Photo: Pexels.com/Anna Tarazevich.
The rapid pace of the U.S. economy, coupled with a decrease in the overall U.S. labor force, has presented significant challenges for construction and manufacturing companies in their quest to find, recruit, and hire qualified workers.
According to a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce article, job openings in the U.S. have surpassed 10 million, while there are only 5.7 million unemployed workers. The aftermath of the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show in Las Vegas has left many companies with new equipment but a critical shortage of skilled operators to utilize them effectively. This scarcity of qualified personnel poses a major dilemma for businesses that lack the resources and time to locate suitable candidates.
Labor Finders, the largest privately-owned industrial labor staffing company in the United States, offers crucial insights for construction industry employers. Jonathan Klorfein, a twenty-three-year veteran in the industrial staffing sector and Chief Customer Officer for Labor Finders, shared his expertise at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show, providing “Five Critical Tips to Hire Qualified Construction Workers” in 2023:
- Tight Job Descriptions: Clearly define job roles and responsibilities with specificity, considering the competitive 2023 job market. Job seekers tend to focus on listings that directly align with their skills and aspirations.
- Explicit Requirements: Clearly outline the required work skills, qualifications, and certifications for each position upfront. This approach prevents wasting candidates’ time and minimizes strain on recruiting staff with roles they cannot fulfill.
- Respond Quickly: Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency by being responsive to candidates. Streamline screening and interview processes to avoid losing potential hires due to delays.
- Commit to Safety: Differentiate your company by emphasizing a commitment to a safe and secure work environment. This reassurance can make your job site more attractive to potential candidates.
- Consider A Staffing Service: Leverage the expertise of staffing firms, particularly those specializing in the industrial sector. These firms are equipped to identify, recruit, train, and manage administrative details, allowing construction businesses to focus on their core competencies. In a tight labor market, partnering with a staffing service can be a strategic move to address workforce shortages.
By incorporating these insights, construction companies can navigate the challenges of the current labor market and attract and retain qualified workers for their operations.