How to recruit candidates in the construction industry

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Construction workers use strategy, skill, and stamina to help with the building of residential, commercial, industrial, and civic structures – from roads and bridges to office buildings and factories. Depending on the size and scope of a project, a construction worker may work in conjunction with a team, focusing on a specific element of the project, or jump around from task to task as needed. Each job comes with unique working conditions, which could include simple loading and unloading, scaling challenging heights, or risking exposure to hazardous materials. At its core, construction is a physically demanding job that appeals to those who would rather do something hands-on than sit behind a desk.

Responsibilities

• Complete previous projects or receive new project instructions from construction manager or supervisor
• Clean and prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards, ensure day-to-day safety, and keep tools and equipment in good working condition
• Load and unload, and identify and distribute materials to the appropriate location
• Operate machinery according to project plans and specifications
• Prepare construction sites by digging, moving dirt, or compacting space as needed
• Provide assistance to contractors like craft workers, electricians, and painters as required
• Document and report work delays, emergencies, and other project disruptions

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or general equivalent (GED)
• Ability to handle physical labor
• Basic math and measurement skills
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team environment
• Experience as a general laborer in the construction industry

 

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Electrical engineers power organizations by evaluating electrical systems, developing efficient and compliant processes, and maintaining electrical components and other equipment. As problem solvers, they’re typically good at learning requirements and working through any challenges to reach viable solutions. Electrical engineers work in a variety of industries – from telecommunications and power to microelectronics and computers. The systems they evaluate or innovate range from electric power stations and satellite communications to large-scale construction projects and household appliances. In their respective industries, electrical engineers do more than just keep the lights on – they design and develop the newest electronic innovations to make the most of the power at your fingertips.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, systems, and testing methods to examine product quality and capability, while always adhering to organizational standards and expectations
• Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, and documentation to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and customer requirements, maintaining project scopes, schedules, and budgets at all times
• Maintain system and component capabilities through rigorous testing, while tracking cutting-edge trends, searching for ways to improve functionality and efficiency, and implementing appropriate segments to keep production methods current 
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for all electrical designs, including wiring diagrams or schematics, bill of materials, assembly drawings, design changes, test reports, design-validation plans, and reports to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
• Analyze project requirements and perform technical calculations that support design, including electrical requirements, safety standards, and motor controls, as well as develop and implement software databases to track production processes

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited institution
• 7+ years of experience as an electrical engineer
• Strong electronic testing and database design capabilities
• Strong understanding of electronic manufacturing processes
• Strong focus on quality control
• Proven innovative approach to electronic systems development
• Expertise in AutoCAD

 

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Employed across many different industries, forklift operators move heavy materials from one place to another using special industrial tractors, lifts, and trucks. These certified professionals are critical to the success of any business – not only by driving this heavy-duty machinery, but also often loading or unloading components, running tests, and adjusting controls. Many of their duties are performed in a warehouse, dockyard, factory, or construction site, but they can work wherever products or equipment are stored on pallets or stacked on industrial shelving. When anything needs to be moved, a forklift operator can do the job.

Responsibilities

• Accurately pick, pack, check, and load products to and from designated areas in a facility, as well as on and off trailers
• Move materials packed on pallets or in crates around a storage facility
• Stack loads in the correct storage bays, following inventory-control instructions
• Complete forms and handle documentation
• Inspect machinery to determine the need for repairs, and guarantee safety by performing regular maintenance
• Keep accurate production records and report issues

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• OSHA-approved forklift certification
• Proven experience working with heavy machinery
• Strong mechanical testing and implementation capabilities
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and perform heavy lifting on a regular basis

 

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Project engineers have the perfect combination of technical expertise and project-management savvy. Whether they specialize in construction, IT, mechanical, or manufacturing projects, they’re responsible for deftly managing complex industrial and engineering endeavors from start to finish. Project engineers are in charge of all aspects of a venture, including planning, budgeting, personnel, and more. They spend a good amount of time at project sites, ensuring work is being completed safely and efficiently. At their core, project engineers are expert coordinators, bringing together stakeholders at every level for effective and profitable project deliveries.

Responsibilities

• Assist the construction manager to establish project objectives, procedures, data collection methods, and performance standards within the boundaries of corporate policy
• Prepare scheduled and necessary updates of construction activities, and analyze manpower and equipment required
• Create and administer appropriate testing protocols to monitor project performance
• Promptly inform all supervisors and subcontractors of any construction schedule changes, and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure requirements are met
• Maintain budget, scheduling, and project database oversight, and report regularly to project manager to keep them constantly informed of job progress, plans, and problems that could significantly affect costs or schedules
• Manage compliance, quality control, and quality assurance standards and specifications

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field of study
• 4+ years of project management, project engineering, or project planning experience (scope, schedule, cost, quality)
• Proven computer platform experience
• Strong field management experience
• Experience supporting engineering change request (ECR) and engineering change orders (ECO) processes

 

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Any high-performing company team, department, or shift has a supervisor guiding them. Supervisors are responsible for the daily tasks of a group, as well as aligning projects with business goals, constructing detailed work schedules, managing and coaching employees, achieving milestones, and communicating with upper management along the way. Many also serve as the face of a company, interacting with customers or clients to ensure a satisfactory experience. A thriving supervisor gets the best from both people and projects. They work in industries as diverse as information healthcare, construction, engineering, and landscaping. These individuals are detail oriented, have a mind for business, and help keep projects or programs on schedule and within scope and budget, with flawless execution.  

Responsibilities

• Direct work of employees to meet quality and on-time delivery requirements, and address production challenges and communicate to appropriate leadership
• Partner with production department to manage workflow and ensure employees fully comprehend responsibilities and delegated tasks
• Set performance goals and deadlines that are in line with company’s vision, while monitoring budget and reporting variances to leadership
• Monitor team productivity and provide performance evaluations, constructive feedback, mentorship, and discipline as needed
• Receive and track employee and customer complaints, and resolve problems
• Maintain timekeeping and personnel records

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a supervisory role
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively across departments
• Detail oriented, well organized, and able to adhere to deadlines
• Experience with customer service and conflict resolution
• Proven success in a corporate setting, working with all levels of management
• Ability to motivate people on a team and across departments
  

 

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When it comes to the job market, hearing from a stranger out of the blue can be a good thing, especially if they’re offering an exciting opportunity. But great construction candidates get a lot of messages from recruiters, both on LinkedIn and via email, so you need to make sure yours has an impact.

General best practices when writing candidate emails:

• Keep your subject lines short and impactful
  • High-performing subject lines often use keywords like “thanks,” “exclusive invitation,” “connect,” “job opportunity,” and “join us.”
• Design your message as a conversation starter
  
  • Just like in life, candidates don’t respond well when they’re asked for something off the bat, like messages with “look at the job and tell me if you’re interested.” Instead, start a dialogue about their career path and goals to encourage candidates to engage with you.
    
• Use a conversational, enthusiastic tone
  
  • It should be a conversation, so choose words that reflect your personal voice and express a genuine interest in helping the candidates.

When you email or message a candidate on LinkedIn, you want to establish a personal connection and pique their interest in a role. You can still use a template, but you should always customize it to match the candidate’s interests and desires, as well as your own personality and style. Here are a few examples to get you started.

 

A strong online brand is essential when you’re looking to attract high-quality construction talent. When you maintain an online presence, you can diversify your reach, interact with candidates, and discover how to better communicate with your desired candidates. When looking for jobs, candidates will look at your brand’s LinkedIn Page, your careers site, and your social media pages, so you need to make sure they’re credible. By developing your online brand, you’ll stay top of mind for candidates who are either looking for opportunities or who know someone else who is open to a new job.

 

The construction industry is all about building and creating. That’s why it’s important to build a strong brand that a candidate can relate to. Make it clear what your organization is all about. If your mission resonates with candidates, they’ll feel compelled to learn more and eventually join you in carrying out your mission.

 

 

Here are a few things you can do right away to boost your online brand:

• Include pictures and videos to visually entice candidates
  • Be authentic – stock photos are not the answer
  • Show real employees interacting
  • Showcase the lively work environment
• Offer meaningful insights into your company culture
  • What is it like to work at the company on a daily basis?
  • What motivates employees?
  • What makes your culture unique and exciting?
• Share honest testimonials from your staff
  • Provide clear details showcasing the role and the workplace
  • Show a personal experience that candidates can relate to
  • Demonstrate that you’re an employer that values its talent

LinkedIn Groups give professionals the chance to connect, discuss their interests, and find new opportunities. With hundreds of construction-focused groups on LinkedIn, recruiters can use these spaces to discover and engage with construction talent.

But before you dive into a group, it’s important to explore the purpose and rules. Some groups completely forbid you from soliciting members or posting job openings on their page, so be sure to read the rules carefully to participate in a friendly, respectful way. Here are a few construction-focused groups to explore that are designed with recruitment in mind:

• Linking Construction
  A global network with over 160,000 members, this group recognizes that construction is the foundation of every economy, offering a place for professionals to explore new opportunities around the world.
  
  
• Construction Management
  With over 115,000 members, this group is geared towards professionals in the construction industry of all levels wishing to explore new opportunities and discuss trends.
  
  
• Offshore Construction
  Nearing 145,000 members, this network of people joins together to discuss technology, procedures, and innovation in the marine and offshore construction industries.

How to join LinkedIn Groups

You can find groups in two ways:

1. By name or keyword: Type keywords or group names in the Search bar at the top of the page. Click the Groups tab on the Search Results page to view options.
2. By browsing recommended groups: click the Work icon in the top right of the LinkedIn homepage and select Groups to view a range of recommendations.

There are two ways you can join a group:

1. After finding a group that’s relevant to your needs and clicking its page, click “Request to join” on the group Discussions page, or anywhere you see the button.
2. Respond to an invitation from a group member or manager to join.

How to post a message in LinkedIn Groups

• Once you join a group, you’ll see a box called “Start a new conversation in this group.” In the box, you can type your message, post links, and even upload images or video. Each post can be up to 1,300 characters in total, including spaces, so keep it concise and engaging!

• When you’ve finished writing your message, simply click “Post” and you’re done.

 

How to start a discussion and engage group members

• You can share stories and post other relevant content in your groups to encourage other members to comment on your post and interact. This is a great way to start a conversation, get insight and help, and to get to know the group’s members.
• Respond to members’ comments, comment on existing posts, and ask relevant and interesting questions to keep the conversation flowing.

How to reach out to a candidate in LinkedIn Groups

• If someone in the group catches your attention, click on their profile to learn more and connect with them. Once you’re connected, you can click the “Message” button on their page and reach out to them via InMail, a direct message on LinkedIn.
• Mention that you enjoyed chatting with them in the group and would like to connect, giving them some enticing details about the job you’re hiring for. If they’ve interacted with you in the group, you already have a personal connection that they will respond to!

Recruiting the right construction talent for your organization can be daunting and difficult to do. But by following the simple tips and tricks we’ve outlined above, you’ll be able to identify, engage, and hire candidates faster and more effectively. When all else fails, remember that construction is an industry that builds, so the first step you can take is to build relationships with candidates and create winning job descriptions and messages. When candidates feel more connected to your company and mission, you’ve already made great progress.