Construction laborers should have these 5 top skills and traits.

The 5 Skills to Look for When Hiring Construction Workers

Construction jobs are projected to grow by 12% from now until 2026. The industry is already a major contributor to the U.S economy, yet the need for new workers will continue to heighten. In order to keep up with this growth, construction managers will need to build skilled construction crews so they can complete projects on time and within budget.

I need construction workers – what types of skills and traits should they have?

When it’s time to hire new construction laborers, it’s fairly obvious that you’ll require individuals who are physically strong with high-stamina. However, you may also be wondering what other skills and personality traits you should be looking for?

Take note of these 5 traits when you’re considering hiring commercial, residential and industrial construction workers:

1. A collaborative worker

Teamwork is crucial within the construction industry. Your entire construction crew needs to work together to complete projects on time and to the satisfaction of your clients. Being a team player means that the person is communicative, patient and willing to help others. This trait is also paramount to the safety of everyone else on the job site.

Construction site

2. A “safety first” mindset

Unfortunately, one in every 10 construction workers is injured annually at work. Employers and employees need to take health and safety at work extremely seriously. Heavy, sharp materials and potentially hazardous equipment are the norm at construction sites—that’s why it’s important that all construction laborers are up-to-date on their health and safety training. In any scenario that could arise, construction workers need to know how to react and what actions to take. Candidates who understand the importance of safety at work – and demonstrate it – should be high on your wish list.

3. Good math and reading skills

No matter what project they’re working on, construction laborers need to pay close attention to the specifications that construction contractors have outlined. Construction workers should have the ability to read and understand blueprints. As well as strong reading and comprehension skills, they should have good math skills. These skills come into use when they need to calculate angles and measurements, as well as interpret designs.

4. Strong communication skills

Having employees with excellent communication skills actually makes your job easier.  If you’re looking for updates on important projects and how they’re progressing, you’ll have to speak with your construction crew. When they can clearly explain what’s been completed and whether any issues have arisen, it will save time and potential confusion down the line. Well communicated information is more effective for when you have to pass details along to clients about the project’s status.

There may be times when your crew has to speak with clients themselves if you’re not on the job site. Whether it’s answering their questions or providing status updates, you need construction laborers who can communicate in a concise and professional manner.

5. Open to feedback

Even when your construction crew conducts their work flawlessly, clients will sometimes decide to change their minds in the last minute. What the client once believe they wanted may be replaced with new expectations. Instead of brushing off their demands, your employees should be receptive to this feedback once you’ve communicated it to them. This means your construction team needs to be open to listening, understanding and implementing necessary changes to finish the project—and to keep your clients happy.

Construction crew working

Construction laborers have expectations of their employers too

These days, candidates have plenty of options for where they can choose to work. To stand out, you need to make your company a place that attracts new talent and compels your current employees to stay. Here’s how you can do this:

  • Provide them with a safe and respectful workplace and environment
  • Hold regular meetings with your team to discuss issues and ways to improve processes and project management
  • Be as flexible as possible with your employees’ schedules. There may be important appointments and events they’d like to attend. When you’re more flexible with scheduling, it provides a better work-life balance and improves employee satisfaction
  • Provide up-to-date tools, technology and equipment. Invest in equipment that helps your employees work in a safe and efficient manner

At LPC Personnel, we understand that it’s become increasingly difficult for employers to find skilled construction laborers that can fill their many jobs.

One way to help is by strengthening your employer brand. On your website’s “job openings” page, describe the work benefits and salaries that candidates can expect when working with you. Emphasize your commitment to health and safety within the workplace. Mention any training or work advancement opportunities that you offer. All of this information matters to candidates—it shows them why they should pick you as an employer over all other options. If you don’t have a job openings page, that’s ok – we do! We’re happy to work with you in order to build your winning team.

Contact us today to hire skilled construction workers

We are here to help you hire professional and experienced construction workers. Recruiting talent within the Greater Houston Area’s construction industry is one of our specialities, so you can depend on us to get the job done. Contact us now so we can get started on finding you quality talent.