Soft Skills, Strong Impact

Got an Interview? Work on these soft skills

So you’ve polished your resume, sharpened your technical skills, and are ready to dive into your civil construction interview in New Zealand. But what if we told you that there are some unexpected skills that can make or break your success? Here’s a guide on the skills you didn’t think you needed for your civil construction interview—but trust us, you do!

1. The Art of Talking to Humans (AKA Communication Skills)

We know you’re a technical wizard when it comes to construction plans, but guess what? The ability to communicate is more important than you think. Engineers, project managers, and even subcontractors aren’t mind readers! If you can’t clearly explain how to read a blueprint or outline the steps of a complex project, you’re going to be left in the dust.

How to:

• Explain complex stuff in a way your mate (who knows nothing about construction) would get it.

• Use clear, concise language. No one has time for jargon-filled monologues.

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2. Negotiation Skills

Picture this: You’ve got a tight budget, a pushy contractor, and a deadline that’s moving faster than you can say “concrete pour.” You might think negotiation is only for the sales department, but civil construction is full of negotiation moments—from materials to timelines.

How to:

• Don’t be afraid to stand your ground when negotiating timelines or costs.

• Think win-win: Compromise, but don’t sacrifice quality.

• Brush up on your “Let’s find a solution that works for everyone” line.

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3. Flexibility – Not Just a Yoga Skill!

Let’s face it, if there’s one thing that’s certain in civil construction, it’s change. Whether it’s weather delays, surprise site conditions, or changes in project specs, the ability to pivot on a dime is crucial. Your flexibility can make or break your ability to manage unexpected challenges on site.

How to:

• Tell your interviewers about times you embraced the unexpected and turned it into a win.

• Emphasize your willingness to adapt to the changing needs of a project—especially in this fast-paced industry.

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4. Tech Savviness – BIM, Drones, and Beyond!

It’s 2024, folks! While you're out there talking about civil construction techniques, don’t forget that modern tech is changing the game. From Building Information Modelling (BIM) to drone surveys, being comfortable with construction tech is no longer a "nice-to-have"—it’s a must-have.

How to:

• Familiarize yourself with common industry tools (think BIM, AutoCAD, Procore, etc.).

• Mention any experience you have with tech-driven projects, even if it’s just using project management apps to stay organized!

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5. Mindfulness – Yeah, Seriously!

In the high-stress world of construction, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But guess what? More and more construction companies are embracing mindfulness to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and keep teams cool under pressure. Showing that you know how to stay calm under pressure can make you seem like a superhuman to your future employers.

How to:

• Take a deep breath, relax, and share how you’ve used techniques like meditation, exercise, or even a good night’s sleep to keep stress at bay.

• Employers love a cool, calm, and collected candidate who won’t crack under pressure.

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6. The ‘People Person’ Factor

Construction is teamwork, people! You might think it’s all about the blueprint and machinery, but when you’re working with site teams, contractors, or clients, being able to get along with others is just as important as your technical abilities. Whether it’s communicating across cultures or resolving a disagreement, emotional intelligence is key.

How to:

• Highlight moments where you’ve successfully managed a team, or diffused a tricky situation on-site.

• Show that you’re collaborative, not just a lone wolf. Employers love someone who gets along with everyone!

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7. Safety First

We know you’ve read the health and safety guidelines, but in New Zealand, safety culture is huge! It’s not just about knowing where your hard hat is—safety is a mindset. If you can prove you have an eye for detail when it comes to safety protocols, you’ll instantly get a leg up.

How to:

• Mention any safety certifications or initiatives you’ve been a part of.

• Talk about how you’ve prioritised safety on previous projects, whether it’s PPE, site risk assessments, or just speaking up when something’s unsafe.

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8. Time Management – Because You Can’t Build a Bridge in a Day

In the construction world, everything’s about deadlines, deadlines, and more deadlines. Employers don’t just want someone who shows up on time; they want someone who can plan, prioritize, and deliver on time without panicking when things get tight.

How to:

• Share a story about a tight deadline you met with flying colours.

• Talk about how you organise your day, from planning site inspections to managing subcontractor schedules.

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9. Customer Service

Yes, construction projects need great customer service! Whether you’re dealing with clients, stakeholders, or just working with the public around a busy site, showing that you can keep everyone happy is a bonus in the eyes of employers.

How to:

• Share how you’ve interacted with clients or the community, solving issues or just keeping people in the loop.

• Emphasize your ability to represent the company in a positive light, even in difficult situations.

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Conclusion: Get Ready For That Interview

The next time you’re prepping for a civil construction interview in New Zealand, don’t just focus on your technical skills and qualifications. Bring out the quirky, unexpected skills—communication, flexibility, tech-savviness, and even mindfulness. These often-overlooked abilities can set you apart from the competition and show employers you’re not just another number cruncher—you’re a well-rounded, adaptable, and future-focused construction pro.

So go ahead, show them your stuff (and maybe meditate before the big day!). You’ve got this! 🚀