By Anthony Delionado, CT/NY Region

You made it through construction school and now it is time to get your first construction job. The construction industry is coming out of the recession, but this doesn’t mean that finding a position is an easy task. Construction companies are looking for workers who are going to stay with them for the long haul. Having the right construction skills is a great start, but in order to land a job you need to be smart about the way you locate opportunities. Applying for every position that you come across is not going to do much. Take a look at the hints below on how to get your first construction job.

Work with a Construction Recruiter
Keep in mind that when you apply for a job, you are competing with many other applicants, the majority of whom might have more experience and stronger construction skills. This means that your application is going to get buried in a pile of papers. In other words, you are on your own. How about partnering with a construction recruiter who is able to advertise your capabilities the way you would like them to be marketed? Working with a construction staffing firm allows you to be introduced to firms that look specifically for candidates like you. In addition, a construction recruiter knows of local and regional vacancies that you can’t locate on your own. Recruiters are a great resource to help you get your first construction job.

Set Targets
Even though applying for every construction opening that comes your way sounds promising, the reality is that you are shooting in the dark. Instead, you must be more focused with your efforts in order to get your first construction job. Make a list of the construction jobs and construction firms that interest you and go for them. This allows you to increase your chances of being successful as well as finding an opportunity that matches your construction skills. Your construction recruiter is going to be a great source in building that list. They are able to help you identify the proper positions and introduce you to the companies that are willing to offer an opening to a candidate like you.

Be Prepared
As said before, when you’re trying to get your first construction job, it is not enough to just apply for a position. You must be prepared for it. From building a resume that describes your capabilities, to doing your homework and finding as much as you can about the construction firm you want to work for, to having a social media presence that shows your interest for the company you wish to be part of, you need to be prepared. Prove that you really want to land the opportunity by showing the hiring manager how eager you are to get the job. This will demonstrate that you are going to be an asset for their firm and that you know what to do to build your professional background.

Look for Training Opportunities
Due to the huge labor shortage in the construction industry, many construction firms offer training programs and apprenticeships as a way to attract and retain new workers. They have experienced employees working with fresh manpower in order to help them grow their construction skills and stay with the firm for the long term. Trying to get your first construction job in an environment like that is a no brainer. Work with a construction recruiter as they know of companies that offer training programs for new workers like you.

Build a Strong Network
You might be at the early steps of your construction career, but you must always remember that networking is an important factor in landing a job. Getting together with other construction folks who have more experience and a longer presence in the construction industry opens new doors and allows you to explore different opportunities. Get noticed by attending networking events and joining associations and professional bodies. Stay on top of news and updates that take place in your field and do your best to be up-to-date. Your construction recruiter is going to help you locate the right networking events that will allow you to get your first construction job.

Key Takeaways to Getting Your First Construction Job:
1.  Work with a construction recruiter, as they know how to help you locate the opportunities that match your background
2.  Make a list of the construction jobs and firms that interest you and go for them
3.  Be prepared to show how much you want to get the job you are applying for
4.  Try to get your first construction job in an environment that allows you to develop your construction skills
5.  Work towards building a strong network in order to come across new opportunities

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