Welcome to the first sector series blog, giving you an insight into the Construction Sector! If you’re aspiring to build a career in the construction industry, wanting to understand the sector, gain insight into the available roles, learn about tailoring your CV, how to ace interviews, and wanting to stay updated with industry trends, continue reading! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into each of these aspects to help you succeed in your construction job search.
Understanding the Construction Sector
Construction is one of the largest industries in the world. There are several types of construction to consider when looking for a new role in the sector, usually defined by the type of building that
will be the finished articles and the size and value of the project. There are lots of variables to consider when it comes to searching for a role within the construction sector.
At V7 Recruitment we recruit white collar construction roles for main contractors that build in the following sectors:
- House building
- Commercial E.g. Office blocks, retail, leisure, stadium
- Industrial- Distribution and Manufacturing
- High rise residential E.g. Hotels, Apartments and Student Accommodation
- Public Sector E.g. MOJ, MOD, healthcare, education, government related buildings
- Heritage
There are also various types of builds to consider when deciding which area to work in:
- Demolition, which focuses on the deconstruction and removing of existing buildings.
- New build construction which is anything coming out of the ground.
- Refurbishment, which includes structural alterations and replacements, such as a reroof or redesign.
- A fitout, which can also be known as a fast-track fitout, Cat A and Cat B fitout are the most common and are a way of differentiating the elements included within the fitout.
- Off-site or Modular construction, which is when a building is constructed using controlled plant conditions, before being transported and assembled at the final location.
- Key parties usually involved on a project include, the client, consultant, main contractor and sub-contractors.
The Roles Available
Here are V7 we recruit for a variety of roles in a main contractor. Focusing on 3 areas which includes Pre-Construction, Commercial and Construction/Delivery. Roles we recruit for include:
Pre-Construction –
- Pre-Construction Manager
- Estimators
- Design Managers
- Planners
Commercial –
- Commercial Manager
- Managing Quantity Surveyor
- Quantity Surveyor
- Assistant Quantity Surveyor
 Construction/Delivery –
- Contract Manager
- Project Manager
- Senior Site Manager/Construction Manager
- Site Manager
- Assistant Site Manager
- Finishing Manager/Foreman
- Externals/Façade Manager
- Building Services/M&E Manager
- Document Controller/Site Administrator
Tailoring Your CV
When crafting your CV for the construction industry, emphasise relevant skills and experiences:
- Highlight Technical Skills: Showcase your proficiency in construction-related software, tools, and equipment operation.
- Detail Relevant Experience: Describe past construction projects you’ve been involved in, specifying your role, responsibilities, and achievements.
- Display Certifications and Training: List certifications, such as any relevant safety certifications or trade-specific training.
Interview Tips
- Research the Company and Project: Understand the company’s values, ongoing projects, and culture to align your responses during the interview.
- Emphasise Safety Awareness: Stress the importance of safety on construction sites and your commitment to adhering to safety regulations.
- Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: Share instances where you’ve encountered and successfully resolved challenges on construction projects.
- Ask Informed Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, team dynamics, or the company’s future plans to showcase your interest.
- Highlight Teamwork and Communication: Emphasise your ability to work effectively in a team and communicate efficiently within the construction environment.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
- Green Construction and Sustainability: Stay informed about sustainable construction practices and materials to align with the growing focus on eco-friendly projects.
- Technological Advancements: Follow advancements in construction technology like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and drones, which are transforming the way projects are designed and managed.
- Regulatory Changes: Stay updated on changing regulations and compliance requirements, particularly concerning safety and environmental standards in construction.
- Prefabrication and Modular Construction: Learn about the increasing adoption of prefabricated and modular construction methods for faster project delivery and cost efficiency.
The construction industry is a very profitable market, it’s everywhere, everything needs building and maintaining. There’s constant changes in legislation, there’s a focus on becoming more energy efficient and sustainable which offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals with various skill sets and ambitions and the sector is even pandemic proof with construction continuing throughout COVID-19 lockdowns! By understanding the sector, tailoring your CV, acing interviews, and keeping up with industry trends, you’ll position yourself for a successful and fulfilling career in construction.
To find out more about our construction sector or find your dream role, get in touch with our expert team today and begin building your construction path to success!
