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As we
observe “Women in Construction Week,” it is important to recognize that while women
who work in – or would like to work in – the industry may face some hurdles, those
generally pale in comparison to the wealth of opportunities available to them.

Sure, the
industry is still largely male-dominated, but the small percentage of women currently in the field
means that there is lots of room for growth. With many roles to fill and a huge
labor shortage, women are in the driver’s seat: Savvy employers should look to
hiring women as a solution – in fact, according to Amanda Abrams at Curbed, women are the solution –
and women who are interested in a construction career should seize the moment
to enter the industry. Here are some tips to help you start and build your
career.

Do Your Research

This means
reading about the industry, learning some of the lingo and jargon, finding out
about current trends and projects and, if you are thinking about applying for a
job at a specific company, learning all you can about the role and the company before
you apply. According to The Balance Careers, not doing their research is one
of the biggest mistakes jobseekers make when applying and interviewing for
jobs. The night before your interview, take time to go over the details of the
position. In addition to your resume,
which should align with the job description, you should be prepared to discuss
the details of your previous work and have a written list of especially relevant
jobs, along with descriptions of each.

Learn a Specific Skill or Specialty

Learning a
specific skill or specialty can make you stand out among other workers and
jobseekers. While it may take a bit of time and effort to get certified or
specialize in a specific skill or area, it will be well worth it. Not only will
you be more hirable, you will likely make more money and have more and better
opportunities for advancement. From welding to carpentry to pipefitting to electrical
engineering, courses, certifications, and specialties abound. You can find information
online about class offerings, which may include specialty schools, trade
schools, and community colleges.

Find a Mentor

Entering a
male-dominated field as a woman can be intimidating, so it will be beneficial
to you to find a female mentor, someone with years of industry experience to
help guide you. According to Bustle, a mentor can also be a great
person to go to for advice outside of the workplace or jobsite. A mentoring
relationship can be formal or informal.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Asking
questions shows that you want to learn, to go beyond the basics, and to be the
best that you can be at your job. In addition to doing your own research, it is
always a good idea to ask questions if you’re unsure of what to do or how, or
if you simply need more information.

Ready
to find your next construction job? You can get access to Building Skills NY
construction job and training opportunities by checking out our Job
Seekers page.