Landing your first trades job doesn't have to be as painful as stepping on nails -- if you go about it the right way. Here are some tips to help you start building your career.

Lay the Groundwork

"Job seekers who are looking to break into the trades should approach their job search as any other professional would," says Siobhan Kelly, a job development coordinator for the Camden County Technical Schools in Camden County, New Jersey. "Start by preparing a portfolio that showcases the trade or skill you are marketing. Include pictures, CAD [Commercial Arts Drafting] sketches and small samples of your work where appropriate." Kelly also notes that a well-written resume should be part of the package.

Education

"If you are looking to break into the construction industry, trade schools are great," says Dan Ross, a former senior recruiter for Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania-based Toll Brothers. "We like to see that someone has received a formal education in the trades. It shows initiative." Ross says it's helpful to find a trade school that offers an internship program so you graduate from school with hands-on experience.

Many trades require certification, says David Bird, career program specialist for Chicopee, Massachusetts-based Porter and Chester Institute. "You need the education in order to pass the exams that are required for certification," he says. "Employers are also looking for people they don't have to train. They want employees who can hit the ground running." Moreover, internships and externships may turn into full-time work.

Networking

In addition to pursuing an education, getting to know people in the field is essential. Bill Keavany, project manager for Pearson Systems in Springfield, Massachusetts, says job seekers often find jobs in this industry by networking. Kelly advises job seekers to get involved with local trade associations. "Belonging to one good one that you participate in is better than joining 12 associations that you rarely attend," says Kelly.

References Count

"When we hire personnel, we talk to their references," says Keavany. As part of the reference-checking process, potential employers will call a candidate's trade school. Interviewers ask first about students' attendance. "Employers are looking for people with strong work ethics," says Bird. "These include people who show up and are on time."

Kelly says that being prepared with your reference list will be looked on favorably by potential employers, who will appreciate your professional approach to obtaining a job in the field.

Union Jobs

Keavany also reminds job seekers that union shops require union apprenticeships, suggesting that you should "contact your local union and try to get into their apprenticeship program." Pearson explains that "unions generally have relationships with contractors and may be able to refer union members to their first jobs."

Company Training Programs

A number of national companies groom their own personnel for construction manager jobs. For example, Toll Brothers has training programs for assistant project managers and assistant construction managers. Individuals without degrees but with basic repair skills are encouraged to apply. "The company looks for character over confidence," says Ross. "We look for someone who shows up every day, wants to learn, is able to interact well with customers, and is polite and customer-oriented."

Flexibility Matters

Demand for employees in the trades is directly related to the economy. Be prepared to go where the jobs are. When it comes to salary, Bird reminds candidates to be flexible. "Don't make salary demands until you have experience under your belt," he says. "Be willing to work the off-shifts. You might catch a break."

Also, be ready to take the time to fully develop your job searching tools. They will become just as essential as the others on your belt.