One of the big universal questions construction recruiters hear is “Do I really need to write a thank you note in the 21st Century?”

As some of my hiring managers have told me… “If I do not get a thank you note then I assume that they either do not want the job or they are disorganized.  Either way, my opinion of them is reduced so I will likely move on to the next candidate.”  Well, that pretty much tells me that post interview thank you notes are just as valuable today as they were 50 years ago.

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It is amazing to think that 4 years into a recession with many analysts calling this economy a depression only surpassed by the Great Depression that so many people are sabotaging their careers.  Remember folks, if you are not getting the job done in times this lean, there are plenty of people willing and eager to take your place.  Here are a few behaviors that could be stifling or even killing your career.

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I found this great little YouTube video that reviews tips on how to apply for job openings online.  Below I have listed my additional tips from a recruiter’s perspective as it relates to construction, engineering and mechanical / electrical professionals.

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This is part two of a two part article discussing Key Words.  In part one of this article we discussed how important it is to make your resume Key Word friendly.  Now here are some concrete steps to ensure your corporate or personal resume includes construction industry specific key words.

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For many of us, the chance of getting laid off in the construction industry is much greater now than they have ever been in our professional careers.  It does not matter if you are an engineer, a supplier, a mechanical contractor or a general contractor everyone has felt the pressure.  Now is the time to assess your game plan and here are some tips for surviving a lay off in a sluggish economy.

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Whether you are submitting your resume for job application as a Mechanical Project Manager or are submitting your corporate resume as a part of your company’s bid package for that new hospital being built nearby, key words are crucial to success.  It is imperative that today’s construction executives understand the importance of using “key words”.  This article will discuss what they are as well as giving you real world examples.

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It is too easy to hit send these days.  We all have made the mistake of hitting send well before we meant too.  There are few things worse than that sinking feeling when you want to “take back” an email after it was sent.  Here are 8 tips to help you keep your email communications professional and error free.

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Given the current state of the economy there are more and more qualified applicants for every job opening.  In years past you may have been competing with just a few people for that dream job but now you are competing with 1,000’s of quallified construction professional.  This is where your resume writing skills become a major factor.  Read this blog to learn the tricks to getting your resume read.

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As they say, you only have one chance to make a first impression and let’s give you the best chance you can have to present yourself in the best possible way.  I have seen too many people lose jobs over their appearance.  You do not want the hiring manager to say you looked like you slept in your clothes.  This is a time to put your best foot forward.

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Whether you are an estimator for a mechanical contractor, a project manager for a plumbing contractor or a MEP coordinator at a general contractor at some point in your career you will need professional references.  They are pretty much a required step in the interview process unless you are interviewing with a long time contractor colleague.   Here are a few tips to set you above your competition.

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