Recruitment in construction industry is, to me, far more than a job or a business. The companies and candidates I’ve worked with over time have shown that recruitment is a powerful means of bringing people together and contributing to the evolution of companies within this sector. For me, recruitment is a passion and a calling, an opportunity to bring extraordinary people to the right place at the right time. In this article, I will dive in to my perspective on recruitment and how this empathic and people-oriented approach can bring a positive and significant impact to the construction industry.
Two generations of engineers in my family led me towards the construction industry. 2009 begun my professional journey as I fresh started to develop in management and human resources at a construction company, a family business that I managed to scale internationally. We had some beautiful projects such as a sports hall for a school in Mainz and prefabricated structures in Ingelheim, Germany. Despite the challenges faced with the German projects, a very important lesson I learned during that time was the importance of the involvement and the feeling of belonging of individuals in the execution of construction sites. In addition to that, my 9-year experience in a Romanian-German industrial construction company helped me deeply understand the specific aspects of the industry and the skills required for each role, from project managers to engineers, from skilled workers to health and safety specialists.
As an entrepreneur, working on my recruitment projects with companies from various industries (construction, IT, medical), I’ve noticed that recruitment in the construction industry comes with some unique challenges:
Experienced individuals with a specific work ethic often prefer to work abroad, requiring sustained efforts to identify potential candidates for construction companies in Romania. The positive aspect is that people eventually return to their home country with a better school and to be closer to family.
Once suitable candidates are identified, attracting and retaining valuable people within organizations represents another challenge. Competitive salaries and appealing benefits are parts of a complex talent retention strategy, but attention must also be directed towards the emotional aspect; individuals not only want to earn well but also to feel good within the organization they work for. The feeling of belonging and a sense of family within the workplace creates a harmonious and nurturing environment that goes beyond professional roles and responsibilities. When employees experience a genuine connection with their colleagues and organization, it nurtures a deeper level of engagement and commitment. This sense of belongingness transcends the boundaries of the nine-to-five routine, allowing individuals to share their aspirations, struggles, and successes with their work family. This supportive ecosystem not only boosts morale but also encourages collaboration, as team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and seeking help when needed. Ultimately, a workplace that cultivates a feeling of belonging and family not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to individual growth and the overall success of the organization.
The construction industry is rapidly transforming, with technological changes significantly impacting construction processes. My focus is on finding candidates adaptable and open to technology, which I consider a crucial quality for a company’s success in the digital era.
The labor demand in the construction sector follows the Gauss curve, implying a certain number of workers in the initial phase of a project and a different number at its peak. Managing human resources to cope with this variable demand while maintaining a balance between employees and projects is a challenge for construction companies.
Understanding these challenges and contemplating how to smoothly navigate them, I’ve developed a different approach in recent years based on authentic and lasting relationships with candidates and partner companies. By deeply understanding the needs and goals of all parties involved, I can provide personalized and valuable solutions.
The relationships I’ve built with construction professionals urge me to stay connected with the market and identify new talents and opportunities.
Therefore, for me, recruitment in the construction field is more than finding suitable candidates for vacant positions. It’s about creating an authentic connection with people and understanding their individual needs and professional aspirations. In each conversation I have with a candidate, I strive to uncover their true motivations and how I can contribute to their medium and long-term career goals. Together, we can build not only an employment opportunity but also a relationship of trust and long-term support.
As a human resources specialist and recruiter in the construction industry, I am dedicated to the growth and development of the companies I collaborate with. By deeply comprehending the needs and values of each organization, I seek candidates who fit not only technically but also culturally. Identifying and hiring the right talent at the right time contributes to team strengthening and performance improvement, thereby bringing a positive impact to the entire company.
Motivation and Inspiration:
During times when individuals seek a career change or a new project, recruitment can be a source of motivation and inspiration. By listening to each candidate’s story and offering support and encouragement, I help them discover their potential and confidently pursue their objectives. Thus, recruitment becomes a process that positively influences people’s professional growth and contributes to the development of the construction industry by bringing in valuable talents.
Conclusion:
To me, recruitment it’s an exciting and rewarding journey where I can place the right extraordinary individuals in the right positions. Impacting people’s lives and contributing to the growth and development of companies in the construction industry is a responsibility and joy that I embrace with enthusiasm. Through my empathetic approach, building trusting relationships, and supporting candidates in achieving their goals, I believe I bring a positive impact and contribute to the progress of this remarkable industry.
Irina Cherry
Founder & CEO
irinapeneatrust@gmail.com
+40.724.519.070
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Partener Principal
MATEK Build Smart