The construction industry is in a hot cycle right now. The economy is growing and a steady stream of new projects are keeping construction professionals busy across the United States.
Amid the chaos of a heavy growth cycle, it is easy to lose sight of one’s own long-term career goals. This is unfortunate, because a growth period is the best possible time to take a step back, look at the current big picture and map out a career path that will take you to where you want to be.
A hot cycle is the ideal time for employees to do the rigorous planning necessary to maximize their growth potential. It’s also a time when employers should be focused on retaining their top talent.
Professionals: Make a Plan
Make the most of this time through deliberate career moves that are guided by a long-term strategy. The best candidates are the ones who take a step out of the chaos of their day-to-day work to gain perspective before making any career decisions. For example, even if an employee has an offer to go one step above where they currently are, they should take the time to consider whether the position change is more likely to advance them toward their overall career goal.
Construction professionals can greatly benefit from taking a hard look at their résumé and skill set to assess their weaknesses. If their strengths lie only in one general area, they are not servicing their career. They need to determine what gaps should be filled in now to better prepare them for a cold cycle in the future.
When making career decisions, construction professionals should seek out the best opportunities for growth in terms of skills and experience. They must determine how they can diversify their talents so they are equipped to go a multitude of directions if the market shifts.
A hot growth cycle is the time to enhance a skill set because there are so many opportunities to stretch and grow in new directions. Construction professionals should fill their briefcase or tool belt now with as many skills as possible to survive any market environment.
Employers: Develop Superstars
Anyone who owns or manages a construction company must be aware that their best people are most likely are making deliberate choices about their future career growth. When work is coming in steadily and workers are always busy, it is easy to mistake preoccupation with satisfaction. In this hot candidate market, employers can be certain that those people are getting calls from recruiters and considering their options.
For construction employers that want to retain the best employees, take the time to get the best people out of the confusion, help them take a measured look at where they are, and help them develop a long-range picture of the career path they are on as part of the company.
Check in with workers regularly and create three-, five- and 10-year career plans with them. Find ways to develop a team of superstars by giving them built-in opportunities for career growth. This strategy encourages the most valuable team members to grow their careers with the company.
In a hot growth cycle, it is critical to be proactive and take steps to help the best workers see why they should stay and grow their careers with the company. If an employer does not offer that, they are much more likely to seek opportunities for advancement elsewhere.
