Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
5 Career Mistakes to Avoid in the Construction Industry
Making minor errors at work can happen. For example, you might forget to return a phone call or create a minor error when ordering supplies. You may discover that such mistakes are overlooked, especially when they happen only one time. However, more serious issues can jeopardize your career in the construction industry. Knowing what these career mistakes are and how to avoid them is pivotal.
Avoiding Professional Development
You might believe that the way to craft or repair a building now is the same way that it has always been. However, take into account all of the new technologies and methods that appear on the scene. If you avoid professional development, you are likely to fall behind other professionals in the field. In fact, if you don’t bring the latest and most updated knowledge to your interactions with clients, they may simply hire construction workers who have pursued professional development opportunities.
Staying with One Potential Project
Once you make an appointment to meet with a prospective client, you may feel committed to that project already. Remember that clients are likely looking at different companies to complete the work for them as well. Unless the client decides to book with you when you meet, you should not be reserving dates for unconfirmed work. If you continue on this path, you might find that your career advancement is seriously stymied.
Accepting Any Offer
You also don’t want to just accept any offer. While you are likely eager to get started with career advancement, you want to make sure that the position that you choose will actually help you to enhance your portfolio and your career. OF course, you will have more flexibility with this element when you are working for yourself or when you have your own company than you will when working for someone else.
Falsifying Experience with Equipment
Construction projects typically require you to use certain tools or equipment. At some point in your career, you’re likely to encounter a new device, and lying about your experience with it will likely prove tempting. However, consider all that you are jeopardizing with this lie. It’s true that you might botch the job. Even worse though is the fact that you might injure, maim or kill yourself or someone else on the job site.
Not Procuring Health Insurance
When you work with a company, you, of course, then have the possibility to look into health insurance. However, you might not get these benefits until you are with the company for some time. One of the most serious career mistakes is to work in this field without health insurance. You never know what an illness or an injury could arise. While you do not want to fear for your life at your job each day, you should know that the field can be prone to injuries. If your company does not offer insurance or you are working for yourself, you must look into independent insurance.
Ultimately, you want to avoid these mistakes. If you have already made one of them, consider how serious the action was. You may have serious steps to take to recover from the error, or you may simply need to remember the lesson next time.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com