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Waiting to hear back from organizations after interviewing with them is sometimes more stressful than the period before your interview. You may want to know how you did but may not know how to approach the interviewer. 

As an AEC professional, sending a follow-up email after your interview is a great way to stand out. It’ll also remind the interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the role.

After the job interview 

After your construction job interview, the next thing you should do is send a follow-up email to the recruiter. Sending them a quick message a day or two after shows you’re passionate about the position. It also gives you the chance to say anything you forgot during the interview or something you thought of after.

Five reasons to follow up after a construction job interview

1. To get updates

Following up with the interviewer can help with updates on what to expect in the next stage of the application. Start off on the right note by sending a thank you email to appreciate their time. You can then go ahead to ask for an update on how you did and what to expect next in the hiring process. 

Supervisors have many responsibilities, and seeing your message might remind the recruiter to proceed to the next step. You’ll likely be the first person they reach out to if you qualify for the next steps.

2. Get their attention 

Interviewers speak with many people per role, and it’s easy to get forgotten after the interview. Consider that other candidates may have also performed well in the interview so the interviewer has a lot of options. Sending a follow-up email after your construction job interview refreshes the interviewer’s memory and reminds them about what made you stand out. 

You may also add an anecdote from the discussion in your message to reinforce your presence in their mind. Another helpful tip is to use the same email thread where the interview was scheduled. Doing this will help the recruiter recognize you. 

3. It gives you a second shot 

It’s concerning if you missed a question or forgot to mention an important detail during your interview. Omitting information is common, but what you do after can make a difference. Use a follow-up message to answer any questions you feel you didn’t handle well. 

You can also ask more questions about the organization or share your thoughts on some of the things you discussed. Working with an AEC staffing agency can help you craft the right message to the interviewer. You’ll work together to develop a comprehensive email using the right tone so you don’t omit any other information. 

4. It shows interest

A follow-up message after an interview shows you’re still interested in the role. The company would be more interested in hiring someone who is enthusiastic about working with them. Always include specific details about the position you’re excited about working on. 

You can also talk about what you hope to accomplish as a way to remind them of your skills. It’ll show them you’re already thinking of ways to bring value and help them achieve their business goals.

5. Gain feedback

You can also do a follow-up if you aren’t selected for a role. It’ll be an excellent opportunity to learn about what went wrong and why they didn’t choose you. The interviewer might be willing to give you helpful feedback notes that will improve your next interview. 

Kickstart your career in construction with Certis Solutions

While following up after a construction job interview can be helpful, don’t be pushy. Some companies aren’t good at providing feedback and may not respond to your messages. It’s best to let it go if you don’t get an answer.

Our specialized recruiters at Certis Solutions have the skills to guide you through your post-interview follow-ups. Contact us today for tips on acing your interview and finding your next job.

Drafters are responsible for drawings and blueprints, ensuring the structural integrity of large-scale and small-scale construction projects. An AEC drafter is responsible for creating the guidelines and precise schematics for both new builds and renovations. They perform their work either using computer-aided design software like AutoCAD or drawing by hand. 

We’ve got you covered if you’re interested in becoming a drafter or wondering what the average Drafters salary is. Drafters’ salaries vary by industry and experience, so it’s difficult to put a specific number to it. We’ll explore their average salary per industry and what you can expect to make as a qualified Drafter.

Becoming a Drafter in California: What to expect

To become a certified Drafter in California, you must pass a Drafters Certification Test. These tests are periodically done at ADDA-authorized sites, covering topics like drafting concepts, architectural terms and standards, and geometric construction. 

The average salary for California-based drafters is $61,820 per year. Depending on your employer, you may also be eligible for health insurance, sick leave, and retirement plans. Working with a technical staffing agency in the search for employment as a Drafter can ensure you get a job that is right for you.

Drafters’ salary by industry: Insights for 2023

Drafters in the United States make about $54,240 annually, which equals $28.04 per hour. Several factors can influence this figure to trend higher or lower. Factors such as your industry or location influence salaries. Drafters with the same skills and experience can make more than others in some states. Here’s a look at how much drafters make according to their industry. All figures are obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary estimates for drafters in 2021.

The electrical industry 

These drafters work with engineers to create drawings used for electrical wiring for projects like power plants. They’ll typically visit the project site to assess the structure and create drawings for proper wiring per industry regulations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical Drafters make about $77,780 per year as of 2021.

The civil industry

Civil drafters develop sketches and drawings for infrastructure development projects like highways. The average salary for drafters in this industry is $61,630 in 2021.

The architectural industry

These Drafters create drawings for construction projects, such as school buildings and factories. They work with architects and engineers to turn their plans into blueprints to ensure they are completed according to industry stands. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Architectural Drafters made $61,630 per year as of 2021.

The marine industry 

These Drafters define where critical systems like plumbing and electrical should be so the facilities comply with industry regulations. Drafters in this industry earn $57,660 per year as of 2021.

The mechanical industry 

In the mechanical industry, Drafters work on drawings and diagrams for mechanical products. They outline the required dimensions of the products and also give details for assembling them. Mechanical Drafters earn $52,450 as of 2021.

Certis: Guiding you toward your dream role

A technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions can help new and experienced Drafters find their ideal job. Whatever your industry may be, we can help you land the perfect job from our extensive database of industry connections. Contact us today to get started.

Emergency restoration service workers specialize in restoring properties damaged by environmental and chemical agents, such as mold, water, and asbestos. Emergency restoration also covers restoring properties damaged by disasters, such as fires and accidents. They offer several services, including preventative care, by planning to prevent damages from happening. 

These companies train extensively to use the right tools, testing, and inspection methods to estimate damage level and properly plan restoration. They help people impacted by crises to recover their properties quickly and safely by cleaning damaged sites.

Why emergency restoration service jobs are in high demand

The demand for emergency restoration services grows yearly as the world becomes more aware of the dangers of property damage. Things like chemicals and other agents can cause harm to the environment and individuals’ health. Let’s take a look at some of the factors influencing the growing demand for emergency restoration services.

1. Increased awareness

There’s growing awareness of the dangers of chemicals in our immediate physical environment. People are keen to avoid agents like mold and asbestos, which pose significant health risks. Thanks to advanced technology, you can now easily detect mold problems in your home. This means more people now know when they need help from emergency restoration services.  

2. Better supplies and equipment 

A career in emergency restoration has become more attractive since the tools of the trade are more advanced. Jobs are more straightforward. Cleaning supplies have fewer harsh chemicals and are better at cleaning. Equipment like dehumidifiers are more affordable and optimized to make the job efficient.

3. Natural disasters 

Incidences of natural disasters have increased over the last few years. It’s helpful to have many emergency restoration companies in places like California, where widespread wildfires occur. Other areas prone to floods, hurricanes, and heavy storms also benefit from having emergency workers readily available. These firms specializing in emergency restoration improve living in disaster-prone regions, so they’re in high demand.

4. Aged infrastructure 

Buildings deteriorate as they get older. The demand for people who can fix the problems associated with age grows as people’s homes’ structural integrity declines. These buildings become more dangerous to live in because of water damage and mold.

Types of emergency restoration services jobs

There are many jobs available with a career in restoration services. The industry covers several areas, and workers will often specialize in a specific area depending on the type of damage. Some of the types of restoration services include:

• Jobs in water damage restoration 

Water is one of the most common reasons for property damage. Things like heavy rains, hurricanes, and leaky pipes can compromise a building’s integrity. With a job in water damage restoration, you’ll repair the damage and remove excess water in buildings, using advanced equipment. 

• Jobs in flood and storm damage restoration 

Buildings affected by floods need serious repairs to restore them to a livable condition. The damage affecting these buildings need to be restored as quickly as possible to reduce the impact of flooding. Typical work activities include:

• Pumping out excess water
• Removing furniture and other damaged belongings
• Decontaminating the buildings

Storm damage restoration may involve fixing damage caused by wind and hail. You’ll also provide preventative maintenance and secure buildings against future damage.

• Jobs in fire damage restoration 

Fire disasters  leave more than scorched buildings behind. If not cleaned properly, toxic gasses and smoke after a fire can harm the building’s occupants. Your work in fire damage restoration will include using specialized equipment and techniques to deodorize and clean the building. You’ll also install safety tarps to seal the airspace around the location to contain the toxic gasses. 

• Jobs in mineral and fungal damage restoration

Mold often occurs due to water damage left unchecked. There are many types of mold, and almost all of these fungi pose a health risk. A job in chemical damage restoration involves using professional methods to remove and clean the affected areas. Naturally occurring minerals like asbestos also need to be professionally remediated as they cause diseases, such as lung cancer.

Benefits of starting a career in restoration

A career in restoration can be quite beneficial and rewarding. Below are a few benefits you can look forward to if interested in pursuing this career path. 

Take part in a growing market—things like the increasing number of natural disasters and the knowledge on structural damages to a property mean the restoration industry will continue to grow. With the right tools and training, starting a career in restoration can be lucrative. There are numerous growth opportunities for success and to significantly advance your career. 

Advanced training is available—players in the industry are now held to higher standards, and new regulations are in place. Special training ensures workers are well prepared to carry out their duties efficiently. You’ll also grow your skills and become a valuable asset, making yourself more marketable to employers.

Job security—the constant threat of natural disasters, environmental factors, time, and physical agents will also ensure a steady restoration job market. Going into this career, you can be sure there will always be demand for your services.

How to get started in the emergency restoration industry 

The best way to get started in the emergency restoration industry is by gaining work experience. Many companies will hire you with no experience for low-level jobs that don’t require expertise. You can use this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the job environment to see if it’s a career you want. 

The next step is to acquire appropriate training. You’ll need to get training in fire, water, and mold restoration as these areas have the highest focus. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides training and certifications that teach the required skills for the industry. You can also choose your specialty and get as many certifications as possible in that area to become an expert. 

Having these certifications will give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of advancing in your career. You’ll learn appropriate ways to respond to emergencies while keeping yourself and others safe. 

Finally, the restoration industry is often challenging and demanding, so you’ll need to work hard and apply yourself. Doing this will show employers you’re willing to do what needs to be done. This can-do attitude will help you gain referrals for better jobs. 

There’s a continuous need for emergency restoration workers that won’t slow down anytime soon. If you’re interested in beginning your career in emergency restoration relief, we advise you to work with a qualified AEC staffing agency. 

Certis Solutions provides technical professionals with the resources they need to get the best jobs in the emergency restoration industry. Contact us today to learn how our account managers and recruiters can help you grow in your career.

Engineering is a dynamic field with various areas of specialization, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical. For the engineering skills you need to add to your resume, read below. In this blog, you can also learn how a staffing agency can help you get your dream engineering job.

Must-have skills for engineering jobs

With growing market competition, it has become important for young engineering graduates to advance their knowledge and skills to stand out among other applicants. Here are a few must-have skills for engineering graduates.

1. Communication skills

Regardless of your job title or field of study, excellent communication is the key to getting your dream job. An engineer has daily dealings with employees and supervisors to discuss the plan, design, technical information, or chemical theories, meaning you need to demonstrate excellent communication skills to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely.

2. Critical thinking

When looking for engineering jobs in California, or the rest of the country, work on upgrading your critical thinking skills as many employers value efficiency and problem-solving abilities. Critical thinking skills demonstrate a rational approach and understanding of any given topic. 

3. Complex problem-solving

Problem-solving is an essential engineering skill all new graduates must acquire to be successful in their respective fields. You must analyze and identify the problem and work mindfully to find a solution. A successful engineer possesses excellent problem-solving skills.

4. Technical skills

Technical skills may vary depending on the area of specialization. For example, a water resources engineer needs to be proficient with different modeling software, whereas a mechanical engineer must know how to design and construct machines. You should have the theoretical and practical knowledge to perform your job duties well.

5. Collaboration and teamwork skills

Team-building and collaboration are traits of a successful engineer. Be a team player; acknowledge everyone’s ideas, encourage participation, ask questions, avoid conflict, and listen to feedback. Teamwork helps increase productivity and motivates everyone to work together to achieve the predetermined goal of a company/organization.

A staffing agency can help you prepare for your first engineering job

In many cases, engineering graduates work hard to attain their degrees and sharpen their engineering skills, but often get lost in the process of finding a job that matches their expertise, requirements, and expectations. As such, a staffing agency can help with staying focused while job hunting.

A staffing and recruiting agency can help in many ways, from recommending jobs and providing resume support, to preparing candidates for interviews and suggesting follow-up interview steps. Below are a few reasons that make a staffing agency the perfect choice if you’re looking for engineering jobs in California or other states.

• Technical recruiters get to know you, they understand your job expectations, requirements, and field of specialization so as to align your skill set and desires with jobs available in the market.
• Before job-hunting, a staffing agency helps you refine your resume and build an engineering portfolio that demonstrates your work competencies and skills for the job you’re targeting. 
• Staffing agencies have a strong network, which means they can recommend you to employers looking to hire engineers at your level.
• Recruiters help you prepare for interviews by boosting your confidence and encouraging you to expand upon your impressive engineering skills.
• After an interview or screening, staffing agencies connect with the employer to collect feedback on your application and interview to help you better prepare for future opportunities.

Looking for your ideal job? Visit Certis Solutions. With more than seventy years of combined industry experience, we’ve helped many engineering graduates find their desired jobs. Start here to find engineering jobs in top companies in the United States. 

Architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) are industries on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. New techniques, technologies, and materials make construction faster, safer, and more efficient every year. However, the technological applications start long before the ground is even broken. 

Computer Assisted Design (CAD) is one of the most important parts of any modern AEC project. However, in an increasingly globalized world, many have suggested design can be done entirely out of the country, and is no longer a priority skill for those looking for jobs in the construction industry. But is this really the case? 

Why CAD is Ubiquitous 

CAD naturally has wide-ranging applications across many fields. Any industry that needs to create digital mock-ups of items before physical ones has a need for CAD. In construction, CAD technology took over the previous manual drafting process, for everything from buildings themselves, to their electrical and plumbing systems. 

Popular CAD software that construction staffing firms might expect a CAD designer to be proficient in include AutoCAD, Microstation, Revit, and SkyCiv. CAD can take the form of 3D or 2D designs as needed. 

It’s not just because of its wide range of applications that CAD has become ubiquitous. CAD designs are incredibly easy to share compared to the old manual versions. A design firm on one continent can easily transfer its designs overseas to another. 

CAD designs can also be quickly edited or copied. When working with CAD, the entire process is more secure and less vulnerable to files beyond destroyed, lost, or spied on. 

However, one of the most important benefits of CAD is that it’s easy, both to pick up and do. This is why it has spread so widely as the method of choice for architectural design. It’s also what has created the idea that CAD is a skill destined to be outsourced. But is this really the future?

The Future of CAD

For the moment, CAD looks to be a highly relevant skill for those interested in the construction industry. Despite the movement of much design overseas, many companies are starting to realize the importance of in-house CAD skills. 

Just because something can be cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. In fact, the opposite is often true. If CAD work from a secondary source is subpar, that means it will all need to be reviewed and edited in-house.

Outsourced CAD also often has the issue of communication. If the design team members aren’t native speakers (in respect to where the project is being completed), this can create errors in intent between the client and the designers. As well, there’s a greater chance for the design to “drift” from what is intended if it’s all being done remotely. There are benefits from being in the same office as your design team and looking at the designs in process. 

Having CAD designers on staff at a construction, architecture, or engineering company streamlines the process, and provides quality control. In a state that prizes innovation and excellence in architecture, anything less won’t make the cut in a competitive bidding environment in California. 

Put Your CAD Skills to Use with Certis Solutions

Job seekers with CAD skills are in high demand with all construction staffing agencies. However, while CAD has enabled the era of remote work, that same remote work can make applying for CAD jobs more difficult if work is outsourced. 

If you’re  a CAD designer looking for work, Certis Solutions is the AEC staffing agency for you. We have intimate relationships with some of the best and biggest construction and engineering companies in the state of California. Contact us today, and get your CAD career rolling. 

Professional certifications validate a job seeker’s knowledge and expertise and enhance credibility and confidence. Acquiring a certificate in your respective field adds value to your profile and showcases an in-depth understanding of the subject. 

Construction and engineering are among the top industries in the United States that are rapidly growing due to various factors, including natural calamities, technological advancement, and increasing population and infrastructure demands, which gives rise to various employment opportunities across different architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields. 

With growing employment opportunities, the competition in these industries is also rising, making acquiring a certification more significant. Moreover, the need for experienced and professionally trained workers has also increased the value of construction and engineering certifications. A study in the United States analyzed 300 job postings to reveal that 16 percent of the time employers prefer a candidate with professional certification. 

The importance of certifications in engineering and construction

Engineering certifications recognize the competency of an AEC professional and acknowledge their expertise in performing different tasks as part of various construction and engineering jobs. Job seekers with professional certifications typically have an edge over other job candidates. 

Apart from establishing professional credibility and increasing marketability, certifications also boost your efficiency through advanced training, coursework, and specialized knowledge. A study showed that 36 percent of individuals with professional accreditation get promoted in their jobs compared to 26 percent without credentials. 

Certifications also help you get higher pay than the average remuneration rate. The twelfth edition of the Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey by the Project Management Institute reported that project managers with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification earn 26 percent higher than managers without the credential. 

Furthermore, certified AEC professionals make a qualified replacement for professionals with limited or outdated industry knowledge. The need for certified professionals has increased due to rising demands for state-of-the-art commercial, residential, and public infrastructure, making these certifications more relevant in the industry. 

Must-have construction and engineering certifications 

Nowadays, employers are looking for more specialized skills, and professional certifications become tangible proof of that advanced skill set. Following are the top construction and engineering certifications that provide plenty of professional development and educational enhancement options to AEC professionals:

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training Program  
• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
• Construction Management Certification (CMC)
• American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
• Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE)
• American Institute of Constructor Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) 
• Decision and Risk Management Professional (DRMP)

What benefits do certifications offer AEC professionals?

1. Improved knowledge and upskilling

Certifications offer an opportunity to get versed with industry standards and updates that help you perform your job responsibilities better and gain a broader understanding of the field. They boost your confidence and expertise to work in different projects or environments. 

2. Increased job satisfaction

Additional credentials like an engineering certification pave the way for future development. Professional certifications aren’t limited to college graduates or entry-level professionals. Instead, they can be achieved at any stage of a career to refresh knowledge about the field and to look for advanced opportunities. 

3. Boosted income potential

AEC professionals with construction or engineering certifications earn more than others without one. For example, a project manager with a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification makes 25 percent more than those without the certification. 

4. Improved hiring potential

Nowadays, most employers ask for additional certifications and licenses while hiring an AEC professional. They want to hire a candidate that showcases superior industry knowledge and pivots projects in the right direction. 

5. Ensures compliance

The advanced coursework and training programs of certification enhance your industry knowledge and ability to investigate different construction and engineering projects to ensure compliance with legal, safety, and environmental standards and regulations. 

How our technical staffing agency can improve your career options 

It is not easy to look for engineering and construction jobs in California, especially because of growing market competition and demand for specialized skills, which is why you should work with a technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions. 

At Certis Solutions, we understand that to excel in your respective fields, it is important to broaden your network, which is why we provide plenty of occasions to connect with A-listed industry professionals to get insights about the hiring trends, certification requirements, growth opportunities and upcoming projects. 

We work with our clients to understand their personal and professional goals to find an engineering job that fits their criteria and expectations. Our team of experienced recruiters and consultants provides continuous guidance and tips to help you prepare for every job opening that comes your way. 

Visit Certis Solutions to learn more about our end-to-end staffing services and current job openings across various engineering, architecture, environmental, emergency services and construction firms in California.