The Five Must-Have Skills You Need in the Construction Industry

Dan Jarrold Headshot by Dan Jarrold / 5th June 2019

It’s no secret that if you wish to pursue a successful career in the construction industry, there are certain qualifications that you should have in order to be able to secure the coveted positions and thrive in your role.

However, it’s essential that candidates don’t underestimate the value of non-technical skills and their importance in the eyes of potential employers. When working in positions in which safety is integral, having the right mix of social, cognitive and personal skills enables individuals to deal with a wide range of different situations and handle errors and threats when they occur.

In short, as a candidate in the construction industry, it’s essential that you take the time to consider not just your formal qualifications, but the non-technical skills that you’ve developed too. Let’s take a look at what these are…

1. Teamwork/Communication

As part of your day-to-day role in construction work, you’ll have to communicate complex information to a wide variety of team members and stakeholders.

A good communicator will be able to distill the most important details and present the information in a way that leaves little ambiguity or need for clarifying questions.

2. Commercial Awareness

Your work in construction doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and an understanding of the industry as a whole is a valuable skill to have in your toolkit. A strong candidate will also have a good grasp on their ability to improve the commercial viability of a project.

It makes sense to stay abreast of industry news and developments and have informed opinions on key areas of discussion.

3. Problem-Solving

It’s a fact of life that in careers in construction, problems will occur on a daily basis.

As such, it’s vital that you’re able to stay calm under pressure and take a common sense approach to developing practical solutions that will keep the project as a whole on the right track.

4. Timekeeping

Projects must be delivered within budget and on time, and every single member of the construction team must play an active role in making sure that this happens.

This means that you should be able to manage not just your own tasks and workload, but be able to liaise with other team members to ensure deadlines will be met.

5. Enthusiasm/Interest

Your enthusiasm and interest in construction may not be a skill as such, but it’s still a vital ingredient that will have a huge impact on your success.

Employers know that engaged candidates are more likely to thrive in their positions, go the extra mile and seek to make valuable contacts within the industry.

Alongside having relevant qualifications and certifications, understanding and being able to demonstrate these skills will give you a real edge in your interview preparations and the opportunity to shine.

If you’re looking for your first or next construction role, why not submit your CV to Clearfield today? We can help you to find the perfect position for your ambitions and goals.

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9th June 2023 / Dan Jarrold