Essential Strategies for Recruiting the Best Talent in the Industry
Jerry Aliberti • April 10, 2024
In the dynamic landscape of modern business, assembling a team you can trust is the cornerstone of success. Whether you're steering a startup or navigating the corridors of a corporate giant, the challenge remains the same: finding the right talent. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Jerry Aliberti, the seasoned owner of Pro-Accel, shares invaluable insights and strategies on navigating the intricate topic of recruitment in the latest Pro-Accel YouTube video, "Hiring The Right Employee." In this article, we distill Jerry's wisdom into five essential points every hiring manager must grasp to secure top-tier talent for their teams.
I. Know The Role
A. Understanding Responsibilities:
Clarity on the role's responsibilities is paramount. Define expectations meticulously to avoid confusion and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
B. Avoiding Multi-Generational Pitfalls:
Bridge generational gaps by recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives each generation brings. Promote an inclusive environment that capitalizes on the strengths of all team members.
C. Importance of Role Clarity:
Clearly delineate the role's scope and responsibilities to attract candidates who align with your organization's vision and mission.
II. Skills are Fundamental
A. Matching Skills with Projects:
Tailor recruitment efforts to match candidates' skills with the demands of specific projects, ensuring optimal performance and project success.
B. Analytical and Data-Driven Mindset:
In today's data-driven landscape, prioritize candidates with strong analytical skills who can leverage data to drive informed decision-making.
C. Visionary Perspective for Estimators:
Seek candidates who possess a visionary outlook, capable of anticipating challenges and devising innovative solutions in estimation.
D. Scheduling and Leadership for Project Managers:
Look for individuals with exceptional organizational skills and strong leadership capabilities to effectively manage projects and inspire teams.
III. The Human Element: Personality and Emotions
A. Emotional Resilience in Construction: Construction projects will have tons of challenges. Prioritize candidates with emotional resilience who can navigate adversity with grace and determination.
B. Leadership and Decision Making: Strong leadership skills are essential. Look for candidates who can make decisive decisions under pressure and inspire confidence in their teams.
C. Empathy and Resource Provision: Empathetic leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams and provide the necessary resources and support for success.
IV. Effective Resume Review
A. The Limitations of HR in Construction Hiring:
Direct supervisory involvement is crucial in evaluating candidates' suitability for construction roles, given the unique challenges of the industry.
B. Importance of Direct Supervisory Involvement:
Involve direct supervisors in the recruitment process to gain firsthand insights into candidates' capabilities and potential fit within the team.
C. Onboarding and the Role of HR:
Effective onboarding processes facilitated by HR are vital for integrating new hires seamlessly into the organization and setting them up for success, however, HR should not pick and choose which candidate is fit for a particular project role.
V. Test Their Knowledge
A. Entry-Level Ambitions and Aligning with Company Values:
Assess entry-level candidates' alignment with company values and their eagerness to learn and grow within the organization.
B. Experienced Candidates and Real-world Scenarios:
Challenge experienced candidates with real-world scenarios to gauge their problem-solving abilities and practical knowledge.
C. Negotiation Through Demonstrated Expertise:
Evaluate candidates' negotiation skills by assessing their ability to leverage their expertise and accomplishments to secure favorable terms.
Recruitment is both an art and a science, requiring a nuanced approach that balances technical proficiency with human empathy. By understanding the intricacies of each role, prioritizing essential skills, valuing the human element, adopting effective resume review practices, and testing candidates' knowledge, hiring managers can streamline the recruitment process and secure top-tier talent for their teams. With these insights in hand, embark on your recruitment journey with confidence, knowing that you're equipped to build a team primed for success in today's competitive landscape.
To learn more about how Pro-Accel can assist you in developing a master plan to hire and retain the industry's top talent visit our Construction Hiring and Employee Retention
page.
Do you need assistance growing your business? Jerry has spots available to take on new clients to help your business grow and be more successful. Click below to schedule a meeting now to find out more or email at jerry@pro-accel.com.

The Challenge One of the most overlooked problems in construction is confusion over who is actually in charge of the project. In smaller companies and on smaller projects, it often falls on the superintendent. They have the field experience, are respected by the crews, and drive the work forward, while the project manager plays a more supporting role. That structure works when the projects are small, but as the company grows and the projects become larger, the cracks start to show. Clients expect the project manager to lead. They want answers on budgets, schedules, and commitments. The word “manager” in the title makes them assume that the person has the authority, and in my years of experience, they should. Meanwhile, the superintendent’s value is in driving the day-to-day in the field and keeping production moving. When the lines between the two are not redefined as a company grows, tension builds. Superintendents who have always “run the job” struggle to let go. Project managers who have always supported now need to step into leadership. The lack of clarity creates a tug of war inside the company.

Welcome to the first edition of The Growth Accelerator. This newsletter is designed for construction owners who are serious about scaling their operations without compromising profit or control. After 22-plus years in the industry, managing hundreds of millions of dollars in projects in the field and leading estimating teams responsible for more than $12 billion in projects, I have seen the patterns that make or break contractors. Each week, I will share insights from the field and boardroom to help you run a stronger, more profitable business. So let’s dive into the first issue topic! I figured I would start with the topic of one of my most viewed LinkedIn posts, which received over 225,000 impressions!