By Sean Dooner, Project Manager
It’s time to get some attention! Construction recruiters are looking for tradespeople like you to fill the electrician, plumber, carpenter and other trade jobs they have open. Remember, the labor shortage has created more demand for construction talent than ever before so, if you have the construction skills it takes, you need to draw their attention and have them choose you over other candidates. To maximize your chances of employment, take a look at the following ideas that will help you attract construction recruiters.
Resume
Candidates in the construction industry do not tend to use a resume when they apply for an open position. This forces construction recruiters to dig into the construction skills of an applicant in order to make sure they are the right fit for the job. Show that you are the tradesman they need by properly presenting your construction career. Applying with a resume gives you the ability to summarize experience and it makes it easier for your potential employer to see what you bring to the table. It demonstrates how seriously you take each opportunity and it separates you from other applicants.
Certifications
Construction recruiters always prefer to choose candidates who hold certifications over others that don’t. Are you OSHA 10 certified? Are you licensed to work on projects that demand specific construction skills? Make sure your construction recruiter knows about it and that you also mention it in your resume. The more credentials you show, the better candidate you become and the more you attract construction recruiters to reach out to you for current and future opportunities. Stay up-to-date date and show that you are ready to walk on the jobsite as soon as possible.
References
A very efficient way to attract construction recruiters is by providing work references that speak to your construction skills and confirm the value you bring to the table. Either with your resume or when you talk to a recruiter, be sure to highlight the fact that there are people who can talk about your qualifications and who can justify why you are the right person for the job. References put you ahead of other candidates because they shorten your screening process in an industry that is in great need of talent and wants to get it as soon as possible..
Keywords
When you apply for a construction job you compete with the applications of many more candidates. How do you attract the attention of construction recruiters? A very efficient way to do that is by talking the same language with them. Whenever construction recruiters read the resume of a candidate or talk with them in person or on the phone they look for or wait to hear specific things. For example, for an electrician job, they want to see if the applicant has worked on similar projects or if they know how to use specific tools that make them a great fit for the position. With that being said, make sure you use keywords that demonstrate your connection with the needs of the opportunity you’re going for.
Flexibility
The construction industry is a space with high volatility when it comes to employment opportunities. Everyone prefers a permanent job over a temporary one, but the reality is that during your construction career you are going to come across more temporary opportunities. This doesn’t mean that you have to reject them. Remember that your ultimate goal is to acquire as much experience as possible that helps you strengthen your construction skills. This is what is going to attract construction recruiters and make them reach out to you. Showing that you are flexible with employment opportunities maximizes your chances over other applicants who are more rigid and close minded.
Key Takeaways to How to Get the Attention of Construction Recruiters:
- Create a professional resume and use it when applying for positions
- Speak of certifications you hold and keep them up-to-date
- Provide references that prove the value of your construction career
- When promoting your construction skills make sure to use industry keywords
- Show that you are more focused on improving your construction skills rather than the nature of employment
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
