​Are you happy in your job? This is a topic that is often spoken about, and whilst a lot of New Zealand’s Construction and Engineering professionals will be relatively content, finding a role that you truly love is another matter entirely. Considering most of us spend 40 hours (or more) at work each week, having a job that you’re passionate about can make a huge difference to your overall happiness. If you’re looking for a change, here are a few simple tips to finding the perfect Construction job for you.

Figure Out What Makes You Happy

Like all big changes in life, there are so many factors involved with finding a job you love. Before you’ve even begun the job search, stop to reflect on a couple of key considerations:

What makes you happy in your current role? Is there anything that would need to change to make you happier? Do you admire anyone else’s career

The answers to these questions should give you clues to where your future lies. It might also help to map out future goals. 

Once that you know what works in your current situation, it’s important to think about what to look for next. What is it that makes the difference between working for the sake of it and doing something you truly have a passion for –something that makes you excited to come to workday after day?

Whilst this answer may vary from person to person, common factors to lookout for in the best Construction jobs are:

• Work that engages and excites you
• The team environment
• Job security and opportunities
• Remuneration
• Autonomy

It may be one of these things, a combination, or all of them at once. However, it’s important to understand that few jobs will be able to tick every single box, so take the time to think on your priorities – and where you may be willing to compromise if necessary.

Target Companies in the Industry 

Think about a few of the employers in your industry. Do any stand out that you could target? Whether it is a global organisation that you’ve always wanted to work in, or a smaller company that everyone is talking about, don’t wait for them to come to you. 

Getting your foot in the door can be tricky, though– so, sometimes it’s worth taking a step back in your career in order to get into your dream company. That way you’ll be in a better position to grab opportunities to progress as they arise. Remember that having a job with a company you love (and want to progress in) is often better than a high-status job with an organisation you’re not passionate about. 

If you’re concerned about finding the right company for your next career move, try conducting some research before taking action. These days, it’s much easier to learn about potential employers online, so stay up to date with company news via platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. 

Take Action

You know what you want, and where you want to go – but how can you move in the right direction? Think about some of the above points and start setting realistic goals. Some good examples of actions to take include: 

Stand Out

When you’re handing in an application, consider giving the prospective employers a call in order to introduce yourself and possibly even chat with the hiring manager about what they’re looking for?

Another practical step to assist your application is to write personalised cover letters. Rather than copying the same phrases and lines to each job you contact, tailor your cover letter to the specific role to show how interested you are. Looking for more advice? Check out these tips.

Taking extra steps (where appropriate)helps to make you memorable and ensure you will stand out in the pool of other hopefuls.

Take Charge of Your Development

Learning and development is an ongoing process, so it’s important to continue building skills throughout your career. Look at any gaps in your skill set and aim to up skill in any areas you’ve identified.

Consider Contracting

If you’re facing a challenge in finding full-time work ,contracting is an excellent way to get more exposure. It can allow you to experience certain jobs (or employers) before committing to a permanent schedule–and at the same time, benefit from flexibility, increased payrates and different work environments.

Networking

Take the time to connect with people in the industry, as this is a great way to get yourself in front of the right people and learn about openings around you. Some of the best opportunities for networking include requesting introductions from existing contacts, connecting with peers on LinkedIn and attending industry events. Recruitment agencies can also help you get a foot in the door.

Mentoring

Reach out to someone who is currently in, or has been in, your dream position. This is a great way to understand what it takes to succeed. A mentor can expose you to new ways of thinking and provide advice where needed through the job search and beyond. 

Although you don’t want to rely solely on them for contacts, they can also be a great asset when it comes to networking. 

Summary

Searching for new Construction and Engineering jobs can be an intimidating process, but by following these tips, you’ll quickly see that finding a job you love doesn’t have to be so daunting. Whilst it may take some time to land your dream role, being proactive and taking the time to reflect on your priorities will pay off in the long run. 

If you’re looking for support in your Construction and Engineering job search, get in touch with the team at RobLawMax.