The construction industry is going through a rough patch right now. The sector is currently experiencing a skills shortage, so finding the right talent to fill vacant positions can be pretty challenging. Moreover, the current labor shortage the country is experiencing isn’t helping. There is currently a labor deficit of around 400,000 to 500,000 people. That technically means there aren’t enough workers to fulfill those jobs, and most people who get into it are likely to be inexperienced.
If you’re hiring for a construction company and finding it challenging to get the right hires, then you must know the best practices to attract and hire suitable candidates. Here are five of them:
Use Social Media
Social media is utilized by 90% of the American population. It has, therefore, become one of the most powerful tools for recruiting. You can use various LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook platforms to source candidates. For example, LinkedIn is excellent for finding experienced professionals in the construction industry. So you might ask how you can use social media for hiring. You can start by creating a company page and sharing job openings on your timeline. You can also join construction-related groups and post job ads there.
You can also start following potential candidates and sending them connection requests. Once connected, you can easily message them and inquire if they’d be interested in working for your company. When sourcing candidates on social media, check their profiles thoroughly to see if they’re a good fit for the job. Feel free to check their profiles as well. This can give you a rough look into their personality.
Use Recruitment Agencies
If you’re struggling to find the right talent, you should consider using third-party options in the construction industry. Many construction recruitment services can help you find the workers you need. The best part is that most of these agencies have an extensive database of candidates, which makes your job easier. You have to identify a reputable agency, provide them with your specifications, and they’ll do the rest.
These companies have access to a wide range of talent, so they can help you fill even the most challenging positions in your company. The only downside is that their services can be quite costly. But it’s worth the investment if you’re struggling to find suitable candidates. The average cost of a recruitment agency is about 15% to 20% of the annual salary of the position you’re trying to fill.
Network
Networking is another excellent way of finding the right candidates for your construction company. You can connect with potential candidates through mutual friends or acquaintances. You can also start networking by attending local construction events and getting to know people in the industry. You can also join online construction forums and participate in discussions. If you have friends or family members who work in the construction industry, ask them to introduce you to potential candidates. Networking will help you meet many talented individuals who might be interested in working for your company.
Offer Attractive Compensation Packages
The construction industry is quite competitive, so you need to offer attractive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. You should offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits. You can also provide other perks like paid time off, flexible working hours, health insurance, and retirement plans.
You should also consider offering incentives for referrals. Many employees are willing to refer talented individuals they know if they’re offered a financial reward. So, to attract the best talent, you need to provide competitive compensation packages.
Conduct Thorough Background Checks
It’s essential to conduct thorough background checks on all the candidates you’re considering hiring. Many construction companies make the mistake of not conducting background checks, which can lead to disastrous consequences. You need to verify the candidate’s identity and qualifications.
It’s also essential to check their references and see what their previous employers say about them. A thorough background check will help you identify any red flags that might be cause for concern.
There is some excellent software that can do background checks for you. Some of this software include HireRight, GoodHire, and myBackCheck. The average cost is around $40 per report.
Remember, when hiring in the construction industry, you must be extra careful and conduct thorough background checks on all the candidates you’re considering.
These best practices will help you hire the right candidates for your construction company. If you’re struggling to find good employees, consider some of these options. By doing these things, you can hire more employees into your firm and get some skilled employees along the way.
