Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
Tips for Becoming a Promotable Employee
Very few people realize that construction jobs offer great opportunities to advance. Here are some tips and strategies to further your career and get promoted in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries .
Start Early and Work Late
Show your superiors that you are motivated. Take on extra tasks and responsibilities. Get involved and join a committee. If you are consistently doing more than what they ask of you, you will make an impression and become indispensable.
Be a Team Player
Establish a good collaboration with electricians, heavy equipment operators, and drywall installers. Create balance and solutions for everyone you work with.
Regularly Get Feedback from Managers
Know your superiors’ expectations and make sure you are going above and beyond the standard. Set regular milestones for yourself. Ask your boss what they are looking for in a candidate when filling a supervisor or manager position. Get regular reviews about your performance and ask how you can improve your work ethics.
Show That You’re a Problem Solver
Imagine your team is a week behind schedule, an order of supplies never arrived, and you must prove to your boss that you can overcome these obstacles and provide practical solutions. Staying calm and level-headed in stressful situations is a good indicator you’d make an excellent team lead or manager.
Take the Initiative
Ask your boss if you can complete some cross-training or if they have a workshop or training module in mind. Check if your project manager needs help writing the schedule, taking inventory, or calling prospects. Show your manager a way to improve efficiency and productivity in the business. Take part in company meetings. Discuss progress with upper-level executives. Get a Certified Construction Manager Certificate. That shows you are serious about getting a promotion because you took the time to better yourself and enhance your skillset.
Focus on Safety Regulations
Show your boss you abide by all safety regulations and that doing things the right way is a priority for you. Always be on budget and on time —even better, aim to finish projects under budget and early! You will be judged not only by the quality of the work itself, but by how you handle obstacles surrounding the projects.
Promote Your Company
Refer your company to new clients and try to expand the business. Taking the initiative and advocating for the company are likely to put you in line for a promotion. Find prospects and start calling people. If you can get relevant work lined up for the project manager without it being required of you, it can only look good. Word of mouth is a great way to get new clients.
Research the Company
If you haven’t already started researching the company for which you work, learn about the business values, mission statement and company culture. Start networking on sites like LinkedIn, where you can follow the higher-level executives and CEO. These links will help you understand more about your business and how it operates under their leadership. Find out how another manager or supervisor got promoted working in the field and ask if they will mentor you and help you rise to the position.
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