I’m looking at applying for a superintendent position in the residential construction industry. Any suggestions on who to work for? or who not to work for? and why?
I’m looking in the Northern Virginia area. Where I currently live.
–Chief of all sinners
Edited 3/10/2005 10:03 am ET by Chief
Replies
Big question here. Gotta know more about you.
If you are full of integrity, there are too many bigger outfits that will ask you to check that at the door
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
What were some of examples you've seen where this is the case. With Who (whom?).
-Chief of all sinners
I was interviewing for a super job a while back. Ended up with a small home builder who, to a certain extent, leaves all the quality control to his supers. I'm happy with the situation.
Interviewed with a few very large national builders. One in particular installs vinyl siding directly on the OSB sheathing - no paper of any kind. If I worked there I wouldn't feel good about that, and if a homebuyer asked me directly about the practice, I'd either have to straight out lie, or disregard where my paycheck came from and tell the truth.
My advice is go have a close look at what a prospective employer builds. If you are OK with what you see, or maybe feel like you might even be proud to build those houses, go for it. If you feel like you might have a hard time being a good representative of the company, look elsewhere.
BTW - some of those large national builders have excellent benefits packages, and the fact is that those companies got to where they are by giving the public what they want. Matt
Thank's for the advice, Matt.
-Terry-Chief of all sinners
Back up a step and read my first responce. You may want specific names but you ain't getting that from me. What I am trying to do is help you understand how to select an employer that fits you and yopur ways. To do that, I have to know more about youAll I know so far is that you are tight with information sharing and that you'd rather control the interview than to have a conversation...
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
diplomacy suits you well lol
;)I'm just a little chief. He wants to be a big chief
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Sorry for the short questions Piffin. I was never good in english class at school. All that writing and all. I usally just get to the point which isn't all that diplomatic at times.
About myself? Well... I'm 34 years old, spent two years in college in my early twenty's however did not obtain a degree. I've been over 10 years in the construction Industry (Yes, Consecutively). For the past seven years I've been self-employed as a licensed contractor doing home remodeling (Kitchens, baths, Finished Basements). I've been doing all the work myself from start to finsh except where I'm not licensed (Electrical, plumbing, etc.).
The reasons I'm looking to work for a home builder is as such:
1. I would like to move away from the 'hands-on', and learn good project management skills from proven experts in the industry.
2. I'm really tired of whearing all the hats in my business. I don't mind wearing a few hats but just not ALL.
3. New home building has always appealed to me.
4. I Miss the team work environment.
As far as integrity is concerned. I would think myself to have it. I mean, I think I'm a reasonable person. I have nothing to give before God, but I do believe I have something to offer the world.
-terry-Chief of all sinners
OK, this thread is a good excercise for you then. See, if you want to be a projecty manager, you will be expected to do a lot of written communications, as well as to read a lot of thing you would rather not.For instance, On my current project, we have two kitchens and six bathrooms. That all entails a lot of appliances and fixtures. The owner of the house is a designer with Kohler,capable of selecting without my help.
So I was handed by mail a package nearly an inch thick with all tghe specs and selections. I was asked to make sure they would all work in situ and reply affirmatively within 48 hours so they could be ordered. Had I not been punctual with that. a deadline for price discount would have been missed, costing my client several hundreds of dollars.That involved a lot of reading and deciphering.
BTW, have you ever noticed how many plumbers are dyslexic? often geniuses with parts and mechanics, but slow when it comes to studying paperwork...See my point? Are you aiming for a progect manger position for the right reasons? Noneed to answer me, but the introspective examination will be good for you. There are management skills that are sometimes hard to come by. I can do them, but don't always enjoy them. I'd a heap ruther be driving nails or milling lumber.Now, supposing you are still committed to this sort of position, and convinced within yourself that you will enjoy it long enough to make money for your employer, you need to select that employer based on the quality of their product and their reputation for retaining good employees. In other words, you want them to be as deserving of you, as you are of them.It's a bit like a marriage. In order to have a good woman, a man needs to mature enough that he is a good man, and has something to offer to such a gal.Once you determine what company you want to work for, you need to sell your self to them, in much the same way you courted your wife. It could take a year to convince them of who you are and that they canbenefir from a relationship with you. Some of the best job stories I have heard involved a man who offered to work for a time without committment from the boss, in order to prove their worth.This approach is different from the typical assumed method of just respionding to help wanted ads. Big builders with poor employment and other policies will have high turnover and opportunities to start, but not finish. I assume you want to be a finisher, not just a beginner.I probably have more to say, but I'm getting tired tonight. Long hard day.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I filled in my profile information. I hope this answers your question on 'who I am.' Also, please read the response I gave you earlier for more information.
-terry-Chief of all sinners
Hey bud! I grew up in Springfield VA. Jumped ship about 12 or 13 years ago. In Raleigh NC area now.Matt