In today’s competitive job market for construction, engineering, and surveying graduates, possessing technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient to secure a coveted position in the industry. Employers now place equal—if not greater—emphasis on the essential non-technical skills that candidates bring to the table. To explore this further and take a closer look at what you will need to stand out from the crowd, our recruitment experts at Hello Recruitment have highlighted the top sought after soft skills that are critical for building a successful career in these fields. Let’s take a look…

Problem-Solving: A Dynamic Mindset

Construction professionals are continuously exposed to new technologies and techniques. An adept problem solver thrives in these circumstances, thinking critically and devising innovative solutions. Employers evaluate candidates’ abilities through interactive group exercises and hypothetical scenarios during the recruitment process so it’s important to be prepared for this.

Communication: The Key to Collaboration

Effective communication lies at the heart of successful projects. Graduates must be well-versed in various forms of communication, adapting their approach when interacting with colleagues, clients, and supply chain partners. Clear verbal articulation and strong writing skills are equally vital in conveying ideas and information accurately. Recruitment teams assess communication skills by analysing written applications for grammar, punctuation, and spelling accuracy. In interviews, candidates are also observed for their confidence and clarity in verbal exchanges.

Relationship Building: Fostering Collaborative Success

In the collaborative environment of construction, positive relationships are the bedrock of achievement. Companies rely on effective teamwork to ensure project success and to avoid causing stress to families during big projects. Graduates with a reputation for understanding different roles, treating others respectfully, and presenting themselves responsibly hold a competitive edge. During assessment centres and interviews, recruiters gauge candidates’ teamwork potential, observing how they engage with diverse colleagues. A solid first impression and professional demeanour leave a lasting impact, as the construction industry often fosters lasting connections.

Influencing: The Power of Persuasion

Navigating the complexities of construction projects demands exceptional influencing skills. Graduates must be adept at persuading stakeholders, gaining buy-in, and inspiring confidence. Successful influencing begins with understanding the needs of others and finding ways to fulfil those requirements. Recruiters assess candidates’ influencing abilities during group activities, where astute influencers excel at identifying potential issues and offering innovative solutions. Often, the most impactful influencers are not overtly dominant but thoughtful individuals who consider all perspectives.

Commercial Awareness: Industry Savvy

An essential skill in the construction world is commercial awareness. Graduates should possess a basic understanding of their role’s impact on the overall project and the company’s profitability. Additionally, being aware of macro-political and economic events and their potential influence on the industry proves advantageous. Staying abreast of industry news through reputable sources and social media helps graduates demonstrate their commercial acumen.

Organisation and Time Management: The Pillars of Reliability

In construction, being organised and managing time efficiently are critical attributes. Graduates must exhibit dependability in meeting deadlines and a strong commitment to the project’s success. Employers assess organisational skills through CVs and work experience history, looking for candidates who have managed long-term commitments alongside their studies. Punctuality and conscientiousness contribute to a solid reputation within the business.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Embracing Change

Construction projects often present unexpected challenges, requiring graduates to adapt swiftly and reprioritise tasks. Furthermore, graduates must be open to the possibility of project-related relocations. At assessment centres, recruiters gauge how candidates respond to changing situations, observe their ability to absorb new information, and evaluate their willingness to relocate for projects.

Final Thoughts

Considering the impact of the pandemic, recruiters understand that gaining work experience and engaging in extracurricular activities has been challenging for many graduates. However, there are various socially distanced career-friendly activities that allow candidates to develop and showcase their skills effectively. With resilience and determination, graduates can overcome these challenges and position themselves as valuable assets to the construction, engineering, and surveying industries. For more information on how to succeed in graduate construction, engineering and surveying roles, get in touch with our friendly team to find out how Hello Recruitment can help you start your career.

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Tom Simpson

Managing Director at Novum Personnel

Tom Simpson is a passionate entrepreneur and the driving force behind Novum Personnel. With a background in commercial law and retail, Tom’s journey into business has been guided by his socialist values and a focus on people's development over monetary gain.

Tom’s commitment to keeping things simple and focusing on the needs of both clients and candidates has been key to his success. He’s not afraid to pivot and adapt, moving into construction and engineering recruitment when the market demands it and later seeing an opening in education recruitment.

In his personal life, Tom is known for his directness and resilience, unafraid to challenge the status quo or stand up for his beliefs. With Tom, what you see is definitely what you get. His goal is not to amass wealth but to create a happy and motivated team and to revolutionise the way we approach work and recruitment.

Tom Simpson is a true champion of business success, putting people and their passions at the heart of everything he does. His story is a testament to the power of simplicity, adaptability, and a people-first approach in business.