Scaffolding Job Interview: Questions to Expect

A scaffolding interview is rarely a formal sit-down. It is usually a quick chat on the phone or in the yard, and the firm is checking three things: are you carded, can you do the work, and will you turn up. Answer those honestly and clearly and you are most of the way there.

Here are the questions that come up, and how to handle them.

"What card and tickets do you hold?"

This is almost always first. Give your CISRS level straight, say it is in date, and list the rest: the CITB test, any system tickets, IPAF, a licence. If you are working towards the next level, say so. (Not sure how the levels work? See our guide to CISRS cards.)

"What kind of scaffold have you worked on?"

They want to know if your experience fits their work. Be specific: commercial, industrial, domestic, system or tube and fitting, the heights and the kind of sites. If you have worked under known main contractors, mention them. Vague answers here lose you the job.

"Why did you leave your last job?"

Keep it short and neutral. "The contract ended", "I wanted steadier work", "looking to get on bigger jobs" are all fine. Do not slate a former employer, it tells the new one how you will talk about them.

"Are you happy with travel and early starts?"

Scaffolding means early mornings, travel, and sometimes away work and lodge. The firm needs to know you are up for it. If you are, say so plainly. If you have limits, be honest now rather than letting them down in week one.

"What would you do if a scaffold was not safe?"

A safety question is common, because they are trusting you with people's lives. The right answer is simple: you stop, you do not use it, and you report it to your supervisor. Showing you take safety seriously is worth more than any clever answer.

Have a couple of questions ready

Asking nothing can read as not bothered. One or two practical questions land well: what is the day rate, what hours, is it ongoing work, what sites. It shows you are weighing up a real job, not just any job. On pay specifically, it helps to know the going rate first, so see how much scaffolders earn.

Reliability is what gets you kept on

A scaffolding firm is hiring reliability. Cards and experience get you the interview; turning up, grafting and being safe get you kept on. Come across as someone who will do that and you will get the start.

When you are ready, browse the latest roles and get yourself in front of the firms hiring now.