Re-Think Your Ideal Candidate

As the hiring manager for your construction company, do you know and understand what your ideal job candidate looks like? Most of you will say yes, but when you start to evaluate your hires, retention, and available job candidates, suddenly, you think maybe you do not understand what your ideal candidate looks like.

Not to worry, you are not alone. In fact, recent statistics indicate that the majority of construction hiring managers do not fully understand what their ideal candidate looks like. Many blame it on the shortage of qualified workers, however, it may just be because you have lost focus on what your company really needs. Here are some tips to consider when determining your requirements:

If your focus is hiring for the position first, then you must look at candidates that have the following characteristics:
- Critical thinking skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to work alone or be a self-starter
- Ability to adapt
- Great teamwork skills
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to handle conflict
If your focus is hiring the right person, then you must look at candidates that have the following characteristics:
- They will fit in the company’s culture
- They have character
- They have the proper aptitude for the position
- The have a great attitude
- They show passion for their skill and trade
- They can demonstrate honesty
- They have great work ethic
- They have the right amount of creativity

It is important that you understand what is important when you are hiring for each position. Some positions may indicate that you will hire based on the position, however, there are other positions that will require you hire based on a person’s characteristics.

Whether you choose one way or a combination of both, it is important that you understand what is important before you begin the hiring process. When you know your ideal candidate, it will make it easier to recruit!