Hiring reliable labor is hard. So is finding steady work. But it doesn’t have to be.
Contractors struggle to find skilled workers with trades experience. Crews struggle to find general contractors with a history of doing good work.
But both sides can take steps to make things easier. Tradespeople can use networking to show their expertise. Contractors can be more clear about job details upfront. That’s how the right teams come together.
How To Stand Out & Get Hired
There’s strong demand for skilled trades. It’s a good time to be in the field.
But even with more job openings, getting the best-paying work takes effort. You need to be seen.
Build Your Network
Some of the best jobs come from people you know. Referrals and word-of-mouth still matter.
Start by joining a trade association. These groups often hold networking events, workshops, and conferences. You’ll meet other tradespeople, suppliers, and contractors. You’ll also stay current on new tools and techniques.
Look for local events too — trade shows, meetups, and training sessions. These are good places to build real connections.
Use Social Media
Post your work. Share before and after photos. Let people see what you can do.
Facebook and Reddit have active trades communities. Join groups and forums where contractors can connect to share jobs and crews post their work. You might find your next gig — or your next team — online.
How To Attract Skilled Crews
Right now, skilled tradespeople have options. If you want to hire and retain talent in the trades, you need to be upfront with details from the start.
Write Better Job Posts
Posting a job isn’t enough. You need to share the right information.
Think about your ideal worker:
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Do they need specific experience, or can you train them?
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Do they need certain licenses or certifications?
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Do you want to see photos of their past work?
Write your job posts with these answers in mind. You can even use a tool like ChatGPT to help create listings that speak to the right people.
Be specific — include location, timeline, project scope, and any details that might affect the job. The more information you share, the more likely you are to attract serious applicants.
Being clear up front saves time. It cuts out unqualified calls and brings in workers who know what they’re signing up for.
Offer Fair Pay
Construction wages are up about 5% year over year. If your rates haven’t changed, it may be time to adjust.
If you pay by the job, consider switching to hourly — or offering both. Flexibility can make your job more appealing.
But it’s not just about pay. People also want clear communication, safe sites, and steady work. If you offer that, you’ll stay fully staffed.
ToolBelt: Connecting Construction Communities
Our friends at ToolBelt experienced a lot of this friction and recognized that traditional job boards are a mess.
So they built an easy-to-use platform that features:
- Verified Projects. Their team verifies each job, so you can count on what you see.
- Detailed Job Profiles. View pay rates, project timelines, required skills, and more.
- Direct Connections. Communicate directly with those hiring, not go-betweens.
How it Works
Contractors post jobs with clear details. You can choose from over 20 trades — everything from drywall to skylights — and narrow it further by specialty.
Tradespeople create a profile in the app with their skills, experience, and photos of past work. Once your profile is set, you can browse nearby jobs and apply in just a few taps.
It’s fast, simple, and built for the way construction hiring should work.
If you’re looking to round out your team, expand your business service offerings, or find reliable help for your next project, try out ToolBelt today!
