By Anthony Stabile, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager
It’s no news. The road to success is always under construction. If you really want to land the opportunities you come across and be ready for new ones, you need to make sure that you stay on top of your game. Success requires more than simply sending out your resume and waiting for the phone to ring. Just like a construction project, your career needs careful planning, a strong foundation and precise execution. Losing focus is not an option. Take a look at the following hints that are designed to help you build your construction career.
Have an Open Mind
The construction industry is changing rapidly and creating new opportunities to build your construction career. Although it is reasonable to aim for a permanent construction job, this does not mean that short term projects must be out of the picture. No matter whether you are just coming out of school or you have been in the industry for some time, working on different projects strengthens your construction skills and increases your professional credibility. Be open to short term opportunities if they add value to what you bring to the table.
Work with a Construction Recruiter
A very effective way to build your construction career is to reach out to a construction recruiter. Take advantage of their industry knowledge and their established relationships with clients by partnering with them in your job search. Their everyday interaction with the market allows them to know firsthand what the industry calls for and how to help you adjust to change. In addition, they immediately know when their customers have a need and they are able to bring you in to address those needs. Connect with a construction recruiter and let them do what they do best; boost your career.
Know Your Field
It goes without saying that in order to build your construction career you must have a thorough understanding of the field you are looking to grow in. How fast do you learn about technologies and methods that are introduced in the industry? Are you aware of new tools and equipment that make your construction job easier? How informed are you about your specialty area? It is very important to know about changes the moment they take place and before they affect your field. Do your best to follow trends and ensure that you have the necessary construction skills to adapt.
Stay Valid
Your construction skills are the key to opening new professional opportunities. With that said you must make sure that your skillset is up-to-date and all of your licenses and certificates are valid. Don’t wait until you are going after a new construction job to certify or renew them. Be proactive and separate yourself from the competition by attending certification programs and training classes and comply with local rules and regulations. Keep in mind that outdated qualifications are always a red flag for hiring managers and potential employers so stay ahead of the game.
Expand Your Network
It is great to have the construction skills and professional experience that a position requires but sometimes this is not enough. In the construction industry the word of mouth is powerful in landing an opportunity. The moment you start working on a project you need to start networking with individuals in your industry and establish relationships that can assist you in finding the next construction job. Don’t limit yourself and connect with people who have the ability to help you build your construction career.
Key Takeaways to Building Your Career Success:
1. Be open to working on different projects as long as they boost your construction career
2. Work with a construction recruiter and take advantage of their industry knowledge
3. Be aware of the trends and changes that take place in your field
4. Make sure your skills and qualifications are up-to-date
5. Expand your network and connect with other professionals in your 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
