When your grandfather took his first job in construction, he probably knew a lot about ranch houses, dark paneling, and shag carpets. These days, even mentioning those things will get you laughed out of any respectable job interview. Trends change and being up on what’s current (and what’s not) will make you stand out amongst other candidates.
The trouble is, the trends you learned about five years ago probably aren’t the trends people are interested in today. Before your next interview, make sure you know what’s popular right now.
Here are a few of the current industry trends you should know about:
• Sustainability. Homeowners and big businesses alike are all looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save some money at the same time. Alternative energy solutions, water conservation, natural lighting, and recycled building materials are just a few of the current trends. Do your research, and be prepared to talk about green building methods.
• Tiny Living. Tiny houses aren’t for everyone, but as home costs increase and the backlash against yesterday’s McMansions continues, this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, expect the space-saving innovations to spread to smaller apartments and traditional homes as well.
• Renovations. Renovations have always been a part of home ownership, but with the rise of house flipping and the success of shows like HGTV’s Fixer Upper, homebuyers are increasingly eyeing rundown properties and seeing real potential. Older homes have unique problems, which you should be aware of and comfortable speaking to.
This is not an exhaustive list, and these trends will change. So how can you stay on top of what’s current?
• Watch HGTV. Remember the days of This Old House, when home improvement shows actually taught you things? Modern home shows won’t teach you much about construction techniques, but they are a master’s class in what is trending right now.
• Read industry journals. If you can’t stomach one more home makeover show, go the classic route and subscribe to a construction magazine or industry journal. This way, you won’t only learn what’s trending, you’ll also pick up some insider tips that you can work into your next interview.
• Talk to a professional. If you have friends or contacts working in construction right now, talk to them and ask what types of projects they’re getting, what buzzwords they’re hearing, and what types of requests their clients are making.
One last way to stay current? Give Madden Industrial Craftsmen a call. The construction recruitment specialists at MICI work closely with employers to find out exactly what they’re looking for in terms of experience and industry knowledge, and we’re happy to pass that knowledge along to you. Don’t hesitate to work with a leader in construction staffing!
