Are you ready to take the leap and apply for your dream job in the skilled trades? In today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is essential to securing your dream job. As a skilled trades career and business start-up consultant, I’ve gathered some insider information and tips to help you shine during the application process.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Craft a resume and cover letter that are tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and certifications that directly align with the requirements of the position. Use industry-specific keywords and phrases to grab the employer’s attention and demonstrate your expertise. Make sure that you and one other person have proofread all documents.
Network and Make Personal Connections
In addition to submitting your application online, make an effort to meet potential employers in person whenever possible. Attend industry events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to connect with professionals in your field. Show up on-site or at the company’s location and ask to speak to the person in charge of hiring. If they are not, maybe they know of a company that is. Building personal connections can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and securing the job. Remember, your strategy for securing employment should not be the same as ordering a pizza. Everyone else is cold calling and sending their resumes online. Go the extra mile, even if that means stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Leverage Social Media
Use social media to your advantage by following a handful of companies per week and positively engaging with their content. Share relevant articles, comment on posts, and connect with employees within the companies you’re interested in. This proactive social media strategy can help you stay top-of-mind with potential employers and showcase your enthusiasm for the industry. Ensure that you are consistent in cultivating this relationship.
Addressing Lack of Experience
If you’re facing criticism for not having direct experience in a particular field, don’t let it discourage you. Instead, market yourself as an eager clean slate that can be trained to meet the company’s protocols and requirements. Highlight your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, that apply to the skilled trades industry. Share a situation where you succeeded despite lacking experience, emphasizing your ability to learn quickly and excel in new environments. When I was hiring for certain roles in my companies, I often preferred individuals with limited to no industry experience that were hardworking, eager to learn, and had great attitudes. If you are ever faced with a similar question, always turn the negative into a positive. It’s all about how you respond to criticism that can make all the difference in the world.
Take the Lead
While it’s natural for parents, caregivers, loved ones, or well-intentioned friends to want to assist and get involved in the job search and application process, it’s essential for the candidate to take the lead and to be the only one visible during the process. Should you find yourself in this situation, politely communicate to well-intentioned individuals that you appreciate their support, but you would like to handle the application process independently. Explain that your goal is to demonstrate your skills and qualifications directly to potential employers and that employers often prefer direct communication with the candidate to assess their capabilities and commitment to the job. Encourage well-wishers to offer advice, guidance and support from the sidelines rather than taking direct action on your behalf, as this could hinder your chances.
Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Commitment
Above all, demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the skilled trades industry and the specific role you’re applying for. Share stories about why you’re passionate about the industry, what motivates you, projects that you have completed, and how you envision making a meaningful impact in your future role. Employers are more likely to hire candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic and committed to their work.
Follow Up After Applying
After submitting your application, don’t be afraid to follow up with the employer to express your continued interest in the position. Send a polite email or make a brief phone call to inquire about the status of your application and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. This proactive approach demonstrates your initiative and professionalism. Also, ensure you complete any items (i.e. emailing your references) your potential employer tasks you with immediately. I would often use this as a way to gauge a candidate’s eagerness and follow through, so make sure you complete any actionable tasks promptly to show your eagerness.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these insider tips into your job application strategy, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing your desired job in the skilled trades industry. Remember to tailor your materials, network effectively, address any lack of experience confidently, and highlight your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the industry. Don’t be discouraged if it appears things are not going smoothly and according to plan. Some of the most successful people in the world had to deal with rejection many times over before catching their big break. With determination and perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success in your skilled trades career.
This is a guest post by Larry La Gamba. Larry is the C.E.O of Trade Links Consulting, where he dedicates his efforts to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and skilled tradespeople. He actively participates in community outreach initiatives such as The Skilled Trades Mentorship Group on Facebook. Through these platforms, and other ventures, he reaches audiences nationwide as a keynote speaker, presenter, and workshop facilitator, focusing on themes surrounding skilled trades and entrepreneurship. With a wealth of experience, Larry has successfully managed two of his own businesses, notably leading a successful swimming pool leak detection company in Toronto for 17 years and has developed many more for his clients. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he spent a decade as an educator, teaching French, History, and Civics at elementary and high school levels across public and private institutions in the Greater Toronto Area.
With a wealth of experience, Larry has successfully managed two of his own businesses, notably leading a successful swimming pool leak detection company in Toronto for 17 years and has developed many more for his clients. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he spent a decade as an educator, teaching French, History, and Civics at elementary and high school levels across public and private institutions in the Greater Toronto Area. Larry lives in Georgetown, Ontario with his wife, two kids, and dog.
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