What to look for when hiring construction workers: Five qualities that make a strong candidate

The demand for skilled construction candidates continues to rise, so knowing what you’re looking for—or should be looking for—when hiring construction workers is more important than ever. As seasoned workers begin retiring (more than 1 in 5 construction workers are 55 and older) and fewer are active in the job market, the applicant pool becomes smaller, making it essential to know exactly what to look for.  

Fortunately, it’s still possible to build a great team by identifying your needs and narrowing your focus to reflect that. Keep reading to learn more about what key skills you should consider when interviewing potential construction employees to add to your company.

Adaptability

Because construction employees work on a wide range of projects, candidates who demonstrate adaptability are great finds. When things go wrong on a site, knowing you have resourceful, problem-solving workers who can adjust to changing circumstances is reassuring.

Additionally, as AI and other technological advancements become more prominent in construction, potential employees who either have experience working with such tools or are willing to learn more can be excellent additions to your company long-term.

Relevant project experience

Assessing whether a candidate’s experience matches what you need is essential when looking to expand your team. Identifying the non-negotiable and nice-to-have qualifications for your specific role and project ahead of time will help you find your ideal candidate more efficiently.

It is also important to avoid underestimating the value of transferable skills. While it may be tempting to hold out for the candidate who checks all your specifications, learning to identify candidates with potential can save you time in the long run.

Learn what questions to ask construction candidates

Strong track record of project ownership & delivery

Over the last few years, there’s been a rising demand for candidates with leadership experience, as employers seek to create a succession plan for experienced workers who may soon retire. Prioritizing candidates who have proven experience of managing the full life cycle of a project and the capability to win new business has been more prevalent in the industry.

Additionally, leadership development programs designed to attract potential employees or fast track the growth of existing employees are becoming more common. The opportunity for growth within your organization beyond the role candidates are targeting is increasingly important to potential hires and should be vocalized throughout the interview process.

Aligned expectations

While ensuring harmony between employer and candidate expectations is essential across industries, it’s especially important in construction. Factors to consider include culture, flexibility, and salary.

In a recent Michael Page survey, 58% of construction respondents reported salary as an essential factor when applying for a new role. Additionally, 42% of construction employers said they found it difficult to match salary expectations with candidates’, emphasizing the importance of focusing on those whose demands you can best meet.

Pro tip: “Review your base salary compensation every six to twelve months to stay competitive and ensure you can pay for top talent.”

 —Niall Kelleher, Michael Page Senior Director of Design, Construction, & Real Estate

Tenure & strong references

In an industry with ongoing labor challenges and a widening skills gap, candidates whose resumes show a history of project completion and/or tenure are the target for every organization.  Based on the demand for talent we have seen across the industry in recent years, these profiles are becoming more difficult to identify with high levels of demand and competition for these individuals.  

Candidates who have credible, relevant references that can speak to their capabilities and personality and validate their project experience and work history are a crucial part of the hiring process.

How can Michael Page help?

Knowing how to spot good qualities in a candidate often takes time, and if you’re reading this article, it’s likely you’re looking to hire construction workers soon. Michael Page Construction recruiters have extensive industry knowledge and a large pool of existing talent to make hiring a seamless process. Request a call back to discuss your needs.

For more insights on hiring and retaining talent, download our US Talent Trends report or browse our advice section.