There is room for you in the contracting business

In the construction and contracting business, engineers are in great demand.

Many graduates choose to work for consultancy firms, or businesses that construct large buildings, bridges and the sort – something they can point to and say: “Look! I built that!”. During their studies, few say: “I want to build roads or construct feed circuits.”. But Munck Gruppen A/S is there with arms wide open, if you dare flaunt your pecs at a construction site or in a project. That also applies to women and foreigners.

“Both your feet must be solidly planted on earth if you are to work for us,” says Mia Hardorf, HR coordinator with Munck Gruppen, the workplace of more than 1,100 employees all working on the construction of roads and feed circuits. If you make a good impression on Mia, at a fair, for instance, there is a greater chance that she will remember you when you call or write her later on to learn about internships or jobs.

Do not be embarrassed if you have worked in Netto or had a cleaning job for several years. It shows us that you have worked and that you are not afraid to get to it.
Mia Hardorf, HR-coordinator with Munck Gruppen.

Obviously it works to your advantage if you have had a student job or internship with the company, but do not let that stand in your way of trying to land a permanent position once you graduate, says Mia.

“We are aware that your CV is limited when you have only recently graduated. Firstly, I look at your study programme and possible projects and how you have spent your spare time. Do not be embarrassed if you have worked in Netto or had a cleaning job for several years. It shows us that you have worked and that you are not afraid to get to it,” Mia continues. “I skim the grades, but they are not disqualifying in themselves. Only then do I get to the actual cover letter. Here you need to substantiate what you have to offer Munck.”

If you make it through the eye of the needle, you interview with a project or department manager first. Perhaps a HR representative is present as well. If it turns out to be difficult choosing the right candidate after the first interview, 2-3 of the best candidates are selected to complete a web-based personality analysis. “We discuss the analysis during the second round of interviews,” Mia explains. She goes on to share that you will be given the results of the test to take home with you – if you are not offered the job, the results may help you discover what types of jobs match your personality.

All new engineers must be able to talk to the “common employee” in a business like Munck Gruppen. If you only speak English, it will not work.

“Many employees on our sites do not speak English, so we would rather that you speak Danish as well as you can when presenting yourself. Knowing basic Danish is fine – you will soon learn the rest once you are hired.” Mia recommends.

Find also tips on how to behave at job and career fairs in the guide (link missing).