Menu
Menu
When people hear the word “networking,” their thoughts often turn to freshly dry-cleaned suits, fancy business lunches and handshake deals — stuff of the white-collar business world.
Networking isn’t just for office jobs, though. Truthfully, it’s important in every industry. That includes construction. Here are some tips on how to network in the construction industry.
If you want other people to help you make connections, then do likewise. The folks at Buildertrend explained it this way: “Don’t just look to get connected, connect others along the way, too. Helping other people is just another way of building relationships. Not only does it feel good, but your generosity will likely be repaid.”
We couldn’t agree more.
You’re searching for connections, and employers are searching for potential new hires. You’ve got to meet employers on their terms, and that means getting yourself on the job boards where employers are searching.
Build Your Future Arizona, for example, has construction career hopefuls complete a Job Seeker Profile. Completing your profile is hugely beneficial, as your information gets funneled to construction employers who are seeking your specific skills/interest/goals. We also recommend frequently checking the site’s job board, which is a crucial resource for folks looking to start a construction career or find a different construction gig.
Build Your Future Arizona can also send you communications tailored to your specific job search. To get the most helpful information, update your email preferences with us today.
This step can’t be overlooked. LinkedIn genuinely matters, even in the construction industry.
Getting on LinkedIn, building out your profile, and connecting with professional and personal acquaintances will pay dividends. A completed, regularly updated LinkedIn profile signals to hiring managers that you value your career, and are putting in the work to move it forward. But it goes beyond this: As we outlined in a previous blog post, “Not only does a completed profile make you more searchable, LinkedIn builds their algorithm to reward users that engage.” In other words, a completed profile impresses both humans and computers.
Face-to-face interactions still make a big difference. The construction industry is inherently tactile, after all. Talk to people on the job, show up at company get-togethers, register for industry events. Each in-person connection you make has real value.
The construction tech company LetsBuild suggests collecting business cards of the construction professionals you meet, then quickly reaching out afterward via email and LinkedIn. (Business cards may sound old fashioned, but in this case, an oldie is a goodie.)
There are lots of different career paths in the construction industry. In the places where you’re presenting yourself professionally (LinkedIn, resumes, etc.), make your specific goals known. In a previous blog post outlining how to impress a potential employer, we explained how sharing your vision for your future can make a big difference.
“Employers want to see that you are motivated to grow,” we wrote. “List goals for training, accreditations you plan to obtain and other long-term strategies.”
Not every professional acquaintance will be eager to help you, but some will. Showing them your goals will make it clearer what kind of specific help they can provide.
Lastly, know that networking never stops — this is a good thing. By steadily building connections, both in person and online, you maintain forward momentum for when you really need it (i.e. after a layoff, before a relocation, etc.). A little effort today will pay dividends tomorrow. Now get out there and network.