โ ๏ธ The Industry Trap
A frequent pitfall for plumbing contractors is hiring out of urgency. When a skilled plumber unexpectedly leaves the team, the pressure to find a replacement quickly can lead to hasty, poor hiring choices.
**Consider this situation: a plumbing business owner loses a lead technician and, under pressure to fill the gap, hires the first available candidate without thorough vetting. This new employee, while having a license, lacks the experience and teamwork skills necessary, causing delays in ongoing projects and lowering team morale.
๐ The Core KPI
New Hire Retention Rate at 90 Days: This indicator shows the percentage of new hires who remain with the company after 90 days. A high percentage indicates effective hiring and onboarding practices specific to the plumbing industry. Aim for a retention rate of 85% or more, suggesting that new team members are adapting well to their roles and the plumbing culture.
๐ The Bottleneck
A common bottleneck in the hiring process for plumbing contractors is the use of vague job advertisements. Generic listings attract an overwhelming number of unqualified applicants, consuming precious time and resources.
**For example, if a plumbing company posts a standard ad seeking a technician, they may receive hundreds of applications, most from individuals lacking the required skills. The hiring manager then faces the daunting task of sorting through unsuitable resumes, significantly delaying the hiring process and impacting project timelines.
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Action Items
1. **Create a Repelling Job Ad:**Write job ads that explicitly outline the expectations and realities of plumbing work.
- **Incorporate a challenge such as asking candidates to detail their plumbing certifications and mention their favorite plumbing project in their application.**
2. **Implement an Onboarding Program:** Establish a structured program for new hires tailored to the plumbing field.
- **Include hands-on field training and orientation on safety, tools, and customer service practices relevant to plumbing.**
3. **Regularly Audit Job Descriptions:** Keep job postings updated to accurately reflect the role and your companyโs work culture.
- **Schedule every quarter to review your job ads to ensure they remain appealing and informative to prospective plumbers.