By Jeff Brown, Midwest Regional Manager – Brace for growth! The construction industry is finally recovering, giving space to new construction projects and creating great opportunities for employment. No matter whether you have been in the industry for some time or you just finished school and are about to start your construction career, the bottom line is the same. Following the growth in your industry gives you a great advantage and allows you to find a job in construction. Take a look at some hints on how to monitor industry advancement and better position yourself against the competition.
Stay Current
When you try to find a job in construction, you need to keep in mind that outdated certifications and licenses make a bad impression. Hiring managers hire applicants who stay current with the demands of the industry. Don’t wait until the last minute to catch up with what is new in your field. Be proactive and attend any classes and training programs that fortify your construction career and make you the best choice for potential employers. Your skillsets are the key to opening new professional opportunities. If you feel that you are not able to catch up with the industry trends, reach out to a construction recruiter to find out what you need to do to stay up-to-date.
Keep Yourself Busy
There is nothing wrong with trying to find a job in construction after a long period of unemployment. Hiring managers are not concerned about the reason for the employment gaps in your construction career. What they care about is what you did during that period to stay in touch with the industry. With that said, always make sure that you nurture your construction skills while you are out of the workforce. Work on side projects and create a portfolio to serve as a “brag book” that contains pictures of your accomplishments.
Don’t Neglect Your Network
A great way to keep up with the trends of the industry and consequently with opportunities that allow you to find a job in construction, is through your network of contacts. Holding a position for a long period of time often creates a sense of job safety with your construction career, but under no circumstances should you cut ties with other folks in the field. Be as active as possible on social media, and attend networking events that keep you in touch with the industry. Consult with your construction recruiter about what networking efforts are necessary to allow you to stay current.
Have a Story
Having a construction career with 25 or 30 years of experience is great, but nowadays that doesn’t indicate that you are current with the growth in the construction industry. You need to tell your story and detail your qualifications to potential employers and hiring managers. The best way to show that your skillset is up-to-date is through your resume. Ensure that you emphasize how your experience relates to current industry trends, and communicate that through your LinkedIn profile as well. If you don’t have a resume or a LinkedIn profile then make sure to create one as soon as possible.
Bring in the Cavalry
Although the above hints are not hard things to do, for some they are not as easy. If you feel like you are out of your comfort zone or you if you don’t know where to start from, then do yourself a favor; reach out to a construction staffing firm and connect with a construction recruiter. From a temporary position to a full time job, they know what it takes to keep current and find a job in construction. They are your advocate and their objective is to make sure that more opportunities come your way and that your construction career is always booming.
Key Takeaways to Following the Growth in the Construction Industry:
1. Make sure that your licenses and certifications are up-to-date
2. Keep cultivating your construction skills, regardless of your employment status
3. Use your network as an engine to stay current within the industry
4. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile that tells your story
5. Reach out to a construction recruiter and let them help you stay current with the industry
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
