By Peter DeLuca, CT/NY Manager  

Are you ready? The construction industry is changing every day and there is no way to stop it. From new tools and equipment to cutting-edge technology to workforce shortages, transformation is raising the bar for professionals who aim for a successful construction career. Are you one of them? Do you want to be on the winners’ side? Do you have a plan in place that puts you ahead of the game and allows you to separate yourself from the competition? Take a look at some tips on how to go about meeting construction industry challenges and coming out on top.

Be Flexible
Everyone likes a full time and permanent job. It generates job security and confidence. We all understand it. The construction industry however, offers many great contract opportunities as well. Turning a blind eye to these positions and chasing only direct hire positions is a mistake. Be flexible and open about the employment options that you come across. Do not simply turn down opportunities without considering the value they add to your construction career. Reach out to a construction recruiter and take advantage of the opportunities they may have for you.

Be Up-to-date
The construction industry is facing serious workforce shortages. Hiring managers are desperately looking for workers with strong construction skills and a proven construction career. With that said, knowing your field and being up-to-date is crucial in meeting construction industry challenges. Are your license and certificates valid? Do you comply with local rules and regulations? Do not wait to take action until the moment you apply for a job. Follow the trends of the industry and make sure your construction skills and credentials are always current.

Be Professional
Would you ever hire someone whose resume is out of date? How about someone whose construction presence is far from professional? Chances are that you wouldn’t. The same applies to a hiring manager or a construction recruiter who come across candidates who fail to stay on top of the way they introduce themselves to the construction market. Build a solid and up-to-date resume and try to build a social media presence that demonstrates how seriously you take your construction career. Maintaining a professional presence is the key to meeting construction industry challenges.

Be Smart
Landing a job is far from easy. You have to compete with and outmatch other candidates who are in the same race with you. How about getting your foot in the door before they do? How about getting your resume to top of the applications and in front of the hiring manager? How about gaining access to a previously hidden market that very few have access to? If you like any of these ideas, then take action and reach out to a construction recruiter. They have strong, established relationships with clients and have the leverage to promote your construction skills, while matching you with the right opportunity.

Be Stable
You know it because you are in the industry. Every project needs thorough planning in order to be successful. The same is true when it comes down to meeting construction industry challenges. If you do not have a plan, then do not expect much. From being open to different employment options, to staying current with the industry, to building a professional presence, to working with the experts in your field, you must be consistent. None of the tips above are effective if you don’t treat them as a whole. The more you work on them the better success you will have.

Key Takeaways to The Challenges of the Construction Industry:
1.  Be open to different employment options
2.  Make sure your construction skills are up-to-date
3.  Always present yourself in a professional way
4.  Work with a construction recruiter and let them help you in meeting success
5.  Put together a strategy for meeting challenges and follow it to letter

About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com