7 Tips To Advance Your Career in the Construction Industry
Construction is a high-demand industry filled with many opportunities. While job security is excellent, advancing in the career still requires some key steps.
How you approach the early stages of your career makes a huge impact on how you can advance throughout it.
So, what can you do to move your construction career forward?
Here are some of the most effective tips to implement today!
Learn New Skills
Entry-level construction jobs are abundant and offer good base pay. However, without improving your skills you could end up stuck in the same position for years. Learning new skills primes you for career advancement.
There are several strategies to broaden your skill set including:
- Working with mentors with different specialties who can help teach you new skills.
- Identify areas of improvement. What tasks do you find challenging?
- Focus on customer service. This is an important skill that often falls by the wayside.
- Take on new responsibilities outside of your comfort zone.
Build Your Network
Relationships help along every career path, including construction. Networking can help you learn more about the industry, expand your skills, and find new opportunities. Connect with a variety of people in the industry.
Safety First
Safety is paramount for all construction work. The jobs use large, heavy, powerful equipment, and may take place in busy areas. Demonstrating high safety standards is a prerequisite for advancing throughout the industry.
No matter where you are in your construction career, safety must always be first. Leadership notices those who uphold high safety standards. Some helpful safety tips include:
- Following all safety procedures outlined for the project/company
- Bringing your hardhat to every job
- Keep a first-aid kit on hand
Be a Team Player
Even though you want to advance your career, construction is a collaborative industry. For each project, you must work as a team. Failing to work together as a team can lead to failed projects. Instead, show your ability to be a true team player.
Being a team player includes respectful communication, helping others succeed, and putting the success of the team first. Working as a team helps finish the job quicker and ensures quality. This is something teammates and management will appreciate. Garnering a reputation as a great team member is incredibly valuable for advancing in construction.
Meet Project Requirements
Efficiency is important for all construction projects. Staying on time and budget can be difficult, but doing so demonstrates a high work standard.
Showcase strong time management skills. Stick to the budget and timeline set at the beginning of the project. If unforeseen circumstances arise, communicate this as soon as possible, and provide a new estimate.
How can you stick to the project requirements? Use these tips:
- Set realistic requirements. Clients do not always know what a reasonable timeline or budget is for a project. Work with your team to come up with requirements that are fair for you and the client.
- Get started early. Get to work before traffic gets in the way. Waking up early also gives you more hours of daylight.
- Outline the plan for the day. You should know exactly what you need to get done that day. Work with your team to develop clear expectations.
- One step at a time. The exact workflow will vary but focus on finishing one step before moving on to the next.
Deliver Excellent Customer Service
Customer service is part of the industry, especially as you advance. Focus on delivering a great client experience. While you don’t need to be phony or overzealous, show a positive attitude with clients and subcontractors.
Communication is also part of the customer experience. Provide updates, and let them know how things are going. Foster long-term relationships by creating a positive experience. Keep cool even if a client is upset, and work to find a solution.
Consider Additional Education
You can enter construction without continuing education. While you do not need to attend college or trade school for construction, furthering your education can help you advance your career.
There are a ton of helpful options when it comes to construction education. Some examples include:
- Trade school for a relevant trade (like electricians or plumbers)
- Two-year degree
- Four-year college degree in coding, science, math, etc
- Continuing education with certifications and licenses
Furthering your education is not mandatory, but it can help set you apart from other candidates. You can also learn valuable skills and improve your chances of advancing through the industry.
Diamond Peak Recruiting is Here to Help
There are many ways to advance throughout your construction career, but finding the right opportunities can be challenging. Diamond Peak Recruiting is here to help.
We specialize in the AEC industries, helping construction workers find the right opportunity for them. Check out our current job openings here or contact us for help!