Employment in the Construction Industry During COVID-19

Figuring out the right career choice or even searching for temporary employment is a job all on its own. It takes hours to find applications that lead to legitimate opportunities and landing the interview is even harder. Many people strive to perfect their resume and write the best cover letter that conveys their intentions and possible future within the position.

Now with the coronavirus pandemic, the challenge to find a job is all the more complicated. Unemployment increased more during the three months of COVID-19 than it did during the Great Recession, according to a report from the Pew Research Center .  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics believes it’s possible that the unemployment rate in May was as high as 16%. As a result of the reopening of some economic activity during the month of June, the unemployment rate in the U.S. declined to about 11%. Nevertheless, people still have bills to pay and groceries to buy, and the search for a job must continue. This includes work opportunities for contractors, construction business owners and other professionals in this industry. In New Jersey, nonessential construction projects were given the green light to resume operations on May 18, so long as social distancing and safety guidelines are followed.

Some of the most well-known and resourceful job board sites are Indeed , Glassdoor and even LinkedIn. Articles from PBS and Forbes share tips and advice for finding work amid COVID-19. There are several open positions in the construction industry people in New Jersey can apply to:

1. Administrative Assistant to Owner of Construction Company
-Confidential Construction
-Summit, NJ 07901
- Qualifications and other requirements
-Three years of experience in construction preferred  
-High school education or equivalent preferred

2. Construction Laborer
-Build Pro Construction Services
-Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
- Qualifications and other requirements
-One year of experience in construction and carpentry preferred
-$16-$30 per hour

3. Administrative Assistant/Accounting Clerk
-Century 21 Construction
-Lodi, NJ 07644
- Qualifications and requirements
-Two years of data entry and Microsoft Office experience preferred as well as one year of construction related experience
-$18 an hour

Another resourceful job board for this specific field is Construction Jobs. Positions including construction inspector, construction project manager, operations coordinator, and many others are listed for areas across the state on the construction jobs website .

Facebook groups also prove useful for freelance designers and contractors who want to promote their services or connect with businesses and clients. The New Jersey Construction Connection is a public Facebook group where many share their work, services, and get advice from others in the business. Construction Help Wanted (NJ, NY, PA) is a private group where members on the forum can ask for specific construction-related work and find/share leads on projects people are seeking to hire contractors for. Other Facebook groups such as Small Business/Entrepreneurship , Building Construction , and Residential Remodeling Subs may lead to other connections and employments.