Get a Construction Job

Construction is one of the biggest and fastest-growing sectors of industry. It is a vast and multidisciplinary field, requiring cooperation between laborers, skilled trades people, project managers, engineers, designers, municipal authorities, and others. There are ample opportunities for skilled and unskilled laborers to work in this diverse field.

Steps

Seeking and Applying for Employment

1. Use key terms to search for jobs. When you are searching for jobs online or in a database, it is extremely helpful to know what words to include in your search. This is especially true of entry level positions. If you are searching for your first construction job, use phrases such as “general labor,” “construction labor,” or “construction helper.”
   • If you are searching for a more specialized position, use terms specific to your trade. These may include, “electrician,” “welding,” “masonry,” or “site manager.”
   • You could also include a specific certification or degree in your search.
2. Create a resume. Resumes provide potential employers with an overview of your skills and experiences. Convey your skill set with descriptive and concise bullet points. Skills you may wish to include are fast learner, hard worker, and or team leader. Provide your potential employer with a detailed account of your relevant experiences, including educational courses and on-site-training. List all of your industry accreditations.
   • Make sure you proof-read your resume. This document also provides potential employers with a snapshot of your writing abilities. It should be flawless.
3. Interview for the position. Prior to receiving a job offer, you will often have to interview for the position. Make your first impression count—exude confidence, poise, and professionalism throughout the interview.
   • Boost your confidence by answering mock interview questions with a friend or family member.
   • Speak clearly throughout the interview.
   • Wear professional attire, such as a suit and tie or pant suit, to the interview.
   • Send a thank you note or email immediately after leaving the interview.

Acquiring Experience and Meeting the Educational Requirements

1. Work as an unskilled laborer. Entry level construction jobs provide individuals with the opportunity to gain practical on the job experience and training. On construction sites, unskilled laborers are often responsible for cleaning and completing simple manual labor. These jobs, which are often titled “general labor” or “construction labor,” may not be your dream construction job, but they often lead to more skilled positions. In order to apply for these position, you often do not need a high school diploma or GED.
2. Receive a high school diploma or GED. In order to obtain a skilled construction job or pursue an advanced education in your trade, you need to complete high school or receive a GED. While completing these degrees, make an effort to take relevant courses. These include classes in math, physics, and English. If your school offers courses in shop, welding, or specific trades, consider taking these as well.
3. Attend a trade school. Trade schools provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience to flourish within the construction industry. Students may enroll in trade school courses while still in high school. If your high school does not offer construction related courses, enroll at a community college and work towards one of the following degrees: associate of science, associate of technology, or certificate of technology. Trade school programs often take 1 to 2 years to complete. While attending trade school, you will learn how to:
   • Read blue prints
   • Select building materials
   • Correctly install building materials
   • Interpret building codes
4. Apply for an apprenticeship. After completing a trade school program, you may choose to apply for an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you will increase your knowledge of the construction industry and develop specialized skills. During each year of this five year program, you will need to log 2,000 hours on various job sites and 144 hours in the classroom. Your pay will gradually increase throughout the apprenticeship.
5. Obtain certifications. In order to work within certain sectors of the construction industry, you may need to obtain specific certifications. Certification programs provide you with the specialized skills you need to effectively and safely conduct your work. Some of these jobs include:
   • Electrician
   • Hazmat
   • Rigging and Scaffolding construction
6. Receive a Bachelor Degree in Construction Engineering Technology. If you aspire to work as a construction site manager or own your own construction company, it is strongly recommended that you enroll in a Construction Engineering Technology program. This program aims to equip you to effectively manage a construction site or business. You will take advanced math, science, and physics, and engineering courses, as well as business management courses.

Meeting the Physical Requirements

1. Enhance your physical strength. Construction workers must lift heavy materials and equipment. Prior to applying for a construction job, make sure you are capable of lifting heavy items. Increase your strength by lifting weights.
2. Develop your physical stamina. Construction workers are required to complete strenuous tasks over long periods of time. You must have the endurance necessary to lift heavy items and execute laborious tasks repeatedly with few breaks. To enhance your stamina, consider adding cardio to your daily routine.
3. Evaluate your balance and coordination. Construction workers have a dangerous job. The hazards of working on a job site can be compounded by poor balance and or coordination. Determine if you have the ability to balance on scaffolding and beams, as well as the coordination to safely operate machinery and power tools.

Tips

• Remember that most national and local governments employ construction professionals as well. In the U.S., the General Services Administration (GSA) handles all publicly funded construction projects and employs many construction professionals.

Sources and Citations

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