Industry | Construction: Overview

Welcome, this is the first post in the Industry Overview Series!

I’m excited to give you a bit of insight into an industry that you may be unfamiliar with. Hopefully this will help to open your mind to the different kinds of opportunities available to you that you may not have considered.


This first entry is about the Construction Industry.

The construction industry is often thought of as a sector that primarily involves hard labor and physically building structures. However, the industry is much more diverse and offers a wide range of roles that cater to different skills and interests. From project management to design and engineering, sales and business development to quality control and safety, there is a role for everyone in the construction industry.

The goal of the industry is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the needs of the community and clients. Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a change, the construction industry offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make an impact in the built environment.

There are various roles that one might find in the construction industry, and they can be broadly grouped into several categories:

 

  • Project management:

    These roles involve overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from planning and design to completion. They are responsible for the coordination of all aspects of the project, including scheduling, budgeting and resource allocation.

  • Design and Engineering:

    These roles involve the technical aspects of construction, such as designing, engineering and creating blueprints of the structure, while also ensuring that it meets all necessary codes and regulations.

  • Skilled labor:

    These roles involve physically building the structure, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons and so on. These tradespeople use their skills and knowledge to construct the building according to the plans and specifications.

  • Sales and Business Development:

    These roles involve finding and securing new business, such as sales representatives, and business development professionals. They work to generate leads and close deals for the company. A sales related role in this industry that might appeal to creatives would be a marketing representative.

  • Quality Control and Safety:

    These roles involve ensuring that the structure is built according to code and safety regulations, as well as ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the construction process.

  • Customer service and client management:

    These roles involve maintaining the relationship with the client and ensuring that their needs are met, such as site managers and customer service representatives.

Each role in the construction industry plays an essential part in the success of a project.

Project management roles ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget, while design and engineering roles ensure that the structure is designed and built according to code and safety regulations. Skilled labor is responsible for physically building the structure, sales and business development roles bring in new business, and customer service and client management roles maintain the relationship with the client.

Together, these roles form the backbone of the construction industry, working together to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the needs of the community and clients.

In conclusion, the construction industry is a vital sector that plays a crucial role in the development of our built environment. The industry offers a wide range of roles that cater to different skills and interests, from project management and design to skilled labor and customer service.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, the construction industry offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make an impact in the built environment. With a variety of roles available, there is a place for everyone in the construction industry, and it is worth exploring the different options available to find the right fit for you.


If this article sparked your interest, check out our currently available jobs in the Construction industry!

If you liked this article, stay tuned for more in this series. I am conducting a similar series on Job Types as well, giving examples of what a particular job type’s role might be across different industries. As time goes on, we’ll move on from overviews and transition into more specific information of interest.

(Our first entry in the Job Types series was on Sales. Give it a read!)

 

Job Type | Sales: Is a Career in Sales Right for You?

Why Should You Use LinkedIn?

If you’re looking to network or are interested in keeping up to date on your professional industry, there’s no better place than LinkedIn.
Here you can find a vast network of professionals like you across any and all industries. Think of it almost as social media for business, with the benefit of affording you new opportunities.
So why should you use it?

Information

First off, if you’re looking to grow in your career, LinkedIn is a great resource.
Stay on top of market trends and new technologies to get ahead of the curve and improve your skills. Build your network of people from your company, industry, or Job Title to get unique insights that may help inspire or educate you.

Build a Personal Brand & Network 

Join in on the conversation! Share knowledge of your own to help others, and build a strong reputation for yourself in the process. You may even get noticed as a result, possibly offering you unique opportunities. All in all, it can be an enriching resource for passive and active career growth.

Seeking work

On the topic of opportunities, your network of connections may expose you to interesting jobs that you would have otherwise not seen.
LinkedIn in particular has a reputation as being one of the best places to find quality professionals when employers are looking to hire. If LinkedIn is where many employers look first, it’s wise to have your profile in the mix.
If you’re actively looking for work, make sure to take the time to fill out your profile with your experience and skills so that you can be discovered passively by companies seeking your expertise.
Browse their Job Board, sporting over 6 million jobs, to get your resume out to the positions you want. You can also activate a setting that shows you are Open to Work, which will display a graphic over your profile image to increase your visibility. This will make it even easier for employers to find you.

Overall, using LinkedIn can change your professional career for the better, in a multitude of ways. Whether you plan to actively engage with the platform, or just make a profile with your information, it can serve to benefit you nonetheless.

How to Prepare for a Job Search

Feeling unfulfilled, bored, or like you’re not progressing in your career as you desire? If you’re ready to make a change in your job, it’s time to prepare yourself. Here’s some steps to take on how to prepare for a job search.

Planning

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Where do you want to go from here?

Take some time to really think about you. What are your goals? If you haven’t planned ahead, now would be a good time to take some personal inventory to make your planning easier. Are you looking for stability, or a more advanced role? Think about your strengths and what you enjoy. Explore what opportunities are a good match for someone with your strengths.

Whatever your aim is, do some research on the qualifications and skills that you need to move yourself in the direction you want to go. If there’s gaps in the experience you need for your goals, map out the steps you need to take to get the experience you need. Whether it’s education, or moving up through different roles, get an idea of what is necessary to achieve your goals. Having this intentional direction to your job search will help in identifying opportunities that fulfill your needs.

Consider internal opportunities

If you don’t mind your employer or the industry you are in, consider possible opportunities within your company.

Look at the roles that exist in your current company for any that you may be interested in. Talk to your supervisor and express an interest in growth or a particular role, and inquire as to what steps you need to take to get on track for acquiring those skills.

If your employer isn’t interested in training on a different role within the company, make sure that you are truly unsatisfied with your work, and if so, time to prepare to look at your other options.

Optimize your resume for your goals

Make sure to highlight your strengths that are geared towards the kinds of jobs you want. You’d be surprised at the employers that find your skillset desirable.

Check out our article on resume writing tips!

Put your resume up on Job Boards

Countless employers are scouring job boards for resumes just like yours at any given moment. Make sure you’re putting your resume on all of them you can find to increase your potential for opportunities.

Here’s some popular job boards:

  • Indeed
  • Monster
  • CareerBuilder
  • ZipRecruiter

And consider creating a profile on Linkedin if you haven’t already, it’s a great networking tool and a good way to be seen in a way that isn’t limited to just your resume.

Conduct your intentional Job Search

Shoot your shot! Now that you have an idea of the direction you want to move in, it’s time to explore your opportunities.

Since you’ve done some research on the types of roles you’re looking for, it should take some stress out of the process. Be dedicated in your search, and your efforts will pay off.

Keep an open mind. There may be positions you may have never thought you could be considered for but are interested in, check it out! Some employers are more than willing to train the right person, even if they may not have directly related experience. Having the right characteristics and aptitude or enthusiasm can influence more than you think.

Be proactive!

While you’re in the process of getting a new job, consider setting aside some time to develop skills independently. Whether it’s your communication skills or a software, continuing to grow will only serve to help you.

Let us help you in your job search! Send us your resume and our team of recruiters may be able to help you find your ideal job.

Want to make forward progress in your career?

Building a successful career doesn’t require you to be overly aggressive or take advantage of others. Instead, it’s about being motivated, adaptable, and ready to embrace opportunities as they come your way. It means actively managing your own growth, whether by stepping out of your comfort zone to connect with experienced professionals, continuously seeking constructive feedback, or surrounding yourself with colleagues who inspire you. Whether you’re launching your career or navigating a tough patch, consider these straightforward, yet impactful strategies to help you network, grow, and ultimately secure a fulfilling career that suits your goals.

Connect with Someone in Your Desired Field

If you’re just starting out or considering a significant career change, an informational chat with someone who already works in your target field can be invaluable. Reach out to someone in that role, and ask insightful questions about the day-to-day tasks, required skills, educational pathways, and potential networking opportunities, like professional associations. If possible, inquire about job shadowing to get a firsthand perspective. Use the insights gained to refine your qualifications, and ensure decision-makers know the steps you’re taking to prepare for the role you aspire to.

Navigate Office Dynamics Effectively

Regardless of your preferences, workplace dynamics are a reality. However, navigating these successfully doesn’t mean engaging in cutthroat behavior. Instead, focus on observing how decisions are made and tasks are accomplished within your organization. Build relationships by collaborating effectively, maintaining professionalism, and steering clear of office drama or negativity. This way, you’ll foster strong connections and create a reputation as someone reliable and respectful.

Leverage Your Network Wisely

While skills and experience are crucial, knowing the right people can also make a big difference. If you have a professional connection to someone who can open doors to your ideal job, don’t hesitate to reach out. This isn’t about unfair advantages but about using your network strategically. Whether it’s a mutual acquaintance or someone who can offer an introduction, tapping into your connections can help set the stage for meaningful career opportunities.

Final steps to setting your career goals.

Try Job Shadowing to Get an Insider Perspective

If a field still holds your interest after reading about it and speaking with professionals in that sector, try to schedule a job shadow to observe the work and sample the work environment.

Consider an Internship or Volunteering

If you are in a position to try out a field that is still of interest at this point, consider doing an internship or some related volunteer work.

Start the Decision Making Process

You should be prepared to make an informed decision at this point. List the pros and cons for each remaining option on a separate sheet of paper and weigh the choices. If you are still unsure, seek the assistance of a guidance counselor at your high school, a career counselor at your college, or a professional career counselor.

Starting a new job? hit the ground running.

Starting a new job can be exciting, but adapting to a new workplace and team can also feel challenging. Here are some tips to help you start strong and make a positive impression from day one.

1. Start Early Each Day

Arriving early allows you to ease into your day, settle your workspace, and review tasks. This quiet time can help you organize priorities and set a productive tone for the day.

2. Approach with Humility

Avoid assuming that past methods or routines will apply in your new role. Every workplace has unique processes, and your new employer might do things differently. Before suggesting changes, try to understand and respect the existing workflow.

3. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help

Learn the ropes quickly by asking questions. If you’re unsure about a task, it’s better to clarify than to guess. Additionally, seek weekly feedback from your manager to stay aware of areas for improvement and potential training needs.

4. Observe the Culture

Pay attention to the corporate culture and adapt to it. During your initial period, focus on aligning with the company’s norms rather than making requests for flexibility or extra time off. If you have specific needs, it’s best to address those before accepting the job.

5. Show Appreciation

Express gratitude when colleagues assist you. A simple “thank you” shows that you value their help, which can foster a supportive relationship and make others more likely to assist you again in the future.

6. Be Open to Constructive Feedback

When someone offers feedback or guidance on how things are done, take it with a positive attitude. Often, this isn’t meant as criticism but as advice to help you succeed. Use feedback to improve and avoid taking it personally.

7. Ask for Advice

Show your colleagues you value their experience by asking what they wish they’d known when they first started. People often enjoy sharing their knowledge, and this simple gesture can build goodwill and camaraderie.

These steps can help you settle into your role smoothly, build strong relationships with your team, and set a solid foundation for your future in the company.

5 great apps for increased productivity

1. Microsoft Office (Mobile)

Microsoft Office’s mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint bring the same productivity features from the desktop to Android and iOS devices. With excellent compatibility for editing and viewing documents created on a computer, it also offers cloud support for seamless collaboration. The free version covers basic functions, while a paid subscription unlocks advanced features like more formatting tools and enhanced storage options.

Key Features:

  • Compatible with desktop files.
  • Cloud support for easy sharing (OneDrive, Dropbox).
  • Collaborative document editing.

2. WPS Office

WPS Office (formerly Kingsoft Office) offers an all-in-one solution for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. It’s known for its ability to handle multiple file formats and provides a user-friendly interface with a tabbed layout for working on multiple documents at once. Cloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and others enhances its versatility for mobile productivity.

Key Features:

  • All-in-one functionality for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Tabbed document editing.
  • Cloud integration for Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

3. Outlook (Mobile)

The Microsoft Outlook mobile app brings email, calendar, and contacts together in one place. It works with various accounts, including Exchange, Office 365, Outlook.com, and others, and its smart inbox prioritizes important emails. It’s a robust tool for managing professional and personal communications on the go.

Key Features:

  • Integrated emails, calendars, and contacts.
  • Supports various email providers.
  • Prioritizes important emails using smart filters.

4. Workflow (iOS Exclusive)

Workflow is an iOS app that automates tasks across different apps on your phone. You can create customized workflows, such as organizing your calendar, saving images, or uploading files, streamlining common actions into one tap. Workflow supports over 200 actions with multiple apps and is useful for increasing efficiency on your phone.

Key Features:

  • Customizable workflows for automating tasks.
  • Integration with iOS features and apps.
  • Time-saving actions like organizing rides, uploading images, etc.

5. Feedly

Feedly is a content aggregator that pulls together news stories, blog updates, and RSS feeds into one streamlined interface. It allows users to stay updated on topics they care about and save articles for offline reading. It’s particularly useful for those who need to manage multiple news sources efficiently.

Key Features:

  • Aggregates news and blogs in one place.
  • Customizable feeds for specific topics or sources.
  • Offline reading feature for saved articles.

Each of these apps can be a powerful addition to your mobile productivity toolkit, enhancing your ability to stay organized, informed, and connected while on the go.

Stay Connected while working remotely

15 Tips to Stay Visible While Working from Home

Working remotely offers flexibility but can make it challenging to stay visible and relevant within your team. Here are practical ways to maintain your presence and ensure your contributions don’t go unnoticed when you’re not in the office.

1. Check In Regularly

Without the opportunity for impromptu chats in the office, frequent check-ins with your team are essential. Keep communication lines open to stay on everyone’s radar.

2. Share Updates Often

To ensure your role and achievements stay visible, make an effort to share updates frequently. Whether you’ve landed a new client or hit a project milestone, keeping your team informed helps highlight your ongoing contributions.

3. Know When Your Team is Most Active

Every workplace has its peak productivity hours. Determine when your team is most active, and make sure you’re available and responsive during that time.

4. Set a Dedicated Time for Emails and Calls

Maintaining a structured schedule for communication can help you stay organized and reduce distractions, ensuring timely responses and consistent availability.

5. Connect on Social Media

Adding coworkers on social media, particularly LinkedIn or other professional platforms, can help build rapport. Engage by liking, commenting, and celebrating work-related posts to show support and stay connected.

6. Make the Occasional Phone Call

Sometimes, a direct phone call can be the most efficient way to resolve issues or clarify details. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone when a quick conversation is needed.

7. Set Up Video Conferencing

Having reliable video conferencing tools, like Zoom, enables more personal connections. Use video calls for team meetings or check-ins to help keep relationships strong.

8. Attend In-Person Company Events

If you’re local, try to attend important team meetings, annual gatherings, or holiday parties in person. These events can strengthen your presence and help you stay engaged with your team.

9. Join Virtual Lunches or Coffee Breaks

Many teams hold virtual hangouts or coffee breaks to simulate office camaraderie. Joining these informal gatherings allows you to stay connected in a more relaxed setting.

10. Volunteer for Projects

Take the initiative by volunteering for new projects or team tasks. Proactively offering your help not only demonstrates commitment but also keeps you involved in key activities.

11. Share Wins and Challenges

Communicate both your accomplishments and the hurdles you’re facing. This openness shows accountability and allows your team to better understand your work.

12. Be Mindful of Communication Tone

Without in-person interactions, the tone of your messages becomes even more important. Stay positive, clear, and concise to avoid misunderstandings.

13. Send Out a Weekly Update

A brief, end-of-week summary of your progress and key achievements helps reinforce your contributions and keeps everyone informed on your work status.

14. Offer to Train or Mentor

If you have skills or knowledge to share, offering training sessions or mentorship can increase your visibility as a valuable resource within the company.

15. Recognize and Celebrate Others

Acknowledging your colleagues’ achievements fosters goodwill and strengthens team bonds. A simple congratulatory message for their successes shows that you’re engaged and supportive.

By following these tips, you can stay visible, build stronger relationships with your colleagues, and ensure your contributions are recognized, even from a distance.

Starting a New Job? 9 Ways Entry-Level Employees Can Make the Most of Their First Week

9 Tips for Your First Week on the Job


The academic year is almost over, and that means hundreds of thousands of high school and college students are saying goodbye to their school books and getting ready to enter the workforce. If you’re among this group of new professionals, you’ll want to make a good impression and an even better start.

Here are our top tips for making the most of the first week in your new job.

Prepare properly.

Whether you suffer from first-week jitters or not, being prepared will undoubtedly make things easier. Select your outfits for the entire week so you’re not rummaging through your closet at the last minute. Make sure you have reliable transport to and from work—and know where you’re going! If you’re bringing your own device, check that it’s ready for the IT department to add to the network and set up your email.

Dress appropriately.

You probably gained an impression of the dress code during the interview process, but if you didn’t, try to find out what’s expected. You can simply contact the hiring manager and ask, but if you’re not comfortable doing this, err on the side of convention. Avoid shorts, mini-skirts, crop tops, and flip-flops, and opt instead for business casual.

Get to work early, and don’t be the first to leave.

As Hannah Morgan points out in her U.S. News Money article “5 Things to Do When Starting a New Job,” everyone will be observing you. Get to work before most of your co-workers, and at the end of the day, ask your supervisor if he or she has anything else for you before you head home.

Write down your colleagues’ names and functions.

You’ll probably be meeting a lot of new people—and if you manage to remember everyone’s name and job function, you’ll definitely score points. When you have a quiet moment, make a note of the people you’ve met and what they do. Then refer to that list as needed.

Ask for a list of your responsibilities.

Though the job listing probably mentioned the most important of your duties, it’s a good idea to ask your supervisor to give you a detailed list of what you’re expected to do and when. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or assistance if something’s entirely new to you.

Ask for a tour of the premises.

You need to know the layout of your workplace, so if your supervisor doesn’t volunteer a tour, ask for one. Make sure you know where the most important departments are, including HR and IT.

Be social.

Even if you have responsibilities at home, it’s wise to think ahead and keep your early evenings and Friday night free. Your co-workers may want to socialize with you, so take every opportunity you get to establish rapport. Join others for lunch, a quick post-work coffee, or “TGIF” drinks.

Avoid gossip.

Being social doesn’t mean you have to engage in gossip. In fact, you should avoid it as much as possible – and stick to that practice throughout your career.

Take time for yourself.

You’ll have a lot to digest in your first week, so make sure to reserve some “you time,” whether that’s a long walk with your dog, yoga or simply reading a book.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll greatly enhance your chances of rocking your first week in your new job! Soon you’ll see—each of your successes holds the door open for the next.