Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
10 Things To Avoid Saying In A Performance Review Working For A Construction, Engineering or Environmental Firm
10 Things To Avoid Saying In A Performance Review Working For A Construction, Engineering or Environmental Firm
A performance review allows an opportunity for construction, engineering or environmental companies to discuss how well their employees are doing in a one-on-one situation. It is the perfect time for them to make suggestions on how jobs could be done better, and employees are often offered a chance to voice any complaints or suggestions also.
Performance reviews are typically carried out either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Sometimes they might be completed after a construction or engineering project.
These reviews are the driving forces between whether someone gets a promotion or pay raise and strongly contribute when companies decide to downsize.
One way many workers slip up is through what is said. Often, employees wouldn’t even be able to cite what it was they said wrong. To ensure this doesn’t stand in the way of growing your own career you will want to avoid saying things that reflect badly on you during the performance review.
10 Things to Never Say During Employment Review and Why:
1: “It isn’t my fault.”
While it can be difficult to accept blame, it is also vital to do so if you want to get anywhere in life. Telling your manager something isn’t your fault will only deter them from putting you in any leadership position
2: “I didn’t know.”
Not knowing something is never a valid excuse in the workplace. In these industries specifically, it can be dangerous for “unknowing” people to be on site. This simple phrase can make you appear to not only lack common sense but also to be a liability. If you truly do not know or understand, just ask someone!
3: “But so-and-so did it.”
Never compare yourself to others. Each person is unique in their job descriptions, capabilities, etc. This statement makes you appear more a follower than a leader and will greatly restrict your potential towards career growth.
4: “This isn’t fair.”
Suffice to say, life is not fair. Stating this will make you appear immature or childlike which is obviously not something employers in such high demand industries seek out in potential employees.
5: “Thanks, but I didn’t really do anything,” or “It was really a team effort.”
Many people feel uncomfortable when taking praise but when you’ve done a good job it’s okay to simply say thank you. Failure to accept praise is nearly as bad as an inability to accept criticism.
6: “Can I get a raise?”
While performance reviews are the place to get a raise, they are NOT the place to ask for one. Instead of asking for one outright, show your employer why you deserve one.
7: “That is not part of my job description.”
Anything your foreman, manager, or supervisor asks you to do is part of your job description. It takes everyone on site working as a team to effectively get the job done. The only exception for the construction, engineering, and environmental industries is if the task requires certifications or school you do not possess.
8: “I know.”
When your employer or manager tells you something, do not respond with “I know.” This can get irritating and makes you appear smug.
9: “But I’m not good at that,” or “That is not my strong point.”
You may not be good at whatever it is, but stating the obvious makes it appear as though you are not open to growth. Instead try saying, “I will work on that,” or “I will make an effort to improve on those skills.”
10: “This evaluation is wrong.”
Never tell your evaluator that they are wrong. Do not threaten to file a rebuttal. If you received a poor review you should look at it as an opportunity for growth. Simply thank your evaluator and walk out with your head high, determined to move forward with their suggestions.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
What to Include on Your Resume When Working in the Construction, Engineering and Environmental Industries
What to Include on Your Resume When Working in the Construction, Engineering and Environmental Industries
Oftentimes, the hardest part of a job search is not the application, or even the interview, but knowing what to put on the resume when you are working in the construction, engineering or environmental industries.
Resumes, however remain the cornerstone of your job search, especially if you work in construction, engineering, or environmental fields. They allow your potential future employer to see a glimpse of your life’s work, your skills, project you have worked on and achievements, and even something of your personality.
In highly specialized or skilled fields, a resume can set you apart from all of the highly qualified and trained individuals competing for the same position.
Here are some things you may want to consider.
Keywords
In the age of the search engine and algorithm, employers are relying more frequently on their computers to weed out undesirable candidates based on keywords used (or not used). When writing the whole of your resume, keep your past experience and current occupation goals in mind in order to include as many keywords as possible. The Balance Careers has compiled potential lists for construction specialists, to review, several engineering specializations (including mechanical engineering and environmental professionals ) while not exhaustive, these lists might get you started.
Job Title
Ask for what you want! With your name and contact information at the top of your resume, it can also be a good idea to list the position or title you desire; if you are applying for several different positions that do not carry the same title, taking the extra time to modify your resume and customize it for each application can highlight you as a candidate. Make sure, however, that your resume demonstrates that you can truly do the work required of the position you are listing.
Work Experience
This section of your resume will most likely make up the bulk of your resume (if you are newly graduated, it may not, in which case, replace this section with your “Academic History” section). If you have worked many jobs in the past, some of which were not related to your current field (such as a stint at McDonald’s), or if you made a career change, you may want to consider omitting the irrelevant work experience. However, do not be dishonest; if you leave off work experience because you had a poor relationship with the company, it may be revealed with later background checks and cast you in an unfavorable light. It is usually better to over-explain than under-explain.
Skills
The skills section of your resume is a great place to use the keywords you have decided on for your profession. Many people list generic things, such as “proficient in Microsoft Suite,” or “team player,” but for candidates in construction, engineering, and environmental careers, these generic lists will not highlight the specialized skills that individuals in these fields often have. List those useful and specific skills that are going to set you apart from the rest.
Academic Achievements and Contributions
It is important for employers to know that their employees have been thoroughly trained, especially for skilled jobs. Obviously, you should list universities attended (along with cumulative GPA) and training programs completed. Additionally, if you have taught in your field, or done academic research in a specific area (this may be especially applicable to environmental professionals), you may want to include a Curriculum Vitae, or at least list several of your publications to prove your expertise.
A little extra time and care spent on perfecting your resume could mean the difference between a job offer and a polite rejection; it may be a few hours that you do not want to spend, but the results are worth the effort for landing a great job opportunity in the construction, engineering or environmental industries.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com