It can be easy for hiring managers to put the hiring process on cruise control and forget about the urgent need to keep top talent. You may find that you fall into a routine and go through the motions to simply fill positions when they are open. Yet, we know from statistics that this is not a winning long-term strategy for construction firms. You need to always be scouting out the best talent.
Today’s Job Market
This is the hottest job market within the past 50 years, the U.S. has a low unemployment rate and there is a competitive environment. Great employees are in high demand right now and this is the job seekers market – not the other way around.
People are your greatest asset and you’re going to have fight hard to attract the top talent. If you’re not willing to do that, somebody else will and you’re going to find your company stuck with an inadequate employee pool and a high turnover rate.
Questions to Consider
The hiring process cannot be taken for granted, neglected or allowed to fall into the rut of simply going through the motions of hiring new recruits. You have to manage the complete hiring process if you’re going to attract the very best.
Ask yourself some questions.
- What does our firm have to offer talented construction professionals (besides compensation)?
- How can we take a fresh approach to recruitment?
- Does this job benefit the candidate?
A company has to have a compelling story and appealing opportunity to offer the best to new recruits.
Hiring: A Top Priority
Remember that recruiting great hires doesn’t happen by accident. The complete hiring process has to be nurtured and tended to or you’re not going to be attracting the top talent. To recruit and retain great candidates, hiring has to be a top priority. It is essential to assemble a team that is excited about new prospects. Develop a hiring process that isn’t just filling vacancies but rather building a future for the company and the employee. It’s also important to have a hiring process that doesn’t make the candidate jump through hoops, provides feedback and next steps within 24 hours (can’t keep candidates hanging), and a total hiring process that lasts no longer than 2-3 weeks.
To attract the best, current employees have to also be the company’s greatest cheerleaders – filled with enthusiasm about new recruits and what you have to offer that builds and strengthens the firm.
Great construction talent is looking for:
- Opportunities for career growth
- A diverse workplace with an open culture
- A company that appreciates their achievements
It’s vital to keep in mind that the best recruits want to know where the next step leads in the company. How that candidate is treated from first contact and throughout the entire process really matters. The most talented and qualified recruits have ten other companies waiting in the wings and can afford to be selective.
A company today has to raise the bar for themselves in order to attract and retain the very best. The work must be interesting and challenging and offer the prospective candidate even more than they are bringing to you.
How can we help you?
Searching for an opportunity in the construction industry? Contact The Birmingham Group’s team of seasoned commercial construction recruiters today to discuss your career path or browse our open positions.
Are you a hiring authority needed construction talent? Submit a search request today.
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