Construction Recruiter Tips For Hiring Project Managers

Most of the time, a successful construction project comes down to having the right project manager at the head. It's crucial for recruiters, especially those specializing in the construction industry, to understand the unique qualities and qualifications that a project manager must have to do their job effectively. 

Here’s a guide to help construction recruiters hire project managers who can communicate effectively and get projects done on time and within a budget 

A Construction Recruiter Understands the Specific Needs of Your Clients

Like any potential job seeker should research an employer to learn about their specific needs, a recruiter should have a solid understanding of which roles the hiring company is looking for and the type of worker they think will best fill these vacancies. Recruiters should determine if the hiring company is looking for someone who has experience managing large-scale projects that involve complex builds or if they want to hire someone who can have a more hands-on approach to managing a smaller team. 

Some questions you should ask when getting a feel for the type of project manager a specific construction company is looking for include:

• What type of construction is involved (residential, commercial, infrastructure, etc.)?

• What is the scope of the project?

• Are there specific software or systems the PM will need to be familiar with?

• What is the timeline, and what level of experience in fast-paced environments is required?

• What is the company culture like and what personality types would work best in this environment? 

By understanding these specifics, you can better match candidates for the right role.

Look for Experience in Relevant Areas Like A Construction Recruiter Would

A project manager's job is not just to oversee the day-to-day operations of a construction company, but to have a deep and solid understanding of the construction process. A successful project manager will know how to manage a budget, create a schedule, build and lead a construction team, and deal with client relations. 

Some questions that you can ask a potential project manager to get a better idea of the type of experience they have in relevant areas include:

• Do you have a strong background in this particular type of construction?

• Have you been the project manager for projects similar in size and scope to this one?

• Do you have certifications like PMP, LEED, or OSHA? 

Evaluate Leadership and Communication Skills

Communication is key in getting any type of project done, but a project manager for a construction site needs to know how to quickly make decisions, Communicate clearly and effectively, resolve conflicts, and work well under pressure. Miscommunication or a lack of communication on a construction site cannot only be costly, I can also be dangerous. 

Construction recruiters who are looking for project managers for construction teams should be looking for someone who shows signs that they are motivated, focused, and a strong communicator.Here are a few questions you can ask to better understand how a potential project manager will communicate on the job site: 

• Tell me about a time you had to resolve conflict within a team on a construction site.

• What is your process for making decisions under pressure?

• How do you ensure clients, contractors, and team members are kept informed throughout a project?

• Can you share an example of how you’ve handled a situation where miscommunication led to a problem on-site? How did you resolve it?

In construction, things rarely go according to plan, so having someone who can maintain calm under pressure and adjust quickly is invaluable.

Assess Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

It is common for construction projects to face unexpected challenges like delays, budget changes, issues with the weather, or complications with materials. A successful project manager must be able to assess the situation, prioritize tasks, and make informed decisions that keep the project moving forward while minimizing disruptions. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are key traits of an effective project manager. 

As you are interviewing potential project managers for construction sites, ask these questions to get a better idea of their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills: 

• Can you describe a time when a project faced a major setback? How did you handle it?

• How do you prioritize tasks when multiple urgent issues arise?

• Can you share an example of how you handled a situation where a subcontractor or supplier failed to meet expectations? How did you resolve the issue?

• Describe a situation where you had to balance competing priorities, such as staying within budget while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines. How did you manage it?

As you conduct the interview, pay attention to which candidates can think on their feet and give examples of how they came up with creative solutions under pressure. People with these skills will be a major asset to the hiring company.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Construction companies continue to utilize new and Innovative software and Technology to streamline their processes, keep them on track, manage communication, and schedule projects.  When construction recruiters are hiring project managers, they should make sure that candidates are familiar with modern project management tools like Procore, Buildertrend, or Microsoft Project. Modern construction companies are looking for tech-savvy project managers who can use this software correctly. 

How GreatHire Can Help

If you’re a recruiter looking for a qualified candidate to fill your project manager position, GreatHire can make your job a whole lot easier. Here’s how it works: 

• You send us your construction job requisition

• We search and pre-screen ideal  construction candidates based on your requisition

• We present ideal fit construction candidates to you and coordinate phone, video, and in-person interviews

• Once you've found the ideal candidate an offer letter is presented and ideally an acceptance and start date is forthcoming.

Final Thoughts 

Matching competent project managers with construction companies is no small feat. It means asking the right questions and making sure you find the right fit. Recruiters who focus on a candidate's industry experience, leadership and communication skills, technology proficiency, and problem-solving abilities increase their chances of matching the right project manager with the right job. By asking the right questions, you’ll increase your chances of finding the project manager that meets your client’s needs.