Whether you’re leading the search from your HR office or as a senior-level executive in the building materials industry, there are tips and tools that can help you to find, hire, and interview the best candidates. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though. At the end of the day, even the best candidates will listen to a job offer if it’s presented well.

With unemployment rates higher than they’ve been in years, it should be easy for executive recruiters to find great candidates in 2021…right?

Yes and no. Our award winning search firm has found that the best candidates are still hard to find, despite the number of people searching.

Here are some tips you can use for hiring Contractor Reps, Territory Sales Managers & Other Positions In The Building Industry

#1: Seek Them Out

There was an influx of strong candidates after those first few months of the COVID-19 shutdown, but they didn’t last long. Building materials head hunters and HR departments quickly snapped them up and as soon as the industry reopened. Now, many of the strong, top tier candidates are employed again, so you’ll have to bring the offer to them.

#2: Get Better At Virtual Interviews

The COVID vaccine will finally allow most companies to get back to business as usual (including in person interviews) but the rollout has been slow and many candidates are still wary of meeting face to face.

Anticipate virtual interviews happening for now, and plan interview questions accordingly. Be sensitive to the fact that candidates might be balancing other stressors such as homeschooling their kids or financial concerns, and make virtual interviews short, direct and to the point.

#3: Up The Incentives

Some companies in the building materials industry were able to retain their top employees through the pandemic. After keeping their jobs when many other’s lost them, these desirable candidates have developed a strong sense of loyalty and will be harder to pull away for new opportunities.

To be successful, the right building materials recruiter will need to present and have the ability and an LBM Industry background to sell candidates on new positions that will help them to grow both professionally and financially.

#4: Show Compassion

It’s been a hard and weird year for everyone, in every industry. This is not the time for sales tactics and gimmicks. Many people are still afraid of leaving their current employer or re- entering the workforce. Authenticity and genuine understanding can go a long way in connecting with the best job candidates in the industry.

#5: Know When To Outsource

If you’re like most of us, you are scrambling to catch up from the chaos of 2020. Perhaps you’re a VP of Sales or a Regional Sales Manager that works for a manufacturer that’s booming and you’re struggling to keep up with demand. Or maybe you’re on the opposite end, a building materials recruiter desperate to find new candidates.

Outsourcing your search to a top executive recruiting firm that specializes in hiring for the Building Materials industry can give you back the time and energy to focus on the aspects of your business that need it most.

With decades of experience, Definitive Search Partners can help you find the exact candidates you’re looking for. We will seek out the best, skilled workers in the building materials industry so you don’t have to.

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