Bricklayer Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Most Bricklayer interviews in the UK follow a pattern, and knowing it beats guessing. Below are eight questions from our bank of 25, each with a note on what the interviewer is really after.

Eight Bricklayer interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What bonds can you lay, and when would you use each one?

Why they ask: Bonding is the bread and butter of bricklaying, so they want to know your range.

2. Talk me through how you would build a cavity wall to meet the Building Regulations.

Why they ask: They want to check your understanding of construction standards, not just laying bricks.

3. What mortar mixes do you use, and how do you decide which to use?

Why they ask: Mortar choice affects durability and appearance, so it is a basic competency check.

4. How do you set out a building or wall, and how do you check your work as you go?

Why they ask: Accurate setting out is fundamental and they want to know you are precise.

5. What is a damp proof course, and what are the rules for where and how it is installed?

Why they ask: This is essential knowledge that affects the durability of every building.

6. You are asked to remove a guard rail on the scaffold so you can get materials in faster. What do you do?

Why they ask: Safety judgement under peer pressure is a very common interview scenario.

7. Tell me about a piece of brickwork you are particularly proud of.

Why they ask: They want to understand your standards and what you value in the trade.

8. What does a typical day as a bricklayer involve?

Why they ask: They want to check you understand the physical and practical reality of the job.

A sample answer to question 1

What bonds can you lay, and when would you use each one?

The most common is stretcher bond, all stretchers with half-bond overlap, which is standard for cavity wall outer leaves. English bond alternates courses of headers and stretchers and is very strong, so it is used for solid walls, retaining walls and traditional restoration. Flemish bond has headers and stretchers alternating in every course, which looks attractive on period and heritage work, and I have laid garden wall bond too. For decorative or feature panels, I have done herringbone and basket weave. With any bond, I set out the bonding at the corners and the openings first, so that I avoid awkward cuts and get the perpends lined up properly, and I always check the brick size to keep to the gauge. On a repair or extension, I try to match the existing bond, joint profile and mortar colour so it blends in.

Common mistake to avoid: Only naming stretcher bond; ignoring perpend alignment

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions are on the Bricklayer interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.