These simple tips will help you improve your hiring process

Construction firms are having trouble finding qualified employees. According to recent surveys, 81% of firms are having difficulty filling hourly and salaried craft positions. In addition, 72% of firms surveyed predicted that labor shortages would be their biggest challenge in the coming months.

Many hiring managers are under extreme pressure to find talent … fast now that summer has arrived and construction projects are ramping up. While it is tempting to hire the first able-bodied individual who applies, it isn’t always the best plan of attack. To find the right candidates for your business, you need to do your research. To increase your chances of finding the right team member(s,) there are tweaks you can make throughout the hiring process.

1.) Make your job postings crystal clear. In a rush, it’s easy to just post a job posting and leave it at that. But to recruit the best people for the job, you need to clearly state what the position entails, including the hours, pay, required experience and growth opportunities.

2.) Get your postings out there. Posting job openings on your company website is essential, but it’s beneficial to look for other outlets as well. Platforms such as CareerBuilder, Monster, LinkedIn and Indeed offer cost-effective ways to extend your reach and get the message out to a wider crowd. On top of that, there are some people who don’t have the access to internet or devices needed in order to come across these opportunities so it’s wise to think outside the box and use more traditional methods too. Posting job postings at your nearby library, community center or transit hubs like bus stations or light rail stations might be effective.

3.) Check references. If a candidate claims to have welding, plumbing, or carpentry experience, it is risky to just take their word for it. Ask for (and follow up with) references. If you’re trying to keep turnover low, you should always ask past employers for references before extending a job offer. Previous employers can give insight into the skills and work ethic of an applicant.

4.) Recruit all year long. You can reduce quite a bit of stress and anxiety by casting lines throughout the year. Many business owners make the mistake of recruiting at the last minute. You should keep your eyes open even if you don’t have any openings at the moment. You can share your knowledge with young professionals and ultimately recruit those who display potential by participating in an internship or apprentice program.

Good luck with adding talented professionals to your team by incorporating these suggestions into your hiring process!