Why this matters:
A carpenter’s tools are their life. When tools aren’t properly cared for, it doesn’t just result in shoddy craftsmanship: it can present a danger to the entire crew. A candidate should be able to demonstrate that they know how to properly care for their tools and test them to make sure they are in fine working order before beginning work.
What to listen for:
- Proper care procedures and a methodical testing process
- Comprehensive knowledge of toolkit
- Ability to notice minor problems before they escalate
Why this matters:
A carpenter’s job is essentially taking an architect’s or designer’s plan and making it a reality. But blueprints use a particular language that laymen may misinterpret — and such misinterpretation may result in an unsatisfactory product for the client. A well-trained carpenter speaks the language of blueprints like a mother tongue.
What to listen for:
- Understanding of blueprint conventions and ability to interpret accurately
- Deeper reading for understanding architect’s intentions
- Ability to communicate with architects to clarify certain aspects
Why this matters:
Clients expect precision and accuracy from every member of the crew. Candidates should be able to show that they have the appropriate attention to detail to do the job correctly. The first step in this is being able to use common tools to take measurements and recognize potential errors before they become problems.
What to listen for:
- Awareness of measuring instruments with explanation of how to ensure accuracy
- Rigorous attention to detail shown through experience
- Checking work of other team members to ensure precision across the board
Why this matters:
Safety concerns are not just compliance issues; they make a difference to the personal health of everyone on the team, including the candidate. Following proper procedures is crucial, but these need to be supplemented by personal judgment and discretion that can only be learned by firsthand experience.
What to listen for:
- Explanation of safety concerns and remediation
- Description of a lesson learned and how it has been applied since
- Ability to recognize and warn others if they are approaching a safety concern
Why this matters:
Even in a skilled field, the correct next step may not always be clear, and sometimes supervisors have different ideas from their workers. This presents a problem for what is always a collaborative effort. Being able to resolve these disagreements is a sign of a seasoned candidate ready to be a part of a serious team.
What to listen for:
- Demonstrated conflict negotiation skills
- Ability to express discontent in a mature way
- Willingness to back down in order to best serve the client
Why this matters:
Carpenters have to work in teams in order to complete a project: no one can build a house on their own. Ideal candidates are team players with a strongly collaborative attitude. However, everyone faces challenges in working on a team, and these potentially difficult experiences offer a chance to learn and improve.
What to listen for:
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Candor in discussing challenges or steep learning curves
- Strategy to deal with conflict or miscommunication in the future
Why this matters:
Everyone has preferences for the kind of work they want to do. A carpenter’s expressed preference may indicate whether they can work well collaboratively or if they are more independently minded. It also shows how well they’re willing to work in a changing situation or one that demands greater-than-average dedication.
What to listen for:
- Willingness to work outside of comfort zone
- Understanding importance of collaboration
- Ability to keep calm in unfamiliar environments
Why this matters:
Client service is also part of a carpenter’s role. Even when following every instruction to the letter, a carpenter may find that the client doesn’t like what comes back to them. In this situation, people skills supplement technical skills. Being able to deal with an unhappy customer is the second half of making sure all customers are happy.
What to listen for:
- Mature and collected response to criticism
- Willingness to adapt solutions to client wishes
- Accepting responsibility for errors or oversights
Why this matters:
Carpenters have to adapt to changing conditions, from the weather to the materials they use. Sometimes these changes are more substantial, which may lead to frustration. But whether it’s the result of a client demand or a supervisor deciding that a current approach is not working, a carpenter has to work toward meeting the new goal.
What to listen for:
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations
- Calm attitude under tight deadlines
- Ability to coordinate additional work if necessary
Contact a sales consultant.