Career Centre

Searching for a new career can be stressful and time consuming. Transitioning into that role can be just as challenging.  We have compiled some useful information to help you in your search.

 

The Resume

Everyone has to write a resume at some point in their lives. For some, it's a task that they dread. They don't want to toot their own horn too loudly and the result is a half page that leaves a lot of guesswork. Others, can hardly contain their life's work to 10 pages. We suggest a two page resume listing education and training at the top and a chronological work history followed by a project list.

At EPCM Solutions we see every type of resume imaginable an we would like to share some information to help you get into that interview chair.

          The Cover Letter

A well written cover is essential if you are applying for a specific position. It should be short, no more than half to three-quarters of a page and preferably addressed to the person who will be reading it. You should take some time and research the company or specific project you would be assigned to and mention briefly why you would be a good match i.e; experience working on those types of projects before, managerial skills etc.

Also, say something good about the company, such as their reputation in the industry or the scope of projects they work on and why you want to work with them,

          Education and Training

We suggest stating the school/institution, the graduating year and what certification you received and any awards you earned. If your graduation date was in the last 5-7 years a short summary of the courses, major projects and leadership initiatives you took during projects or classes.

This is also the place to put industry training, whether through an employer or a separate course. St. John's Ambulance courses, propane safety, fall arrest certificates etc. should all be included.

Finally, all the computer programs and software should be listed here. If there is any speciality software that is unique to your industry it should be clearly listed. Never think that a reader of the resume will assume that you can do something if you don't notate it.

          Employment History

Start with your current employer and include title, dates of employment and legal company name. You should always note if there was a career progression in the body of text, such as original starting position and how you progressed to your current role. Also, list accomplishments, such as time or money saved on a project, leadership traits and projects completed. Your most recent employer, if you were there for 3 or more years should have the most amount of information and the size of the descriptions should decrease as you go further down.

          Project List

It is crucial to include a Project List in a construction resume. It gives a snapshot of what you have planned, engineered or built over your career. Many of our clients are looking for a specific project for someone to be hired for and it helps you out tremendously if you put it there in black and white.

Here is an example of what the headers should be:

          References

Before you begin your new career search, we suggest compiling a list of good references from a diverse range of sources. You want to provide an employer with a well rounded look at how you conduct yourself on a project.

A project manager should have references from a supplier, a consulting engineer, an architect, an owner's representative, and someone in senior field management. Most employers also only contact three references, so having more handy means a greater likelihood that they will connect with three in a day.

At EPCM, we insist that references only be presented to a potential employer at the offer stage. We want to ensure your career search is confidential and avoid burning out your references if an offer is not accepted.

Speak to your consultant at EPCM Solutions for more information.