Once one submits a petition to become a Freemason, he then goes through the Lodge’s investigation process.
Background checks, calls to character references, confirmation of employment (if needed), and calls to Masonic recommenders may all be part of this investigation.
There should also be a meeting or visit where the Lodge’s investigation committee gets to know the petitioner and asks him about himself and his plans to join.
Some Grand Lodges may have standard questions, but I don’t know of any. Here are some questions that I have been asked, questions that I have asked others, and questions that I have seen others ask.
Landing a job as a mason takes skill, experience and impressing potential employers during the interview process. You’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in masonry as well as your ability to communicate clearly and follow safety protocols.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you properly prepare for a mason job interview It covers the most commonly asked mason interview questions along with tips and sample responses. Read on to learn how to showcase your abilities and stand out from the competition
Why Mason Interview Questions Matter
Masonry is an art that requires precision, attention to detail, and expert craftsmanship. As such the interview aims to determine if you have the necessary hard and soft skills to excel as a mason.
Questions will assess your:
- Technical knowledge of masonry materials, tools and techniques
- Problem-solving abilities when faced with unexpected challenges
- Communication skills in collaborating with architects, engineers and clients
- Safety consciousness and ability to follow protocols
- Experience level and comfort working on complex, large-scale projects
Thorough preparation and thoughtful responses will help demonstrate you are the ideal candidate for the job.
Common Mason Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Here are some of the most frequently asked mason interview questions along with tips on how to craft winning responses:
1. Where was the first stone you ever worked on placed?
This reveals your breadth of experience in the field. Be specific in describing the project and your role. Mention any unique complexity or challenges that you successfully overcame.
Sample Response: The first stone I ever worked on as a mason was for the front steps of the town hall restoration project. It involved chiseling and placing sandstone blocks that had decorative edges. The challenge was maintaining the ornamental style of the original 1830s building facade. I studied the existing aesthetic carefully and replicated it on the new stones I placed. This project taught me how attention to detail is key in preservation masonry work.
2. Who taught you to work with stone?
Share details of any formal masonry education or training you received. Discuss specific skills you learned from mentors or on-the-job experience. Demonstrate a commitment to continual learning in your craft.
Sample Response: I earned a diploma in stonemasonry from the Leeds College of Building which gave me a strong foundation in materials, tools and construction methods. My greatest teacher though was Ron, an experienced mason I assisted for over 2 years. He taught me invaluable hands-on skills like mixing mortar, laying bricks in various patterns and carving limestone. I continue expanding my knowledge through online courses and trade publications.
3. What has been the most challenging job you’ve faced so far?
Focus on a specific example that showcases problem-solving and adaptability. Share technical challenges as well as project management difficulties. Emphasize the positive outcome.
Sample Response: The most challenging job was constructing a dry stone retaining wall on a steep slope for a raised garden bed. We had to carefully plan the slope stability and drainage systems. The complexity was compounded by access issues on the site. To succeed, we used taller anchor stones at critical points for stability. We also adjusted our work timeline to account for the terrain. In the end, we completed a stable, functional and beautiful wall on this difficult site.
4. What do you do to ensure safety on the job?
Demonstrate you prioritize safety and comply with regulations. Provide examples of preventive actions you take and protocols you follow onsite. Emphasize vigilance and proactive risk mitigation.
Sample Response: Safety is my top priority. I undergo regular OSHA safety training to stay up-to-date on protocols and best practices. On every job, I conduct thorough hazard assessments and ensure my team wears appropriate PPE. We do regular equipment inspections and I hold weekly toolbox talks on job risks. I also empower my crew to speak up about any safety issues without hesitation. Taking these proactive measures greatly minimizes risks on the worksite.
5. What is the most important skill a mason must have?
This evaluates your understanding of the most vital competencies for success in masonry. Pick one skill such as precision, planning or problem-solving and expand on its importance. Provide anecdotes of applying this skill effectively.
Sample Response: The most crucial skill for any mason is accuracy. Our work involves extremely precise measurements and cuts, leaving no room for error. A minor mistake can lead to catastrophic structural failures. Throughout my career, I’ve honed my ability to make accurate calculations and adjustments on the fly. I double-check all critical dimensions. This meticulous nature has helped me quickly identify and correct potential issues, resulting in structurally sound builds.
Questions About Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Masonry projects rarely go exactly according to plan. Interviewers will want to assess how you handle unexpected challenges:
- How do you modify your work when specifications change mid-project?
- Describe a time you faced an unusual technical challenge. How did you solve it?
- Have you ever encountered a defect with materials or tools onsite? What did you do?
Emphasize calm, logical problem-solving. Share examples of creative workarounds and optimal solutions you devised. You can draw from classroom case studies as well as real work experience.
Questions About Your Communications Skills
Interaction is vital to succeeding as a mason. Expect questions like:
- How do you coordinate with other construction professionals on a project?
- Have you ever had a disagreement with an architect or client? How was it resolved?
- How would you explain a complex masonry procedure simply to someone without a technical background?
Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively, communicate complex details simply, actively listen and find solutions agreeable to all parties. Share examples of resolving conflicts diplomatically.
Questions About Your Experience Level
Be prepared to answer questions aimed at determining your capability to take on large, complex projects:
- What is the largest masonry project you have worked on to date? What was your role?
- How many people have you supervised on a single project?
- Have you ever completed a masonry restoration project? What key skills did this require?
Provide metrics and specifics wherever possible. Focus on your excellent track record in planning, managing, and executing large-scale masonry builds across various sectors.
Questions About Following Safety Protocols
Construction sites can be hazardous, so masons must demonstrate stringent safety adherence. Common questions include:
- Is there a time you identified a safety hazard on the job and addressed it?
- Have you ever had a workplace accident? What happened and what did you learn?
- How do you ensure your crew uses all required safety gear and follows protocols?
Highlight safety as your top priority. Provide anecdotes of catching and addressing hazards early. If you have no incidents to share, discuss your dedication to rigorous safety training, gear checks, and onsite precautions.
Questions About Your Masonry Skills and Knowledge
You’ll need to demonstrate in-depth trade expertise. Common questions cover:
- What is the difference between brick and stone masonry?
- When is it appropriate to use limestone versus granite?
- How do you ensure mortar joints have the proper thickness and consistency?
- What hand tools are most important for a mason to master?
Provide concise, accurate responses that showcase your material knowledge and ability to make decisions tailored to each project’s specifications and environment. Use industry-specific terminology.
Final Tips for Acing Your Mason Interview
With preparation and practice, you can confidently ace your mason job interview. Here are some final tips:
- Research the company and role thoroughly beforehand
- Review the job posting to anticipate likely questions
- Prepare examples and anecdotes to illustrate your skills
- Be ready to talk through your approach to a sample masonry project
- Ask insightful questions about the company’s projects and values
- Express your passion and enthusiasm for the trade
Show you have the perfect blend of technical expertise, problem-solving ability, communication skills and commitment to safety needed to excel as their next mason. With the right preparation, you can land your dream masonry job. Best of luck!
What do you hope to get out of Freemasonry?
A petitioner may not fully understand what Freemasonry is or what a good reason is to join.
Some people have said on social media that Masonry is a way to make money or network with other business people.
A young man came to our Lodge a few years ago and asked for help getting his brother, who was in another country, out of jail. Unfortunately for him and his brother, we had to tell him that the Fraternity has nothing to do with any country’s criminal justice or prison system.
That was his first and last visit to us.
It is evident that many people have very incorrect ideas and expectations of the Masonic fraternity.
The investigation committee will help to clear up any misunderstandings or false expectations the petitioner may have. We don’t want our members to be let down later on when they decide to join.
What do you know about Freemasonry?
This question is a useful tool for the investigation committee.
It tells them how many of the petitioner’s Freemason ideas are true and how many are made up.
Having the wrong ideas can lead to disappointment down the road, so this is a great chance for the investigation committee to clear up any misunderstandings the petitioner may have about the Fraternity.
Instead, it’s possible that the petitioner knows a lot about Freemasonry and doesn’t need much or any help. Whenever this happens, I get so excited.
Concrete Mason interview questions
FAQ
What are the Masonic catch questions?
What questions are asked at the Masonic Investigation Committee?
How long is the interview at Analysys Mason?
I interviewed at Analysys Mason in Mar 2023 CV- online interview (need to finish within 1 week after receiving inverview invitation) The interview includes two assessments: 1. personality test (3 surveys, takes 30 mins). This round doesn’t have the correct answer. 2. video interview (2 questions, takes 10 mins total)
What questions should I ask a new brother Mason?
If you as a Mason strongly suspect that he is a Brother, you may ask a few things, like if he is a traveling man. You and he should know the answers to that and the follow-up qu In the traditional Freemasonry guidelines, what were the stated punishments for revealing Masonic secrets to non-Masons? Are stonemasons usually also ‘masonic’ masons?
How many questions are in a Pinsent Masons interview?
There are plenty of example tests on the internet. I would recommend the full-length practise test on SHL. Each data set will be linked to a block of five questions. In order to get marks on the block, you’ll need to get all five questions right. There will be over 100 questions. When was your Pinsent Masons interview? What was it for?
What questions should be put to a candidate for Freemasonry?
The following questions should be put to the candidate: 1. Freemasonry is a universal system of morality. Its teachings are based upon the belief in a Supreme Being and the brotherhood of man. Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being?
