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Shawn Ouradnik Business Communications 334 Chapter 6: Interview Questions I would like to be a Building Official for the city

of Bismarck, ND. After looking around the country at many municipalities I have found that most would describe the job as being responsible for the management, supervisory, and administrative functions and operations of the Building Inspections Division of the organization or municipality. Duties would include permit processing, plan checking, building inspections, and code and ordinance violation enforcement. As a Building Official the party is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and interpreting technical and complex construction codes and ordinances, rules and regulations, and overseeing the inspection of property for public safety purposes. They may also include other responsibilities such as flood plain administrator, zoning officer, and fire inspector. Most municipalities require a baccalaureate degree with major course work in architecture, engineering, public administration, management, construction, or related field. A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive responsibility experience in building inspection, construction code enforcement and/or plan review in a governmental entity , including supervisory and administrative experience. Many make the allowance for equivalent combination of education, training, and experience to perform the functions of the position. They also include a working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of modern construction codes, zoning enforcement. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing is also a common requirement. A Strong skill set in management and interpersonal relations is also a must. Many also look for the ability to enforce laws and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality. The qualifications also include a valid driver license for the state, certifications from the adopted code entity and a certification as a Building Official to be obtained within 6 months to 1 year of employment. Questions I would ask if I were the interviewer of this job would be:

Shawn Ouradnik Business Communications 334 Chapter 6: Interview Questions 1. Describe yourself. I am 34 years old married with 4 kids. I am a hard worker. I can take instruction well but also need to be able to ask questions to do my job effectively. I can give instruction and works well with others to collaboratively do a task but I am effective on my own as well. I want to advance in my career and am willing to do what is required to do so. 2. Why do you want to change jobs? I work for a family owned company. Within this structure I have little room for advancement and feel that I have achieved all I can with this company. As a result I have started to look for opportunities in which I can advance myself. 3. What was it liked bout you previous employment? With my last employer I liked the down to earth atmosphere. We never got to crazy; even when work got hectic we tried to keep a civil demeanor with each other. I do not get worked up very easy so I used that skill to keep my cool in a tough situation. We all worked well together. 4. Why are you interested in working for the City of Bismarck? I am interested in working for the City of Bismarck because of the growth I can gain in this position. I am given the opportunity to use my planning and organizational skills to structure the inspections team to be as effective as possible. I would like the opportunity to become more involved in the code process and make a atmosphere conducive to growth in the city and department. 5. What did you dislike about your previous employment? I disliked the hours. I was working 10 to 15 hours a day and many times the weekend as well. We were getting into the oil patch and I was involved with my family less and less. I needed to get back to being more than just a pay check so I started looking for a job that was in town and allowed me to be home most nights. 6. Explain a problem you have encountered at work and how did you solve it? As an electrician we deal with many people. In particular I remember speaking with a woman that was repairing flood damage. She was redoing her basement and wanted to add a wet bar with a built in microwave. According to the electrical code I had to wire the bar as a second kitchen. I needed two circuits alternating on the counter top. She did not want this; she only wanted to have one circuit because they wouldnt be using it much anyway. I had to calmly explain that I had to by law and that if she would make some alterations to the way she wanted it done I may be able to wire it differently. If she would not have a fixed in place microwave it could be just a bar and I could wire one circuit. After we talked I gave her some time to think and she went with my suggestion. 7. Explain a problem you have encountered with another employee at work and how did you solve it? When I was an apprentice I worked on a remodel for a furniture store. The journeyman in charge of the job would leave or talk on the phone all day while sitting in the recliners, or he would shop. The other apprentice and I were getting tired of having questions from the owner but not being able to answer them because our journeyman was not around. We confronted

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Shawn Ouradnik Business Communications 334 Chapter 6: Interview Questions him after work one day and asked him to stick around so we would not be put on the spot so often. We all had a discussion about what needed to be changed and it changed. We did not yell or get upset but we had a nice talk to voice our concern, it worked well. Describe the ideal working relationship with a supervisor. The ideal working relationship I could have with a supervisor is an open friendship. I feel that we need to all be friends and get along so we can discuss problems and get answers. I feel that this type of relationship is good in the work place and will promote collaboration. I can get along with almost anyone so I would use that to keep a open relationship with my supervisor. Descried you ideal working environment. My ideal working environment is kind of an open door policy with everyone being approachable. I like to ask questions and get confirmation on complicated manners. With an open door policy I could take to peers and supervisors to do my job effectively. What kinds of decisions do you like making most at a job? The decisions that are most difficult for me to make are decisions I am not well informed about. I like to have as much information as possible to make a decision. When I am unable to get much information it makes me uncomfortable to make the decision. I will ask for opinions from peers and supervisors and make the decision with as much information as possible. What kind of decisions do you dislike making most? I like making decisions that I know. If it is a situation I have encountered in the pas I can draw on that experience to make the best decision I am able. If you see another employee about to make a bad decision what would you do? I would pull the employee aside away from other people and ask them if they are making the right decision. I would point out how I saw the situation and what could be done to make the right decision. If the situation is one of safety and the other person is not responding to me then I would get a supervisor involved. What would you do if you and your supervisor disagree? I would bring in my evidence and documentation; lay out my understanding of the situation and discuss the matter with my supervisor. Ultimately it is there decision, they are in charge, but if I pled my case and they still wanted to make the decision then it is up to them and they will have to answer for it. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would like to add that I have looked into the possibility of a position like this from the time I learned that this type of position existed. I have the credentials and management skills to be successful at this job. I am open to suggestions about any aspect of my performance and will work hard to make the Building Inspections division of Bismarck the best it can be. What questions do you have for me? What kind of associations can I get involved in? What opportunities are there for training? Are my direct supervisors approachable? How many staff members are there? What kind of safety programs do we implement? How much freedom to do the job my way do I have?

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