Finding qualified workers in the construction field continues to be difficult for contractors.
Finding qualified workers for construction has been a long, loud complaint by building contractors for some time. A recent statement released by The Associated General Contractors of America states that 28,000 jobs were added in the month of August, however, the problem of finding qualified workers for the jobs continues. With construction jobs going begging, learn how to apply for a job in the construction field, get it and keep it.
In any field, education is key to finding a good job and keeping it. Whether learning new skills on the job or whether it is a contractor studying courses through an online contractor school to comply with continuing education requirements for relicensing, it shows initiative to keep ahead of the competition and helps to expand skills and efficiency.
1. Lack of Qualifications for the Job
One complaint potential employers have is that job applicants will apply for jobs in areas where they lack the qualifications to perform the work. In fact, some applicants may not even be bothering to read the job qualifications for the position. An applicant for a position in the construction industry needs to carefully read over the qualifications for a position before applying for that job. If qualifications are lacking, taking a study course or whatever else is necessary in order to qualify can help in the future. Remember, expanding your knowledge base and skills is necessary to compete with others applying for similar positions.
2. Cutting Corners When Filling Out a Job Application
This is a common complaint by potential employers. Instructions for a job application are there for a reason, one of them being to see if the applicant follows instructions. If the applicant doesn’t fill out the application correctly or include the required documents, the potential employer may believe this sloppiness will extend to their work. According to Construction Jobs, Inc., it is easier to be taken seriously as an applicant if the person completes the application carefully following instructions and ensures that all the needed documentation is attached.
Finding problems with job applications is one of the reasons a worker may not be hired.
3. Honesty Is the Best Policy
While a potential employee might have a good application and do well on an interview, some are not entirely upfront about their work experience or ability to do the job they are being interviewed for. When being interviewed, don’t be hesitant to ask questions, and if there are certain areas where guidance may be required or skills not quite up to par, mention that too.
4. If a Job Applicant Is Considering Other Offers
It is time-consuming and frustrating for an employer to interview a candidate for a position only to find that the applicant has decided to take another offer. When interviewing for multiple jobs, it is a better idea to be upfront about it. In this way, you will have a good idea how serious the employer is about hiring you. Employers dislike spending time and effort looking at one potential employee just to have them back out.
Construction workers are needed in all areas of the industry. Improving skills may be necessary to land some jobs.
5. Don’t Apply for Jobs for Which You Are Overqualified
Since the economy went south some years ago, this has been a problem among employers in many areas. According to Careercast, employers think that hiring an employee who is overqualified for a job will cost them extra money and that the employee will become dissatisfied and end up leaving for another job. Hold out for jobs that more closely match your qualifications, and you are more likely to be considered and hired for those positions.
What Areas Are Difficult to Fill?
According to the AGCA, up to 70 percent of jobs in the construction field are difficult for contractors to fill. These include positions as high as supervisors and project managers to bricklayers, carpenters, concrete workers and plumbers to electricians. The AGCA cautions that labor shortages in the construction industry may end up damaging businesses because they will not be able to guarantee sufficient workers to bid on projects.
Studying Through an Online Contractor School
PDH Contractor Academy is an online contractor school that offers preapproved courses for multiple states with online and correspondence courses. Handling those records courses this way saves a contractor both time and money because it can be done from any location and at any time. In addition, taking a bundled course saves you even more money. Once your course is completed successfully, we notify the licensing board where permitted and send you a copy of your completion certificate. Nothing could be easier. Browse courses by state to learn how much you can save and how convenient online courses can help you.