As a specialist Preconstruction Estimating staffing firm, NicheSSP knows what it takes to stand out in an interview. One key piece of advice we give to Estimators and Preconstruction professionals is to arrive at an interview prepared with a highlighted project list. And more importantly, include a project that didn't go as planned. Sharing your experiences, particularly the challenging ones, can help demonstrate your ability to adapt and grow in your field.

In this blog post, we'll explain why a highlighted project list is essential, how to create one, and how to use it to your advantage in your next interview.

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The Importance of a Highlighted Project List

A standard resume might get you in the door, but it's not enough to secure the job. When you attend an interview, you need to be prepared to share examples of your past experiences that showcase your skills as an Estimator or Preconstruction Manager. A highlighted project list is an excellent way to accomplish this, as it allows you to:

• Showcase your expertise: Presenting a list of projects that you've successfully completed or managed demonstrates your knowledge, experience, and expertise in your field.
• Stand out from the competition: By providing tangible evidence of your accomplishments and the challenges you've overcome, you'll set yourself apart from other candidates who arrive with just a resume.
• Highlight your adaptability: Discussing a difficult project that you bid on gives the interviewer insight into how you handle challenges, adapt to unexpected situations, and grow as a professional.

‍Creating Your Highlighted Project List‍

To create an impactful highlighted project list, follow these steps:

Choose a selection of projects: Start by identifying a handful of projects that you've been involved in throughout your career. These should represent a range of experiences, from those that went smoothly to those that presented challenges.

Focus on the challenges: For each project, consider the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Did you have to adjust your approach, collaborate with others, or develop new solutions? Reflect on what you learned from these experiences and how they've shaped your professional development.

Quantify your results: Where possible, quantify your accomplishments. For example, did your efforts result in cost savings, increased efficiency, or an improved bid process? Providing specific figures will help to demonstrate the value you bring to a potential employer.

Organize your list: Arrange your projects in a logical order, such as chronologically or by the size of the project. This will help to create a clear and cohesive narrative for your interviewer.

Prepare to discuss each project: Before your interview, practice discussing each project, focusing on the challenges you faced and the solutions you implemented. Be prepared to answer questions about your role in the project and the results you achieved.

Using Your Highlighted Project List in an Interview

Now that you have your highlighted project list, here's how to use it to your advantage in your next interview:

Share it with the interviewer: At the beginning of the interview, provide the interviewer with a copy of your highlighted project list. This gives them a visual reference to follow along with as you discuss your experiences.

Discuss a difficult project: When asked about your experience, choose a project from your list that didn't go as planned. Explain the challenges you faced, how you adapted, and what you learned from the experience. This shows the interviewer that you can handle adversity and grow as a professional.

Highlight your skills: As you discuss each project, emphasize the skills you used to overcome challenges, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. This will help the interviewer understand how your skills apply to the role you're interviewing for.

Relate your experiences to the position: When discussing your projects, make connections between your experiences and the requirements of the job you're applying for. This demonstrates your understanding of the role and highlights how your skills and expertise make you a strong candidate.

Be prepared for follow-up questions: Interviewers may ask you to provide more details about the projects you've highlighted. Be prepared to discuss specific aspects, such as the bidding process, budgeting, and collaboration with other team members. This shows that you have a deep understanding of your work and can effectively communicate your experiences.

Show your passion for the industry: As you discuss your projects, let your enthusiasm for your work shine through. This will help to convey your dedication to the field and your commitment to continued growth as an Estimator or Preconstruction professional.