What does an employer usually look for in an employee on the job site?

I’ve been in the engineering for over 35 years, with the majority of that in project management. The last 20 years I was the manager of the North America engineering for an international chemical company. I have been out to hundreds of job sites and spoken to many engineers about their projects. The features that I notice are: knowledge about the project, involvement, clear communications, being a team player and a high level of safety knowledge/involvement. Be available but don’t follow a guest or boss around too closely. When asked a question be precise but not too detailed unless they ask for more information. Be organized and dress appropriately. You may only have one opportunity to make a good impression. After my visits I always come away with an impression of each employee and their strengths. Those impression weighed in on my discussions with their bosses, future assignments and career paths. It was good that you asked such an interesting question. Good luck.

Great question Ashanti! While I am not an engineering professional, I can offer some general advice on what employers expect out of their employees.

First off, attitude is key. If you show up to work everyday and react to any situation with positive energy, this will be contagious to the other employees and will usually impress employers.

Another crucial action is to be proactive. If you consistently offer your assistance on any project, activity or even simple tasks, this will help show your employer that you are a team player. If you ever reach a point where you run out of tasks to do, it is a huge bonus to your employer if you can come up with some way to be productive with your time.

Lastly, in my experience, when you are new to a job a key to success is to ask questions. This will help you to learn as much as possible in the beginning and become a stronger employee earlier on in the employment process.

In no particular order....

Dependability - Be there every day. Be there on time. Be there until the work is done. Be ready to do the "grunt work" (because most of what we do is grunt work).

Loyalty - Do not trash talk the job or the boss. Do not complain, instead bring forward positive, constructive ideas and suggestions.

Attitude - Be there because you want to be there. Bring your best and bring a smile.

Expertise - No one knows everything and no one is perfect. Plan to learn every day and build on that learning to obtain a certain level of expertise so that you are the one co-workers come to to help get the job done.

Delivery - Do what you say you are going to do. Do it on time, when promised.

Initiative - Do not sit back and wait for every little instruction. If you see something that needs to be done, start doing it (only if it does not interfere with your primary duties).

In the end... just do your best!

The other answers provided are spot on - I would simply add a few points:

1. Ensure the safety of yourself and others on the worksite. Learn to identify best practices to identify hazards and mitigate risk.
2. Be a learner - always be committed to increasing the breadth of your knowledge about the business you are building, the systems, materials, tools you are using. Learn, learn, learn - it pays off in the long run!

Best wishes! and be safe!