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How to Develop and Work an Effective Job-Search Strategy
By Alan Kerschen, ConstructionJobs.com
Searching for a job is very demanding, and quite possibly the toughest “job” you’ll ever have. Much more work is involved than just redoing your resume and mailing or sending it online to job postings.
The key to succeeding is to lay out a comprehensive strategy. By defining your approach, you’ll be more effective — and feel less frustrated.
Use the following tactics to make the most of your search efforts:
- Clarify where you are heading. Take the time to evaluate what aspects of a job are important to you. Write them down and keep them in mind during your search.
- Research the market. Some construction segments are very slow right now but some geographical markets and certain industries — such as energy, power and industrial and civil construction — are doing great. Use the Internet to help determine where your energy may be best spent looking.
- Be assertive and proactive. It is important to use a variety of sources when looking for a job. Apply to jobs online, check the newspaper and make cold calls to potential employers in the area. Do not wait around for opportunity to come knocking.
- Join and become active in professional organizations. National and local professional organizations such as NAHB and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) help their members with career development and provide excellent networking opportunities. Join and start participating in their meetings, conferences and other events so that you can get to know employers and contacts in your community.
- Network, network, network. Generally, this is the most effective job-hunting approach. Get the word out to friends, colleagues and even relatives and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open for any opportunity. Make business cards to hand out every time you meet someone.
Participate in Internet discussion boards — you may come across leads and new ideas. Also, sign up and use social networking sites such as LinkedIn and twitter. You want to join sites that have professional groups in the construction industry, and you want to begin networking with those groups quickly.
- Consider temp work. Often, by working briefly as a temp for a company, you can position yourself to be hired for a full-time position. Even if that doesn’t happen, temping can help you network with new people while earning some decent money.
- Participate in job fairs. Keep your eyes open for job fairs in cities within driving distance. A job fair is a rare opportunity to have employers come to you so, if construction companies are exhibiting at the job fair, be sure to attend.
- Talk to a search firm or headhunter. These people specialize in helping you find a job, and there are organizations that focus on construction. Fees are typically paid by the hiring company.
- Be persistent. Keep a positive attitude and consider your job hunt as an exciting challenge. Keep communication channels open within companies that interest you, even if they aren’t hiring right now. You never know when that might change.
The more diverse your job-hunting methods are, the more opportunities you’ll uncover and the greater the chance that you will find the job you really want.
Alan Kerschen is a sales manager at ConstructionJobs.com, which powers the NAHB Career Center. For more information, e-mail Kerschen, or call him at 828-251-1344 x205.
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