In the infrastructure construction industry, where project timelines often dictate job duration, the line between “strategic move” and “job hopper” can get blurry. If you’re a Project Engineer, Assistant PM, or even a seasoned PM with a resume that includes multiple employers over a few years, don’t panic. Recruiters in the heavy civil space understand the context. But how you tell your story makes all the difference.
What Recruiters Expect
Unlike corporate office jobs, heavy civil construction often operates on a project-based cycle. A 12–24 month stint isn’t uncommon, and recruiters know that. They’re looking for patterns, not perfection. Did you leave because the project wrapped? Did the GC lose a major contract? Were you offered upward mobility elsewhere? These are all reasonable transitions.
When Job Changes Raise Eyebrows
Red flags appear when candidates bounce every 6–9 months with no clear reason, especially if it’s consistent. Recruiters want to avoid recommending someone who might walk off mid-project, particularly on DOT, utility, or public works jobs where continuity is key.
How to Frame Your Journey
If you’ve changed jobs frequently:
Be transparent about why you moved, don’t wait to be asked.
Highlight what you learned or accomplished at each stop (new scopes, managing subcontractors, working on larger phases).
If you’ve stayed put more recently, make sure to call that out to show stability.
Bonus Tip: Use the “Project Ended” Line Wisely
Recruiters know when it’s legit, and when it’s not. If you left just before punch list or right after demo, be ready to explain. Timing matters in this industry.
Bottom line: Recruiters in the heavy civil world aren’t looking for lifers. They’re looking for reliable, growth-minded professionals who can deliver on a job site, mesh with teams, and commit through the critical phases of a project. If that’s you, even with a few hops, you’re still in the game.
