Recruiting and retaining skilled employees is essential for the growth and success of any contracting business. However, many contractors struggle with this challenge, leading to high turnover rates and lost revenue. The following actionable ideas will help contractors improve their recruitment and retention efforts.
- Develop a Written Recruiting Plan:
- Identify the specific roles you need to fill and the skills and experience required for each one.
- Create a timeline for each step in the recruiting process, from job postings to interviews and hiring decisions.
- Determine the best channels for sourcing candidates, such as job boards, industry associations, or employee referrals.
- Set metrics for success, such as the number of qualified candidates for each job opening and the time to fill open positions.
- Invest in an In-House Recruiter:
- Provide the recruiter with the tools they need to be successful, such as access to job boards, social media channels, and recruiting software.
- Encourage the recruiter to attend industry events, job fairs, and other networking opportunities to source candidates.
- Establish a referral program that incentivizes the recruiter to bring in qualified candidates.
- Set performance goals for the recruiter and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Have a Training Plan in Place for New Employees:
- Develop a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of the job and provides ongoing support and guidance.
- Assign a mentor or buddy to each new employee to help them acclimate to the workplace and answer any questions they may have.
- Provide access to online training resources, such as videos, webinars, and interactive courses.
- Monitor progress regularly and provide feedback to help employees improve their skills and performance.
- Develop an Employee Retention Program:
- Conduct regular employee surveys to identify areas of improvement and address any issues or concerns.
- Provide opportunities for career development, such as training programs, job shadowing, or mentoring.
- Offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Recognize and reward employees for their achievements and contributions to the company.
- Make Sure Your Online Presence is Attractive to Candidates:
- Develop a user-friendly and visually appealing website that showcases your company’s values and culture.
- Use social media channels to promote job openings, highlight employee achievements, and provide insight into the company’s culture.
- Respond promptly to online reviews and feedback from customers and employees.
- Provide a positive candidate experience, such as sending timely follow-up emails or providing constructive feedback after interviews.
- Ask Your Own Employees for Referrals:
- Develop a referral program that rewards employees for referring qualified candidates.
- Provide clear guidelines on the types of candidates you are looking for and the process for submitting referrals.
- Promote the referral program through company-wide communications, such as newsletters, bulletin boards, or team meetings.
- Recognize and reward employees for successful referrals, such as bonuses or other incentives.
- Always Be Recruiting:
- Develop a pipeline of potential candidates by attending industry events, job fairs, and other networking opportunities.
- Keep in touch with former employees who may be interested in returning to the company.
- Promote your company culture and values through social media and other channels to attract passive candidates.
- Conduct regular assessments of your staffing needs and adjust your recruiting strategy accordingly.
The bottom line, improving recruitment and retention efforts are essential for the long-term success of a contracting business. By implementing these actionable ideas, contractors can develop a well-structured recruiting plan, invest in an in-house recruiter, create a comprehensive training plan, develop an employee retention program, maintain a positive online presence, ask for employee referrals, and always be recruiting. These efforts will help contractors attract and retain top talent and achieve their business goals.
