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Nailing the Interview and Making a Lasting Impression in the Construction Industry

08, Apr, 2024

Written By: Emily Harris, Talent Development Manager

Navigating a job search can feel like a full-time job and when you get the interview, you want to feel as prepared as possible. There are few things that a Hiring Manager is constantly looking for when they are hiring for their team and it usually comes down to soft skills more than the types of projects you have worked on.

Always remember the 6 Ps when getting ready for an interview:

  1. Proper
  2. Prior
  3. Preparation
  4. Prevents
  5. Poor
  6. Performance

This means rehearsing and reflecting on your answers for questions surrounding your values and character. Write down examples from your career when you had a win, overcame a tough scenario, a reason you got promoted, etc.

Your mind can go blank in an interview due to nerves and making sure that you prepare in advance prevents those awkward silences or misrepresentation of your skills to happen.

In the construction industry, there are a few things that can help you standout when interviewing:

Problem Solving Skills: No day is the same in the construction industry. No matter the role you are interviewing for, be ready to explain clear examples of identifying and resolving an issue or a time where you had to make an informed decision under pressure. The interviewer wants to know they can rely on you to solve problems and keep things moving forward in the right direction.

Adaptability and Resilience: Be prepared to help the interviewer understand that you can bounce back from unexpected challenges. There are many things out of your control that can impact a job like site conditions, changing project scopes, and more that you need to be able to continue to perform effectively no matter the circumstances.

Teamwork: The construction industry is not a one-man job. If you can’t navigate working with others and collaborating, this is not the place for you. With that being said, discussing ways that you have worked with a Subcontractor, the Preconstruction team, or a Developer, can make a strong impact on your interviewer. You must drop the ego at the door and embrace challenges with the team, knowing you are going to get through it together.

Confidence: Have you ever heard the saying, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”? It is important to show how you make commitments and follow through with them. The strength of your word is the ceiling on your confidence, make sure that you honor your commitments at all costs. Tell the interviewer about a time that you had a “fail forward” moment or attacked your fears to overcome something.

In the construction industry, highlighting problem-solving abilities, adaptability, teamwork, and confidence is crucial. By showcasing these qualities, you can leave a strong impression on your interviewer and enhance your chances of success. So, prepare diligently, demonstrate your strengths, and approach each interview with confidence.

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