Even contractors who have a successful business and excellent reputation can struggle to recruit talent, and many issues stem from the construction industry’s outdated hiring practices. When building a construction business, hiring the wrong people can lead to a project’s failure, so finding the right person for the job is crucial.
Forconstructionpros.com shares common hiring practices you should be aware of that may be outdated or ineffective.
- Reusing the same vague job description. Ensure each job description is as in-depth and descriptive as possible. You should be clear regarding who you are looking for, the skills required and what the person can expect from the position. The job description also should include pay, benefits, additional skills training or professional development opportunities.
- Relying on years of education and experience. Many talented trades people are self-taught, and others are skilled but do not have industry experience. If someone showcases their skills and expresses a strong willingness to learn new skills, your company could benefit from hiring that person.
- Not checking references. Sometimes, the need to quickly hire people overrides reference checks. However, someone who interviews well may have a terrible work history. Take the time to check each applicant’s references.
- Failing to understand the industry. Be sure you understand the industry’s current challenges and successes. If times are challenging, you may be more willing to hire the wrong people. Be sure your recruitment process can adjust to the industry’s ups and downs.
- Ignoring social media and technology. Investing in social media marketing and technology for hiring purposes can be beneficial, offering a larger pool of talent and potentially more quality leads.
Once you hire the right people, do not forget to put time and effort into retention. Focus on communication, a healthy company culture, benefits, competitive pay and setting employees up for success.
