Tips And Tricks For Finding A Great Job In The Construction Industry

The number of available construction jobs has been increasing rapidly in recent years, and there are no signs of this growth slowing down any time soon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade, a figure that is higher than the average of all other fields. There are abundant opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, which is an encouraging fact if you are interested in a career in the industry. Here are some tips and tricks to help you land a construction job.

1) Gain some experience.

Although you do not always need to have prior experience to get a job in construction, having a few hours in the field already under your belt can make a big difference when you are applying for a new position that truly interests you. It's possible to obtain some practical experience in several different ways, including attending a trade school or expanding your skills through an apprenticeship. Taking courses that lead to a degree upon completion can take a long time, but you will also acquire specialized expertise that can translate to higher-paying construction jobs after graduation. Another option for a more short-term solution is to start in an entry-level job on an actual construction site. You may have to perform general manual labor in this instance, but an unskilled role can evolve into something with more responsibilities later.

2) Polish up your resume. 

Strengthening your resume is even more important if you don't have relevant job experience in construction yet. Be sure to highlight your skills that might lend well to a construction job. For example, showcase your previous jobs that required good communication skills, knowledge of building or assembly, and physical labor. Demonstrating that you are a fast learner and a team player is also crucial on your resume. If you do have experience, don't forget to feature any projects that you worked on or were a team leader.

3) Start networking.

Getting some face-to-face time with people in the industry is an excellent way to learn more about the field. Reach out to local trade associations to find out when conferences or seminars are being offered that you can attend. Ask a local construction company if you can take a tour of a job site. Make connections with other professionals already working in the industry. Print out some business cards for yourself that you can exchange with someone if the occasion arises. Don't count out any opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. You never know when someone you encounter may have the perfect job opportunity available for you.

In such a booming industry, finding a great job in the construction industry is possible with or without experience if you take some steps to boost your skills, emphasize what makes you stand out, and build your network in the field.