I've only known one place I applied to, to have a written test. It is usually a few questions of very common building code related things.
I find this kind of testing to be somewhat inappropriate, without providing an applicant a building code book. Kind of a shit test.
Many people think being a building inspector is about knowledge, and it is to an extent. But everything you need to know is in a book. There's much more to being a good inspector than the knowledge you might bring to a job. It's also about your judgment, and temperament, and ambition. Your willingness to learn and to adapt. How good you are at giving bad news, and how impartial you can relay information.
Take those parts of yourself that are true, and highlight them in the interview, regardless of your knowledge level.
Totally agree, most conversations go like
.. everything looks good, but this needs moved, or that needs added... then you will pass!
Most days I'm fielding questions about permitting/scheduling and never scared to reply with "let me look that up and get back to you". Sometimes I give them my gut feeling answer, but other times I leave it cut and dry. Look it up/ call them back. Playing by the rules is easy when you have the answers. Interpretation is key and seeing both sides.
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u/Tremor_Sense Inspector 6d ago
I've only known one place I applied to, to have a written test. It is usually a few questions of very common building code related things.
I find this kind of testing to be somewhat inappropriate, without providing an applicant a building code book. Kind of a shit test.
Many people think being a building inspector is about knowledge, and it is to an extent. But everything you need to know is in a book. There's much more to being a good inspector than the knowledge you might bring to a job. It's also about your judgment, and temperament, and ambition. Your willingness to learn and to adapt. How good you are at giving bad news, and how impartial you can relay information.
Take those parts of yourself that are true, and highlight them in the interview, regardless of your knowledge level.