,

Are all recruitment agents the same?

no recruitment agent is the same

The aged old question we get asked as a recruitment agent, are all recruitment agents the same? Well, simply put, no. Every recruitment agent has their own area of expertise and skills. Didn’t think we were going to say that huh? We get it, our industry is extremely competitive and fierce in its approach at times. Many recruiters may indulge in what some call “trash talk”, but that’s not our style.

The thing is, no recruitment agent is the same so in order to find the best talent you need to work with one that aligns with your own ethos as well as the industry. 

But what else is there that we can debunk? Let’s look into some of the most commonly asked questions that don’t always give recruitment agencies the best reputation. We’re going to try and explain them, or at least offer insight. 

Why do recruitment agents not call back?

Straight for the kidney with that question. We have no explanation for this one, because if you ask any of our agents at FBR we always call back. 

Recruitment agents work in an office, and as everyone knows you can’t be tied to a desk all day. There are meetings, bathroom breaks, and other things that happen. But if we miss a call we always call back. That’s just common courtesy. 

Anyway moving swiftly on. 

Recruiters never recruit new talent 

This is a bit of a faux pas if you ask us. While some recruiters may headhunt previous talent from other roles they placed in the past, it isn’t always ethical to do so. 

It causes many issues for everyone involved. Now, if a past candidate comes across our table and wants a new role; that is a different story. 

The world is full of amazing people with vastly different skills and talents. As a recruitment agent part of the wonder of our industry is making those perfect placements and finding those people. 

Besides, with technology and many roles being able to be remote or hybrid, finding new talent shouldn’t be difficult.

Recruiters send all applications to the hiring manager

What people mean by this is a common misconception that recruitment agents will just pop out and advertise and then send any CV to their clients to book in an interview. 

We can tell you that is absolutely not the case, at least for our own agency. We pride ourselves on our internal vetting process, this means that we view each CV and application as well as speak with the candidates before presenting them to our clients. 

We are experts in our field, and we’ve been doing this for a long time. Sometimes you just know when a candidate is going to work out and be the right one. 

Recruiters only care about commission

This one is false. Do recruitment agencies need to earn money, yes, like everyone in the world, recruiters need to earn a living. However, we don’t just care about commissions. We are here as a guide to help candidates find the right job to suit their requirements, experience, and needs. 

FBR recruitment agents work hard to fully understand what a candidate or company is looking for. This ensures that we are able to find the right match sooner rather than later, which saves everyone time and money. 

Recruiters have access to the same roles as everyone else

Not necessarily true. The way many recruiters work is that companies approach a recruitment agent to help them find a new employee. This means that once a company has agreed to use that recruitment agent then that job is only available via that recruitment agency. 

This means that there are many roles on the market that are exclusive to recruitment agents. Not only that, but in many cases when companies reuse the same recruitment agency, recruiters can begin to prepare for any new role requests. Essentially candidates in their database would be the first to know about any new job opportunities before they hit the market. 

Recruiters only advertise jobs

Again this couldn’t be further from the truth. Recruitment agencies like FBR work to ensure that the job descriptions are accurate and well founded. We also help make sure that any and all candidates have the relevant skills, experience and qualifications before sending applications. 

But most importantly, we make sure that the role is competitive. We check that the salary is in line with expectations as well as ensuring that the candidates are going to be compensated for their own skill level. 

Recruitment agents are the guards that protect candidates and companies. We make sure that candidates are paid what they deserve as well as knowing what they are signing up for. And for companies, recruitment agents save time and money filtering through applications, and guiding companies to employing the best candidates for their company. 

Recruitment is all about people, when you work with the right ones it makes a difference. At FBR we work with construction companies to ensure that they are getting the talent they need. 

If you are looking for a new role, view our jobs board or speak to our agents today. 

Are you a company looking to recruit the best talent? Our team can help you, call our experts now.



/by

What questions should you ask during your interview for a construction role?

Knowing what questions you should ask during your interview for a construction role is key.

The interview process can be stressful for everyone. Knowing what questions you should ask during your interview for a construction role is key. 

If you are applying for several jobs, and most people do, be sure to curate your questions to suit each role and company. However, there are some more generic questions that you can use as building blocks to create your interview question deck. 

If you are wondering what questions construction companies will ask you, read more in our recent blog. 

Keep reading to see what questions you should ask during your interview for a construction job role.

What would your working schedule look like?

All companies work differently and it is important to know what your working schedule would look like. Knowing what your working schedule would be will help you make an informed decision as to whether or not the role works for your own personal circumstances. 

In an ever-changing world, working behaviours and patterns have shifted. More and more workers favour a flexible schedule and it’s important to know if this is possible for you.

Ask about current and upcoming projects

Ask the recruiter or hiring manager about any current projects they are working on or upcoming projects. This will give you an idea of what type of client the company has as well as shows your interest in the company. 

What additional training and support is offered?

Knowing what additional training and support is available to you is essential in any role. Particularly within construction companies. There are many new tools and techniques that are introduced within the construction industry, it is important to keep up to date with the training. 

It is important to make sure the company you are working for offers you training and support as this helps your career progression and grows your skills. 

Is there any career progression

Ask about the potential career progression you could expect when you take on a role within a construction company. This shows you are interested in moving forwards with your career and helping grow the company in general. 

Additionally, you can ask what the career progression of current employees has been. If team members are staying within the company and progressing further it’s all green flags. 

Why is the position open?

If you’re feeling bold why not ask them why they are recruiting for the position you have applied for? It could be risky but in the current jobs market taking a chance and seeing why companies are recruiting could provide you with insight into the business. 

Of course, there is always a right way to ask these questions, make sure you build up to the question and be tactful. No potential employer wants an interviewee to imply people don’t want to work at the company. 

It’s no secret that the construction industry is a fast-paced environment, knowing what to expect of the company you are interviewing with is essential in making the right decision for you. 

At FBR we work with many candidates from preparing to apply for jobs and interview preparation. If you are looking for a new role within the construction industry visit our jobs board today or contact our team of construction recruitment experts.



/by

Reasons why you should work in construction

those of you who are lost in your job hunting, reasons why you should work in construction

While it isn’t always our place to say anyone should work in any industry, that doesn’t mean we don’t have opinions on why you should work in construction. 

Every industry is different, and when looking for a job whether you are just starting out or looking to swap careers. It can be confusing and complicated. But that is why we think we should give those of you who are lost in your job hunting, reasons why you should work in construction. 

At FBR we work to recruit many roles across the country, in particular for construction companies. We believe that we have it on good authority to offer potential job seekers some good reasons as to why you should work in construction. 

Project based work

Construction work is project based. This means that no two jobs will be the same as the other. While some of the tasks will be similar, your approach may be entirely different. Project based work offers you the opportunity to really dig into the details of your craft and requires you to know your role inside out. 

Essentially you get to truly understand a product and think creatively about potential solutions to problems. This is great for those of you who get bored doing the same task over and over again. 

Always need construction workers

As the population grows and industries grow we will always need people to work in construction. While the increase in technology may change and evolve how a construction worker carries out a job task, it will always be needed to have someone at ground level and above. 

From residential construction to private construction projects, there will always be a need for people within and around the construction industry. 

Working outdoors

For many the idea of being tied to a desk is the worst thing they can think of. That’s why those who need a more active role should work in construction. No location will be the same which means you get to experience all aspects of outdoor working. 

Team environment

Working in construction is a complete team effort. From brick layers, project managers, and site plotters. Each and every role is essential in the construction project process, you work collaboratively with many different people.

Satisfying results

Seeing the project go from ground zero through each of the phases is extremely satisfying. Knowing you were part of the team that created the end result is very gratifying for many who work. Especially since many buildings and other aspects of construction last a lifetime. 

Imagine every day walking past a project you worked on and it still being there years later. There aren’t many roles which have the same impact on everyday life as construction workers. 

There are many reasons why you should work in construction, and we have only listed a few. From working with people in a dynamic and fast paced environment, construction work has it all. 

If you are looking to get into construction work speak to our expert recruitment consultants. Our team at FBR is dedicated to finding the right role for the right person. View our jobs board for active roles, or speak to our agents today.



/by

Questions you will be asked during an interview for a construction role

there are many different types of questions you will be asked during an interview

There are only so many ways to prepare for an interview. Knowing what questions you will be asked during an interview for a construction role is one of them. While we can’t predict what a potential employer will ask you, we do have a few common questions that you can prepare for.

At the end of the day, make sure you answer the questions as best you can and just be yourself. The right company is out there and everyone can find the best job to suit them. Let’s look at the different types of questions you will be asked during your interview for a construction role. 

Opening questions in an interview for a construction role

Like all interviews, there will be a few basic questions that a potential employer will ask you. It’s always best to prepare for as many different types of questions as possible, however, each interview is different and some interviewers may throw out a curve ball. 

Tell me about yourself

The one question that everyone dreads but is probably the most common question employers will ask. For whatever reason this question is always asked during an interview so it’s best to prepare for it. 

What experience do you have

If a potential employer has read your CV then they should already know, however, a CV has been carefully curated. So asking directly what experience you have provides the interviewer with details you may have missed out or you can expand upon your CV. 

What specific qualifications do you have

Again, while these may be listed on your CV it can give you the chance to expand in your qualifications. Think of ways you can include additional qualifications and how those provide transferable skills. Always look for ways to improve and expand on your CV, show them your personality while you do this.

Further questions you will be asked during a construction role interview

Interviews aren’t always so prescriptive. You will be asked many questions in particular about past projects you have worked on. If you have yet to gain experience in the construction industry, don’t worry about it too much. Look for projects you have done that can provide the interviewer with an insight into your work ethic and any crossover skills you have. 

Tell us about a favourite project

Prepare the details of your most favourite project to have worked on. Think about why it was your favourite, perhaps it was a prestigious project or the results had a positive impact for the customer. Whatever your reasoning, think about projects you’ve worked on and your involvement in them. 

What has been a difficult project you’ve worked on? 

Don’t be worried about being asked about difficult projects. A difficult project doesn’t have to be one that went wrong from start to finish, but could be a project that provided many barriers you had to overcome. This is a great question for you to showcase your critical thinking skills as you explain the barriers and difficulties and the decisions you made to complete the project. 

Explain how you have overcome problems during a project or task

This question isn’t supposed to trap you or trick you into thinking you aren’t equipped for the job. Knowing how you have overcome problems and how you deal with them is key for many industries. After all, nothing ever goes as planned and knowing you are capable of problem solving is a desired skill for many employers. 

Ultimately there are many different types of questions you will be asked during an interview. Each company will tailor their interview questions to suit the specific job role they are recruiting for. The key is to know your own skills and prepare yourself. That is the key to successful interviews. 

If you are looking for your next job in construction speak to our expert recruitment agents now. FBR has worked with construction companies across the UK and placed amazing talent in the right job roles. View our jobs board now or contact us for more information. 



/by

Construction recruitment cover letters | Are cover letters still relevant?

look at construction recruitment cover letters in a little more detail

Are construction recruitment cover letters still relevant? A cover letter is a thing that has been around as long as a CV, if not longer. With the introduction of the internet and online applications, the value of a cover letter seems to have been lost over modern times. 

So what is the point of a cover letter and are construction recruitment cover letters still used today? 

At FBR we work to provide honest advice about the world of recruiting, whether you are looking for a new role or a company looking to hire talented people; FBR is here for just that.

From our perspective, there are pros and cons of having a cover letter. For a candidate, it’s just another thing to complete and write, which isn’t always the easiest task for some. On the other hand, when done correctly it can be used for more than just an introduction. You can showcase your skills and talent in a way that a CV can’t always.  

But let’s look at construction recruitment cover letters in a little more detail.

What are cover letters used for?

A cover letter has traditionally been used as an introduction. Sending your CV to a company without an introduction was and is still considered poor etiquette. It would be like meeting someone and not shaking their hand or giving them your name, sounds pretty rude right?

So the point of a cover letter was to introduce yourself and provide a more informal view of you as a potential candidate. Cover letters are used to grab the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter and make them want to read your CV which is more prescriptive.

Why should you write a cover letter for construction roles?

Ultimately having a cover letter can come in handy, even if a company or recruiter doesn’t request one it’s simply nice to have. It’s one of those tasks that while the market still is unsure whether cover letters are relevant; it’s best to have the bases covered and have it to hand.

For those applications which don’t require a cover letter then you don’t need to send it. However, some job applications may require you to fill in a short bio. This means your pre-prepared cover letter will come in handy as you can use some of that information to help create your bio. 

Additionally, cover letters for construction roles can provide you the opportunity to talk about specific projects you’ve been involved in. It gives you the chance to really go into more detail about your passions in the industry and showcase who you are.

What to include on a cover letter for construction roles

Now we’ve looked at cover letters and if they are still relevant. Let’s look at what to include in one, let’s be honest we can’t all be the next Stephen King or Tolkien. But that’s not what a cover letter is all about. 

A cover letter is an extension of you and who you are, so King or Tolkien can’t write that. Plus, a cover letter can be boiled down to the following ingredients. 

Introduction

This is when you introduce yourself; the basics really. You can keep it short and sweet, no need to go into family history. Imagine you are talking to a person when writing your cover letter. For example;

Dear [insert recruiter/hiring manager name]

My name is [insert your name], I found your job listing for [insert job title] and thought I’d be a great match. I have [insert relevant experience] and currently work in [job role].

Expand 

Now you’ve introduced yourself and what your intention is, you need to expand on this. What makes you different, how has working in the industry impacted your career, what is it you love? This is one of the harder parts of writing a cover letter as you need to showcase your enthusiasm and emotion in this section. 

Be sure to include any specific skills which can be transferred into the role you are applying for. Whether this is from hobbies or past experiences. Things that don’t belong on a CV but would be great for the potential employer to know about you. 

Conclude

Once you have expanded on your cover letter now you need to tie it up with a conclusion. This is where you thank the hiring manager for their time, reiterate your interest and attach your CV for consideration. 

 

Always be respectful when writing any correspondence and don’t forget to include your email and mobile number after you have signed it off. It should look something like this:

 

Thank you for the time and consideration, I enclose a copy of my CV and hope to hear from you soon. Should you have any questions regarding my application please do not hesitate to contact me

Kind regards,

[full name]

[email address]

[phone number]

So there you have the basics of a cover letter. Another tip from us is to run it through some online grammar checkers, there are plenty of free tools available. Once you have been through and edited your cover letter you can then ask a close friend to read over it. Additionally, you may wish to seek advice from your recruitment agent, we see cover letters daily and know what makes potential employees stand out. 

Ultimately, having a construction recruitment cover letter will be useful for any application you make. Whether it is used for the full purpose of a cover letter, or broken down into a bio for your application or not at all. A cover letter can still make the difference in getting your CV noticed by employers and recruitment agents alike. 

The cover letter isn’t going anywhere any time soon, so make sure to work on yours to the best of your ability. 

If you are looking for a new job in construction, view our jobs board today. Our consultants are available to help you find the right job at the right company. 


/by

Will the demand for quantity surveying rise or die in 2025?

Demand for quantity surveying can change and evolve year on year

Demand for quantity surveying can change and evolve year on year. As the construction industry changes so too will the landscape of quantity surveying. The role of a quantity surveyor is essential for many reasons.

Quantity surveying is a profession that assists in the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases of a building project. They provide cost management advice by calculating exact costs for materials and labour, as well as helping to negotiate contracts with suppliers and vendors. Quantity surveyors will also use their expertise to minimise risks associated with a construction project.

What is the typical demand for quantity surveying?

Quantity surveying is a key factor in the construction process, and its demand is currently flourishing due to the expanding growth of the building industry and our society’s mounting requirements.

As demand is high, so too is the need for businesses to recruit the right talent for the role. Understanding the role of a quantity surveyor is essential. Knowing the scope of responsibilities as well as the benefits enables construction companies to hire the right people. Working with a recruiter who understands the demand and skills necessary for this role is important.

How useful is quantity surveying?

Quantity surveying has a host of advantages that make it an invaluable tool for any project. Not only does quantity surveying help to decrease the cost and maximise profits, but its use also guarantees quality control is maintained throughout construction. It facilitates budgeting, scheduling and dispute resolution between contractors and clients alike – making sure all parties can come away satisfied with the results.

How will quantity surveying evolve?

As the construction industry continues to evolve, so too will the role of quantity surveying. This will likely involve more emphasis on digital and software solutions for project management and cost control, as well as a greater focus on collaboration between multiple stakeholders involved in a construction project.

Additionally, with an increased emphasis on sustainability and green building practices, quantity surveyors will need to be knowledgeable about the latest energy-efficient materials and technologies. Read our blog on how going green can actually increase construction jobs.

Overall, the demand for quantity surveying is likely to remain high in the years ahead as it plays a critical role in helping construction projects run smoothly and efficiently; while also protecting against risks and ensuring quality standards are met. With new technologies and practices emerging in the construction industry, quantity surveyors will need to stay up to date in order to remain relevant and valuable. Being stuck in the past will only result in a lack of growth for those who are unable to move forwards and advance their roles.

Here at FBR, we work with many construction businesses to find the right talent for you. Working directly in the industry allows us to accurately match the right candidate for the right role. Our team is dedicated to quality, we understand the importance of regulations within the construction industry, which is why we pre-vet out candidates to ensure they have the relevant qualifications necessary. Contact our team today to see how we can help you grow your team and recruit the best talent.


/by