Right now the job market is a bit better in the commercial construction market than it was a year ago but it is still difficult to land a job. Every chance to sit with a decision maker in your industry should be maximized and you should leave feeling that you were prepared for the interview. Here are five tips which are crucial when interviewing in today’s market.
1-Dress For Success – Here’s my recommendation if you are actively seeking a new job…..invest in a great suit. Notice I wrote “invest” and not “buy”. Big difference in my opinion. A nice suit, well-tailored with a fresh haircut sets a tone and sends a subliminal message to the interviewer. It lets them know that you take yourself seriously and that you care about how you are perceived by others.
2-Bring Extra Resumes – Bring four copies of your resume on heavy stock resume paper. Even if you only meet with one person you will have been prepared. Say something like, “I’ve brought a few extra resumes here in case I will be meeting with anyone else.” It shows initiative and preparedness.
3-Having Your Story Straight – In the movie Reservoir Dogs an undercover cop explains to another undercover cop about how to tell a story to gain credibility among thieves. While we’re certainly not planning a jewel heist here, we are trying to SELL a company on why you would be an asset. Pick two or three stories about how you saved a company money, skirted disaster on a job or helped a fellow employee and know that story inside and out. Practice telling it to people BEFORE an interview. One of the greatest skills an excellent communicator possesses is the ability to relay a story to someone. It allows the interviewer to connect with you and gives depth to your background.
Also be prepared to talk about every company you have worked for and your reasons for leaving. Short stints can often be explained easily but be prepared to talk about them.
4-Bring out the Big Guns – Have your best references READY for phone calls. Better yet, see if they will call the hiring manager after you’ve interviewed to put in a good word. Be proactive, not reactive. Always use superiors when you can rather than peers.
5-THANK YOU! – Within 24 hours you should have written a nice thank you letter to your interviewer. It’s a MUST.
The job market is still tough in construction and it is my belief that putting the five tips above to work will give you a serious leg up on your competition.
Brendan Ahern is Managing Director of Strive Search Group LLC