Bob Potterton ⋅ Oakton , VA Monday Properties (Commercial real estate owner manager, operator) ⋅ 30 years experience

James - I like Larrys advice ! - its a very intense industry and considering the amount of guys and gals qualified out there looking for these jobs - well, its tough. Consider your career / job research as a job in of itself. Study all the companies in the area you wish live as well as alternate areas. Take note of managers listed on the web site, invite them to connect on LinkedIn, build a network. Its easier to reach out in that way. Also, you may consider driving around to take a look at area projects, maybe get to speak to one of the project managers or supers on site. In other words - you need to stand out from the competition. Maybe take a position perhaps not as desire but with the company you admire most. If you have the drive and passion you will be recognized, Happy to help further if you want to connect. Bob
bpotterton@cox.net

Larry Steward ⋅ Pound Ridge , NY Stewardship Coaching ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi James,

I like where you are coming from - military experience, good construction background. The economy is getting stronger and South Florida should be a good place for someone with your interest and ability. I suggest instead of spending too much time looking for that job opening (that who knows how many others are applying for) to sharpen up your research and networking skills. You want to continue doing in-depth Internet research on the type and size of construction companies that appeal to you. Once you have some good targets don't worry about job openings being posted. Make direct contact with an introductory letter indicating your interest in that company based on your research. The person receiving your letter of interest will respect that you're a professional with something to offer and I bet they will be impressed that you sought them out. You see, companies large and small are always changing. Someone doesn't work out. Someone relocates. Someone get injured. You never know until you make the connection.

The key with this rifle shot approach is to know enough about the company, their projects, their style of operating, their special services - so that you prove to them that you've done your homework and aren't looking for just any job with any company. You grab their attention in an enquiringly way to hopefully encourage them to set up a get acquainted meeting. I would even attach a resume to this type of initial letter. You don't want to assume there is a job waiting for you. You are hoping there may be but the point is if they like your direct and savvy approach, you stand a good chance of getting some type of meeting set up. Then with a foot in the door and there interest to learn more about you, an opportunity to CREATE a position for yourself has a chance to be uncovered.

If a position doesn't develop from this contact, they should be receptive to provide a contact or maybe suggest another company they know that is ready to hire. If so, you have a name to use to help open that door and keep the process working. You can be very active using this process versus searching for openings and waiting for the phone to ring.

I'm like you. I want to help other veterans. Best of luck. You're welcome to email me with additional questions if you want.

James Johnson ⋅ Chicago , IL U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Thanks Ryan, and yes I am very much interested. I just browsed over the companies web site and these are the type of projects that I am very familiar with. Your response and assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Ryan Golden ⋅ Mountain View , CA Moasis global ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi James,

Check out http://www.bbmkcontracting.com. If this is of some interest I can reach out to see if they are hiring.