What are the top job hunting tips for construction executives?
Job Hunting in construction can be an intimidating experience for any construction executive who is facing making a job change in today's construction job marketplace. The good news is the “old ways” are still some of the “best ways” in finding an executive construction job opportunity, so don't feel you are a dinosaur in a strange new world.
At Hornberger Management Company, we conduct annual surveys with construction executives and our research continues to confirm the top way for construction executives to find new job opportunities is through professional “networking.” As construction recruiters, we recommend you become an expert networker within your current employer and with outside competitors, vendors, owners, designers, and other industry colleagues if you want to maximize your job hunt or career advancement. Job seekers should go where the movers and shakers are in your field, and get noticed. You can network through direct personal or phone contact by attending trade association gathering and getting involved. You can also utilize online social media connections (such as Linkedin, Facebook, etc.) and employer websites to get connected.
We recommend you upgrade your personal brand prior to getting out there to develop your network or apply for interviews. Update your resume and social media profiles. Start dressing for success at work and in your personal life so that you elevate your self confidence and make the right executive impression with others. A first impression is a lasting impression, whether you like it or not. Your personal brand is critical to building a professional image that employer want as part of their team.
In addition, you should study up on job hunting and job interviewing skills. There are hundreds of great articles and videos on this subject which are easily found in YouTube or with a Google or Bing web search. Learn about interview preparation, interview questions and answers, salary negotiations, and resume writing. As construction recruiters we recommend you get prepared before any interview. Always learn a bit about the interviewer, employer and job opportunity prior to any interview or meeting. Also, refresh yourself on proper business etiquette such as asking someone's name, developing a professional hand shake; looking others in the eye when communicating; listening twice as much as you speak, and always be respectful, positive and complimentary to everyone you meet.
Most job hunting journeys last longer than expected so don't grow impatient, especially if you are seeking an executive position. The higher up you go in the corporate ladder, the longer is will likely take to find the right job opportunity. It is not uncommon for high-level construction executives to go 6 months to a year before finding what you are looking for in a job opportunity. The key is not to quit or give up, regardless of how many times you get turned down. Not receiving a job offer may not be due to you be unqualified or blowing the interview. Often times you miss out because of a minor advantage some other candidate may have over you, and you may still be a candidate for future consideration. So don't get discouraged. You want the fit to be right for you, and if it is not right then consider it a blessing to have not been selected.
If you find yourself unemployed, than looking for a new job should become your full-time job. Every day you need to get up early and conduct your research on potential employers, develop new relationships to add to your network, and apply to several new jobs (on job boards or company websites). The key is not to lose enthusiasm or momentum during your journey. Consider setbacks as training, and try to improve upon your performance and continue to stick to your career goals.
Finally, use your free time to work on the things you dream about doing while working only never having the time to do them. You will feel productive and rewarded developing new skills, hobbies, languages, book writing, family projects, and personal relationships.
