If you’re a contractor, then like most business owners, whether large or small, you are often faced with having to hire employees. For small businesses, the need to hire employees is often a good sign, meaning that their business is growing. Regardless of the reason, there are some things to keep in mind when looking for new employees. Below, we’ll discuss what to look for --and more specifically, what this means for those in the contracting business.
First and foremost, have a clear list of goals for your new hire. It is worthwhile to take the time and fill out a job description. Are you looking for someone to work full time? Or just fill in when you need to take time off or meet with clients? Have a clear view of what you expect of your new employee and articulate these aspects during your interview. Don’t expect to hire a replica of yourself. Every potential employee is a different person with their own experiences, habits and ideas. Be aware that this diversity is a good thing. Your new hire can also bring new strengths to your business.
While hammering out a job description and determining your expectations, also consider your time off policy. Just like yourself, your employees will need time off. Having a clear-cut policy laid out ahead of time in black and white can make handling these issues easier down the road. Also, be sure to ask your insurance carrier about your responsibilities, in regards to hiring new employees.
Don’t rule out young workers. Depending on the type of work you require of your new employees, they can be a perfect fit. What young workers may lack in experience, they make up for in enthusiasm. Young people are typically free of financial and family obligations, making construction a good starting point. Construction can also be, as they will see, a challenging and rewarding career choice.
If you’re looking for more seasoned employees with a solid background in construction, it’s perfectly reasonable to provide a couple of tests, even verbally, during the interview process in order to gauge how much knowledge and skill they bring to the table. It is also a good idea to ask for references. If they have a portfolio with examples of their work, or customer references detailing work that they had done for them, it would give you a better idea of their level of expertise.
Lastly, remember as with most things, you get what you pay for. It’s never been truer than in the construction industry. A skilled carpenter or painter that can produce timely, quality results is worth every penny.
