A good construction supervisor is a critical element of a successful building project. The construction supervisor oversees the job from the planning stage to the outcome. Their job is to ensure the project is on time, workers are safe, and everything stays within budget. 

Construction is a fast-growing industry, and experts predict construction supervisor hires will increase by 11% by 2030. Therefore, finding the right construction supervisor is vital. Although many employers rely on their instincts and references when hiring for this type of position, there are better strategies for hiring.

Hiring Construction Supervisors

A construction supervisor can make or break a building project, primarily because they oversee everything, no matter how big or small. They make all decisions, and the wrong one can cause a project to go so far over budget that money is lost rather than made. 

Your instincts do not mean someone is the right fit for the job. It’s possible to like someone because of their personality. However, a winning personality does not mean they have the skills necessary to be successful. A thorough interview process and behavioral and cognitive assessments will indicate how the construction supervisor candidate will do on the job. 

References should not be the final determiner. Past employers will only sometimes give truthful references. Therefore, a good reference should not seal the deal. References are vital because you can learn a lot from the tone of the past employer, but that is still not an indication of how the applicant will handle the construction supervisor position. 

To help you find the right person for a construction supervisor position, here are some helpful tips:

Define The Skills The Construction Supervisor Role Requires

The ideal construction supervisor must possess excellent communication skills, the ability to effectively and efficiently problem-solve, and top-notch leadership qualities. 

Candidates must be able to:

• Read and understand blueprints, contracts, and change order requests
• Create bids, reports, and proposals, then competently execute them 
• Oversee employees and subcontractors from hiring to scheduling
• Troubleshoot problems
• Ensure the safety of employees and stay compliant with building laws
• Assist in obtaining permits and inspections

When searching for a hire, include a job description with all your expectations for a new employee. That way, there will be no doubts about your requirements. Focus on the skills you’re looking for in a construction supervisor and check certifications. Having every certificate is unnecessary for many jobs, but a certified supervisor will have more skills under their toolbelt. 

To reach as many potential hires as possible, use a tool like Talroo to find candidates wherever they are, even if it isn’t on job search sites.  

Identify The Traits The Construction Supervisor Needs

Not only does a construction supervisor need excellent leadership qualities and attention to detail, but they must also possess a superior customer service attitude. The role of the construction supervisor requires them to interact with the customer. Therefore, the following behavioral traits should be present in a candidate: 

• Organized
• Proactive
• Precise
• Responsive
• Calm under pressure

Pay Attention To And Remove Hiring Biases

Often, an employer will begin the hiring process with specific ideas in mind. They will know exactly who they’re looking for and how this person should act. However, these biases can derail the search for a construction supervisor and miss great candidates. Go into the hiring process with an open mind and a willingness to take a chance. 

Reference Profiles For A Construction Supervisor

There are some qualities to be looked for when trying to find a suitable construction supervisor. You can find them through a specific analysis of the prospective employee’s resume, personality, and experience. Several personality types are perfect for a construction supervisor, including: 

Analyzer

The Analyzer is:

• Data-driven
• Self-motivated
• Analytical
• Disciplined

This person is a stickler for details and must have all the facts before deciding. As a result, they are focused and intense. 

Controller

The Controller is:

• Conscientious
• Detail-oriented
• Loyal

This person is fast-paced and desires to get things right, ensuring they operate within established guidelines. They are straightforward and responsible. 

Specialist

The Specialist is:

• Precise
• Responsive
• Matter-of-fact

This person must understand everything before deciding on anything. They are supportive and willing to collaborate, especially if it means getting the job done right. The specialist is often cautious and introspective and could be considered a perfectionist. 

How To Attract The Top Construction Supervisors

It is not just prospective employees that must be impressive. It would be best if you gave the applicant good reasons to work for you. Even so, be proactive; there are other ways to find the ideal fit for your construction supervisor besides waiting for them to come to you. Seek them out, and incentivize them to work with you once you find them. 

Check Your Brand

A prospective construction supervisor will be researching you almost as much as you are studying them. Therefore, check your online reputation and rating with reputable companies. Pay attention to the language in the ads you’ve placed looking for a new construction supervisor. Give them a reason to want to be interviewed by you. 

Your reputation is essential, so ensure your other employees are happy working with you. This will get you the best when you’re looking to fill open positions. 

Check Your Referrals

The ideal candidate will not be willing to leave a job they’re happy with, so you might need to ask around. Talk to people in the industry that you know. Find out who they would recommend for the position. You’re looking for the best, so you need to find out who the best is. Once you’ve found them, see what you can provide that their current employer doesn’t. 

You can also see traits and patterns from the best candidates using Talroo’s Insights program, which will give you market data to aggressively gain interest from the most promising employees. 

Don’t Let Them Go

Once you’ve hired the new construction supervisor, don’t give them a reason to want to leave. Instead, ensure that all the incentives you’ve offered remain in place. You’ve put a lot of effort into finding the right fit for this position. You don’t want to lose them by not continuing that effort and making sure the job is just as good a fit for them as they are for you. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re searching for the perfect candidate for a construction supervisor position, then you don’t have time to waste! Advertise your opening on Talroo to reach many qualified candidates quickly and easily.