Log InSign Up

14 Building Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various building manager interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Building Manager Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Building Manager Interview Questions

How did you get interested in building management?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Building Manager's interest in the field and to get a sense of their motivations for pursuing a career in building management. It is important for the interviewer to understand the Building Manager's interest in the field, as this will help them assess whether the candidate is likely to be a good fit for the position. Additionally, the interviewer wants to get a sense of the Building Manager's work experience and qualifications to ensure that they are qualified for the position.

Example: “I've always been interested in how things work and how they're put together. When I was younger, I used to take apart appliances and electronics to see how they worked, and I was always fascinated by large buildings and how they were constructed. I eventually realized that I could combine my interests in construction and management by becoming a building manager, and I've never looked back since.”

What are some of the most challenging aspects of the job?

The interviewer is trying to gauge if the Building Manager is aware of the challenges of the job and if they are prepared to handle them. It is important for the interviewer to know this because it will help them determine if the Building Manager is the right fit for the position.

Example: “The most challenging aspects of the job include:

- Ensuring the safety and security of all occupants and visitors
- Maintaining the building to a high standard
- Dealing with difficult or challenging occupants
- Managing a team of staff”

What motivates you to keep buildings running smoothly?

An interviewer might ask "What motivates you to keep buildings running smoothly?" to a building manager in order to gauge what drives the manager to maintain the property. It is important to know what motivates the manager because it can give insight into how the manager will handle different situations that may arise. For example, if the manager is motivated by a desire to help others, they may be more likely to be proactive in addressing problems that tenants may have.

Example: “There are a few things that motivate me to keep buildings running smoothly. First and foremost, I want to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the building. Secondly, I want to make sure that the building is comfortable and functional for everyone who uses it. Lastly, I want to minimize the amount of downtime and disruptions so that everyone can continue to use the building as intended.”

What are your favorite parts of the job?

The interviewer is trying to gauge what the Building Manager likes and dislikes about their job. This is important because it can give the interviewer a better understanding of what motivates the Building Manager and what they are passionate about. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer determine if the Building Manager is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are many aspects of the job that I enjoy, but some of my favorite parts include interacting with tenants, helping to resolve issues, and maintaining the property. I also enjoy being able to work independently and have a lot of autonomy in my role.”

How do you handle difficult situations with tenants or employees?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Building Manager's ability to handle difficult situations. This is important because the Building Manager will need to be able to handle difficult situations with tenants or employees on a regular basis.

Example: “In any difficult situation, the first thing I do is try to understand the root cause of the problem. Once I have a clear understanding of what is causing the difficulty, I then develop a plan to address the issue. This plan may involve working with other tenants or employees to find a resolution, or it may require taking more direct action myself. In either case, my goal is always to find a fair and effective solution that meets everyone's needs.”

What are your thoughts on preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is important for a building manager because it helps to ensure that the building remains in good condition and prevents small problems from becoming larger, more expensive problems. By regularly inspecting and maintaining the building, the manager can identify and fix potential issues before they cause significant damage or require extensive repairs. This can save the owner or landlord money in the long run and help to keep the property in good condition.

Example: “Preventative maintenance is a key component to keeping a building in good condition. By regularly inspecting and servicing equipment, it is possible to identify potential problems early and take steps to fix them before they cause major damage. This can save considerable time and money in the long run.”

How do you deal with difficult repairs or emergencies?

Building managers are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the buildings they manage. They may be responsible for dealing with difficult repairs or emergencies. This question is designed to gauge the manager's ability to handle difficult situations and their knowledge of building maintenance and repair.

Example: “In the event of a difficult repair or emergency, I would first assess the situation and determine what the best course of action would be. If the repair is something that can wait, I would make sure to communicate with the tenant and let them know when to expect the repair to be completed. However, if the repair is something that needs to be addressed immediately, I would take care of it as soon as possible. In either case, I would keep clear and concise communication with the tenant so that they are always aware of what is going on.”

What is your philosophy on customer service?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a building manager about their philosophy on customer service. First, customer service is an important part of the job for a building manager. They need to be able to deal with tenants and other customers in a professional and polite manner. Second, the interviewer wants to know how the building manager would handle a situation if there was a problem with a tenant or customer. They want to know if the building manager would be able to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Finally, the interviewer wants to see if the building manager has a good attitude towards customer service. They want to make sure that the building manager is someone who is willing to go above and beyond to help tenants and customers.

Example: “My philosophy on customer service is to always provide the best possible service to the customer, no matter what the situation may be. I believe that the customer should always feel like they are my top priority, and I will do whatever I can to help them solve their problem or issue. I also believe in being proactive in customer service, so that issues are dealt with before they become bigger problems.”

How do you stay organized and efficient in your work?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a building manager. First, it is important for a building manager to be organized and efficient in order to effectively manage a building. Second, being organized and efficient can help a building manager save time and money. Finally, an interviewer may ask this question to get a sense of the building manager's work style and see if they would be a good fit for the organization.

Example: “There are a few key things that I do to stay organized and efficient in my work. First, I make sure to keep a clear and concise to-do list that I update regularly. This helps me to stay on top of tasks that need to be completed and ensures that I am not forgetting anything important. Secondly, I try to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This makes it easier to focus on one thing at a time and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Finally, I make use of various productivity tools and techniques to help me stay organized, such as time blocking and setting daily or weekly goals.”

What are your thoughts on energy efficiency in buildings?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the building manager's knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency in buildings. This topic is important because energy efficiency can help to reduce the amount of energy that a building consumes, which can save money and help to protect the environment.

Example: “There are a number of ways to make buildings more energy efficient, and I believe that all building managers should be taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. Some simple measures that can be taken include ensuring that windows and doors are properly sealed and insulated, using energy-efficient lighting fixtures, and making sure that heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Additionally, it can be helpful to encourage occupants to adopt energy-efficient behaviors, such as turning off lights when they leave a room or setting thermostats to an energy-saving temperature.

Overall, I believe that increasing the energy efficiency of our buildings is important for a number of reasons. First, it can help to save money on utility bills. Second, it can reduce our environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And finally, it can create a more comfortable environment for occupants by improving indoor air quality and reducing noise levels.”

How do you handle security concerns in buildings?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a building manager. First, it is important for building managers to be aware of security concerns in their buildings and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Second, the interviewer wants to know if the building manager is proactive in addressing security concerns and if they have a good working knowledge of security systems and procedures. Finally, the interviewer wants to gauge the building manager's level of experience and expertise in handling security concerns.

Example: “There are a number of ways to handle security concerns in buildings. Some of the most common methods include:

• Hiring security guards: This is often the first line of defense against security threats. Security guards can help to deter potential criminals and can also respond quickly to any incidents that do occur.

• Installing security cameras: Security cameras can help to deter potential criminals and can also provide valuable evidence if an incident does occur.

• Implementing access control measures: Access control measures such as keycard access or security gates can help to limit access to a building and make it more difficult for potential criminals to gain entry.

• Conducting regular security audits: Regular security audits can help to identify any potential security vulnerabilities in a building and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate them.”

What are your thoughts on green building practices?

There are a few reasons an interviewer would ask this question to a building manager. For one, the interviewer wants to know if the building manager is familiar with green building practices and if they are something that the manager would be interested in implementing in the building they manage. Additionally, the interviewer may be gauging the manager's level of environmental consciousness and whether they would be a good fit for a company that is interested in sustainable practices. Finally, the question may be used to start a conversation about ways to reduce the environmental impact of the building, which could lead to some helpful suggestions from the manager.

Example: “I believe that green building practices are a great way to reduce the impact of buildings on the environment. By using sustainable materials and energy-efficient design, we can minimize the ecological footprint of our buildings. In addition, green building practices can also help to improve indoor air quality and create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants.”

What motivates you to stay up-to-date on building code changes?

It is important for a building manager to stay up-to-date on building code changes so that they can ensure that the buildings they manage are in compliance with the latest code requirements. This helps to protect the safety of the occupants of the building and to avoid any potential fines or other penalties that could be levied against the property owner for code violations.

Example: “I want to ensure that our building is always compliant with the latest building code changes. This way, we can avoid any potential penalties or fines that might be imposed for non-compliance. Additionally, staying up-to-date on building code changes helps me to identify any potential hazards that might be present in our building. By keeping abreast of the latest changes, I can take steps to mitigate any risks before they become a problem.”

How do you inspire others to care about building management?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the Building Manager's ability to lead and inspire others. This is important because, in order to effectively manage a building, the Building Manager must be able to motivate and guide those who work under them. By understanding how the Building Manager inspires others to care about building management, the interviewer can get a better sense of their leadership ability.

Example: “There are a few key things that I do to inspire others to care about building management. First, I make sure that I am always approachable and available to answer any questions or concerns that they may have. Secondly, I try to lead by example and show them that I am passionate about my job and take pride in keeping our building well-maintained and running smoothly. Lastly, I regularly communicate with everyone in the building to keep them updated on what is happening and why it is important to me. By doing these things, I hope to show others that building management is important to me and that their help is appreciated.”

Related Interview Questions