The construction industry is currently facing a labor shortage. This has been caused by several factors, including the aging of the workforce, the rise in popularity of other sectors, and the increasing difficulty of finding qualified workers.
This labor shortage has resulted in higher construction costs and longer project wait times. Unfortunately, it has also led to a decline in the quality of workmanship. To address this issue, the construction industry must find ways to attract new and retain current employees. One way to get more employees is through the use of social media.
Social Media Prevalence in the United States
As of 2019, social media use is widespread in the United States. 82% of Americans have at least one social media profile, and 63% use it daily. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down.
Americans’ most popular social media platforms are Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. LinkedIn is also popular among job seekers and employers. These platforms can post job openings, share company culture, and attract new employees.
If you want to attract more employees through the use of social media, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how you can hire more employees in your construction firm by using social media.
Post Specific Job Openings
Design engineers are becoming rare in the United States. Most people take up other fields in engineering, making it hard to find people specializing in it. If you want people to apply for design engineering work, you’ll need to be specific with your post. When posting such a job opening, ensure to list the required qualifications, duties, and responsibilities in the job posting. In this case, a design engineer designs, plans, and oversees construction projects.
Besides being specific about the job opening, you should also post where the job is located. For example, you can include the city or state in the post’s title. By doing this, you’ll attract people who live near your area.
Including a picture or video of the construction site is also a good idea. This will help potential applicants see what they would be working on if they were to get the job.
Make Use of LinkedIn
Your firm can use LinkedIn to find both current and future employees. In addition, the platform has a job board where you can post open positions. LinkedIn also allows you to search for qualified candidates using specific keywords. There are about 190 million Americans on the platform, with some looking for a job.
When searching for potential employees, check if they have the required qualifications. You can also look at their work history to see if they have experience in the construction industry.
Another way to use LinkedIn is by connecting with people in your network. If you know someone who’s looking for a job in the construction industry, then reach out and connect with them. LinkedIn is also a great way to keep in touch with former employees.
You can also follow construction companies on LinkedIn. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. It’s also an excellent way to find out about new job openings.
Use Facebook to Showcase Company Culture
Facebook is a great way to show potential employees your company culture. You can post pictures and videos of your construction projects, team-building activities, and company events.
Make sure to post regular updates so potential applicants can see what’s happening in your company. You can also use Facebook Live to give people a behind-the-scenes look at your construction projects.
Another way to showcase your company culture is by creating a group for your construction firm. This is a great way to connect with potential and current employees. It’s also an excellent platform for sharing news, updates, and industry information.
Snapchat to Give Applicants a First-Hand Look
Many employers avoid Snapchat or TikTok to attract employees because they think it’s too unprofessional. However, these platforms can help you connect with potential applicants.
Snapchat is a great way to give people a first-hand look at your company culture. For example, you can take them on a construction site tour or show them how you operate daily. This will help them see if your company is the right fit for them.
TikTok is also an excellent platform for showcasing your company culture. For example, you can post short videos of your team working on a construction project or having fun during a team-building activity.
Snapchat and TikTok are excellent ways to connect with potential active employees on social media.
Using social media, you can reach out to potential employees you wouldn’t be able to reach through traditional methods. It’s an effective way to gain employees in the construction industry, especially during the labor shortage.