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Now that things are getting tighter and tighter, it is only a matter of time, more than likely weeks, before I will be laid off.

Q. Dear Caragh,

I am a qualified electrician and have been working quite happily now for the last few years during the boom. Now that things are getting tighter and tighter, it is only a matter of time, more than likely weeks, before I will be laid off.

Being a woman in this industry has probably been an advantage to me thus far but my query to you is where would I start to look for work. I have done a Microsoft Office course in the evenings and apart from my electrical qualifications this is what I’m left with. Could you possibly point me to the areas where I could possibly apply for work because at the moment I’m not sure where my qualifications will be taken seriously outside the construction industry.

I would really appreciate your opinion on any areas where I should be looking.

Rachael

A. Hi Rachael,

Thank you for your email, I am very impressed that you took a Microsoft office course while you were busy working as an electrician - this shows initiative and commitment- two qualities that you should highlight to potential employers in or outside of the construction industry.

You are right in being pro-active, it’s time to gather great references and start networking with everyone you know or can be introduced to and let them know that you are looking for a new opportunity, look at all the recruitment websites and job adverts, write a great cv, do lots of research on potential employers and be as polished and professional as you can - a positive attitude is key right now - it will all pay off.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Good luck!

Caragh

If you have a career or work-related question for our Career Surgeon, you can email Caragh at editorial@loadzajobs.ie