How To Find a Job in the Construction Industry

If you’re looking for a gig that challenges both your head and your hands, seek out a job in the construction industry. Construction covers a wide variety of jobs and positions, some requiring little to no experience and others requiring a stronger set of skills and experience. Either way, there are construction jobs out there to be had. Prepare for the search by studying this article on how to find a job in the construction industry.

Have a Clean Background

While there are some off-the-books construction jobs out there, the safest and most respectable companies look for employees with clean backgrounds. Construction companies must perform background checks as a part of the hiring process. Employers will look for red flags like criminal history, sexual offender status, substance abuse, and the like. This ensures they’re hiring employees who are safe and trustworthy. Many construction jobs involve handling and working around heavy equipment, so you’ll need to prove you can keep a clear head. Employers also need to know they can trust their workers to work well together and create a safe environment.

Pursue an Apprenticeship

While there are many entry-level positions in the construction field, you’ll have better luck finding a better-paying position—and have better career prospects—if you serve an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship program involves studying and working under an experienced professional for a time. Apprenticeships are available for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, surveyors, welders, and other positions. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from a year to four years, but the time you spend is worthwhile, and the skills you acquire make you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Join a Professional Organization

Once you decide on the sort of position you’d like in the construction industry, join up with the largest organization representing that career. Multiple professional organizations are available to you. Some are more general in their membership, addressing every aspect of construction work, contracting, and the like. Others are more specialized, serving the professional needs of electricians, plumbers, welders, and so forth. Through such organizations, you’ll receive news about positions in your region and area of expertise, connect with fellow professionals, find mentors and fellow workers, and more. Professional organizations make terrific partners during your job search.

Go Where the Jobs Are

Here’s one more suggestion on how to find a job in the construction industry: go where the jobs are. That doesn’t mean visiting job sites. Most hiring doesn’t occur on-site. Instead, attend job fairs and career days, and watch for job postings online, in the newspaper, and on job boards.

And remember that most people acquire jobs because they know someone who knows someone. Expand your network, update your resume, and let others know you’re available and ready to work. It takes time, but it’s the surest way to find a job.