Looking for the right employees to join your construction company can be difficult. You need someone reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable. But even the best plans don't always work out, and mistakes can be made. Regarding recruitment, construction companies should be cautious because of their unique environment.
The United States Chamber of Commerce report in 2021 revealed that "45% of contractors turn down projects because of skilled labor shortages" and "62% of contractors struggle to hire skilled workers." This ultimately leaves construction businesses with less revenue and profits.
There are many mistakes that companies make when hiring. From failing to conduct thorough background checks to not properly vetting potential candidates, read on to learn more about these pitfalls and how you can avoid them in your business.
Hiring During the Wrong Times of the Year
When hiring construction workers, avoid making the common mistake of hiring during the wrong times of the year. The best time to hire is during the spring and summer months, when construction activity is at its peak.
Hiring during the fall and winter months can be difficult, as fewer job opportunities are available, so fewer employees are needed. For home-based service businesses, track your low and peak times to ensure that you have the proper staff to handle your busiest times.
Using a Vague Job Description in Hiring Ads
When writing job ads, the construction company hiring workers makes the mistake of being too vague. They either don't include enough information or have information irrelevant to the position they are hiring for.
As a result, potential candidates may not clearly understand what the company is looking for and what the job entails. This can lead to frustration and, ultimately, a bad hire.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to include the necessary details in your ad, such as:
- The specific title or position you are hiring for
- A brief description of the role and its responsibilities
- The required qualifications for the role
- The desired skills and attributes
- The location of the job
- The salary range or rate
Neglecting to Check References or Run Background Checks
One of the most common hiring mistakes construction companies make is neglecting to check references or run background checks. This can be a costly mistake, as it can lead to hiring someone who is not qualified for the job or has a criminal record.
Before hiring anyone, you should check their references and run a background check. This will help you ensure that you're hiring someone who is qualified and doesn't have any red flags in the past that could damage your reputation or put your business or clientele at risk. You can also find out how they were as an employee from their previous employer and whether they left on amicable terms or were fired.
Waiting Until They Are Desperate to Hire Someone On
In the construction industry, it is not uncommon for companies to wait until they are desperate to hire someone. This can result from various factors, such as a sudden increase in workload or the departure of a critical team member. However, this approach can often lead to rushed and poor hiring decisions.
When a company is desperate to hire, it may be more likely to overlook red flags or fail to vet candidates properly. This can lead to hiring someone unsuitable for the company or the position, ultimately costing the company time and money.
It is always best to proactively plan for staffing needs so that you are not in a position where you have to make hasty decisions. By assessing your staffing needs and developing a plan, you can avoid the common mistakes construction companies make when hiring.
Not Understanding What the Company Needs Out of the New Employee
When hiring new employees, construction companies often make the mistake of not understanding what the company needs out of the new employee. This can lead to hiring someone unsuitable for the company, decreasing productivity, and morale.
To avoid this mistake, construction companies must take the time to clearly define what they need out of a new employee before beginning the hiring process. This will help to ensure that only those candidates who are a good fit for the company are considered.
Tips for Avoiding These Common Mistakes
There are many common mistakes that construction companies make when hiring new employees. However, there are ways to avoid these mistakes and make the process much smoother.
One of the best ways to avoid common hiring mistakes is to use general contractor software. This type of software can help you keep track of all your applicants and their qualifications. It can also help you match candidates to specific job openings.
Another way to avoid common mistakes is to take time to review applications and interview candidates. Don't rush through the process to fill a position quickly. Instead, take the time to find the right person for the job.
Finally, check references and run background checks on all potential employees. This will help you weed out bad apples and ensure you're only hiring quality candidates.
By following these tips, you can avoid making common hiring mistakes and ensure that you find the best possible candidates for your construction company.
Planning Ahead Leads to Better Construction Company Hiring Practices
Many construction companies make the mistake of not planning when hiring. They may wait until they have a project that needs to be completed and then scramble to find workers. This can lead to rushed decisions and poor choices in workers.
It is much better to plan when it comes to hiring for your construction company. By thinking about your future needs, you can avoid many common mistakes that companies make. For example, you can start by creating a list of the specific skills and experience you will need for each position. Then, you can begin searching for candidates who meet these criteria.
Additionally, it would be best if you screened all potential employees thoroughly. This includes conducting background checks and asking for (and checking) references. Taking these precautions ensures that you are hiring the best possible workers for your company.
