Archives for August 2024

Knowing what it takes to land Construction Project Manager jobs is vital if you’re looking to transition from your existing career or are still in training to enter the construction field. This career path can be challenging but is ultimately rewarding for many individuals with a passion for organizing, scheduling, planning, and building. 

You may already be familiar with what Construction Project Managers do. These individuals are in charge of managing a construction project from start to finish. They ensure the project is executed according to the set timeline by collaborating with contractors and the various teams involved in making it a success. 

They also ensure workers perform their tasks in line with health and safety requirements and monitor the quality of work to ensure the project is completed in line with industry standards. Many construction projects have multiple moving parts that need to be monitored closely to ensure each worker knows what they’re doing and when to do it, so they don’t delay the project. 

Skills for Project Management Jobs

Anyone interested in this career needs to know and assess whether or not they have the skills to excel in it before making the decision to take on a Construction Project Manager job. You’ll need to have a diverse skill set and be highly adaptable since this individual is responsible for large projects involving many people. Here are some skills you’ll need to succeed as a construction project manager. 

Time Management: One of a Project Manager’s key responsibilities is ensuring projects are completed according to schedule. So, having excellent time management skills to complete tasks on time and guide  other team members toward the same results is critical.

Leadership: Construction project managers need to be innate leaders who know how to inspire their teams to complete tasks efficiently. 

Organization: Being organized and paying attention to the finest details of the project helps a construction project manager keep track of people, deadlines, and plans. Paying attention to details ensures nothing important falls through the cracks.

Problem-solving: You’ll need to work under high-pressure environments often, so thinking on your feet and problem-solving is necessary. You’re the go-to person for both clients and team members so taking ownership of situations and keeping a cool head is highly beneficial. 

Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for a job where you’re in constant contact with important stakeholders. Adapting your communication style to suit your audience and get your message across properly is ideal. 

Certifications

Several certifications are available to AEC professionals interested in construction project management jobs. Some are suited for entry-level professionals with no prior experience in the field. A few others build on existing knowledge in the construction industry to help you pivot into the role. Having one or more certifications establishes your expertise and credibility in the field and helps prove your skills to employers. 

Certified Construction Manager 

This certification is considered the highest level of Construction Project Management certification. It’s accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and awarded by the Construction Management Certification Institute and the Construction Management Association of America CMAA. 

These professional bodies have courses and certifications suited to entry-level professionals, such as recent graduates of CMIT (Construction Manager-in-Training) and CCM (Certified Construction Manager) certification for more experienced individuals with some years of managing or working on a construction site under their belt. Having this certification shows prospective employers you’ve mastered vital areas and techniques of construction project management. 

Project Management Professional 

This certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute and is one of the most respected project management qualifications worldwide. It’s well respected in many industries, and with experience in construction or combined with a construction-related certificate, it gives you a leg up amongst other competitors vying for construction project manager jobs. They teach how to master key project areas, including the business environment, processes, and people. They also teach key skills on how to lead teams and deliver results.

Certified Professional Contractor 

This certification is the highest level of accreditation awarded by the American Institution of Contractors. It teaches skills in managing a project’s performance and efficiency in accordance with the institute’s code of ethics. The Certified Professional Contractor certification is suitable for AEC professionals with some level of construction project management looking to advance their careers and solidify their knowledge of project management.  

Associate Constructor 

Also awarded by the American Institution of Contractors, having this certification is the first stage and demonstrates your knowledge of familiarity with construction. Any AEC professional who holds this certification also abides by their code of ethics and must conduct themselves in a professional manager. 

It covers the basics of construction management and sets the stage for qualifying for higher certifications. Since it’s a first-stage certification, it’s suitable for entry-level construction project managers, such as someone transferring from a different construction career or a recent graduate of a construction-related post-secondary program. 

Most of these certifications require the applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to construction, such as civil engineering or construction technology. You may also need some years of experience in project management or the construction industry. This can include roles such as field superintendent or site manager. 

Some projects may accept experience in construction project management as enough qualification to hire you for the role, although this happens rarely. You need extensive experience and a proven track record of success to qualify for this exemption. 

Using technical staffing agencies

Working with a technical staffing agency as you consider a new role can be key to landing your dream job. Searching for work on your own can be overwhelming and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll have a wealth of resources to aid the job search with help from the right technical recruitment agency. At Certis Solutions, we help our clients land the perfect role, whether they’re recent graduates or experienced professionals. 
Contact us today if you’re interested in using our extensive database of job opportunities and our industry contacts to find your new role as a Construction Project Manager. 

It’s a common misconception that full-time employees cost less than working with consultants. Consultant hourly rates may look discouraging compared to similar costs of full-time labor. Still, when you look closely at other factors surrounding work in the AEC industry, it becomes evident that the differences in working with full-time employees and consultants don’t skew favorably for the former. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the cost of labor. 

Here’s why consultants aren’t more expensive than employees 

Hiring consultants saves money

Working with a consultant might seem more expensive at first since their hourly rates are higher than that of employees. But if you take a closer look at all the costs involved in onboarding an employee, you’ll find consultants are significantly more affordable. There’s also the possibility of completing the onboarding and training process only to discover the employee isn’t a good fit for the job. You’ll have to start the entire process again, resulting in more resources spent. 

In addition to their pay, consultants are usually highly experienced and knowledgeable in your field, so they’re less likely to make mistakes that cost you money. You also save money on training an employee on subjects outside their expertise for specific projects when you hire a consultant who is already a master in the field. 

Eliminate liabilities, benefits, and indirect costs 

Full-time employees come with certain liabilities companies must handle, which cost money. Consultants usually have their work systems set up and have  insurance. Even when they charge your company for these costs, they come at a lower price than purchasing new equipment for full-time employees. 

Potential layoff risks

There are lower financial risks that come with terminating a consultant’s contract. If the consultant fails to perform to your satisfaction, letting them go is usually a quick decision without many ramifications. On the other hand, underperforming employees can cost the company valuable resources as they’re usually kept on for some time (probationary periods) and fully paid before being let go.

Why AEC professionals favor contractor positions 

Flexible hours. Working as a contractor usually means you’ll have a shorter schedule and more flexible hours. You may need to come in for only a few hours daily, giving you enough free time to take on more jobs or pursue other interests. 

Helps determine if a company is the right fit. For many consultants, working as a contractor is the stepping stone that leads to full-time employment with a company. A contractor role gets your foot in the door and allows the firm to see your skills and how you can bring value to the company. 

It can also help the consultant decide if the company is an excellent long-term fit. You’ll have a chance to experience their culture and see if their practices encompass the values you look for in a company. If you enjoy the work environment and connect with their team, you may consider applying for a full-time role in that company. 

Higher pay. Many AEC professionals enjoy the draw of contractor positions because of the higher wage. Looking at the difference between the hourly rate of full-time employment and consultant positions, it’s no wonder many AEC workers favor working in consultant roles. Granted, there are no benefits, and the work is usually short-term. Still, with flexible hours and shorter schedules, many consultants can work multiple jobs simultaneously to make up for it.

Grows their professional network. Working with different companies as consultants means most contractors will build a vast network of connections in their field. Since they’re often integrated into new companies each time they take on a new job, they meet many people across multiple fields in the AEC industry. 

Benefits of working with a consultant for your upcoming projects

They bring a wealth of experience

As mentioned earlier, consultants are often highly skilled professionals. They would’ve spent years honing their skills, knowledge, and influence. Since they have a more profound understanding of your industry, including emerging trends and challenges, you can be sure your project will be conducted to the highest standards and completed on time.

They’ll help save time 

Being experienced usually means consultants know quicker ways of getting things done. Since they’ll make fewer mistakes, your firm is less likely to spend time going back to fix errors. The consultant’s knowledge of best practices and leaner processes means higher efficiency, thus, saving your firm time on projects. 

They’ll provide custom solutions 

Consultants will usually access your business and offer bespoke services that suit your exact needs, meaning they’ll get a lot done that moves your firm closer to achieving its goals. Their practical advice means your project will undoubtedly have a higher chance of success.

Why hire for your next project through staffing agencies

Hiring consultants doesn’t always guarantee the best results. For as many excellent consultants that exist in the AEC industry, there’s a fair share of some that may not be the best fit for your company. So, how can your firm find the right consultant? 

Working with a technical staffing agency like Certis solutions ensures your firm is only connected with consultants with a proven track record of success. We have a database of AEC professionals whose backgrounds we have screened meticulously to ensure they’re qualified to provide top-of-the-line services. 

Contact us today if your firm is interested in working with well-established consultants, and we’ll connect you with highly skilled professionals.