How to Ace Your Skilled Trades Job Interview

NAIL THE INTERVIEW AND LAND THE JOB…

The prospect of interviewing can be a bit daunting. In the construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades industries, communicating your ability to prospective employers is vital. But with some solid preparation and the right approach, you can ace your skilled trades job interview, no sweat!

There is no good reason to be nervous! Just abide by these “Do’s and Don’ts” to ace your interview and land yourself the job in the trades…

ARRIVE PREPARED TO WORK.

It is possible that your interview will take place on a manufacturing floor or in a trailer on a construction site. This is because an employer may expect you to prove your abilities on the spot. In anticipation of this, be sure to bring the tools suited for the job for which you’re applying.

As with any interview, of course, always wear clean jeans or slacks, a non-offensive shirt, and adequate footwear. Dressing to impress and bringing your toolset demonstrates that you’re committed to your trade.

BRING A COPY OF ALL APPLICABLE LICENSES AND YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD.

Our nation’s construction and manufacturing companies are in the midst of a labor shortage. This means that they need your skills pronto and are often ready to hire immediately. Bring a copy of all licenses, your social security card, and other documentation in the case that you are asked to work the day of your interview.  Arriving with all official documentation tells employers that you’re organized and ready to work.

BE COMFORTABLE TALKING ABOUT WORK EXPERIENCE.

Employers seek applicants who can grasp the scope of any project and can handle all kinds of personalities. To show this ability, speak in depth about problems you’ve collaboratively and independently solved on the worksite. You want your prospective employer to know you’re confident working both independently and on a diverse team.

Don’t be afraid to brag! If you have good, relevant experience, share it openly. Need practice? Try delivering your credentials to yourself in the mirror, or videotaping your spiel. Though it may feel awkward, the practice will pay off when it is clear during the job interview that you’re comfortable in your experience and abilities!

BRING AN OUTDATED RESUME.

Glowing recommendations are not enough to set your resume apart. An outstanding resume opens with career goals and identifies the clear value you would bring when hired. Employers seek applicants that are not only goal oriented, but enthusiastic about their company. Flesh out your resume with a qualifications and skills summary, and detailed work history. Make it easy for a prospective employer to scan your resume quickly and understand what value you would bring to their organization.

Constructing the perfect resume can be time-consuming. CraftForce’s free resume building service makes it easier! You can create one quickly by signing up for a free account today! We’ll ask you a few questions about your background and build a professional resume that will showcase your assets perfectly.

FORGET APPLICABLE INDUSTRY STANDARDS.

Reserve a section on your resume for licenses, construction related certifications, training, trade union memberships, and degrees. Employers are looking for applicants with achievements in the field, so this information is valuable! Note the date and location of each certificate so you can verify where and when you earned each one. A resume full of experiences and active licenses sends a strong signal to employers that working hard is part of your DNA.

FUDGE INFORMATION ON A RESUME.

Being honest during an interview is the best route if you want to land the job you’re qualified for, especially in the skilled trades. Most employers run a background check on potential hires, so don’t withhold anything that might turn up! Honesty is, as they say, the best policy.

An excellent resume is transparent with a natural flow and proper grammar and spelling. Human Resources managers and recruiters seek out these resumes and typically trash the others that appear deceitful or are hard to read. The time you invest into your resume, using CraftForce’s free service, will pay off!

Want to contribute to the CraftForce blog? Submit your blog topic idea(s) at blog@craftforce.com