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Navigating the Construction Job Market: A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers
Navigating the Construction Job Market: A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers
The construction industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, offering a diverse range of career opportunities for individuals with a variety of skills and interests. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, there are numerous paths to success in this rewarding sector.Understanding the Construction LandscapeBefore embarking on your construction job search, it's crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry's landscape. Familiarise yourself with the different types of construction projects, from residential and commercial buildings to infrastructure projects and heavy engineering works. Research the major construction companies and organisations operating in your area, as well as the various trade unions and associations that represent construction workers.Identifying Your NicheThe construction industry encompasses a wide spectrum of roles and specialisations, catering to individuals with diverse skill sets and career aspirations. Consider your strengths, interests, and experience to identify a niche that aligns with your preferences. Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, working with your hands? Or are you drawn to the analytical side of construction, overseeing project management and planning?Developing Your Skills and ExpertiseWhether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the industry, continuous learning and skill development are essential for career advancement in construction. Enrol in relevant training courses, workshops, and apprenticeships to enhance your technical skills and knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations. Consider pursuing certifications that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development. While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like communication and teamwork are also increasingly valued. Enhance these skills to gain a competitive edge.Networking and Building ConnectionsNetworking is paramount in the construction industry, as it opens doors to new opportunities and allows you to gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs to connect with potential employers and fellow construction workers. Engage with industry groups and online forums to expand your network and stay updated on the latest trends and developments.Freelance and Contract Work Landscape:The gig economy has reached the construction industry. Freelance and contract work offer flexibility but lack the security of full-time employment. Understand the pros and cons before making decisions.Crafting a Compelling CV and Cover LetterYour resume and cover letter serve as your first impression, so make them count! Tailor your resume to each job application, highlighting relevant skills, experience, and certifications that align with the specific requirements of the position. Craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for construction, your ability to contribute to the company's goals, and your eagerness to learn and grow.Preparing for InterviewsThe construction industry's interview process can be rigorous. Prepare thoroughly, conduct research, and be ready for practical assessments. Interviews often involve discussions of technical skills, project experience, and safety protocols. Be prepared to answer questions about your knowledge of specific construction methods, tools, and equipment. Practice common interview questions and rehearse your responses to project-related scenarios. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and your ability to work effectively in a team environment.Embracing Continuous Learning and GrowthThe construction industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging at a rapid pace. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and stay abreast of industry trends and advancements. Attend training courses, workshops, and seminars to expand your knowledge and skillset. Actively seek mentorship from experienced professionals in your field, and don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance. For example, with a focus on sustainability this year, there's a growing demand for professionals in green construction. Certifications like LEED can enhance your marketability.Diversity and Inclusion in Construction:Although traditionally male-dominated, the industry is shifting towards diversity and inclusion. Several organisations and government policies in Ireland are working towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction sector, including the Construction Industry Federation and the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) Construction Industry Diversity Strategy.Additional Tips for Success in the Construction Job Market· Highlight your safety awareness. Safety is paramount in the construction industry. Emphasize your understanding of safety protocols and your commitment to working in a safe and responsible manner.· Demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Construction often presents unexpected challenges and requires quick thinking and adaptability. Showcase your ability to analyse situations, identify solutions, and implement effective solutions.· Emphasise your teamwork skills. Collaboration is essential for success in the construction industry. Highlight your ability to work effectively with others, communicate clearly, and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.· Stay up to date with industry regulations. Construction projects are subject to a variety of regulations and standards. Stay informed about relevant regulations and demonstrate your commitment to adhering to industry-wide standards. Recommended Online Courses for Career Progression:1. QA Level 5 Diploma in Construction Project Management - This online course will help you gain an in-depth understanding of construction project management principles, techniques, and tools.2. Code 360 Online Building and Construction Technology Course - This online course covers a range of topics such as building design and analysis, construction systems and technologies, and sustainable building practices.3. Online CE CPD course for Engineers - This course will help you keep up to date with the latest developments in the engineering industry, including new codes, standards, and technologies.The construction job market is complex, influenced by economic conditions, technology, and social trends. Proactive steps, including upskilling, networking, and leveraging industry resources, improve your chances of success. Despite the challenges, with the right strategy, you can build a fulfilling career in construction.Best of luck with your construction job search! If you'd like to discuss a new role, or just need advice on your journey please feel free to contact our experienced construction recruitment team at construction@sigmar.ie or call 014744600 for a confidential discussion.
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20 Disney Quotes That Will Inspire You To Succeed in Your Career
20 Disney Quotes That Will Inspire You To Succeed in Your Career
There's a lot of wisdom in Disney films so here are some of the best quotes to inspire you today.."Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it." - Rapunzel (Tangled) "All it takes is faith and trust." - Peter Pan (Peter Pan) "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - The Emperor (Mulan) "Don't just fly, soar." - Dumbo (Dumbo) "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." - Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins) "Life's not a spectator sport. If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya" - Laverne (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) "The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." - Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) "Believe you can, then you will." - Mulan (Princess Stories) "Today is a good day to try." - Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) "If you don't know where you want to go, then it doesn't matter which path you take" - The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) "Admit defeat, and defeat will surely admit you into permanent custody" - Beret Girl (An Extremely Goofy Movie) "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it" - Rafiki (The Lion King) "You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" - Winnie the Pooh (Pooh's Most Grand Adventure) "Always let your conscience be your guide" - The Blue Fairy (Pinocchio) "Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own" - Donald Duck "Just because it's what's done, doesn't mean it's what should be done." - Cinderella (Cinderella) "Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one." - Grandmother Willow (Pocahontas) "The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability." - Remy (Ratatouille) "Now, think of the happiest things. It's the same as having wings." - Peter Pan (Peter Pan) "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
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8 Social Media Mistakes that Could Damage your Career
8 Social Media Mistakes that Could Damage your Career
As managers become more tech savvy and social media increases to grow in popularity, it would be foolish to think that your online activity isn't being noticed by those you work with. This isn't to say you should delete all your socials and go live under a rock, but it is important to be cautious about what you are posting. Here are 8 things you should avoid doing if you want to keep your manager happy. 1. Logging on During Work Hours This is a big no no! Most of us have several social media accounts and have notifications popping up throughout the day but it is advised not to check these notifications during your working day. Your employer pays you to do your job and being seen using social media during the day could very easily cost you that job. Check your socials on your phone during break times and avoid social media during work hours especially on your work computer. 2. Using Text Language When you’re used to texting, it can be very easy to use text language in emails without even realising. However, attention to detail is important to employers and it is seen as unprofessional to use text language in important emails. Avoid using words like: “coz” for because “2” instead of to and too “u” for you 3. Posting Inappropriate Photos Everyone is partial to a night out every once in a while, but it’s important to remember on work nights out in particular, to avoid posting inappropriate posts and photos. It may seem like a bit of harmless fun but it could show you in an unappealing light to your employer. Even sharing photos of your friend’s drunken antics could be an issue to your employer. 4. Posting Tasteless Comments Social media is an open platform for all kinds of opinions. However, any comment meant to offend or discriminate will not be accepted by your employer or colleagues. Always be wary of how open you are with your opinions online and avoid posting any malicious or discriminatory comments, as well as sharing content of the same nature. 5. Complaining About Your Job/Boss Online Even if you dislike your job or your boss, you should never post anything negative about your workplace online. Doing this could affect you being hired by future employers. If you need to vent negatively about your job or work relationships, it’s best to speak face to face with someone you trust. You could even consider writing your feelings down on a piece of paper and binning it afterwards. 6. Posting Content About Searching For A New Job Unless your colleagues and employer are aware of your job search, like in an instance of redundancy or you’re in your final weeks of a temporary contract, you shouldn’t go public on social media about your job search. If your employer becomes aware of your plan to leave the company, they are in a position to find a replacement for you straight away. You could find yourself being replaced before you’ve even found yourself a new job. 7. Cyber Bullying This is never ok and it’s seen as a social media mistake in general not just for your career. Avoid any malicious activity with or against any of your colleagues. This could cost you your job and potentially future jobs. 8. Sharing Confidential Information With most employment contacts you sign a declaration to not disclose any confidential information outside of your workplace. It is particularly important to keep private matters off social media. This applies to good information as well. It can be very easy to share good news about your company but often companies like to announce their news publicly themselves. You could find yourself in trouble if you announce information on your own social media before the company wanted to share it.
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How To Grab An Employer’s Attention Online
How To Grab An Employer’s Attention Online
With an ever increasing number of platforms to utilise for finding a job, how do you stand out from the crowd and grab an employer’s attention? We’ve put together nine easy steps to get yourself noticed online. Create a LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn is the most commonly used and abused job website in most countries at this stage. With over one million users in Ireland, LinkedIn has the capabilities of jobs boards along with a community of knowledge that any candidate can benefit from. Recruiters are probably some of the most avid LinkedIn users so make sure your profile is filled out in detail and is optimised with keywords associated with your target job. Bonus Tip: Along with LinkedIn, recruiters and hiring managers also love Twitter to get jobs out there so consider becoming a regular user on this site also. Use Jobs Boards Smartly When applying for jobs tailor your CV for each position. Optimise your cover letter and skill section to match that of the job specification. Consider creating a profile on these sites but keep track of them as people tend to forget they create these profiles after they find a job. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) This daunting term is not just relevant to marketers but to anyone who is marketing themselves online. SEO is identifying keywords relevant to your role and using these evenly throughout your profile. Look over specifications for jobs that you are interested in, identify commonly repeated skills that you possess and use these in your profiles. This method works for any profile that is searchable online (both publically and privately) so apply these techniques to LinkedIn, jobs boards and anywhere else you are looking for a job. Embed Social Profiles into CVs Whether handing out hard copy CVs or sending CVs via email etc. make sure to include links to your online profiles. This gives recruiters and employers the opportunity to get to know you before an interview and will help recruiters gauge overall fit with the company. But be careful what you post on these sites as inappropriate posts can be detrimental to your future role. Interact on Social Media Most recruiters are active online, sharing content and updates. If they share a job that may not suit your experience but you know someone, forward or retweet to them. If your contact gets an interview they can drop your name in for the recruiter’s knowledge. Sharing recruiter’s content and commenting on company news can be a great way of getting known by a company/recruiter. Following thought leaders in your industry will keep you ahead of the tide as regards changes in the trade and alert you to any importance conferences or networking events that you should be present at. Be In Demand Know what is going on in the landscape of your industry. Are things changing? Are there new technologies that will affect your job? Be ready to talk about these openly in your cover letter, on LinkedIn and in interviews. Showing that you are ahead of the curve with industry news shows that you are interested in your chosen profession/industry. Keep a close eye on competitors to know what they are doing and come up with examples of how you can help your company gain traction over their competitors. Showing genuine vigour for a company can score you points with a recruiter. Be Creative The above point leads directly into this one – Be Creative. If you know your industry and the companies that you are applying for then you know the norms. Do not be afraid of pushing these norms to get noticed but know the limits of your industry. Do not copy off others but show your uniqueness through your CV and online profiles so that personality and cultural fit are evident. Get Recommended LinkedIn have a nifty tool called ‘Recommendations’ which allows colleagues/managers/former associates to publicly or privately provide feedback on your work ethic and experience working with you. This can be great when recruiters are trying to find talent as referrals can say a lot more about a person’s ability to work than their profile can. Unique Selling Point Proposition The most important thing to remember when actively seeking employment is that you are selling your skills and abilities to recruiters and human resource departments in the hope of a position in their company. With this in mind you need to figure out what skills/abilities you possess that makes you different to others in your field. For your online profile use something generic to the industry that you are in/want to be in but tailor your cover letter and CV for each role you are applying for – make it relevant to the position that you are aiming for. Examples would be: “I increased our company’s online sales by 11% in three months, using a mixture of social media, content creation and email marketing, which was coordinated solely by myself.” “I effectively managed several large client accounts over the past year, turning them from loss making accounts into some of the largest profit making accounts for my company.”
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Sending Personal Emails At Work Could Get You Into Trouble
Sending Personal Emails At Work Could Get You Into Trouble
Online privacy is always appearing in the news and with our reliance on technology to do everything this is no wonder. A constant problem in workplaces across the globe is employees blurring the lines between work emails and home emails. In the US, one third of employees who are fired have the reason of excessive or inappropriate email usage as a contributing factor. And if reports are correct that we spend approximately 70% of our time in work or on our phones and laptops, would that not make sense then to use our work emails more? Quick personal emails The problem is that we seem to be using our Gmails and Yahoo’s much less and prefer to ping off a quick email to our friend to say we’re running late for that coffee or the landlord to advise of a leaky tap that needs to be fixed. Surely that’s not “excessive”? But even if you don’t use your emails and send a message via Facebook chat instead, it’s actually just as dangerous because everything you do on your office PC or laptop during work time is not only accessible to IT, but indeed technically on work time and therefore legally owned by your company. And therefore your employer has every right to question every correspondence you send. Or are we just getting very George Orwell all of a sudden? Most companies require employees to sign an IT disclosure form; how many of us read it before we sign is debatable but I’m willing to take a bet that it’s not many. Once you sign that form, you are agreeing to hand over pretty much your entire digital identity while at work to your employer. And by default, your friends and colleagues details and identities. That figure of 70% is actually skewed as well – if your boss doesn’t like you and plans to get rid of you, it would be very easy to use excessive or inappropriate email use as a reason to fire you whereas you may see your correspondence as normal and perfectly within the work remit. Inappropriate doesn’t mean dodgy emails to colleagues about sensitive subjects or gossip about your boss though – this can also mean sending your landlord an email about that tap. Our judgement is blurred Which brings us back to square one – our judgment is being blurred more and more by the age of technology and considering we are online virtually 24/7, it stands to reason we’ll condense our online life to make things easier? You must also remember that anything you do online, whether on the internet or on your own work network, can never be fully deleted. You will never be able to outsmart the IT guy; they don’t care who you are or what you’ve done. They don’t discriminate, but with the invention of big data, it’s very easy for companies to track what you do during your workday. The key point to keep remembering is – if you don’t want your employer to have access to your personal online presence, don’t do it at work. Limit your social life to your home PC or private phone and remember that perhaps it’s time to look at whether you’re really doing your job well if you find yourself spending more time chatting online than doing work. View original article in The Journal.ie
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The Power of the Creative CV in Online Marketing
The Power of the Creative CV in Online Marketing
Online Marketing has been an area of significant growth over the last few years. Seeing as your CV is your first point of contact with potential employers, many jobseekers have been utilising their CVs to convey their creativity and suitability for online marketing roles. Used well, a creative CV can really give you the edge over the competition. Not only does it reflect your personality, it speaks volumes about your creativity and problem solving skills. A well designed CV is the first impression a future employer will get of you, your style, and your methods of working. However before you run off and start working on your CV masterpiece bear the following in mind; Don’t skimp on Relevant Information Whilst it’s easy to get carried away on a creative buzz, don’t skimp on relevant information for the sake of design. An effective creative CV finds the balance between design and information. It’s important for employers to know what you’ve achieved and where you’ve been so make sure you stress your experience and include all relevant information. At the end of the day, it is the most important factor. Don’t overdo it It is very easy for the design to overwhelm your CV, so show a little bit of restraint and taste when it comes to designing your CV. Content is king at the end of the day so make sure it’s easy to read, well organised and clear. As previously mentioned the competition for jobs in the online marketing sector is strong and each candidate is fighting a new fight with each application. You can be one step ahead of the competition by highlighting your CV through creativity; from there it is down to your experience and your ability to perform in the interview process. But being 1-0 up before you get to that process is of great benefit!
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Protect Your Online Presence
Protect Your Online Presence
The Irish job hunting scene has changed dramatically in the past decade. Companies and job seekers alike have moved away from traditional print advertising to the Internet and its many forms of social media. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are surging in popularity and all age groups are adopting these as tools to aide in the job search process. Social Networks are a great supplement to networking and job searching. Some advantages include; Job Searching Social networks give you the opportunity to build relationships with potential employers. By ‘following’ their Twitter/LinkedIn/Facebook page you will see job opportunities within the company as they arise. Easy to research companies The internet gives us access to vast amounts of information, meaning it is now easier than ever to research company backgrounds and the people working there. It is important to go to an interview knowing the background of the company of the people you may be working with. Despite the advantages of social networking there are some downfalls, if the content on the web is deemed unprofessional. Recruiters and companies alike are increasingly checking a candidate’s online profile, and thanks to the amounts of information available online, they can conduct instant back-ground checks Therefore our top tips for using social networks to your advantage include: Perform a Google Audit Do a Google search and find out what the internet has to say about you, this will be a good indicator of how your online presence appears to potential employers. If there are any negative comments/images/posts that you can remove, do so. If there are items online that are negative, contact the website’s controller to try having them remove the content. Getting rid of negative material can be difficult. To combat it you should create more positive material, the more you create the further down Google rankings the negative material will be pushed Protect your online profile Set your profiles to ‘private’ so they are only viewable to selected friends. Clean up your current online profile; make sure your profile pictures are respectable and remove any derogatory comments (if any). Realise that your online comments and discussions are not private, what you post will be around for a long time, and could be shared by others. Therefore don’t post anything that you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see. A seemingly innocuous but snarky comment about your, work or a colleague could have long-term effects on your career, relationships or reputation. Check your profile regularly to make sure it is appropriate for an employer to see it. Censor all material/photos posted to your profile Check Yourself Employ the ‘second set of eyes’ rule. Have someone look over your online profiles to insure your profile is appropriate. Social Media and its link to job searching is here to stay. Candidates need to be prepared and use it to their advantage. Networking, job searching and information gathering are all just a click away and can be used to your advantage.
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Top 5 Tips: Using Twitter For Your #jobhunt
Top 5 Tips: Using Twitter For Your #jobhunt
The amount of Irish twitter users increased between 2016 and 2017. Twitter has become a key area for professional communication and also a great platform to post job opportunities and source possible candidates. Over the past few years social media has impacted and changed our manner of consumer behavior along with the job seeking and recruitment process. It is our opinion that these changes are very positive. The social job search allows for a greater chance to research the company, a great platform to sell and distinguish yourself from other candidates and an increased dialogue for your future employer. The following are our top 5 tips to make the most of Twitter in your social job search. 1. Let the world know you One of the most obvious first things you should do when using social media for your job search is to let the world know that you have a Twitter account. You should include a hyperlink to your account on your CV and use it perhaps in your personal email signature. Link your Twitter with other platforms, or as a promoter for your blog, allow people the chance to get to know you. Additionally, let your network know that you are looking for a new role, or better yet, the type of role you are looking for. Some people would rather a more conservative approach, but the social platform ethos is all about transparency. Leverage your network for introductions, share jobs and be referred on to a role, ‘ask and you shall receive!’ 2. Connect and communicate Twitter is uniquely positioned, arguably more so than any other social platform, to connect with people. You have the ability to follow anyone on Twitter immediately and vice versa without an approval process. The opportunity to engage with the highest leader of your target industry is only a click of a ‘follow’ button away. Research the company, follow the decision makers in your target company, retweet their industry news, if appropriate start a conversation or otherwise send a discrete DM. 3. Actually Network Twitter is not all about self promotion! Do just add people to have them in a list and push your own message on them. This is all about dialogue and actually networking. Engage in your industry of choice, joining in on conversations and interacting. This will also make a good impression for prospect employer visiting your profile. Show an interest in other people and retweet their ideas. The concept of paying it forward is strong within social media. Helping others can hold some leverage with your networks in the future and build stronger relationships. 4. Searching in Twitter Hundreds of Irish companies are communicating on Twitter, so being able to effectively search through all these conversations to find the job opportunities is crucial. The website search.twitter.com is an advanced search option and allows for a more precise search than the in-site search option. Click on advanced search and you can enter keywords like ‘hiring’. ‘job’ or ‘opportunity’ to find you a role as well as you word to describe the job you are looking for. You can also precisely refine by location as well. An interesting idea is to make this search real time by integrating it to your RSS reader. If you don’t have an RSS reader try www.feedmyinbox.com, create an account, and add the RSS reader link to receive e-mail updates instead.