed, as it is possible to have several intermediate baselines based on changes that occur during a project.
23⟩ What is contingency reserve?
This is a planned amount of money (or time) added to the project cost (or time) estimate to serve as a “project risk” buffer. Contingencies are responses to specific risks which has been pre-identified by the project.
24⟩ What is project management software?
This is often used to graphically monitor the earned value management as well as forecasting a range of possible final outcomes of the project.
25⟩ The height of the sink of wash basin above floor level is kept A. 60 cm B. 70 cm C. 75 cm to 80 cm D. 80 cm
Option C
26⟩ Explain me why are manhole covers round?
This is a classic brainteaser, which was reportedly first asked by a Microsoft interviewer. Here's how to "solve" this brainteaser (remember to speak and reason out loud while solving this brainteaser): Why are manhole covers round? Could there be a structural reason? Why aren't manhole covers square? It would make it harder to fit with a cover. You'd have to rotate it exactly the right way. The pipes below are also round, so fitting them might be easier, as might be making them. So many manhole covers are round because they don't need to be rotated. There are no corners to deal with. Also, a round manhole cover won't fall into a hole because it was rotated the wrong way, so it's safer. Looking at this, it seems corners are a problem. You can't cut yourself on a round manhole cover. And because it's round, it can be more easily transported. One person can roll it.
27⟩ In long and short wall method of estimation, the length of long wall is the centre to centre distance between the walls and A. breadth of the wall B. half breadth of wall on each side C. one fourth breadth of wall on each side D. None of these.
Option B
28⟩ Pick up the correct statement from the following A. The bent up bars at a support resist the negative bending moment B. The bent up bars at a support resist the sharing force C. The bending of bars near supports is generally at 45° D. All the above.
Option D
29⟩ Pick up the excavation where measurements are made in square metres for payment. A. Ordinary cuttings up to 1 m B. surface dressing up to 15 cm depths C. Surface excavation up to 30 cm depths D. Both (b) and (c) E. Both (a) and (b)
Option D
30⟩ While preparing a detailed estimate A. Dimension should be measured correct to 0.01 m B. Area should be measured correct to 0.01 sqm C. Volume should be measured correct to O.Olcum D. All the above.
Option D
31⟩ The expected out turn of 2.5 cm cement concrete floor per manson per day A. 2.5 sqm B. 5.0 sqm C. 7.5 sqm D. 10 sqm
Option C
32⟩ Pick up the correct statement in case of water supply. A. Pipes laid in trenches and pipes fixed to walls are measured separately B. Cutting through walls and floors are included with the item C. Pipes are classified according to their sizes and quality D. In laying pipes, the method of jointing and fixing is specifically specified E. All the above.
Option E
33⟩ Behavioral Estimator interview questions
☛ What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
☛ What can you do for us that other candidates cant?
☛ How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?
☛ Give me an example of a high-pressure situation?
☛ What steps do you follow to study a problem before making a decision?
Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Just confine your words to better opportunities. Say something relevant to the objective line in the resume.
34⟩ Operational and Situational Estimator Job Interview Questions
☛ Here’s an engineering drawing. What information does it give you? What other documents do you need?
☛ If you discovered that the project’s expenses start exceeding estimates, how would you act?
☛ Imagine you work with a team of estimators on a large scale project. If you disagreed with one of them on the process or a cost, how would you handle it?
35⟩ Behavioral Estimator Job Interview Questions
☛ Describe a time you made mistakes in the final estimate report. What did you learn?
☛ Tell me about the most complicated project you’ve worked on. How did you analyze its aspects?
☛ Recall a time you fell behind schedule. What did you do to catch up?
☛ Describe a time you managed to reduce costs for a project
36⟩ Basic Estimator Job Interview Questions
☛ What does the firm do? is it a contractor or a consultant? In which markets or service areas does it operate? Is it a local, national or international company?
☛ What are the organisation’s core values and aims?
☛ Who are its main competitors? Is it generally perceived as doing better or worse than them?
☛ What is it currently shouting about on Twitter, in the news and on its website?
37⟩ Competency Based Estimator interview questions
☛ What were your annual goals at your most current employer?
☛ How would you describe the experience of working here?
☛ How do you feel about taking no for an answer?
☛ Why did you decide to pursue this career?
☛ How do you react to instruction and criticism?
Answer all Estimator interview questions in a calm and collected manner and express an honest desire to work. Be relaxed. Don't overstress yourself. A comfortable mind shall generate a good outcome. Just wait for them ending their questions then answer.
38⟩ Situational Estimator interview questions
☛ What do you think you can bring to this position?
☛ What do you think, would you be willing to travel for work?
☛ What is the difference between a good position and an excellent one?
☛ Which subjects did you enjoy during your qualifying degree?
☛ What attracted you to this company?
Your answer will affect the rest of the interview. The most important tip is that you have get yourself prepared carefully before the behavioral interview.
Nothing looks worse than a candidate who knows nothing about the company.
39⟩ Communication skills Based Estimator interview questions
☛ What do you see yourself doing within the first days of this job?
☛ What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?
☛ Who has impacted you most in your career and how?
☛ What type of work environment do you prefer?
☛ Describe a time you were faced with stresses which tested your skills.
40⟩ Role-specific Estimator Job Interview Questions
☛ Walk me through the estimating process
☛ What are the most important factors that affect overall costs?
☛ Which metrics do you use more commonly in your estimates?
☛ Are you familiar with the tender process? What information does an invitation to tender give you?
☛ What software do you find most useful?
☛ How do you prioritize tasks?
☛ Have you worked with any of our suppliers before?
☛ How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
☛ What’s your experience in contractor management?
