top 3 skills employers are looking for in construction right now.
Whether you’re looking for a new role in construction now or considering the profession for the future, it’s important to understand the key skills you will need to succeed.
Whether you’re a Site Manager, Project Manager, or Contracts Administrator, employers will be looking for a balanced competency across a range of interpersonal and technical areas, and emphasis will shift depending on the employer, and the project.
But beyond this fundamental base, how do you set yourself apart? Understanding the specific skills employers are looking for and how you can best display them will enable you to take a proactive approach to your career development and set yourself up for success.
So what skills are building & construction employers looking for in 2022?
1. communication.
In building and construction, having good communication skills means, first and foremost the ability to adapt to your audience. Whether you’re on the phone negotiating with a supplier, in a toolbox meeting, or presenting a progress report to the client, you need to be able to get your ideas across clearly and succinctly.
How you show it:
Show you are articulate in verbal communication by clearly expressing your ideas at interview.
Show you have a clear, succinct written communication style - your CV, cover letter, and any email communications are a good opportunity.
Give examples of your success building rapport with a range of stakeholders from labourers to management.
2. hands-on experience.
Hands-on experience in a trade is highly regarded at the moment, with carpentry background being particularly favourable for Site Manager roles.
Don’t worry if that's not something your can list on your CV though, you can still convey your hands-on understanding of the process.
How you show it:
Give examples of your experience on site.
Demonstrate a technical understanding of your projects - use the right jargon, show that you can read and interpret plans, connect with trades.
3. OHS.
A solid understanding of OHS is a must both for your career success and the safety of yourself and those you work with. Understanding the fundamentals is a non-negitiable, but if you can go beyond and demonstrate a capacity to improve systems and process and train others, you can set yourself apart from the crowd.
How to show it:
Demonstrate a sound knowledge of OHS legislation.
Talk about your success identifying, assessing, and rectifying hazards and risks on site.
Give examples of how you have contributed to development or improvement of policies and processes, and/or delivered effective training to others.
How did you score? If you’re 3/3 here you might be up there with some of the top talent of the moment, so tell people about it and get the recognition you deserve!
But don’t fret if you can’t demonstrate all or even any of these skills in your work experience so far. Your ability to demonstrate that you have a DESIRE for professional development in these areas and that you are ACTING on this by pursuing formal education or training in the workplace is just as important.
A final note, one size does not fit all. These are the most common skills our employers are asking us for right now, but it is your unique skill set, values, and career goals that will ultimately drive the best match with your dream job!
Get in touch to find out how you can maximise your strengths, find your perfect role, and take control of your building and construction career.
And in the meantime, keep in touch to stay in the know.