Keys to Hiring a Great Electrical Estimator?

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Construction Executive

The construction industry has taken some hard hits in the past ten years. With the Great Recession, the staffing shortage, and the funding instabilities; it can seem impossible to find the perfect electrical estimator. It’s a lot of responsibility, and a good leader wants to hire an experienced professional to tackle your electrical concerns.  Read ahead for the keys to success when it comes to recruiting a terrific electrical estimator.

Search for Quality

You want to start with the basics when it comes to finding the right electrical estimator. As a leader in a construction company, it’s up to you to bring in experienced professionals that can do great work while adhering to strict safety standards. First, you’ll need to find someone certified. Cost estimation certifications require several years of experience and a successful written exam, so you’ll know a top candidate when you see they’ve prepared themselves accordingly. Look for an AACE or ASPE certification: these are distributed by credible firms. Also, a proven track record of successful on-site cost estimation is essential. A certified industry veteran will give you the peace of mind you need to proceed with a project.

The Total Package

As you track down qualified candidates, you’re looking to add a member to your team. As much as you need a precise estimator, you also want to bring on a quality team member. Don’t make the short sighted mistake of hiring someone with no soft skills. Search for a problem-solver, someone that is expertly communicative or innovative. A well-rounded estimator will be an asset to your team and will help you stay on top of your game. A competitor may be looking for someone to punch numbers in a calculator. Get ahead by finding someone detailed as well as inventive.

Type of Experience

A certified industry veteran will give you the peace of mind you need to proceed with a project. To effectively calculate the costs of a major work and create a projected estimation to be used as a bid against competitors is a tough gig and one that requires a seasoned estimator. You’ll want to find one specific to your interests. If your organization generally focuses on commercial projects, hiring a residential electrical estimator is a mistake. They won’t have a handle on what large industrial projects require, and may not be able to create an accurate bid.

Prepare to Pay

To bring a terrific electrical estimator to the team, you’ll need to prepare your budget for a hit. In an industry with fewer specialized tacticians doing construction work, you’ll need to offer a competitive salary to entice a potential hire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average rate of $40,000-80,000 per year. In the Southeast, you can expect a difference in local rates, so be sure to do your research on what you’ll need to pay. Think of this cost as an investment in your team, because quality work will improve your bottom line.

Take our tips to task by working with an expert recruiter to fill positions within your company. Work with CCS Construction Staffing to find the candidate you’re looking for. With a large network of qualified workers, we can provide insight on how to hire and what to look for when it comes to the tough demands of the construction industry. When you’re ready to take your team to the next level, contact us today.

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