You can’t beat the job security of a blue collared job, and skilled trade clearance work is booming. Anything from a cable slicer and electrician to pipefitter and welder. You can support agencies that need personnel for facilities, ground, equipment, HVAC, plumbing, aircraft maintenance, and so much more.
Ginny Glasco is the Director of Recruiting Services at Akima, and manages the recruitment in 46 states and 16 countries. That’s a plethora of career options. She is also an Army veteran and shares military transition tips, virtual job seeking advice, and the do’s and don’ts of online career events that candidates should follow.
Glasco notes that despite a pandemic, contractors continued to roll with the punches, changing schedules for telework and pumping out proposals with work being awarded by the DoD. With the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, the cleared labor market opportunities across the country are going to thrive.
VIRTUAL NETWORKING TIPS
As candidates continue to network online and engage with recruiters, Glasco advises that job seekers must be vigilant in their research practices. Candidates can also write a quick summary answering frequently asked recruiting questions like ‘what level clearance do you posses’, ‘will you relocate’. and ‘what are your salary requirements.’ Recruiters will truly appreciate this time saver.
Virtual career events give you the opportunity to connect with employers from all over the country without having to get dressed or leave home. In preparation for your chats with recruiters, be sure to do to the following:
- Tailor your resume for each opening:Â Upload versions of your resume and laser-focus to each employer.
- Create calendar reminders:Â Set one to assemble materials and test your equipment.
- Prepare your elevator pitch: Be sure to note your security clearance status, the position you are seeking, why you’re in the job market, and a fun fact so you remain memorable.
- Preparing responses to interview questions: Construct accomplishment stories and responses to typical interview questions so you remember to mention every possible reason why that employer should hire you.
- Prepare questions for the recruiters: This helps you better understand the employer and is taken as a sign of a motivated candidate.
- Dress for success: Especially through COVID-19 career seeking, dressing in professional attire will enhance your job-hunting mindset, even though you won’t be conducting a video interview.
- Attend from a distraction-free environment: A quiet location is ideal, and you will want to make certain it’s distraction-free.
- Put yourself out there: A virtual environment means it’s important to exert yourself to make connections. Confidence is key.
- Ask for next steps and the recruiter’s contact info: Be forthright and offer to connect over email. Also ask about the next steps in the process and be sure to take down their contact information. Send THANK-YOU notes!
ABOUT BLUE COLLARED CONTRACTORS
Akima is a global enterprise powering some of the most critical work in the federal government – from facilities, maintenance, and repair; to information technology; logistics; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction. Currently, 70-75% of their recruiting is for labor and blue-collared roles.
Government agencies and civilian contractors alike need blue-collar cleared workers to do everything from repair HVAC equipment in cleared facilities to cleared construction workers to build sensitive facilities.
