Interview Questions to Ask When Hiring Construction Executives
Posted on Monday, June 19th, 2017 at 8:50 am
When hiring on the executive level, it’s important to ensure that the person you are hiring has the right blend of technical as well as management skills. This is essential especially when you are recruiting for the construction industry. Even for seasoned construction executive recruiters, it takes time to find the right person who can self-identify as a leader and has the necessary skills to succeed in his/her role as a construction executive. To judge the right candidate, you need the right interview questions. Let’s take a look at the questions you can ask when hiring your next building construction executive:
1. Describe yourself in just one word.
The best candidates for building construction jobs are the one who is well aware of themselves. Although, it’s always advisable to not go by what people boast about them; however, the answer to this question will give you an insight into how the candidates package and present themselves. It gives you an idea about how they judge themselves.
2. Give one example of a time when you encountered a problem and solved it analytically.
At any stage of a building construction project, the executive might face problems. And not all problems are technical in nature. From labor to environmental issues, a wide range of challenges can hinder construction projects. Such situations demand analytical prowess. When you ask a candidate such behavioral question, the candidate will provide you information from their experiences. And when you dig deeper into that, you will get insight into two important areas. The first is, you will get to know how the candidates interact with the outside world and deal with the real-world situation. Information that you will get about the candidate is what they consider to be difficult.
3. Tell us stories of your prior challenges, successes, and major responsibilities.
Communication is one important aspect that every interviewer needs to judge. It’s because the construction executive also needs to communicate at every level of management. This question will help you judge how the candidate can create a compelling narrative. This is essential for explaining complex strategic priorities in a lucid way, explaining complex ideas to prospects, and for motivating the team.
4. Tell us about your failures.
An excellent answer to this question is important because it will help you understand that whether the candidate is afraid of taking risks or not, And also, it will help you determine whether he has the courage to admit it if things do not go according to the plan. This will give you a good view of the characteristic details of the candidate. See what they did after they encountered a failure. Did they learn from it? How did they overcome it? What extra effort do they put to rectify whatever went wrong? Find people who are comfortable in admitting that they tried something and it went wrong. People always find scope to boast about their qualities. A few will tell you what didn’t work out for them.
These questions will help you evaluate the right candidate.
Looking for building construction executive jobs? We can help. We are one of the best construction executive recruiters in the USA. Get in touch with us at https://www.constructionhunters.com/contact/
Construction Executives: Tips to Stay Calm & Focused
Posted on Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 at 8:07 am
The way you manage your emotions at work and stay calm under pressure impacts your productivity. As per a survey conducted by TalentSmart, about 90% of the top performers across various industries are skilled at managing their emotions under stress to stay calm and focused.
Source: http://www.talentsmart.com/
Construction executive jobs demand you to stay focused under stress. Construction projects often encounter problems, and it’s up to the executive to respond to such situation with maturity, acumen, and preparedness. And for that, you need to stay calm and focused. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your composure during the most stress-packed moments at the workplace:
1. Have a Support System
Even the most successful executive tends to falter with a Do-it-All attitude. It’s tempting to handle everything by yourself but for being calm and productive, you need to identify the areas where you’re weak and seek help. In other words, have a support system at work on which you can rest when things become overwhelming for you. Build up a team, identify the individual whom you can rely on to seek assistance during difficult situations. Even talking to them can help you get a new perspective on the problem and reduce your anxiety levels. Most of the time others can provide you a better insight as they are not as emotionally involved in the situation as you are.
2. Project confidence
When you do that, you instill the same confidence in others. When the times are uncertain, or a construction project has gone haywire, you must remain fearless. This communicates the same person to those you are leading. You must keep in mind that there will be ups and downs and when you begin to fear such adverse situation, it becomes extremely difficult to think and act objectively and rationally. When you panic, your mind loses focus, and you are stressed. When confronted with fear, ask yourself what’s the worst possible thing that can happen? If you are confident about it, you will realize that the problem is manageable.
3. Be positive
When you keep a positive mental attitude, it’s easy to maintain your focus. When under pressure, try to divert your brain’s attention to something positive. It’s easy when things are running smooth, and your mood is good. However, when things are challenging, your mind is flooded with negative thoughts. Identify a positive event, no matter how small it may be, and reflect on it. This will help you avoid your thoughts from turning negative.
4. Avoid contemplating on “What if’s.”
‘What if’ statements always intensify your stress levels. When it comes to construction projects, things can go in some directions. The more time you spend worrying about what is going to happen in the future, the less time you will get to focus on the work at hand. This also prevents you from staying calm and focuses your mind on taking action.
Try these simple steps to mitigate your stress and stay focused.
Looking for construction executive jobs? We can help you find one. We are one of the top construction executive recruiters in Florida. Call us today at 214-935-3626.
Interview Questions for Civil Engineers in Construction Industry
Posted on Wednesday, May 10th, 2017 at 7:04 am
Interviewers start assessing you the moment you walk through the doors. They not only assess your attitude but also, the way you present yourself. And to crack an interview for the position of civil engineers, you must be clear about a few things:
• The way you want to contribute to the success of the organization
• Why you are willing to work for the organization
• How much you are willing to learn
A few Tips for Answering General Question
Whether you are appearing for an interview conducted by the construction staffing agency or by the organization, most of the interviews start with an informal conversation and a round of introduction before the interview panel becomes more specific about their questions. This is the time when they judge your communication skills and your enthusiasm for joining the organization. This acts as a warm-up for you before getting into further technicalities. So, when facing this round, always:
• Speak clearly and focus on your tone modulation to show that you are interested and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
• Do not hurry. Take your time to think about the questions before answering them. This ensures that you give a good response.
• Listen carefully. Let the hiring manager lead the conversation. If you are not able to understand any question, do not hesitate to ask the hiring manager to explain it to you.
• Always give examples from your experience to show that you have the desired knowledge and skills.
Here are a few questions faced by Civil Engineers during an interview:
1. Tell us about yourself.
This is one of the most critical questions that Civil engineers face in the job interview. If you nail the response, chances are high that good news will follow. When answering this question summarize your studies or work whatever is relevant to your position. If it’s an opening for experienced Civil Engineer, it’s better to your focus on your relevant experience. Discuss your personal and professional goals and where you want to achieve in your next career move.
2. Why do you want to work for the organization? Or why we should hire you?
The recruiter will always try to judge your enthusiasm about joining the company. They want to see whether you share their goals and passions or not. To answer this question, conduct thorough research about the company and the job role.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Always emphasize on your strengths. Mention on one or two weaknesses followed by what you are doing to overcome them.
We hope these tips will help you nail your interview. If you are looking for a job in the construction industry, get in touch with us. We are one of the leading construction staffing agencies in Texas. Contact us today at http://www.constructionhunters.com/contact/
Construction Executives: 6 Tips to Get the Job
Posted on Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 at 6:58 am
How well you ace an interview depends on how you present yourself. Whether you are an experienced professional or just a fresher, interviews are always nerve-racking. Here we discuss a few tips to impress the prospective employer and get the job:
1. Conduct Research
Go beyond the “about us” page and conduct a thorough research about the organization. Check the completed and ongoing construction projects of your prospective employer. Conduct a thorough research on their competitors. This will give you detailed insight on their mission, vision and the current challenges they are facing right now. Use this information to explain how your appointment can help the company.
2. Give real-life examples
A highly specialized industry like construction demands highly skilled team members who can demonstrate leadership qualities and are intuitive and good problem-solvers. When asked questions, give real-life examples that demonstrate your qualities and abilities. This helps in building credibility and also makes you relatable.
3. Be clear about your abilities
Have you identified your abilities and key strengths? If not, then identify and articulate them. You can check the job responsibilities and the demands as mentioned in the advertisement and tailor your strengths around them. However, remember to back your claims with examples from your previous job where you demonstrated those strengths and helped the organization solve a problem.
4. Be specific
Button up your responses and be specific about what you are saying. If you talk too much, chances are high that you might drift away from the topic and bore the listener. Instead, make the interviewer get into a conversation with you. Stop a bit and let him or her ask questions. This helps in building a rapport and keeps your confidence levels high.
5. Ask for Clarification
If you are unsure about a question, then do not hesitate to ask for clarification. Sometimes, the interviewer asks questions that do not relate to the job position. Do not get confused but ask for further clarification by asking how it relates to the position you are applying for.
6. Don’t hesitate to say “No.”
Not knowing something is not a fault, but not accepting your ignorance is a fault. If you are not confident in answering a tricky question or if you do not know the answer, then say “no.” It’s better to accept it than giving a faulty answer.
Above all, stay calm. It helps in boosting confidence and relieves stress.
Looking for jobs in the construction industry? Let us help you. We are the leading construction headhunters in the US. Call us today at 214-935-3626.
How to Apply for Construction Jobs
Posted on Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 at 2:40 am
The construction output is poised to grow by 5% in 2017. With this growth, America is expected to witness increased rate of new home construction, low construction inputs prices, and job growth.
Source: https://group.atradius.com/publications/market-monitor-construction-usa-2016.html
If you are about to start a job search in the construction industry and are unsure about the ways to do it, then we can help you. Be it construction executive jobs or entry level jobs, your job application depends on the type of position you are applying for. Here we discuss the best ways to apply for construction jobs:
1. Apply through job recruiters
If you are unsure about where to start from, it’s best to leave that task to the job recruiters. Nowadays, a number of leading construction organizations are turning to the recruiting agencies for initial screenings and interview process. Construction job recruiters (like us) have in-depth knowledge about the job scenario in the industry. Experienced recruiting agencies will provide you with a supportive network and help you get through job roles that are suitable for you. This means, you never go to an employer unprepared. If you are looking for the best construction executive job recruiters in Texas or any other state, call us today at 214-935-3626.
2. Online Job Application
There are a number of job portals where you can post your resume. Some websites will let you upload your resume while others have their own online application form which you have to fill up. Keep the supporting documents such as cover letter, portfolios, reference list, employment certificate and other relevant documents handy.
3. Apply directly to companies
You can directly apply for a particular position in a construction company. You can either apply for jobs on the company website or apply in person. Go through the job listing of the construction companies you are interested in. It’s because often the companies do not list job openings online. In such case, visiting the company website is one of the best options. Another way is to drop your resume in person. When applying in person, keep a sample job application complete with all relevant information with you. And be prepared to get interviewed on spot.
4. Follow-up After Applying
You have applied for a position in a company but haven’t heard back in two weeks. You can follow-up by email or call up the hiring manager. Be brief, to the point. Leave your phone number so that it’s easy for them to contact you.
Hopefully, these steps will guide you in successfully completing your job application process. For any further queries regarding construction executive jobs, get in touch with us at http://www.constructionhunters.com/contact/
Traits That Construction Executive Head Hunters Look For
Posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 at 9:14 am
When it comes to hiring, meeting only the requirements of the job advertisement won’t get you through the interview. When assessing candidates the employers or the construction headhunters firm look for the ones who have the required technical skills and the right personality or attitude. They look for people are not only self-directed but are also responsible. Let’s take a look at the essential traits that every construction executive headhunter looks for:
1. Self-Directed Team members
The recruiting agencies and the hiring managers are always looking for people who are self-directed. They are always looking for candidates with goals in their life. It’s because such candidates are clear about what they want to achieve and are willing to work hard for it. They have a better reason to pay close attention to the work they are doing than the person who took the job only for the paycheck. Are you looking for executive head hunters in Texas? Get in touch with us today at www.constructionhunters.com.
2. A Strategic Thinker
Hiring managers are always searching for candidates who are able to identify long-term goals. They look for candidates who not only have a vision for the future but also have a plan to achieve that. This trait is particularly essential for construction executives. Strategic thinking has become a prerequisite for people employed in the construction industry. Such persons are process-oriented, have clear objectives, and are data-driven, thus ensuring long-term success in any project.
3. A continuous learner
Employers want to hire people who love to learn new things. The construction industry is constantly evolving with technological developments. The modern workplace is also influenced as people need to learn and adapt to the changes around them. A good team member is the one who isn’t afraid of learning new trades and evolving with the changing times.
4. An effective team member
Accomplishing a construction project is all about teamwork. So, this is the most crucial thing that a construction executive head hunter is looking for in a customer. Don’t be surprised if you are asked about the way you function in a team. You have to explain how you handled a situation that required teamwork and how your team came through.
5. A Proactive Approach
Proactive team members do not wait for instructions; rather, they take initiatives whenever they find an opportunity to help. One way to demonstrate this is by asking the hiring manager about the work you will be performing.
We hope that these points have helped you gain insights into the traits that construction executive head hunters look for in candidates. For any further queries, call us at 214-935-3626.
How to Get Construction Jobs?
Posted on Monday, February 20th, 2017 at 8:19 am
The construction industry of the USA is regarded as the key indicator of the strength of its economy. In 2016, the construction sector also witnessed a solid growth in employment rates. According to an analysis by the Labor Department, between July 2015 and July 2016, 39 states in the USA added construction jobs.
Source: https://www.agc.org/news/2016/08/19/construction-employment-rises-39-states-and-district-columbia-over-latest-12-months
If you are interested in joining the construction industry, this is the best time to do so. Here we discuss the tricks to get construction jobs:
1. Get in touch with Construction Executive Recruiters
Construction executive recruiters have great access to the hidden job markets in the industry. It’s primarily because many leading construction companies choose to hire team members exclusively through recruiting agencies. With construction executive recruiters, you do not have to spend endless hours emailing your resume and covers letter to hiring managers. They have a deeper knowledge of the industry and can help you find jobs that will suit your needs. If you are looking for good construction executive recruiters in Florida or in any other state, get in touch with us at www.constructionhunters.com.
2. Gain Experience and the Required educational qualification
Experience matters in every industry and the construction industry is no different. If you do not have relevant experience, then getting an entry level job is the best way to gain experience. Being an unskilled labor at any construction site will help you gain necessary skills and higher positions. Enroll in relevant courses or certification programs. This further helps you learn specialized skills and also, bolsters your resume.
3. Get into a Trade School
Here, you will gain both theoretical and practical experience that will help you get a job in the construction industry. You will get to learn how to read blueprints or select the right building materials. You will also learn the ways to understand and interpret building codes which is essential for getting a job in the construction industry.
4. Apply for Apprenticeship Programs
An apprenticeship program will give you the scope to apply the knowledge gained in trade school. It’s yet another way that can land you a job in the construction industry. Apprenticeship program will expose you to the construction industry, and help learn basic construction skills.
5. A well-written Resume
You will find a number of construction jobs online; however, getting one gets tough if your resume is not well-written or lacks depth. Writing a good and effective resume is easier said than done. Weave your relevant experiences and skills in a manner to grab the attention of the hiring manager.
We hope that these tips will help you get a job in the construction industry. For any further queries, call us at 214-935-3626.
6 Tips to Hire the Best Construction Headhunters Firms
Posted on Monday, January 23rd, 2017 at 7:21 am
Attracting and hiring the best talents is one of the important aspects of any successful construction organization. And trusting an outside agency with such an immense responsibility is much difficult. In such case, hiring the best construction head hunters is the only way to put your mind at ease. But, how can you tell whether you are hiring the right construction staffing agency or not? Here are a few tips:
1. Prioritize Due Diligence
Before zeroing in on a construction head hunter, evaluate them. Check their LinkedIn profile. Do they have the required expertise in the area you want them to work in? Do they have the relevant experience as they claimed to you during your first meeting? Get the facts together before taking any decision.
2. Check for Experience
When you are hiring recruiting headhunters, especially in the construction industry, you want them to find the best skill-set for you. Find out for how long they have been operating in the industry. Experienced head hunters have spent years tracking and building a network of candidates who are best in the industry. With experienced construction head hunters, it will take less time to fill any vacant position in your organization with quality candidates.
3. Get references
Before you hire construction head hunters, check with your peers in the industry. Ask them for reference. Check the quality of their recruitments and also check their track record of delivering results. Apart from that, ask the agency for references and call them. Find out whether they are satisfied with the services of the agency or not. This will help you get an overall idea of how the agency operates in the industry.
4. Check the Contract Terms
Evaluation of the contract is yet another important task before hiring any construction head hunter. You do not want to get stuck with inflexible terms and conditions. So, ensure that all your demands are addressed in the contract.
5. Be clear with your Demands
Be clear with what you want and what exactly you are looking for. A good recruiting agency will listen to your needs and requirements and try to find someone who is apt for the job. And for that, it is essential to communicate this to the recruiting agency.
6. Interview them thoroughly
Interview the recruiting agency just as you would interview a candidate. Check whether they have the candidates in their network for the positions or not. Ask them about their screening processes. Ask how they are going to maintain a chain of communication with you. Also, ask them how long they usually take to fill a position.
These tips will help you thoroughly evaluate the recruiting agencies and find the best for you. If you are looking for experienced construction head hunters in the USA, get in touch with us at 214-935-3626.
6 Tips to Get a Construction Job
Posted on Friday, January 20th, 2017 at 6:55 am
Construction is among the fastest growing industries in the USA. From skilled personnel to unskilled labors, there are plenty of job opportunities for everyone. If you too are willing to join the industry, then here are a few tips for you:
1. Create a Strong Resume
This is the first and foremost step to kick-start your job searching process. A strong resume highlights your relevant skills and demonstrates how your skills can be useful for the organization. Since the construction industry is multidisciplinary, so marketing your skills and strengths are extremely important. However, try and include only relevant information in your resume.
2. Target the resume to the position
You have only a few minutes to impress the hiring manager and get the interview call. So, it is essential to make your resume appear relevant. Avoid using the same resume for each organization. Try tweaking the resume to match it closely with the demands of the position. Also, change your cover letter every time you apply for a job in the construction industry. This will help you get noticed.
3. Consult Construction Executive Recruiters
Construction executive job recruiters in Texas or in any other state in the USA are of great help when it comes to employment recruitment. They not only help you connect with the hiring manager but also provide you valuable industry insights. They can help you get more focused and targeted in your job search. If you are looking for qualified and experienced construction executive recruiters, then get in touch with our industry experts today at www.constructionhunters.com.
4. Look for entry-level position
If you do not have relevant experience, then it is essential to understand how the industry works at the first place. And for that, learn the ins and outs of the industry by getting an entry-level job. You can even try doing short-term jobs to gain relevant experience. These experiences will help you get a strong footing in the construction industry.
5. Apply in Person
This is one of the best ways to find employment in the construction industry. Though most of the organizations have an online application process but, in this case, chances of your resume getting overlooked are high. Instead, try applying in person. This raises your chances of getting interviewed on the spot.
6. Dress Appropriately
A good first impression is of utmost importance for job interviews. The ways you dress and carry yourself often speak volumes. You do not need a suit to look your best. Keep your clothes and appearance neat, clean and simple.
Above all, be persistent with your efforts. Hopefully, these tips will help you increase your chances of getting hired. For any further details, call us at 214-935-3626.
Construction Executive Jobs: 8 Things to Know First
Posted on Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 at 12:50 am
Interested in joining the construction industry as an executive? If yes, then check these facts about the industry before you take any decision:
1. According to Fortune, in April 2015, the construction industry accounted for 20% of the total jobs created in that month. According to government data, 223,000 new jobs were added during the month of April.
2. Between May 2015 and May 2016, California added the maximum number of construction jobs. The state added 39,600 new construction jobs. Other states include Florida (29,400), Georgia (13,400), and New York (11,000).
3. In 2014, the average salary of a construction worker was $35,750. The areas where construction workers are well paid include Chicago, Honolulu, and New York. The average salary of a construction worker in Chicago is $56,330.
4. In the same year, the average salary of a construction manager was $94,590.
5. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in August 2016, employment rates in construction industry dropped by 6,000 jobs. In case of nonresidential buildings, the industry lost 8,000 jobs. In 2015, the industry had added 25,000 new jobs.
6. By the end of 2014, the subsectors in the construction industry such as Heavy & Civil Engineering construction, Construction of Buildings and Specialty Trade Contractor witnessed an increase in employment rates. Although the growth rate was lower when compared to the rates of 2007. In 2014, the employment rates in the Heavy and Civil Engineering was 7% lower than what it was in 2007. Also, the employment rates of both Specialty Trade Contractors and construction of buildings dropped over 20%. In 2009, the employment rates in the subsector Construction of Buildings plummeted by 33% and Specialty Trade Contractors was down by 31% than the rates of 2007.
7. Post-recession, employment rates in various positions in the construction industry improved. Between 2010 and2013, the employment rates of construction laborers increased by 24%. Whereas, the employment rates of power-line installers were up by 63%. Compared to these sectors, there was several other job sectors in the construction industry that didn’t recover despite the overall good performance of the construction industry. The job rates of drywall installers went down by 35% during the same period and job rates for cement masons too plummeted by 44%.
8. In 2010, unemployment rates in the construction industry were more when compared to other nonfarm industries. The unemployment rates of nonfarm industries were 11% while in the construction industry, it was 27%. By 2014, the unemployment rates dropped further. In the construction industry, unemployment rates dropped by 6.4% (as of October 2010).
Hopefully, these pointers will give you valuable insights regarding the state of the construction industry in the USA. If you are looking for construction executive jobs, get in touch with us. We are one of the best building constructions staffing solutions in Texas. Call us today at 214-935-3626.
Source:
http://fortune.com/2015/05/08/construction-jobs/
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf
http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/morning_call/2016/06/7-things-to-know-today-plus-how-many-construction.html
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/construction-worker/salary
http://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/ceshighlights.pdf